ARTICLES

National Championships 2003

The Fourth Section

21 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.

Bakewell Silver
Area: Midlands

Conductor: Mark Wilcockson

How they got there: 3rd place at Midlands area under Mark Wilcockson with 179 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Deborah Miles
Euph: Ian Charlesworth
Trom: Colin Davenport
Horn: James Moran
Sop: Ian Wildgoose
Flugel: Dawn Sellors

Band history: Formed in 1907

Achievements: The last time they went to finals was in 1991

Bratton Silver
Area: West of England

Conductor: Maria Fricker

How they got there: 5th place with Victor Beer and 178 points replacing Calne Silver

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Lisa Hill
Euph: Victor Beer
Trom: Robin Elliott
Horn: Steve Smith
Sop: Paul Croker


Band history: Formed in 1859, the band hail from the village of Bratton near Westbury in Wiltshire. The band was formed by pert time musicians who in turn took part in the procession to mark the wedding of Edward VII. Vic Beer is a name forever associated with the band, especially after it was reformed in 1952. In 1958 women became playing members.

Camborne B Band
Area: West of England

Conductor: Alan Pope

How they got there: 3rd place under Alan Pope and 180 points in Torquay

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Jessica Tredrea
Euph: Peter Harvey
Trom: Rosy Langley
Flugel: Leanne Harvey
Horn: Naomi Gendall
Sop: Emma Kendall

Band history: Camborne 'B' Band (Cornwall) in its present form was set up in January 2002 by Alan Pope to give the better players of the Youth Band more experience in contesting. Out of the 29 players of the band, 21 are members of the Youth Band, with the youngest being only 9 and the oldest 15. With the 8 older members, the average age of the band is still only 24. At their first contest, the Regional Qualifiers at Bristol, the band came 7th out of the 24 bands in the 4th Section.

Achievements: Third Prize (Fourth Section) West of England Regional Championships

In March 2003, Camborne 'B' Band won the 4th Section at Cornwall's Brass Band Association Annual Championships at Truro. In April, we came 3rd out of 25 bands at the West of England Regional Qualifiers at Torquay, to qualify for our 1st ever National Finals.

Dinnington Colliery
Area: Yorkshire

Conductor: Toby Bannan

Born in Dublin, Toby is the Bass Trombonist with the world famous Yorkshire Building Society Band (YBS), having recently joined them from Grimethorpe Colliery RJB.
Since completing his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester, Toby has played with a number of Bands including Whiston Brass, South Yorkshire Police Band, Point of Ayr (Powergen), and The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Toby has studied Trombone alongside such talent as Les Storey, Chris Houlding, Andrew Berryman, John Iveson, Bob Hughes, Douglas Yeo, Dudley Bright, Jaques Mauger and Susan Addison.

In addition he has performed with Bands such as Fodens, Black Dyke & Sellers Engineering, and has taken the stage with the likes of The Halle Orchestra, The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, The National Musicians Symphony Orchestra, and The Cardiff Bay Symphony Orchestra.

How they got there: Winners of Yorkshire Area under Toby Bannan with 180 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Sally Dobson
Euph: Jess Marshall
Trom: Craig Wolstenholme
Horn: Joanne Brookes-Wright
Sop: Julie Cheeseman

Band history: In 1904, miners from County Durham were drafted into Dinnington to help with the sinking of the new colliery shaft and, amongst their numbers, were a few bandsmen. Armed with £50 from the local squire, Squire Middleton, and the promise of rehearsal facilities in the barn above his stables, they soon formed the Dinnington (Middleton) Silver Prize Band.

Over the years learners of any age have been taught to play, free of charge, on instruments provided by the band, and this policy still applies today. The band also have one of the largest music libraries of any band in the Country from which to select their music. We are entirely self-supporting and proud to be 'still blowing' despite a number of traumatic happenings over the last few years; not the least of which was the closing of the colliery. The band is now the only body still bearing the name of Dinnington Colliery and we do so with pride; both happy and determined to keep the memory and tradition associated with the pit and it's music alive.

Achievements: Following the bands success in this years Regional Finals and good results in the previous two years, the band will compete in the 3rd Section from 2004.

Downton
Area: West of England

Conductor: Roland Wright

Roland was born in Yeovil, Somerset and brought up in the Salvation Army, learning to play the cornet at the age of six. He progressed through the Youth Band into the Senior Band at the age of 15 and became the cornet soloist for nine years during which time he also conducted the Youth Band until marrying in 1976 and relocating to Bournemouth.

