4barsrest.com | eMagazine North America

Rex helps Macclesfield light the flame

NEWS

Trumpet star makes a surprise appearance to help Macclesfield Youth Band with the premiere of Lucy Pankhurst's 'Spirit of the Flame'

Macclesfield Youth Band’s recent Spring Concert turned out to be a quite remarkable event.

Dropped in

International tuba quartet Tubalate were special guests, as was American virtuoso trumpeter Rex Richardson, who surprised 120 delighted young players by dropping in to perform the English premiere of ‘Spirit of the Flame’ by composer Lucy Pankhurst, with the composer sat in the front row of the audience.

World's best

MD Louise Renshaw told 4BR: "I arrived at the concert to learn that one of the world’s best trumpet players was at Macclesfield Station and was asking if he could play ‘Birdland’ with the band!

Les Neish had bumped into him at the RNCM that morning and invited him to the concert. I didn’t even meet him before the concert started! He literally ran in, went straight on stage and delivered a thrilling performance!"

Tubalate workshop

Having given a workshop for the young players in the afternoon, Tubalate also delivered a brilliant performance in the evening.

The surprised everyone with their singing and then, joined on kit by Ant Mann of Foden’s, performed Andy Scott’s ‘Bite the Bullet’ which had the audience completely enthralled.

Delighted

Louise added: "I’m absolutely delighted that we were able to bring these fantastic players to Macclesfield and to share some really exciting contemporary, as well as traditional, brass music with the audience."

Lucy Pankhurst was delighted too with the performance of ‘Spirit of the Flame’: "All of the ensembles were superb and I was blown away with the confidence, talent and sheer enjoyment that shone from the stage."

Great year for Pleasley - so far....

NEWS

Things are on the up and up for the ambitious Pleasley Colliery Band it seems...

2013 is turning into a great year for Pleasley Colliery Welfare Band.

The band started the year at the Butlins Mineworkers Contest with a well deserved 2nd place in the Fourth Section, which was soon backed up by claiming runner up spots in both the 3rd and 4th sections at the Leicester Brass Band Association contest.

Bounce back

February saw the band come second at the NEMBBA contest, and after a 6th place finish at the Midlands Area contest they bounced back with victory at the recent Buxton Brass Band Festival

Great start

Band spokesperson Nick Harris told 4BR: "It’s been a great start to the 2013 season—and we hope there is more success to come."

He added: "We are celebrating the release of our first CD, entitled, ‘Blaze Away’ and the filming of our part in the forthcoming television series with the celebrity chefs, the Hairy Bikers at the Pleasley Colliery Pit Top Museum."

Report & Results: 2013 European Conductors Competition

NEWS

Kalle Suuava of Finland becomes the 2013 European Conductors Champion in Olso

The first major title of the 2013 European Brass Band Championships was decided on Thursday evening in Oslo, when Kalle Kuusava of Finland won the 6th European Conductors Contest.

Adam Cook of the United Kingdom was runner up, with Dominik Koch of Germany in third.

Energetic win

Kalle claimed the first prize of 3,000 Euros after he impressed the international panel of adjudicators with his direction of Robert Simpson's 'Energy'.

He got through to the final after first battling his way through three preliminary rounds that saw also him conduct the Staff Band of the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra as well as the Oslo Brass Band.

Precise direction

Although the audience for the final was sparse in number, they were certainly impressed by his precise direction of Oslo, on what is regarded as one of most difficult conductor's pieces in the brass band repertoire. They also voted to award him the 'Audience Prize'.

Confident Cook

Meanwhile, the Oslo band members were impressed by Northern Ireland's Adam Cook, representing the UK.

The Becontree Brass MD, showed a great deal of confidence in leading them through a finely structured performance of Edward Gregson's, 'Dances & Arias' to claim the 2,000 second place award, as well win the 'Band Award' for his fine efforts.

Adam was delighted at his achievement, which he felt would have a great impact upon his future development as a conductor.

"I'm thrilled to have come runner up, as the quality of the competitors not just in the final was incredible," he said. "I'm so glad that I took the opportunity to come here, and I really do think the experience will benefit both me and the bands I conduct in future."

Dom delight

German representative Dominik Koch also won many admirers for his flamboyant conducting style during the week, and especially during his engaging direction of Wilfred Hetaon's, 'Contest Music' which saw him claim the 1,000 Euro third prize.

He too hopes to work with more brass bands in future.

"I am taught by Maurice Hamers, and he has helped me a great deal with understanding brass band repertoire. Now I hope to be able to use this experience to work with more bands both in Europe and the UK if I have the opportunity."

Opera work

The winner has worked for the last four years as an operatic accompanist at the magnificent Oslo Opera House, and revealed that until this week, he had never conducted a brass band in his life.

"I saw the advertisement for the competition and thought I would give it a go," Kalle told 4BR.

"I want to become an orchestral or symphonic conductor in time, but I have now been bitten by the brass band bug, and would love to conduct a top band in the UK."

Fan

Kalle has also become a fan of the repertoire too - and especially of Robert Simpson's work, which he found very demanding.

"It looked quite easy when I first looked at the score, but what a difficult piece it turned out to be! It was so difficult to get the right pace and flow, and I was very grateful to the band who really helped me so much. I would love to conduct more of Simpson's works after this."

Results:
Adjudicators: Peter Szilvay, Dr Robert Childs, Ivan Meylemans, Hans Urbanek, Fried Dobbelstein

1. Kalle Kuusava (Finland)
2. Adam Cook (United Kingdom)
3. Dominik Koch (Germany)

Audience Award: Kalle Kuusava
Band Award: Adam Cook

Further details to follow, but please go to: goo.gl/vhL1e

2013 Europeans: Results to your mobile

NEWS

We will be sending out the 2013 European Championship results as a FREE text message.

Not going this weekend?

4barsrest will we be providing our comprehensive live text coverage of the event, and Twittering our way through the contest but you can also receive the results as a FREE SMS to your mobile as soon as the results are announced.

All you need to do is sign up, log in and give us your mobile number.

Not got an account yet?

Create an account with us - it'll only take a few minutes.

www.4barsrest.com/accounts/create.asp

Already got an account?

Log in and check you have supplied your mobile number in the correct format and ticked the box to receive the text message.

www.4barsrest.com/accounts/login.asp

Sparkling Fountain found at Canadian Temple

NEWS

Thomas Fountain provides top class performances as guest of Mississauga Temple Band.

BBC Radio 2 ‘Young Brass Player of the Year’, and Virtuosi GUS flugel player Thomas Fountain recently accompanied his father Gary to Mississauga in Canada as guests of the Mississauga Temple Band.

Guest soloist

Thomas was the guest soloist for their annual band weekend, whilst Gary was welcomed into the band on soprano.

