ARTICLES

National Championships 2003

The Second Section

18 bands from all over the country will try and take the title. We have tried to get as much information as possible about the bands including details from the bands themselves.

Arbroath Instrumental
Region: Scotland

Conductor: Michael Robertson

Michael was born in Alloa and studied at the Royal College of Music, London, gaining a GRSM (Hons) degree and an ARCM diploma. He remained at the RCM for a further year’s study which led to him gaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Studies.

During his time at the RCM Michael studied with John Iveson, Joseph Horowitz and Justin Connolly. He was also fortunate to receive much advice and encouragement from Gordon Langford. Since graduating he has been employed as a brass instructor with Tayside Region and latterly Angus Council. For many years he was a conductor for the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland Training Band. He has also been a tutor with the National Youth Wind Ensemble of Scotland. He has been conductor of Arbroath Instrumental Band since 1999.

Regionals: Saturday 8 March - Adjudicators: Frank Renton & Roger Webster
Placed 2nd. Draw 8, Points 93

Principal players:
Principal cornet: Ann Ness
Principal Euph: Shirley Bennett
Soprano - Euan Crabb
Solo horn: Shonagh Fenton and Andrew Oetegenn
Flugel: Elaine Yeaman
Solo trombone: Ian Maxwell

Band history: Arbroath Instrumental Band was formed in 1893 and has provided the town with a very strong band ever since. Today it is in much demand in both Arbroath and the surrounding area, providing music of a high standard for concerts, galas, charity events and church services. The band recently benefitted from a new set of instruments, purchased with the help of a National Lottery Grant and the generosity of the Arbroath townspeople. In recent years the band has had to rely on its Junior Band and school pupils to fill any vacancies which occur and now youth plays a very prominent part in the band personnel.

Indeed, 14 players taking part in the contest are under 18 years of age.


Current form: Arbroath Instrumental Band has achieved several excellent results since 2000. The band is very proud to have gained promotion for the last three consecutive years. It has also gained very good results in both the Forth Valley Contest and the recent Northern Counties Contest where they won the Second Section Trophy and were placed 4th overall.

Bollington Brass
Region: North West

Conductor: Peter Christian

Peter began playing in brass bands at the age of nine when he joined New Mills Band. Two years later he became a member of the National Youth Brass Band on First Baritone, before joining Fodens Motor Works Band in 1971.

In 1979 he transferred to Black Dyke Mills Band and during the next thirteen years won three National, three British Open and eight European titles with them. Further successes followed with both Williams Fairey and BNFL Bands before Peter decided to concentrate his considerable talent on conducting. Early successes with Marple B and Chapel-en-le-Frith Bands culminated in him being invited to conduct Strabane Concert Brass, whom he led to two Irish National Championships, before accepting the invitation to conduct Bollington Brass Band in August 2001.

Regionals: Sunday 9 March - Adjudicator: David Horsfield
Placed 1st. Peter Christian, Draw 6, Points 185

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Marin Davies
Principal Euphonium: Peter Gratrix
Solo Trombone: Debbie Yu
Solo Horn: Nicola Hartley
Soprano: Jim Genders
Flugel : Darren Wood

Band history: Bollington Brass Band was first formed in the 19th century, but the present band owes its origin to a group of enthusiasts who met together in 1972 with Dr. John Coope as Musical Director. When Dr.Coope stepped down in 1983 Roy Sparkes became the band’s conductor until Brian Taylor succeeded him in 1985. Under Brian the band made considerable progress, gaining promotion from the fourth to the second section. After Brian’s tragic death in 1994 the baton passed first to Bob Wyatt and then to Tim Power before Peter Christian was appointed Musical Director in August 2001.

The band enjoys considerable local support from the Town Council and citizens of Bollington and are very conscious of their commitment to the community. Indeed, the Town Mayor, complete with the mayoral chain and with a number of other Town Councillors, will be supporting them in Dundee having received permission from the Provost to wear the civic regalia!

Achievements: This is their third appearance in the National Finals, having last played at Wembley in 1993 as Third Section North West Champions, where we achieved a creditable 6th place.