Upon settling in Bournemouth, Roland joined the renowned Boscombe SA Band as Principal Cornet and Assistant Conductor, positions he held for 17 years. In 1996 Roland joined Bournemouth Concert Brass on Solo Cornet, becoming Principal Cornet in 2002. In 1998, he was privileged to be appointed as Musical Director of Downton Band.

How they got there: Runners Up in West Region with 181 points, with Roland Wright. Qualified off Number One draw

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Richard Plaskett
Euph: Andrew Faulkner
Trom: David Sainsbury
Horn: Debbie Caton Crooks
Sop: Andy Whitlock

Achievements: Nationals Appearances: 3

Band history: The band is generally believed to have grown out the White Horse Friendly Society Band of Music - a village orchestra with a history dating back as far as 1873. The White Horse remains the favoured watering hole of the current band!

Over the years the band has enjoyed mixed fortunes. The current band has had to regroup from a "quartet" of players in the 90's, and now are just a Eupho and an Eb bass short of a contest band. Runners-up at the Regionals, and of course qualification for Dundee, complete our most recent contesting highlights - showing that consistent progress is being made under the direction of the Likeable & Tanned, Roland Wright.

Locally the band entertains at village fairs and fetes - including the prestigious New Forest & Hampshire County Show - concerts and events - maintaining the highest standards and always passing on it's enthusiasm for live amateur music-making (and encouraging a small but committed training band).

Our unique claim to fame involves our annual Christmas morning carolling session around our home village from 4am - waking and cheering (well mostly!) Christmas revellers of all ages. Thankfully much reciprocal hospitality is hown!

Current Form:
Regionals 2001: 21st/23 (4th)
Wessex 2001: 5th/7 (1st)
Regionals 2002: 11th/23 (4th)
Wessex 2002: 4th/7 (1st)
Regionals 2003: 2nd/25 (4th)

Dumfries Town Band
Area: Scotland

Conductor: Peter Heyes

How they got there: Scottish Champions under Gordon Brotherston with 84 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Alan Blair
Euph: Paul Rafferty
Trom: Louisa Maxwell
Horn: Margaret Williamson
Flugel: Annette Maxwell
Sop: Alan Platt

Band history: Dumfries Town Band has been in existence for well over 100 years. The Band has always taken part in the Scottish Brass Band Championships (4th section) but this is the first time we have won the section. We are looking forward to going to Dundee in September and being promoted to third section. Our next competition is the Borders Entertainment Contest at Innerleithan in November.

Achievements: Coming 1st in the Regional Contest in March 2003. We have also held lots of fund raising events over the last few years - firstly we received a lottery grant to purchase some new instruments, secondly - the band had new jackets and last but not least, fund raising to enable us to travel and stay in Dundee in September

Grange Moor Brass Band
Area: Yorkshire

Conductor: xxx

How they got there: Runners Up at Yorkshire Area under Duncan Beckley with 179 points off the Number One draw

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Marion Matthewman
Euph: Steven James
Trom: Kevin Johnson
Horn: Karen Rhodes
Sop: Owen Wedgwood
Flugel: Tom Asher

Band history: 150 years old, but reformed in past eight months – in 2000 the band got a lottery grant, which was used to run workshops to recreate interest in local area
Achievements: Since reforming, in their first competition at National Mineworkers, they came third.

Great Yarmouth Brass
Area: L/SC

Conductor: Mark Gibson, LTCL, CA Mus

Mark Gibson, 25, began playing the trumpet at the age of eight in Northamptonshire. As a student he played Principle Trumpet with the Northamptonshire Youth Concert Band, Orchestra and Big Band, as well as Soprano Cornet with the Northamptonshire Youth Brass Band. He was awarded first prize as a Brass Soloist at the Northamptonshire Music Festival for four consecutive years and qualified for the final round of the Shell LSO Brass Scholarships.

Mark went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London before joining the Army in 1996 and being posted to the Band of the Dragoon Guards in Germany. The Band of the Dragoon Guards has since returned to the UK and is now based in Swanton Morley near Dereham. It was from there that Mark was invited to play alongside Alan Morrison as co-principle cornet for the Travelsphere Holidays Band. Mark is now focusing his attentions on conducting and was appointed Musical Director for Great Yarmouth Brass in 2002.