The headline Saturday evening concert saw the band perform their signature march, ‘Mississauga Temple’, before Thomas delivered a wonderful performance of ‘Concertino for Flugel Horn and Brass Band’.

Wowed

Thomas's also wowed the audience with ‘Concert Etude’ and ‘David of the White Rock’ as well as, ‘I Surrender All’.

The evening saw the band supported by vocal items from the Oakville Children's Choir, whist the band provided their contributions of ‘Wall of Sound’ and ‘Fire in the Blood’.

Williams duo enjoy Canadian sights and sounds

NEWS

Foden's stars Glyn and Helen Williams have just returned from a memorable musical trip to Canada.

Foden’s Glyn & Helen Williams have recently returned from a very enjoyable visit to Canada at the invitation of Simcoe Corps SA Band and The Prairie Brass Band Festival.

Enjoyable

The duo arrived in Toronto after freezing rain delayed flights from New York, but after a good night’s sleep they were ready for rehearsals with Simcoe Corps SA Band before taking an hour’s drive to Hamilton where they met up with Meadowlands Corps SA Band.

Over a dozen members of the two SA bands took the opportunity to book in for private tuition from Glyn and Helen, with the lessons filling up enjoyable Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Extravaganza

Saturday evening saw Simcoe’s ‘Spring Musical Extravaganza’ concert take place, with Meadowlands Corps SA Band accompanying Glyn and Helen in their showcase solo contributions, much to the delight of an appreciative audience.

Glyn was also joined by Ken Spink (who originally hails from West Yorkshire) for the duet ‘Deep Inside the Sacred Temple’, before he took the baton as Meadowlands Band Master Ron Heintzman took up his soprano to join Helen in ‘Pie Jesu’.

Delight

On Sunday morning the pair joined Simcoe Corps SA Band under Band Master Ian Cooper for their weekly service performing ‘Victory Sure’ and ‘Share My Yoke’ to a delighted congregation.

Helen told 4BR: "We had a wonderful time. Ian Cooper and his family were super hosts while we were in Toronto area, making sure we spent what little free time was available seeing the sights and even ensuring we were booked in for a two night stay at Niagara Falls."

Snow

The duo then flew west to Saskatoon, where the weather was considerably colder and snow was still lying thick on the ground, to take part in the 11th Prairie Brass Band Festival, where they were hosted by Will & Karen Martin, who also originally come from the UK.

Both Studied at Salford University, where Will played for Grimethorpe on percussionist for a time and Karen was a student of Glyn’s at High School!

Tuition

Glyn and Helen spent their week providing private tuition, masterclasses in local high schools and rehearsals with the four brass bands taking part in the Festival.

Friday evening was a particular highlight as the couple were treated to front row seats for the Mnozil Brass Show—the first time they had ever seen the amazing ensemble in action.

Rehearsal

The following day started with a massed band rehearsal (Saskatoon Brass, Mission Hill Brass, Queen City Brass and Bridge City Brass) led by Glyn and featuring Helen in ‘Valero’ and ‘Riverdance’.

Each of the bands was also given the opportunity to work on their individual slots in the evening concert and to rehearse solos with Glyn and Helen.

The Festival was concluded with a superb Gala Concert, where Helen treated the audience to ‘Apex’ (with Mission Hill) and ‘Children of Sanchez’ (Saskatoon), whilst Glyn played ‘The Holy Well’ (Queen City) and ‘Carnival of Venice’ (Bridge City) which had the audience on its feet and earned an encore of the final variation!

Memorable

Directed by Glyn the massed bands joined forces to round off a memorable event with, ‘Reunion & Finale’ complete with the Marion Graham Collegiate Drumline.

As Helen told 4BR: "It was a trip we will never forget—and our hosts throughout were simply wonderful. It was such an enriching opportunity that we can only hope we can return some day in the very near future!"

Advert: Rayburn Tours

NEWS

The brilliant new Rayburn Tours brochure is now out so you can start planning those all important trips for 2014.

The Rayburn Tours 2014 band and orchestra tours brochure is out now!

If you haven’t received your copy then you can request one to be sent to you by going to: www.rayburntours.com

New finds

What can you expect to find in our new brochure?

9 stunning destinations throughout Europe

A range of indoor and outdoor venues, suitable for a host of repertoires styles

An excellent choice of cultural and leisure options to fill the time between performances

Share the experiences of other bands: who better to tell you all about a Concert Tour with Rayburn Tours, than those who have already enjoyed the experience!

And much more

If you wish to request a copy, then request a copy on our website today: www.rayburntours.com

Alternatively, visit the concert tours area of our website for detailed destination information, including suggested itineraries, visits and venues.

DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS!

Early Booking Discount: Book before 29th July 2013 and receive £200 off your final invoice, or book before 23rd December 2013 and receive £100 off!

Already have a tour in mind? Beat the rush and enquire today!

Enquire today

Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what some of our 2012 groups had to say:

Shepley Band, The Rhineland 2012.
“A great musical experience, a great social experience and a tour that ran like clockwork."

Watership Brass, Belgium 2012
“A memorable occasion for all concerned, particularly the Menin Gate ceremony, and a tour which will be difficult to beat!”

Wadhurst Brass Band, The Rhineland 2012
“We had a fabulous time, venues were great, audiences appreciative and the sun shone! We should have gone for longer.”

Queen's Award for Denis Wick

NEWS

The famous company is presented with a prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

Denis Wick Products has announced that it has been presented with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade for 2013.

Export

Appropriately, the announcement was made on the 21st April—the Queen’s Birthday, and was made in recognition of the company’s achievements in the export market.

Over 80% of Denis Wick products are sold overseas and there is hardly a brass band, ensemble or orchestra anywhere in the world that does not use a one of their famous products.

Coveted

Stephen Wick told 4BR: "This accolade is one of Britain’s most coveted business awards, and offers recognition for some of the UK’s most successful companies - both large and small.

It is a reflection of the success that Denis Wick Products has achieved all over the world with its best-selling accessories for brass instruments."

Success

The Denis Wick factory in Poole, Dorset, produces full range of mutes and mouthpieces, with the company growing in recent years to reflect their success by moving into bigger premises and taking on new staff.

Stephen added: "As well as investing in the latest CNC equipment for mouthpiece production and in other high-tech machinery Denis Wick Products has also taken on trainees to learn the traditional craft-based skills, thus ensuring that these specialist skills are passed on to a new generation of highly trained workers.

The company also runs an apprenticeship scheme to help students to develop a wide range of metal working skills and to acquire nationally recognised qualifications."

Brass band sound

Although Denis Wick had a background as a symphony player (he was for many years Principal Trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra), his iconic mouthpieces are played all over the world, where they have helped shape the sound of the modern brass band.

Tribute

Stephen concluded: "Denis Wick started producing mutes and mouthpieces in 1968, and this award is a fitting tribute to the success that he has achieved with the company.