Brighton Silver
Region: London & Southern Counties

Conductor: Estelle Flood

Estelle studied music at Birmingham Conservatoire and played with the Birmingham School of Music Band (later known as Jones and Crossland Band). On completing her studies, she followed her roots and moved back to the
North-West to pursue a teaching career. On the playing side she played with Kennedy's Swinton Concert and was part of the band that won the British Open. Her move into conducting came as Director of Music at Wardle High School.
In 1996 her teaching career brought her to Brighton as head of music at one of Brighton's schools and since November of that year has been Musical Director and Conductor of Brighton Brass (Brighton Silver Band).

Regionals: Saturday 15 March - Adjudicator: Alan Morrison
Placed 3rd, E. Flood, Draw 1, Points 184

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Martin Buss
Principal Euphonium: Andy Day
Solo Trombone: Steve Smyth
Solo Horn: Jeny Looker
Soprano: Martin Smith
Flugel: Kevin Woolley

Band history: The band was formed as a school band in 1974 but since then has rapidly grown in age and stature. In 1997, Brighton Silver Band (BSB) became the London & Southern Counties Second Section Champions. The year 2000 was a mixed year for the band having said goodbye to a number of members however a number of special events including an appearance at the Millennium Dome where the band premiered a commissioned work by Phillip Sparke, all helped towards a successful year. Subsequent years has seen strong competitive results are the only representatives from Sussex attending the finals at Dundee.

Achievements: Current form is based on local competitions only as they have not qualified for the championship finals for a few years. The band have been successful locally in contests at both Folkestone and Crawley, where they have managed to have claim the scalps of bands in higher sections.

Nationals Appearances: 4
Best result: 5th, 3rd Section 1998
Other appearances: 4th Section Finals 1986; 3rd Section Finals 1987

Broseley Brass
Region: London & Southern Counties

Conductor: Paul Fensom

Paul Fensom is no stranger to the National Final competitions, this being his 10th appearance since 1985, and his second as Conductor of Broseley Brass.
His record includes National Finals wins in the 4th section with Brent Brass and the 3rd Section with Regent Brass who he then took on to a Championship Section appearance at the Royal Albert Hall.

In 1998 having scored a rare first and second place with Broseley and Brent at the London Areas he got both bands in the top 5 at the Third Section Finals. Paul owes much of his success to his early musical experience in the Salvation Army, and later as a trombonist and pianist with the Band of H.M. Life Guards. Paul is currently Head of the Brent Music Service and has been the band’s conductor since 1998.

Regionals: Saturday 15 March - Adjudicator: Alan Morrison
Placed 2nd, P. Fensom, Draw 5, Points 185

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Dave Frampton
Principal Euphonium: Dave Scott
Solo Trombone: Stuart Ivory
Solo Horn: Kathryn Cockerill
Soprano: Craig Patterson
Flugel: David Rose

Band history: Broseley Brass was formed in 1984 in the then new-ish City of Milton Keynes through the initial sponsorship of Broseley Homes Ltd. The company was then taken over and the sponsorship lapsed, so the band has been self-financing since 1988.

Achievements: Broseley Brass will be promoted to the First Section in the London area from January 2004 by virtue of three consecutive ‘top six’ placings since promotion from the Third Section in 2001. The band has also lifted the winners trophy in both the First Section at Folkestone Contest and the Championship Section at the Hove Contest in the past year. At the latter contest the band’s principal cornet Dave Frampton also took the soloist’s prize and the band took the Best March trophy.

Darley Dale Band
Region: Midlands

Conductor: Sarah Groarke

Since the beginning of 2003, Sarah Groarke returned to the band as professional MD. Sarah was previously MD of the band in the mid 1990’s and saw their promotion into section one following several first places including the area in 1994. The recent success of the band is undoubtedly thanks to Sarah’s return. Sarah is a professional musician and actor. Based in London, she makes regular trips up to Derbyshire where her family also reside.

