Brass in Concert Afternoon Showcase

Elland Silver Youth & Brass in Concert Workshop Band
Conductors: Samantha Harrison & Dr Nicholas Childs
The Sage Gateshead
Saturday 17th November

The introduction of the taster sessions and Workshop Band at Brass in Concert have given those lucky enough to be involved the chance to be tutored by some of the finest instrumentalists in the business.
 
On Saturday morning over 90 players of varying ages and abilities met under the expert guidance of Richard Marshall, Joseph Cook, Brett Baker, Katrina Marzella, Ashley Clegg, Sheona White, Rob Westacott and Laura Jackson before taking to the stage in the afternoon to showcase their progress conducted by Dr Nicholas Childs.
 
Relaxed

In a relaxed and informal atmosphere the music ranged from the march, 'Thundercrest' to 'Bugler's Holiday' and 'Deep Harmony', with the world première of Alan Catherall's 'Three Rivers Suite', based around a trio of well known North East tunes.

There was also a great little cameo from a group of players who'd only been playing for around a year called 'The Brassinators' who delivered two jazz-infused pieces under Laura Jackson.
 
Great fun

It was all great fun and a brilliant reminder of what can be achieved in just 4 hours of high class tuition.

Whilst the stage was being reset for Elland Silver Youth Band, Dr Childs regaled tales of his recent globe-trotting exploits and a bit of background on Black Dyke before the Yorkshire outfit royally entertained the audience with a cracking programme.
 
Revelled

The reigning Action Medical Youth Entertainment Champion, revelled in the opportunity to play on The Sage stage once again (they were last here in 2010) with Samantha Harrison's troops demonstrating just what a talented group of musicians they are.
 
A well chosen programme showcased their ensemble and solo strengths to a tee and throughout each of the ten pieces, the clarity of sound, tightness of ensemble and effective dynamics were delivered in sparkling fashion – from the opening 'Fanfare for a New Age' through to the closing 'The Saints'.
 
Bright as a button

'Puttin on the Ritz' was as bright as a button, whilst the future stars of the cornet section were on cracking form in 'Guadalajara'.  Cornet player, Gerry Simpson who composed the hymn 'Inno Del Ra' was superb.

In a nice gesture, the march ‘Stepping Out' written for the band by Dr Roy Newsome was delivered with real swagger whilst Charlotte Horsfield stepped out in front of the band to deliver a beautiful rendition of 'Blue John' on trombone – much to the obvious delight of the audience.
 
Lovely rendition

Charlotte was then joined by her fellow trombonists in 'Lassus Trombone', before a lovely rendition of 'Amazing Grace' prefaced the closing 'The Saints' where the sheer enjoyment of the performers almost lifted the roof off the hall.

Malcolm Wood

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