The company has now sold millions of mutes and mouthpieces and continues to refine its designs and bring out innovative new products.

Recent successes have included the best-selling Ultra mouthpiece range developed with Steven Mead, the new American Classic trumpet mouthpieces and the ground-breaking travel mute series."

4BR visit to Denis Wick

See 4BR visit the Denis Wick factory in Poole:

http://www.4barsrest.com/vision/play.asp?id=397#.UXd_17VOSHI

Advert: Dawsons

NEWS

There are some brilliant one off deals at Dawsons - so be quick or you will miss them.

Dawsons have a great deal on of ex-demonstration Besson and Yamaha instruments which are available on a first come/first served basis—so be quick!

One off deals

Besson Prestige Euphonium BE2052-2-0 in silver - £3,949.00 ex vat (£4,738.80 inc vat)

Besson Sovereign Tenor Horn BE950-2-0 in silver - £1,979.00 ex vat (£2,374.80 inc vat)

Yamaha YTR8335 Xeno Trumpet in Lacquer - £1,279.00 ex vat (£1,534.80 inc vat)

Yamaha YCR8335G Xeno Cornet in Lacquer - £1,399.00 ex vat (£1,678.80 inc vat))

Only one of each

There is only one of each up for grabs—so make sure you give Gary Bond a call on:

Direct: 01925 622199
Mobile: 07967 676402
Main Office: 08450 949022

Advert: Wessex Tubas

NEWS

Brand new half instrument covers now available from Wessex Tubas - just in time to stop Whit Friday scratches.

Wessex Tubas has announced that they are to make available leather style half covers for compensated euphoniums and BBb bass (992 & Imperial) as well as from June, covers for EEb bass.

Protect?

These protect the instrument from scratching by buttons or belt buckles, while allowing access to slides, water keys and valves.

They are the ideal addition to any player’s performance set up—and ideal for low brass players with a treasured new instrument to get with the Whit Friday marches coming up!

Military

The covers are very much the same design as used by the British military bands, and have not previously been available for the public to purchase and will fit Besson, York, Yamaha and of course, Wessex tubas.

Although not made with hole for trigger lever on Prestige euphoniums, that can easily amended, whilst there is enough slack to go around the trigger mechanism.

Prices

Prices are from £75 for euphonium half-cover - you can purchase from Wessex at http://www.wessex-tubas.co.uk/accessories/halfcover

Advert: John Packer Ltd

NEWS

There is a fantastic selection box of some of the world's greatest brass instruments to be found at John Packer

John Packer has an amazing selection box of instruments they are selling on behalf of clients—with some of the greatest names and some of the greatest instruments up for grabs.

Cornets:
B&H’ Roundstamp’ Sovereign Soprano Cornet (Silverplate)
B&H 928 ‘Roundstamp’ Sovereign Bb Cornet (Silverplate(
Yamaha 231s Long Cornet
Yamaha 2330 Bb Cornet
DEG Bb Cornet (Silverplate)
Yamaha Maestro Bb Cornet

Trumpets:
Olds Recordings trumpets
Getzen Eterna Bb /A Piccolo Trumpet (Lacquer)
Bach Strad LR180ML37 Bb Trumpet
Selmer Concept TT Trumpet Bb (Gold Lacquer)
Yamaha 1335 Bb Trumpet

Flugels:
Conn Flugel 25F (Silverplate)
La Fleur /Alliance Flugel (Lacquer)

Horns:
Besson 600 Tenor Horn (Silverplate)

Baritones:
Besson 700 Baritone

Trombones:
Olds Medium Bore Bb Trombone
Bach Medium Bore Bb Trombone
Yamaha 354 Medium Bore Bb Trombone
Holton TR156 Large Bore Bb Trombone

Tubas:
Besson Sovereign 994 BBb Tuba (Silverplate)

French Horns:
Conn 10DR Double French Horn
Besson 701 Compensating French Horn
Paxman Students Compensating French Horn

More information:

http://www.johnpacker.co.uk/

Spinal Tap for Brass

NEWS

New group hopes turning the player dial up to 11 will prove successful.

There has been a further boost to American banding with the news that Keith Thompson, former soprano cornet soloist of the Sheldon Theatre Brass Band in Minnesota, has formed a new brass ensemble.

Spinal source

Metro Brass, derives its name from the location of most of its players—in and around the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan areas. With eleven players, Metro Brass is one person larger than Thompson’s previous small ensemble, XBrass, with the founder taking his new inspiration from a very unusual source

Thompson told 4BR: "If numbers matter, this new group should be 10% better than the old one—sort of like Spinal Tap turning the dial up to 11."

Members

The members of the group are Keith Thompson, Dan Julson, Greg Wyman and William Munoz-Aponte (trumpets/flugel/corno da caccia), Charles Tibbetts and Gerry Abraham (horns), Bruce Alpern and Lauren Husting (trombones), Glen Newton (trombone/euphonium), Derek Crosier (bass trombone), and Gary Bird (tubas).

Thompson told 4BR that Metro Brass repertoire will include music introduced by the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, German Brass and similar ensembles, as well as compositions and arrangements uniquely theirs.

The brainiest brass band in the world?

NEWS

Could the Sheldon Theatre Band from Minnesota be the brainiest brass band in the world?

A unique worldwide claim has been made by the Sheldon Theatre Brass Band from Red Wing in Minnesota that, despite knowing that they may not quite be the best brass band in the world, they may well be the brainiest!

Degrees

More than half the band members hold advanced musical degrees, whilst an entire section has Ph.D degrees in scientific fields. Meanwhile, their euphonium players, Dr Brian Borovsky and Dr Glen Newton are perhaps the cleverest of the lot.

Brian earned his Ph.D in physics from the University of Minnesota and is now an Associate Professor of Physics with an active research programme in nanotechnology.

Meanwhile, Glen graduated from Michigan State University with a mathematics degree and from the University of Iowa with a Ph. D. in computer science. After teaching computer science at Washington State University, he is now a computer security architect for Unisys Corporation in Roseville, Minnesota.

Little music training

Strangely, although both have been active in music throughout their lives, the only formal training either has had is a class Glen took in jazz band arranging and a class Brian took in music theory and ear training when they were undergraduates.

Brain power

Despite this seemingly huge musical drawback, Brian explained to 4BR the application of their scientific training to their music:

"Science and music complement each other very well. They exercise different parts of the brain, and they both offer ways to transcend everyday experience.

Many scientific principles are involved in the production of music. Physicists like to study time itself, and I would say that when it comes to musical expression, every nuanced microsecond counts!"

Perform together

The enjoyment the duo gets from playing with the Sheldon Theatre Band is second to none, and the pair will come together at a forthcoming concert to give perhaps the highest IQ level performance ever of a duet arrangement of ‘Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms.’