Regionals: Saturday 8 March - Adjudicator: Barry Thompson
Placed 2nd - S. Groarke, Draw 1, Points 187

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Helena Wardle
Principal Euphonium: David Harvey
Solo Trombone: Ashley Wigley
Solo Horn: Ken Fryer
Soprano: Ruth Slater
Flugel: Emma Woodhouse

Band history: Darley Dale Band was originally formed in 1880 and continued until its demise in the 1960s.
In 1984 an advertisement was placed in a shop window asking if anyone was interested in reforming the band. There was sufficient interest to and the band came back into existence later that year.

The band quickly gained a lot of local support and in May 1985, Mr. Ken Fryer took the post of conductor. The band grew in confidence, enjoying much acclaim at local concerts and engagements and even entering some contests.
In 1988 Ken handed over the baton to Roger Jepson and has been an active player ever since. The band quickly worked it's way up through the sections, gaining many prizes in competitions, including many first places.

Achievements:
Nationals appearances: 5
Best Result: Fourth in 1994
Worst Result: Eleventh in 1991

Current Form: Darley struggled to get good results in the first section, and weren’t too disappointed to be demoted in 2003 to section 2. but then quickly sprung back to form and took 2nd place in their area. This success was paralleled when the band took third place at the Crich Tramway Museum Entertainments

Hatfield Coal Power
Region: Yorkshire

Conductor: Graham O’Connor

Graham started his serious playing with the Grimethorpe Colliery and became assistant principal cornet - a position he held for 20 years. In 1967 he joined the Brodsworth Band and started his conducting career. In 1980 he directed the Andrews Heat for Hire Band to a win at the Grand Shield and at Pontins.

He has conducted many of the top bands in the country - with considerable success at the Grand Shield in particular and his CV includes Cory, Stocksbridge, BT and currently the Fishburn Band from the North East.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Trevor Kendall
Principal Euph: John Smith
Soprano: Karen Everitt
Solo horn: Susuan Pratt
Solo Trombone: Rachel Botham
Flugel: Rebecca Barker

Regionals: Saturday 1 March - Adjudicator: Colin Hardy
Placed 2nd, G. O'Connor, Draw 6, Points 180

Band history: Formed in 1947 the band floated between the tird and fourth sections up to 1993. In 1989 KenJohnson joinedthe band as MD and tingsstarted to take off. In recent years they have has a number of different MD'd, but the arrival of Graham O'Connor in 2000 has seen a win at the Yorkshire Regional Championships and a return to the Second Section in January 2001. The band will start 2004in the First Section.

Houghton Brass
Region: North

Conductor: Tom Gibson

Regionals: Saturday 15 March - Adjudicator: Colin Hardy
Placed 2nd, T. Gibson, Draw 3, Points 186

Recent Results
Durham County Brass Band Association Annual Grading Contest, held at Spennymoor Town Hall on Sunday, 2nd February 2003: - 2nd Section C
CISWO 2002 : 11th 3rd Section

Langbaurgh Brass
Region: North

Conductor: Tim Oldroyd

Tim learnt to play in the Salvation Army at Malton under the watchful eye of Ian Beecham a well known musician in Salvationist circles. He left the army for 15 years but has recently returned where he now soldiers at Scarbro' Citadel playing soprano cornet. Tim has been a member of bands such as IMI-Yorkshire Imperial Metals, Carlton Main, Polypipe, British Steel and in the past has conducted Newcastle Brown, Yarm & District (now Lockwood Brass) and Aunt Bessies East Yorkshire Brass. He now devotes his time to Langbaurgh where he has been MD for 6 years and has taken them from 3rd to 1st section.

Regionals: Saturday 15 March - Adjudicator: Colin Hardy
Placed 1st, T. Oldroyd, Draw 7, Points 188

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Mark Sidwell
Principal Euphonium: Chris Coupland
Solo Trombone: Howard Smith
Solo Horn: Gareth Poole
Soprano: Michael Holliday
Flugel - Alan Mitchell

Band history:
The band was formed in 1983 as the junior band of North Skelton Silver Band. In 1987 they separated from the then British Steel Teesside Band and became Langbaurgh Brass.
In the early 90's the band was featured in the film "God on the Rocks" and starred Bill Paterson, Sinead Cusack and the then little known Minnie Driver, now a Hollywood star!
Earlier this year they played "Journey into Freedom" and came 4th in the Championship Section of the Durham League contest.