How they got there: Winners in London with 181 points with Stuart Philpott in charge

Nationals appearances: This is the Band’s first appearance at the National Finals

Principal Players
P. Cornet: James Tyrell
Euph: Stuart Philpot
Trom: Mike Thorn
Horn: Stephen Whelan
Sop: Penny Gilbert

Band history: Great Yarmouth Brass is a thriving brass band based in East Anglia, forming a cornerstone of the musical culture within and around Great Yarmouth. For nearly thirty years we have entertained audiences at public and private events.Originally formed as a school band in 1973, the Band originated at the East Anglian School for Deaf and Partially Sighted Pupils. When the school closed the Band played on, continuing with its charity concerts. However, links with youth music continue with the success of the Great Yarmouth Youth Band under the direction of Bandmaster Stuart Philpot.

The Band only began competing in national competitions for the first time in 1999 but in the same year, won the Championship Section at the East Anglian Brass Band Association Spring Festival to become Champion Band of East Anglia under the Direction of Marilyn Zipfel. Following Marilyn’s retirement from conducting in 2002, the Band recruited Mark Gibson as Musical Director with support from Stuart Philpot as Bandmaster and Deputy Conductor.

Great Yarmouth Brass will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary in style this year with a Gala Concert on 15th November featuring guest soloist Alan Morrison. There are also plans to record a CD by Christmas.

Achievements: Champion Band of East Anglia, 1999, London & Southern Counties 4th Section Winners, 2003

Current Form: May 2003: EABBA Spring Contest Championship Section: Suite Gothique - 4th
March 2003: London & Southern Counties 4th Section: Lydian Pictures - 1st

Harlech
Area: Wales

Conductor: Hefin Evans

Hefin Evans took up the conductor’s post with the band in the mid 1990’s. He is currently the head of music at Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen in Bethesda. He has been a member of Seindorf Beaumaris Band since 1990, playing euphonium first and then baritone. He has won numerous National Championships with the Beaumaris band as well as performing in venues such as the Symphony Hall, Birmingham and the Royal Albert Hall. He has occupied the Solo Baritone seat for the last 5 years with Beaumaris.

How they got there: Champion Band of Wales with 182 points with Hefin Evans at the helm

Nationals appearances: 1
1999 – 10th [4th section]

Principal Players
P. Cornet: James Stone
Euph: Alan Smith
Trom: Dafydd Williams
Horn: Lowri Thomas
Sop: Graham Bushell
Flugel: Megan Smith

Band history: The band was formed originally in 1845, but did not prosper and was reformed in 1925. The band deteriorated again and it was left to Hefin Evans’ predecessor, Haydn Smith, to restart again in 1985 with the help of a number of new players. The band attempts to breed young players from the area with a junior band rehearsing once a week while the ‘more senior’ band rehearse twice a week. This band is now a mixture of Primary and Secondary School children, students and a number of more mature members.

The band hosts a number of popular concerts during the year, which are greatly appreciated by the audience not only for their playing, but also for the actions and humour which are an integral part of their presentations

Achievements: 2002 – 9th, Welsh Regional Championships (Section 3)
2002 – 8th, Rhyl Festival of Brass (Section 3)
2003 – 1st, Welsh Regional Championships (Section 4)
2003 – 2nd , Welsh National Eisteddfod (Section 4)

Hayle Town
Area: West of England

Conductor: Derek Johnston

How they got there: Winners of West Area with Derek Johnston in charge – awarded 183 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: James Burns
Euph: Simom Gill
Trom: Steve Andrews
Horn: Heidi Worth
Sop: Tracey Stevens
Flugel: Anthea Lander

Band history: Reformed in 1973 under the influence of Harry Rutter. With enthusiasm and drive over the years, the band has retained stability and the under the current direction of Derek Johnston, the band is now thriving.

Achievements: Winners at Bugle in fourth section,2003

Hilgay Silver
Area: L/SC

Conductor: Andrew Clarke

Andy Clarke joined Hilgay Silver Band in 1986, he conducted the Band until 1999 when he had a break for three years. Andy rejoined the Band in 2002 after working abroad as a Customer and Development Support Manager for a Radio Communication Company in New Zealand, Australia, Korea and Peru to mention a few places and is pleased to be able once again to conduct the band.

Andy was a cornet player before taking over as Musical Director in 1986 and has played and competed at all levels including National Championship Level. During his time as a player he made a number of recordings as well as Television and radio broadcasts.