Not easy!>

However, as they added - even the best brains need a bit of help: "We worked out how to play the notes quite quickly—but actually playing them is a different matter. That doesn’t come easy—and we have to practice hard like everyone else!"

Report & Results: 2013 North American Brass Band Championships

NEWS

There is an American tale to tell as Princeton come out on top in Cincinnati to claim first ever National title success.

There was a shock result at the 16th North American Brass Band Championships in Cincinnati, Ohio on the weekend, where Princeton Brass Band claimed its first ever National title success under the baton of Dr Stephen Allen (above).

Engaging

Formed in 2004, the band from New Jersey delivered a brace of engaging performances of the set work, 'Elgar Variations' and their own choice selection of Edward Gregson's 'Rococo Variations', to snatch victory from the grasp of favourites and four time former winners Fountain City Brass. They had to be content with the runner-up spot for the third year running.

Powerful

Directed by Joseph Parisi, Fountain delivered a set of powerful accounts, with their own choice selection 'Breath of Souls' gaining a standing ovation from the exuberant audience.

However, despite the rapturous applause it was still was not enough to deny Princeton, as the new National champion was crowned amid jubilant scenes in the rather surreal surroundings of the main auditorium of the Cincinnati Masonic Centre.

No hat-trick

Reigning champions Atlantic City Brass put up a brave defence of their title to end third under Salvatore Scarpa, as their set work and own choice selection of 'English Heritage' just failed to see them claim a hat-trick of titles.

James Madison University showed their growing potential under Kevin Stees as they ended fourth, with Brass of the Potomac in fifth and Chicago Brass in sixth—despite gaining the highest set of marks from the own choice judges for their performance of ‘Audivi Media Nocte’.

No luck

With 2006 champions Brass Band of Columbus in seventh, there was huge disappointment for fans of returning former winners Brass Band of Central Florida.

They fell away to come eighth after a disappointing rendition of the set work left them with too much ground to make up on their imposing performance of Bertrand Moren’s ‘Dreams’.

The foundation stone of Princeton’s success over the two days of contesting, came on Martin Ellerby stylistically difficult test piece, which by being weighted with 60% of the overall marks, gave them just enough leeway to fend off their powerful rivals, thanks to an emotionally charged reading of Edward Gregson’s former British Open test piece.

Temperature

Thankfully, Dr Stephen Allen, who was still running a feverish temperature after being taken ill on Saturday afternoon, had enough energy to bound through the auditorium to claim the National banner.

"It’s amazing—simply amazing," he told 4BR. "This will give us such a massive boost to keep improving year on year. Having founded the band back in 2004, to finally win this title is something of a personal dream come true."

He added: "This means so much for all the players who are involved in the band—they gave so much for this. Now we want to go on and win it again!"

Declaration

For Joseph Parisi and Fountain City there were congratulations for the winners and a declaration that they will be back to fight another day.

"Our congratulations go to Princeton—we know just what it means to become champions. Although we are a little disappointed, I’m very proud of my players and how they performed this weekend.

We will be back though and we will be fighting once again to win this great title."

Work harder

The same also applied to Brass Band of Central Florida, as Chad Shoopman later told 4BR: "We will learn from this and go back and work even harder. We knew we put our necks on the line this weekend, but I couldn’t have asked for anything more from the band."

First Section:

With the main action centred around the top flight bands on the Saturday evening, there was still much to enjoy in the other categories, as Five Lakes Silver Band claimed their first National title in the First Section in fine fashion.

Two well constructed performances of ‘Four Dances' from the ballet 'Checkmate’ and a controlled rendition of ‘Harmony Music’ saw them gain a commanding victory under the baton of Neil Barlow.

Second place went to Central Ohio Brass Band, who failed to make it five wins in a row at the contest, whist third place was secured by Oakland University Brass in a contest that varied in both quality and choice of repertoire.

Second Section

In the Second Section victory went to a delighted Chesapeake Silver Concert Band conducted by Dr Russell Murray, as they also claimed their first National title thanks to a brace of classy performances of the set work, ‘Labour & Love’ and their own choice selection of ‘The Plantagenets’.

The remaining podium places went to Brass Band of Huntsville, with Eastern Iowa in third.

Third Section

Former Wiliam Davis and GUS MD, Dr Keith Wilkinson led Chapel Brass to victory in the Third Section, thanks to two excellently delivered performances of ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ and ‘Saint Saens Variations’, to beat off the determined challenge of second placed Bend in the River Brass.

Excellent Youth

Although there was only one entrant in both the Youth Ensemble and Youth Brass Band categories, Triangle Youth Brass and Triangle Ensemble showed considerable skill and quality to impress the appreciative audience packed into the main auditorium hall.

Triangle Youth Brass in particular showed that not all the very best youth bands in the world will have been on show in Manchester on the weekend, as they produced three excellent renditions of the march, ‘Celebration’, Eric Ball’s ‘Resurgam’ and ‘Jupiter’ from ‘The Planets’ under the direction of Tony Granados bring the packed hall to its feet before the announcement of the main results.

Iwan Fox

Results:
Championship Section:

Adjudicators:
Set Work: Elgar Variations (Martin Ellerby) (in order): Thomas Palmatier/Johan de Meij/Ray Tizzard
Own Choice (in order): John Lambert/Peter Meechan/Stephen Lytle

The overall score is weighted 60% set work, 40% own choice

1. Princeton Brass Band (Dr Stephen Allen) = 276.00
S/W: 93/93/92
O/C: 90/91/92 (Rococo Variations)
2. Fountain City Brass (Jo Parisi) = 275.40
S/W: 90/90/91
O/C: 91/96/95 (Breath of Souls)
3. Atlantic Brass Band (Salvatore Scarpa) = 275.20
S/W: 89/91/90
O/C: 92/95/96 (English Heritage)
4. James Madison University (Kevin Stees) = 273.00
S/W: 88/88/89
O/C: 94/93/98 (Montage)
5. Brass of the Potomac (Stephen Bulla) = 267.00
S/W: 85/86/86
O/C: 95/90/97 (Titan's Progress)
6. Chicago Brass Band (Colin Holman) = 259.60
S/W: 77/83/80
O/C: 96/94/99 (Audivi Media Nocte)
7. Brass Band of Columbus (Brian Stevens) = 255.80
S/W: 80/81/84
O/C: 89/89/94 (Between the Moon and Mexico)
8. Brass Band of Central Florida (Chad Shoopman) = 251.80
S/W: 75/80/82
O/C: 93/88/93 (Dreams)

First Section:

Adjudicators:
Set Work: Four Dances from the ballet Checkmate (Bliss arr Ball) & Own Choice (in order): Johan de Meij/Thomas Palmatier/Ray Tizzard