Achievements:
National Appearances - 5
Best Result – 5th in second section, 4th in third section
Worst Result - 1989 ninth in the 4th section

Lanner & District Silver
Region: West of England

Conductor: Stuart Chappell

Stuart Chappell began his playing career on Cornet with Lanner at the age of 5 before joining Camborne Town Band at the age of 16 on 2nd Cornet. He held the position of Principal Cornet at 18 before 5 years later moving to play Flugel Horn. Stuart became bandmaster at Camborne and played under Frank Renton, on several occasions, during this time and it was then that he got his inspiration and the bug for conducting. Stuart was appointed MD at Lanner in April 2001 and since then the band has several wins under its belt including regional champions and has gained promotion to the first section.

Regionals: Sunday 6th April - Adjudicator: James Scott
Placed 1st, Stuart Chappell, Draw 6, Points 187

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Simon Hocking
Principal Euphonium: Ray Bowden
Solo Trombone: Barry Buist
Solo Horn: Liz Chappell
Soprano: Les Kneebone
Flugel Horn : Sharon Dower

Band history:
Lanner is a small mining village just outside the town of Redruth in Cornwall. The band was formed in 1965 and has shown steady progression through the sections, picking up many awards along the way. The band is made up of a blend of youth, not so youth - the youngest being 11 and the oldest being 70. The vast majority of the players come from within a five-mile radius of the village.

Achievements:
Nationals Appearances : 1 (1995 – 2nd Section)
Result : 15th

Current Form:
Over the last two years, the band has picked up first prizes at all local contests (Cornish Championships, Bugle and SWBBA Contest at Torquay). The band travels to Dundee as West Of England 2nd Section Champions.

Llanrug
Region: Wales

Conductor: Gavin Saynor

The current Eb tuba at the new Open Champions Yorkshire Building Society is now in his second year of conductoing the Llanrug Band. Regarded as one of the very best tuba player in the country, Gavin confirmed his talent at the 2003 European Championships where he was awarded the prize as the "Oustanding Instrumentalist" at the contest - winning over 2000 euros in the process.

His conducting skills have also been recognised and he now leads the band to the National Finals - with a television crew from Wales in tow!

Regionals: Saturday 15 March - Adjudicator: John Maines
Placed 1st. G. Saynor, Draw 2, Points 185

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Geraint Jones
Principal Euphonium: Dave Roberts
Solo Trombone: Iwan Willaims
Solo Horn: Gwyn Edwards
Soprano: Ian Davies
Flugel: Alan Llewelyn

Band history: The oldest in Wales formed in 1766 as a slate quarry pipe reed band, formed as brass in 1830.

Achievements:
Nationals appearances: 5
Best result 4th in 4th section 1986
Worst result last in 3rd section 2000

Current form:
Pontins 6th Section 2,
North Wales Champions (section 2)
2nd at Rhyl Festival,
2nd at Eisteddfod,

Lympstone South West Telecoms
Region: West of Eengland

Conductor: Charles Fleming

Charles Fleming has been with the band since the beginning of1997 holding the ARCM in trombone performance. In spite of a long career as a musician in the Royal Marines which included 10 years as principle trombone in the Royal Yacht Britannia Band he considers his time with Lympstone Band as his most rewarding musical experience.

Regionals: Sunday 6th April - Adjudicator: James Scott
Placed 2nd, Charlie Fleming, Draw 7, Points 186

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Keith Hammond
Principal Euphonium: Samantha Pope
Solo Trombone: Sam Strawbridge
Solo Horn: Annabelle Harvy
Soprano: Colin Dance

Band history: Lympstone is a pretty fishing village on the banks of the Exe Estuary in EastDevon is enjoying it's most succesful period in it's 100 year history. There have been lots of changes of personel in the last twelve months in an effort to consolidate their position and to give the band the chance to continue it's upwards progress. Just out of interest the band has 3 lady primary school teachers, 1 deputy Headmistress and a Headmistress in its ranks.