The overall score is weighted 60% set work, 40% own choice

1. Five Lakes Silver Band (Neil Barlow) = 282.40
S/W: 94/94/92
O/C: 95/95/96 (Harmony Music)
2. Central Ohio Brass Band (Jessica Sneeringer) = 267.40
S/W: 91/89/87
O/C: 94/90/84 (The Year of the Dragon)
3. Oakland University Brass (Kenneth Kroesche) = 257.40
S/W: 87/86/86
O/C: 85/83/87 (Lyonesse)
4. New England Brass (Stephen Bulla) = 257.20
S/W: 85/85/88
O/C: 84/83/89 (Rhapsody on a Theme by Purcell)
5. Motor City Brass (Craig Strain) = 242.00
S/W: 82/76/84
O/C: 80/81/81 (Fanfare and Love Songs)
6. Illinois Brass Band (Stephen Squires) = 240.00
S/W: 84/78/78
O/C: 81/80/79 (The Essence of Time)
7. Madison Brass Band (Craig Mason) = 237.20
S/W: 77/81/78
O/C: 79/82/78 (Variations on Laudate Dominum)
8. Natural State Brass Band (Rusty Morris) = 236.20
S/W: 70/79/80
O/C: 82/83/82 (The Bandsman's Challenge)

Second Section:

Adjudicators:
Set Work: Labour & Love (Percy Fletcher) & Own Choice (in order): John Lambert/Peter Meechan/Michael J Garasi

The overall score is weighted 60% set work, 40% own choice

1. Chesapeake Silver Cornet Brass (Dr Russell Murray) = 280.00
Set Work: 95/93/94
Own Choice: 96/90/91(The Plantagenets)
2. The Brass Band of Huntsville(W. David Spencer) = 274.60
Set Work: 94/88/93
Own Choice: 95/89/90 (Tocatta Festiva)
3. Eastern Iowa Brass Band (Kate Wohlman) = 269.40
Set Work: 96/85/92
Own Choice: 97/78/89 (Tallis Variations)

Third Section:

Adjudicators:
Set Work: Saint Saens Variations (Philip Sparke) & Own Choice (in order): John Lambert/Peter Meechan/Michael J Garasi

The overall score is weighted 60% set work, 40% own choice

1. Chapel Brass (Dr Keith Wilkinson) = 282.40
Set Work: 97/93/96
Own Choice: 96/85/96 (The Dark Side of the Moon)
2. Bend in the River Brass (Faril Bunner) = 258.40
Set Work: 95/71/90
Own Choice: 95/73.5/93.5 (Prelude on Tallis & The Three Musketeers)

Youth Brass Band:
Own choice selection:
Adjudicators: Dr Wes Branstine/Ray Tizzard/Michael J Garasi

No points given

1. Triangle Youth Brass Band (Tony Granados)

Youth Open:
Own choice selection:
Adjudicators: Dr Wes Branstine/Ray Tizzard/Michael J Garasi

No points given

1. Triangle Youth Brass Ensemble (Jessie Rackley)

4BR set for North American National Championships

NEWS

4BR will be flying to Cincinnati to provide live coverage of the North American Brass Band Championships.

4BR will be flying out to the USA in the next 24 hours to bring you live coverage of the North American Brass Band Championships in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Weekend

The contest takes place at the city’s Masonic Center on Friday 12th & Saturday 13th April, with 22 bands from across the nation competing in five sections.

Reigning National champions Atlantic Brass will be looking to make it a hat trick of Championship victories over the two legged contest, which sees them up against seven highly competitive rivals.

Set work and own choice

They will each perform the set work, ‘Elgar Variations’ on the Friday evening and their own choice selections the following day.

Eight First Section bands will perform their demanding set work ‘Four Dances from the ballet Checkmate’ on the Saturday morning, whilst the trio of Second Section bands will tackle the single test of ‘Labour & Love’, and the two Third Section contenders will perform Philip Sparke’s ‘Saint Saens Variations’.

There are also sections for youth ensembles as well as the keenly fought solo championship titles.

Judges

The organisers have brought in an experienced panel of international adjudicators, with renowned composer Johan De Meij joined by Michael Garasi, Peter Meechan, Thomas Palmatier, Ray Tizzard and Keith Wilkinson.

Action

The action starts at 7.00pm (local time) on the Friday evening with the Saturday musical action starting at 8.30am (local time)

4BR will bring you daily updates, live comments, opinions, interviews and pictures of the action as well as our usual post match news report and retrospective.

Make sure you follow the action on the live coverage section of the site!

Competing bands:

Atlantic Brass Band
Bend in the River Brass Band
Brass Band of Central Florida
Brass Band of Columbus
Brass of the Potomac
Central Ohio Brass Band
Chapel Brass Band
Chesapeake Silver Cornet Brass Band
Chicago Brass Band
Eastern Iowa Brass Band
Five Lakes Silver Band
Fountain City Brass Band
Illinois Brass Band
James Madison University Brass Band
Madison Brass Band
Motor City Brass Band
Natural State Brass Band
New England Brass Band
Oakland University Brass Band
Princeton Brass Band
Triangle Youth Brass Band
Triangle Youth Brass Ensemble

For more information:
http://nabba.org/

Advert: Wessex Tubas

NEWS

Fantastic new instruments and innovations to come to the market after Wessex returns to China.

Wessex Tubas founder Jonathan Hodgetts recently returned from a trip to China to visit the factory where most of their brass instruments are manufactured.

Successful trip

Jonathan told 4BR that he believed it was a very successful trip with a number of exciting outcomes.

"Some quality improvements were agreed to raise the standard of the Wessex brand even further," he said.

"As a result there will be new enhancements and improvements to existing models which will be announced as they are released over the coming months and most exciting of all, some new models too."

Development

Jonathan would only tantalisingly reveal that one development should cause great excitement amongst BBb bass players, although he was prepared to reveal another new model now.

To supplement the increasingly popular 19" bell EEb compensate tuba, Wessex will soon be releasing a new version with 425mm (16.75 inch) bell - ideal for solo playing and brass quintet work, or as an ideal instrument for developing young players.

New features

Jonathan also said he believes that it will include some revolutionary new features, not seen on a compensated EEb before.

Also to be made available are leather half covers to protect any make of EEb tuba from scratches from uniform buttons or buckles.

Jonathan added: "I’m delighted to making new instruments and accessories available—and all at Wessex’s usual reasonable prices!"

World Rankings: March update

NEWS

The latest rankings update sees Welsh band Tongwynlais regain a top 10 spot.

The latest World of Brass - 4barsrest.com Rankings show significant changes throughout after the recent Regional Championships in the UK, although the top five positions remain unchanged in spite of a number of surprise results.

Victories for Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (+1), Flowers (+2), Jaguar Land Rover (+33), Leyland (+1), NASUWT Riverside (+64), Regent Brass (+81), Tongwynlais (+3) and Whitburn (+4) will also provide these bands and the other qualifiers with further opportunities later in the year.