National Appearances: 4
Results at National Final:
Best result 1st
Worst result 8th

Current Form:
Since 1997 they have been West of England Champions 3 times with a second and third to add to the collection, only out of the frame once with a six on promotion to Section 2.
In addition they have been South West Champions on six occasions since 1997.

The strongly contested Weston-Super-Mare contest has seen them achieve three 1st places in the same period and several 1st prizes at The Bugle Bandsmens Festival.
3rd placing in section two at last years Wychaven contest.
The very latest achievement was a second overall placing at the recent Exmouth Festival of Brass on the 6th September.

Manx Concert Brass
Region: North West

Conductor: Ian Clague MBE

The Band’s Musical Director, Ian Clague was a former member of the Manx Youth Band and dedicates most of his time to the teaching and training of young people to play brass instruments. In 2000 in recognition of his services to music in the Isle of Man, Ian was awarded the MBE.

Regionals: Sunday 9 March - Adjudicator: David Horsfield
Placed 2nd, Ian Clague MBE, Draw 8, Points 184

Principal Cornet: Simon Briggs
Solo Euphonium: Steven Dugdale
Solo Trombone: Stephen Maddocks
Solo Horn: Kathryn Power
Soprano: Karen Mahood
Flugel Horn: Lynsey Maddocks

Band history: Manx Concert Brass is part of the Manx National Youth Band Organisation that consists of Manx Concert Brass & The Manx Youth Band. The Band was formed in 1995 out of what can only be described as a direct result of the Manx National Youth Band’s own success in promoting music for young people on the Island.

Since it’s formation in 1995 Manx Concert Brass has competed in the North West Regional Championships of the National Brass Band Championships held in Blackpool each March. In 1996 the Band won the 4th Section and made history by becoming the first Band from the Isle of Man to compete in the National Finals becoming National Champions.

The Band were promoted to the 3rd Section from 1997.
Owing to the high cost of travelling to & from the UK and accommodation for a minimum of 2 nights (players pay their own way), the Band has mainly concentrated on the North West Regional Championships and the National Finals. However, the Band has also taken part in Pontin’s Brass Championships, Northern Open Brass Band Championships in St Helens and Annual Whit Friday Marches.

This will be the 4th time Manx Concert Brass have represented the North West in the National Finals.

National Appearances: 4
1996 – 1st (Fourth Section)
1999 – 11th (Third Section)
2001 – 10th (Third Section)

Newmilns and Galston
Region: Scotland

Conductor: Craig Anderson

Craig has been conducting the band since 2001 and has been instrumental in the progress the band has made over that period. Craig began playing tuba at the age of 11 with the Monklands Youth Concert Brass Band and at the age of 15 he was awarded a full scholarship to study at the junior school of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

After being accepted to the RSAMD full time Craig began to freelance almost immediately, working with the BBC SSO and Scottish Opera in his first year. Studying under Anthony Swainson, Craig was a finalist in the Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year and won the prestigious Governor‘s recital prize for brass.He freelances regularly with the BBC SSO, RSNO, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, Northern Symphonia, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and many more, as well as being the specialist tutor for the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and the West of Scotland Independent Schools Orchestra.

He has been a clinician for Boosey & Hawkes since 2000. and recently took up the post as resident conductor with the Kirkintilloch Band.

Regionals: Saturday 8 March - Adjudicators: Frank Renton & Roger Webster
Placed 1st, Craig Anderson, Draw 6, Points 95

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Douglas Cameron
Principal Euphonium: Alan Cameron
Soprano: Tracy Nelson
Solo Horn: Mhairi Holmer
Flugel: Cara Sullivan
Solo Trombone: Ronnie Kenmuir

Band history: The band is actually and amalgamation of 3 bands - Newmilns Silver Band, Galston Burgh Band and Loudoun Silver Band. Both Newmilns and Galston bands trace their history back to the 19th century, and the lace industry that was the Irvine Valley's principal industry, while Loudoun Band grew from the Loudoun school band of the 1970s under brass teacher and conductor Jack Malpass.
The bands amalgamated to form Newmilns and Galston Band in 1990 and spent much of the 1990s in either the Championship or 1st sections. The band will regain 1st section status in November.

Nationals appearances: Unknown
Best Result: In recent times, 1992 - 3rd [1st section]
Worst Result: Unknown

Current Form:
The band is on somewhat of a roll at the moment. In November 2002 it won the Borders Entertainment Contest outright. This was followed by victory at the Scottish Championships in March. Most recently the band won the 2nd section prize at the Carnegie contest in May this year.

Old Silkstone
Region: Yorkshire

Conductor: Norman Law

Norman a native of Scotland began his playing career on trombone with Alva Town Band quickly progressing up the ranks to become solo trombone with both the band and the National Youth Band of Scotland for 5 years. In 1972 he 'emigrated' to England to take the solo trombone chair with the then GUS (Footwear) band and for the next 20 years he held the solo chairs with GUS, Fodens, Brighouse and Rastrick and finally Black Dyke Mills Band where he had 8 years in the 'hot seat'.

In 1990 he was appointed MD of the Hepworth Band and together they recorded many contest successes, including 2 appearance at the National Finals. 1993 saw him appointed resident conductor of the Sellars Engineering Band working alongside Phillip McCann however increasing work commitments forced him to relinquish this position. In 2000 Old Silkstone Band approached Norman to lead them to the Yorkshire area contest and with little practice time achieved a credible 6th. The band offered Norman the MD's position and the remit to take the band into the 1st section. A challenge he readily accepted.

Regionals: Saturday 1 March - Adjudicator: Colin Hardy
Placed 1st, N. Law, Draw 7, Points 182

Principal players:
Principal cornet: Eliot Darwin
Principal Euph: David Hallas
Soprano: Charlotte Ralph
Solo Horn: Ian Askey
Flugel: Tracey Bostwick
Solo Trombone: Paul Cryer

Band History:
Old Silkstone band was formed in July 1861. Not much is chronicled but there has been continual music making over the past 142 years in the parish of Silkstone. The late 1960's heralded the reformation of the band under the baton of Stan O'Connor with John Hopkinson succeeding the band enjoyed continued contest success. Since that time the band has experienced highs and lows fluctuating between 3rd and 2nd sections and almost ceasing to exist in the early 1990's. In the last 10years new life has been breathed into the band, with secure plans drawn up for its secure future. Lottery funding has ensured a good instrument base with older instruments available to form a 'B' band under the direction of Wayne Bostwick, the band’s BBb bass player, and the band room has totally been refurbished to ensure the next generation has a base to make music from.

Nationals appearances: 2

Best Results: 2nd in 1992 (3rd section), 2nd in 1999 (2nd section)

Current form:
Oct 2002 - Pontins 2nd section champions
Nov 2002 - Wilkinsons 2nd section champions
March 2003: Yorkshire 2nd section champions
April 2003: Tameside 2nd section champions
May 2003: Buxton (High Peak) 2nd section champions

Penclawdd
Region: Wales

Conductor: Tony Small

Tony Small, formed the band in 1973 and is still at the helm, having guided them to some prestigious results. This will be his 13th National Finals with Penclawdd. He also conducted the West Glamorgan Youth Band in 10 National Youth Band finals, winning the British Championship three times (in 1984, 1986 and 1989), gaining 2nd prize twice (in 1985 and 1990) and two 3rd prizes (in 1987 and 1988) as well as 2nd prize at the European Youth finals held in Falkirk in 1990. He was principal advisory music teacher for West Glamorgan and has taught brass in the Swansea area since 1964. He has been a successful freelance Trumpet player with much professional experience in Symphony Orchestras, Opera, Ballet, Theatre work including Big Bands, Dance Bands etc.