Some of them will also be appearing at the Spring Festival in May or the English National Championship in June, so we can look forward to more significant movements from them before the summer break.

Next on the horizon is the European Championships, at which Black Dyke and Cory will be looking to secure the top spot, but we can also expect strong challenges from leading contenders like Eikanger-Bjørsvik (Norway) and Brass Band Schoonhoven (Netherlands).

Other contests included in the rankings since the last update are:

Oxfordshire - won by Newstead Welfare;
Northern Ireland Brass Band League - won by 1st Old Boys Silver;
Silkeblaes Entertainment Contest - won by Aarhus;

To view all the ranked bands, go to:

www.4barsrest.com/rankings/default.asp

Note: This update does not include the results of the 2013 Australian Nationals

Harrison's American Dream

NEWS

The wonderful sounds of one of Norway's leading brass ensembles is set to be heard in the USA - led by former Fairey sop star Mark Harrison.

Rising trumpet star Mark Harrison, currently studying and working Norway, will be heading out to the United States in a few weeks time to tour with the Aurora Brassealis Brass Ensemble.

Acclaim

The ten piece group from Oslo has been gaining growing critical acclaim for the diversity of their programming, and the trip to Chicago will see them perform traditional Norwegian music as well as a an eclectic selection of repertoire in time for the celebration of the Norwegian Constitution Day on May 17th at Northwestern University.

Flexible

The former Fairey soprano star told 4BR: "It’s a wonderful opportunity show case our flexibility as a group.

We pride ourselves on the diverse nature of our music making, so we are really looking forward to our performance in Chicago on what is a very special day for the Norwegian community in the United States."

Donate

Anyone wishing to making a donation to Aurora Brassealis Brass Ensemble for the tour can do so at the following link:

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/aurora-brassealis-usa-tour-norwegian-constitution-day-may-2013

Tubb enjoying Big Apple life

NEWS

Composer Ben Tubb is enjoying life in New York City - although he is missing the pressure of the Area Championships too.

Composer Benjamin Tubb has been enjoying life in the ‘Big Apple’ since moving over to the United States to work a couple of years ago.

Missing

So much so that he has told 4BR that he only now does he realise that he is actually missing the pressure of the Regional Championships—although he is following the action on 4BR.

"I’m feeling really bad that I'm missing out on the Areas this year, but I've been catching up on the news from 4BR," he said.

Break

Ben has also taken a bit of a break from writing for brass bands too, with new demands placed on his compositional skills from various vocal groups.

He added: "I've been approached to write a lot more vocal music here in the States, and have just finished my fourth musical."

New website

Thankfully, he has had time to re-launch his website, which now features the latest information on his works, premieres as well as full-length recordings, videos and photos.

Having graduated the RNCM in 2010, under the tutorage of Adam Gorb and Paul Patterson, Ben has gained a variety of experiences in recent years, especially since his move to New York City, where he is regularly approached to work on exciting and new musical theatre projects.

For more information, go to: www.benjamintubb.com

World Rankings: Pre-regionals update

NEWS

Eikanger-Bjørsvik re-enters the top 10 with victory at the recent Norwegian Nationals.

The first 4barsrest.com - World of Brass Rankings update of 2013 sees little change at the very top, but significant below that following the French and Norwegian national championships, where Eikanger-Bjørsvik and Paris Brass Band retained their respective titles.

The other ranking contests held since the last update were:

Butlins Mineworkers - won by Virtuosi GUS
Yeovil Entertainment Contest - won by Flowers
Brass at the Guild - won by Oldham (Lees)
Durham County BBA - won by Durham Miners Association
Gloucester BBA - won by Abergavenny
Welsh Open - won by Tredegar
NEMBBA Contest - won by Silk Brass

The next update will follow the regional championships, which kick off this weekend, with over 500 UK bands fighting for places at the Finals in September and October.

To view all the ranked bands, go to:

www.4barsrest.com/rankings/default.asp

NABBC aims to lead from the front

NEWS

The National Association of Brass Band Conductors looks to the future with new proposals and website.

Andrew White, Chairman of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors has announced that the organisation has started to implement a number of new changes which, he hopes will have a positive impact upon its growing membership.

Promoting

Andrew (above) told 4BR: "The NABBC was formed in 1946 with the objectives of promoting and representing the interests of its members and providing an effective organisation—and this is very much the ethos today.

However, we wish to continue to reach out to conductors, and so we have radically overhauled our ongoing aims and objectives with policies which I believe will have a significant positive impact on new and current members."

Overhaul

One of the first major overhauls has come with the organisation’s new website, which has been brought up to date to provide greater clarity.

Andrew added: "This is just one of the many new initiatives we are taking to improve interaction between ourselves and members and we welcome feedback either online or personally from conductors at any level, and hope to be able to invite them to out 2013 conference."

New website

New website: www.nabbc.org.uk

Advert: Wessex Tubas

NEWS

It's not only tubas we sell at Wessex - so why not find out more by giving us a ring or by seeing us in Bradford and Perth.

Because of its name, many people may think that Wessex Tubas just sells—well, tubas. But not a bit of it!!

Tubas to sopranos

We are also making huge strides in the market place with the full range of our excellent instruments—from tubas to soprano cornets.

We also provide more exotic instruments too—not easily available elsewhere in the UK, such as German rotary valve brass, contrabass trombone, bass trumpet and sousaphones.

Free blowing cornet

Amongst the brass band line up is a free blowing Bb cornet with red brass leadpipe, all nickel-silver slides, beautiful singing voice and spot on intonation. It’s a professional standard cornet for only £225 in lacquer, or £275 in silver.

It’s well worth any band or individual on a budget considering before you opt for any other rivals.

Visit

Customers are always welcome to visit the Wessex showroom in Andover, Hampshire by appointment contacting Jonathan Hodgetts on: 07787 504987
e-mail:

Bradford and Perth

In the next two weeks brass players in Yorkshire and Scotland will get a chance to see and try for themselves how good are Wessex without having to travel.

The company will have a trade stand at Bradford on 2nd/3rd March and Perth on 9th/10th March.

More information

Do visit and find out for yourself why people are getting so excited about this range of fine playing and inexpensive brass!

www.Wessex-Tubas.co.uk
Email
Tel: +44(0)7787 504987

Radio: Sunday Bandstand

NEWS

More great music from the heartland of Yorkshire - produced for the rest of the banding world to enjoy by Chris Helme.