He has produced some outstandingly talented brass players, the latest of which (14 yr old cornet player Nick Mead) received the John Childs memorial award on the NYBBW course this summer for the most promising player. Nick also appeared on ITV's "Young Prodigies" earlier this year, the only brass player from the whole of Britain. Tony enjoys arranging music for brass and has successfully arranged much of Karl Jenkins' compositions, including "The Armed Man" which was performed by the NYBBW. His second book of Karl Jenkins' music for brass quintet is being released by Boosey and Hawkes at the RAH during the National Finals in October.

Regionals: Saturday 15 March - Adjudicator: John Maines
Placed 2nd. D. A. Small, Draw 8, Points 183

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: David James
Solo Horn: Lowri Edwards
Solo Euphonium: Alun Evans
Solo Trombone: John Richards
Soprano Cornet: Gurnos Rees

Band history: Tony Small Musical Director formed the band in 1973 and has guided the band, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in May 2003, to many contest successes. Through their history they have played in every section from Youth to Championship and in a 14-year period appeared in 11 National Finals. In 1983 the band won the National Finals 2nd Section at the Albert Hall playing ‘Variations and Fugue’ by D.Henshall. Penclawdd have a core of experienced players around the stand, and many of them have played at a high level and are rightly proud of their contest achievements.

Tony Small has brought through some excellent players and these include his son Gareth who went on to play for London Brass and currently plays with the Halle Orchestra. In his career Tony, as well as guiding Penclawdd, also guided the West Glamorgan Youth Band to the pinnacle of Youth Band success.

National appearances: 12
Winners of 2nd Section in 1983

Last five appearances:
2002 - 10th [2nd section]
1987 - 12th [Championship section]
1986 - 13th [Championship section]
1983 - Winners [2nd section]
1982 - 10th [2nd section]

Current Form: 2nd (in March, Welsh Regional - 2nd section)
2nd (in May, Ebbw Vale - 1st section)

Shirley Band
Region: Midlands

Conductor: Dave Lea

Having been born into a Salvationist family, Dave Lea was introduced to brass banding at the early age of five when he began to learn the cornet. Many years were spent in Salvation Army banding, culminating in a period of fifteen years as principal cornet of the Coventry City S.A. Band. During this period he attained a Diploma for Trumpet Playing at the London College of Music and took an active interest in conducting brass and choral groups.

Dave was appointed Musical Director of The Shirley Band at the end of the year 2000. Dave's experience in conducting at the highest level has enabled the band to progress very quickly since his appointment, so much so that the band has been successful in all but one of the competitions it has taken part in.

Regionals: Saturday 8 March - Adjudicator: Barry Thompson
Placed 1st - Dave Lea, drawn 17 Points 188

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Sheila Lucas
Solo Horn: Derek Lucas
Solo Euphonium; Kevin Short
Solo Trombone: Becca Harper
Soprano Cornet: Catherine Kelsey

Band history: The town of Shirley in the Borough of Solihull and the band were initially formed as The Shirley Town Band in 1919 by William Hodesdon. There has always been one of the Hodesdon family in the band and Don Hodesdon the grandson of William, is still an active member of the band.
The band first practised in a slaughterhouse by the Saracen's Head pub in Shirley. The membership soon increased from 8 to 16 players and with help from Kings Heath Brass Band, engagements, parades and fetes were undertaken. During the Second World War the band rehearsed at the Robin Hood Pub and then moved, in 1944, to a football ground. They stayed there for the next 25 years until it became part of the Robin Hood Cemetery! The band has spent much of its life in the 1st section, with brief forays into the Championship, the last time being four years ago.

MD Dave Lea was principal cornet of the Coventry City S.A. Band and was appointed Musical Director of The Shirley Band at the end of year 2000.The band has spent much of its life in the 1st section, with brief forays into the Championship, the last time being five years ago but under their experienced conductor they have been in fine form

National appearances: 7
Best Result: 2nd in 1987 in 2nd Section
Worst: 14th in 1st Section in 1995

Stourport on Severn
Region: Midlands

Conductor: David Maplestone

David was born in South Wales and began his playing career with Cwmbran Town Band. In 1977 at the age of 16 he left for Grimethorpe. He left Grimethorpe in 1983 to become Principal Cornet with the William Davis Band and played under John Berryman before joining the Heart of England Band.

In 1991 that he took up the position of Musical Director of the Banks Brewery Band and during his stay there they played at the Royal Albert Hall in the National Finals for the first time before he left in August 1993 to conduct the BTM Band. After leaving the BTM band he was invited to conduct the JWE Mobilephone Dodworth Band before joining the Woolley Pritchard Sovereign Brass in May 1996. Stourport-on-Severn, at short notice, needed to fill their Musical Director position in March 1999 and living locally agreed to become Stourport's Musical Director. He is currently also MD at The Stafforshire Band.

Regionals: Saturday 8 March - Adjudicator: Barry Thompson
Placed 3rd, D. Maplestone, Draw 12, Points 186

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Neil Fishbourne
Principal Euph: Emma Field
Soprano: Roy Osborne
Solo Horn: Jo Shuck
Flugel: Alison Hatfield
Solo Trombone: Rob Clarke

Band history: The band originally developed out of the Stourport High School Band and was set up as Stourport Youth Band under the leadership of George Jackson in 1969.
Eventually, as the age of the members increased and the loyalties to the band were maintained the word 'youth' was dropped from the title. The band now has players from the age of fifteen and upwards and still includes some of the founder members. In 1981 George Jackson retired and was replaced by Colin Farlow with noteable success.

Colin stood down in 1995 and was made the band President, his wife Christine, who also played with the band for many years, was also made Vice President. Colin's position was filled by David Bishop-Rowe who was conductor until March 1999. The band returned to the Third Section in 1997 but were soon back up in the Second section in 2002 under the baton of David Maplestone.

Nationals Appearances: 2
Best Result: 1985 - [3rd Section]
Worst Result: 1991 - Disqualified for late attendance (bloody bus driver!) [3rd Section]

Current Form:
A win at the Wychavon Entertainment Festival, Evesham in September 2002 was their best ever in the Second section.
In May/June this year they were chosen to perform as one of the bands appearing at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in the stage version of 'Brassed Off'.

Wantage Band
Region: London & Southern Counties

Conductor: Michael Pegram ARCM, FVCM, psm

After starting his playing career with local brass bands, Mike joined the Welsh Guards Band in 1971, studying trombone with Denis Wick. He became principal trombone and a featured soloist, touring extensively.

In 1977 he attended the 3-year Bandmaster's course at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Halll, winning the Worshipful Company of Musicians' Medal for the best student also gaining the ARCM for Bandmastership and the FVCM for composition. On leaving the army after serving ten years as a bandmaster, Mike taught in both state and private schools. He has conducted brass bands of all levels in England and Wales, as well as choirs, wind bands and orchestras and has various arrangements and compositions published. He has worked both on radio and television programmes, and is Director of Music for the RAF Halton Area Band.

Regionals: Saturday 15 March - Adjudicator: Alan Morrison
Placed 1st. M. Pegram, Draw 8, Points 187

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Steve Chapman
Principal Euphonium: Graham Palmer
Soprano: Brian Thomas
Solo Horn: Judith Chapman
Flugel: Ian Barnes
Solo Trombone: Liz Pegram

Band history: Formed as a children’s band in 1972, the Wantage Band Organisation now has 150 playing members,
In addition to the 2nd section Wantage Band, there is the 4th section ‘B’ band, conductor Danny Dullforce, a Youth Band, conductor Pauline Kowalski, a Training Band, conductor Brian Thomas, and Beginners Groups led by Denise Clark and Simon Handley. The 2nd section band (promoted to 1st section from Jan 2004) It will be Steve Chapman’s first appearance as principal cornet for Wantage – but he is used to the end chair, having been principal for Aldbourne Band for several years.

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