Sunday Bandstand:

Produced and presented by Chris Helme for further information please see www.chrishelme-brighouse.org.uk and follow the Sunday Bandstand links for this play list and previous week’s. It is also available via Podcast from the Radio Phoenix website www.phoenixfm.co.uk

Yorkshire Dales

It is also available on Drystone Radio 106.9FM or through their website www.drystoneradio.com on Sunday mornings between 8am and 10am

Wigan

My radio programme has now been picked up by www.wiganfm.com a local internet only radio station and my weekly brass band show can be heard on Sunday’s between 11am and 1pm

New Zealand

Listeners in New Zealand will be pleased to hear that this programme is now also played on www.worldfm.co.nz in Wellington at 2p—4pm (NZ time) every Thursday.
Requests

I am always pleased to receive requests—you might want to hear a piece from your own early days in banding, recordings that have long since joined the record deletions list and difficult to find.

Or have a burning nostalgia question about the world of brass bands, if you have then please contact me via e-mail:

Sunday 24th February:

Rhythm and Blues
Philip Sparke
Opening for weekly show
Foden's Band
MD: Michael Fowles - 2010

Dance of the Jesters
Peter Tchaikovsky
Arr: James Curnow
Lexington Brass Band (Kentucky USA)
MD: Dr. Ronald Holz - 2004

Guadalajara
Arr: Alan Fernie
West Lothian Schools Band
MD: Nigel Boddice MBE - 2003

Alla Turkis Algeris
Arr: John Slinger
Hammonds Sauce Works Band
MD: Geoffrey Whitham - c1970

Walking the Dog
George Gershwin
Arr: Mark Freeh
Trombone Soloist Brett Baker with the Reg Vardy Band
MD: Ray Farr - 2012

Music for Battle Creek
Philip Sparke
Brass Band Willebroek
MD: Frans Violet - 2010

Stars in the Morning
Kenneth Downie
Norwich Citadel Band
BM: Richard Woodrow 2008

Around the World March
Alex Owen
Besses O’ th’ Barn Band
MD: Roy Newsome - 1983

Aria - Bozza
Arr: Klaas van der Woude
Euphonium Soloist Steven Mead with the Williams Fairey Band - 2001

Dance Fever
Kenneth Downie
Massed Bands of Kirkintulloch and the Unison Kinneil
MD: Frank Renton - 2003

Amazing Grace
Arr: Goff Richards
Sellers Engineering Band
MD: Philip McCann with the
Honley Male Voice Choir, The Boys of the Leeds Parish Church Choir & Simon Lindley organ - 1992

The Alchemyst Journal
Kenneth Hesketh
Fodens Richardson Band
MD: Bramwell Tovey - 2008

Hail Ancient Walls
Charles Gounod
Arr: Howard Snell
Euphonium Soloist not known
Brighouse and Rastrick Band
MD: Allan Withington - 1990s

American Trilogy
Arr: Goff Richards
Sellers Engineering Band
MD: Philip McCann - 2003

Ellington Fantasie
Duke Ellington
Arr: Richard Domec
Lexington Brass Band
Guest MD: Dr. Skip Gray - 2000

West Country Fantasie
Gordon Langford
Launceston Town Band
MD: David Dobson - 2012

Misty
Johnny Burke & Errol Garner
Arr: Darrol Barry
Flugel Horn soloist Ellie Joy with the Launceston Town Band
MD: David Dobson - 2012

Highland Cathedral –
Roever & Korb
Massed Bands of Kirkintulloch and the Unison Kinneil, Inverclyde Schools Junior Choir AND Pipe Band
MD: Frank Renton 2003

Finale from William Tell
Rossini
Cory Band
MD: Dr. Robert Childs 2010

Rhythm and Blues
Philip Sparke
Ending for weekly show
Foden's Band
MD: Michael Fowles—2010

Foden's Double performances now available on 4BR

NEWS

If you want to recall just why Foden's claimed the historic 'Double' in 2012, then why not buy their latest CD from 4BR....

One of the most eagerly awaited CD releases of the year is now available with 4BR

Double

You can now enjoy Foden’s historic ‘Double’ winning performances on their latest ‘Patron’s Choice VI’ CD—with the live recordings from Symphony Hall in Birmingham and the Royal Albert Hall in London of ‘Electra’ and ‘Daphnis et Chloe’.

More

And of that isn’t enough to whet your appetite then Foden’s also include music from Wilfred Heaton, Kenneth Downie and Edward Elgar as well as showcasing soloists, Richard Poole, Helen Williams, Glyn Williams and the percussion duo of Mark Landon and Anthony Mann.

Go shopping at:

Go to: http://4barsrest.com/shopping/cd_detail.asp?id=977

Advert: Wessex Tubas

NEWS

Experiences with a Wessex Compensated BBb Bass...

The vastly experienced Stuart Haigh has enjoyed first hand experience of Wessex tubas....

"When I was asked to help out my local band at a contest last year I didn’t hesitate offer my help—although you can imagine my dismay when I found the band’s Bb tubas in a shocking state of repair—almost unplayable in fact!

Thankfully, I was given the task of replacing the tubas with new ones—although my budget was £5k for both!"

Good reports

"I’d heard some good reports about Wessex Tubas, so I travelled to the North West Regional Contest in Blackpool to try a Wessex on their tradestand.

I was handed a silver plate bass that looked splendid. I warmed it up and used my electronic tuner and was very surprised at the good results!

It was quite well made despite it being over £5k cheaper than the leading brands, and I was able to get all of the pedal notes and the valves were very slick.

10 minutes blowing on a tradestand is not the ideal test so I came away still a bit uncertain."

Splendid

"However, five months later the band decided order a Wessex!

A gold lacquer bass arrived 4 days later in perfect condition, and again looked splendid, with slick and silent valves - the best I’ve ever played.

We were all waiting for the valves to stick, slides to fall out and the lacquer to turn black like it did on many of the leading brand tubas of the late 80s! Not a bit of it!"

Like new

Eight months later the Wessex still looks like new, never fails, and has had none of the aforementioned problems. This convinced the band and myself to buy another, which we did in January 2013.

They have done the job well with no faults whatsoever. Yes, our very top bands will always buy top of the range instruments, but for bands on a budget or for personal use you can’t beat a Wessex.

I won’t pay seven grand, plus for a tuba when a Wessex will do the job."

Stuart Haigh

Find out more yourself

Go to: http://www.wessex-tubas.co.uk/

Stuart Haigh

Stuart Haigh has been playing Bb and Eb bass for nearly 40 years. At 17 he was solo Eb bass with Yorkshire Championship Section Hepworth. He has been a member of over 20 bands, many in the Championship Section including Hepworth, Carlton Main and British Steel.

He is much in demand as a guest player with bands in all sections.

4BR Quiz: Weekly Quiz

NEWS

There’s another great prize to be won with our quiz sponsored this week by Dawsons Music.

Once again there is a great prize from 4BR this week from our friends at Dawsons - as long as you can get your thinking caps on?

Keyboard, DVD & CD

We have a great Casio CTK-230 electronic keyboard, plus the brand new David Childs ‘A Masterclass in Brass’ DVD and Foden’s new CD ‘Patron’s Choice VI’, which includes their live performances from the British Open and National Finals.

Rugby King

With one particular ‘King’ recently leading Eikanger Bjorsvik to victory at the Norwegian National Championships for a record ninth time, and with the Six Nations in full flight in the UK—we thought we had better try and combine the two.

Which famous Welsh outside-half was simply known as ‘The King’?

A: John Barry
B: Barry Island
C: Barry John

Clues:

He was anointed as ‘The King’ after becoming the star player on the famous 1971 British Lions tour to New Zealand and retired aged just 27.

His equally famous scrum-half partner once played cornet in the Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen Band

Closing date:

All answers for this one must be in by midnight on Tuesday 26th February.

Last Winner:

We had a great response to last week’s quiz, with Michael Evans of Crook in County Durham knowing that St Cecilia was the Patron Saint of Musicians.

He wins a box of 9 bottles of fantastic ‘Blue Juice’ valve oil, a cracking youth band arrangement of ‘Waltzing Matilda’, the Black Dyke DVD ‘A History of Brass Bands’ and a trio of CDs from Foden’s, Steven Mead and the Royal Scottish Academy Brass.

Answers
E-mail:

E-mail us the answer at:

Advert: Brass Band Insurance Services

NEWS

Often copied - never bettered. Now you can even get a job with us too...

Brass Band Insurance Services are the leading insurers in the brass band field—looking after your musical instruments on behalf of Aviva insurance.

High quality

We have been providing high quality insurance for brass bands, musicians and military bands for 40 years with the lowest costs and nominal excess to any claims.

Not only do we provide piece of mind—we also provide the most professional service that understands brass banding needs.

Discount

Members of Brass Bands England can also claim a discount when they arrange their band’s insurance needs through us.

We are the original scheme—often copied—never bettered

More information: http://www.brassbandinsuranceservices.co.uk/

New recruit

In addition we are now looking to recruit a full time assistant at BBIS to be based at our Hayes Middlesex Branch.

So if you think you can combine your understanding of the requirements of brass bands great and small—from Land’s End to John O’Groats, then it could well be the perfect job for you.

Contact:

Please contact:
Karen Davis
Tel: 020 8759 0825
Email:

4BR Quiz: Weekly Quiz sponsored by Ev-entz

NEWS

There’s another great prize to be won with our quiz sponsored by Ev-entz.

Once again there is a great prize from 4BR and our friends at Ev-entz - as long as you can get your thinking caps on?

Juice, music, CDs & DVD

It’s a bit on an eclectic prize this week—with a box of 9 bottles of fantastic ‘Blue Juice’ valve oil, a cracking youth band arrangement of ‘Waltzing Matilda’, the Black Dyke DVD ‘A History of Brass Bands’ and a trio of CDs from Foden’s, Steven Mead and the Royal Scottish Academy Brass to be won.

Patron Saints

With it being a famous Saint’s Day today—we thought we would test your knowledge to find out which of the following is the Patron Saint of Musicians?

A: Saint Saens
B: Ian St John
C: Saint Cecilia

Clues

Inspired musicians as diverse as Paul Simon, Henry Purcell and an early version of the Blue Oyster Cult, but didn’t play for Liverpool in the 1965 FA Cup Final. By all accounts occasionally played the organ though.

Closing date:

All answers for this one must be in by midnight on Sunday 17th February.

Last Winner

We had a great response to last week’s quiz, with Norman Short in Sheffield knowing that was Ron Greenwood who was the beleaguered England football manager when they famously lost to Norway in a World Cup qualifier in 1981, leading to the commentator Bjorge Lillelien unforgettably exclaiming: "Lord Nelson! Lord Beaverbrook! Sir Winston Churchill! Sir Anthony Eden! Clement Attlee! Henry Cooper! Lady Diana! Maggie Thatcher - can you hear me, Maggie Thatcher! Your boys took one hell of a beating! Your boys took one hell of a beating!"

E-mail:
E-mail us the answer at:

NABBA announce new website presence

NEWS

The North American Brass Band Association has announced the launch of its new website well in advance of the 2013 Championships.

The organisers of the North American Brass Band Championships to be held in Cincinnati in April have announced the launch of their new website - the Brass Band Bridge as well as further details of the composition of competing bands in each section of the event.

Website

Website link: http://www.brassbandbridge.com/

Championship Section:
Atlantic Brass Band
Brass Band of Central Florida
Brass Band of Columbus
Brass of the Potomac
Chicago Brass Band
Fountain City Brass Band
James Madison University Brass Band
Princeton Brass Band

First Section:
Central Ohio Brass Band
Five Lakes Silver Band
Illinois Brass Band
Madison Brass Band
Motor City Brass Band
Natural State Brass Band
New England Brass Band
Oakland University Brass Band

Second Section:
Brass Band of Huntsville
Chesapeake Silver Cornet Brass Band
Eastern Iowa Brass Band

Third Section:
Bend in the River Brass Band
Chapel Brass Band

Youth Open Section:
Triangle Youth Brass Band
Triangle Youth Brass Ensemble

Eikanger set for television documentary series

NEWS

A year long documentary following the players of Eikanger Bjorsvik and their 'demanding genius' of a conductor will soon be aired on prime time Norwegian television.

Current Norwegian National champion Eikanger-Bjorsvik is to be the subject of a far reaching television documentary series on Norwegian National television, starting on Monday 18th February at 8.15pm.

Peak time

Filmed throughout last year, the eight part series has been produced by HRK Hordaland for national viewing at peak time on the NRK1 channel, and has been entitled, ‘Brass Obsessed’ or ‘Korpsfiksert’.

It follows the band’s progress from August 2011 up until the European Brass Band Championships in Rotterdam on May 2012, and focuses on a number of the players to find out how they manage to balance their work, family life and studies, with their commitment to the band as they seek to reclaim the European title under the baton of Professor David King.

Demanding genius

The Australian is described by the producers as, ‘a demanding genius’ with the programme looking at the way ‘rookie’ soprano player, Torstein, working mother, Gyda, professional musician Magnus, the hard working ‘mother figure’ Tone, veteran player Sølvi and baker Fredrik, who just happens to have a brother playing for arch rivals Manger, cope with the demands placed on them as the band prepare for the ultimate banding challenge in Rotterdam.

World unknown

As the producers told 4BR: "Through eight episodes towards the European, we get a glimpse into a world unknown to most people. For those involved, the band is their life.

They cannot imagine living without the constant practice, the rehearsals, the trips and the competing: anything to experience the intoxicating kick you get from being on stage, performing with the others, doing something bigger than you can achieve alone."

Worldwide

It will be possible for all of the world to watch via NRK web pages www.nrk.no