Including this year, Andy has led the Band three times in qualifying for the National Finals of the Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, the past two occasions were in 1990 and 1997.

How they got there: Under Andrew Clarke, they achieved 179 points and came 3rd

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Roland Smith deputising for Stuart Dean
Euph: Keith Beckett
Trom: Graham Britton
Horn :Jane Clarke
Sop : Nigel Goodrum

Band history: Hilgay Silver Band was founded in 1896. Originally formed by farmers and land workers from the village and surrounding areas. The Band has improved over the years and is now one of Norfolk's premier bands.
The Band performs concerts and engagements at many locations throughout East Anglia.

Hilgay Silver Band competes each year at the East Anglian Spring Festival, this year we competed in the Championship section, and at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, reaching the National Finals at Wembley Conference Centre as well as the Symphony Hall in Birmingham under its present Musical Director, Andy Clarke.
Hilgay Silver have enjoyed success once again this year with a 3rd place in this years National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain London and Southern Counties contest at Stevenage. The finals this year are in Dundee.

Membership of the band is made up from a mixture of professions and also keen school children and the retired.
The band has made a number of recordings, which are for sale, and have made the occasional radio broadcast.

Lockwood Brass
Area: North

Conductor: Nigel Barnes

How they got there: Champion Band for North of England with Nigel Barnes gaining 185 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Graeme Laird
Euph: David Shawcross
Trom: Graham Robinson
Horn: Anne Myers
Sop: Dave Rumney

Band history: In 1998, despite concert and competition successes, both Lingdale Silver and Yarm & District Bands began to founder as players moved away due to work and college commitments. Financial support for Lingdale also disappeared as ICI started to sell many of its divisions. In order for the bands to survive it was decided to form a tentative alliance.

In those early days we had no idea how this would work. In fact, such an alliance was virtually unheard of because of the strong competition that exists between neighbouring bands and the fierce pride they have in their historical and musical identities. Despite, the potential obstacles the alliance thrived, we had contest successes as Yarm & District and sell-out concert success as both Lingdale Silver Band and Yarm & District. For three successive years we performed at the National Brass Band Championships. The loss of several key players meant that the band were unable to continue contesting for a serval years. It felt that the only way forward would be to complete the alliance once and for all by forming Lockwood Brass. As the Lingdale band had their own band room and Yarm had to pay rent it was finally decided that it would be give the bands more financial stability if they moved to one permanent base. The Lingdale band room was given a facelift with new carpet and interior decoration, giving us our new home. The band are named after the nearby parish of Lockwood.

Achievements: French Open Winners, Tameside Open 4th Section runners up, Winners, North of England 4th Section

Long Eaton Silver Prize Band
Area: Midlands

Conductor: Sharon Stansfield

How they got there: Runners Up at Midland area conducted by Sharon Stansfield with 180 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: James Dennis
Euph: Alex Seedhouse
Trom: Helen Grimoldby
Horn: Carol Hanson & Lisa Balsom
Sop: Matthew Dennis
Flugel: Elma Ramplin

Band history: Conductor Sharon Stansfield has been there since 2000 when the band were close to collapse. She was a former player and returned to conduct.

Achievements: 2nd at last years association contest and 3rd at last years areas, 2nd at this years association (NEMBBA) and 2nd at this years areas. When they qualified last year it was the first time for nearly 40 years that the band had qualified!! And repeated the feat. They are 3rd section as from next year

Nelson Brass
Area: North West

Conductor: John North

How they got there: 3rd place at North West area under John North with 179 points

Nationals appearances: 1 (2001)

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Roman Galska
Euph: Andrew Wharton
Trom: Joanne Evans
Horn: Peter Kendall
Sop: Dave Shepherd
Flugel: Nigel Martin

Band history: Nelson Band or later Nelson Prize Band was formed in 1862. By 1873 the band was boasting that in the previous four years it had won 476 pounds 19 shillings in prize money and that it's services were required at every public function. Later in the 1890's the band disbanded only to re-form in 1898 as Nelson Old Band. In 1920 the band acquired Clifford House and became a social club as well as a brass band. During this period the band had many contest successes regularly competing at the famous September contest at Belle Vue in Manchester. The Old Band, however became more of a social club than a musical association and the band split from the club forming two new bands.

Nelson Temperance Band was short-lived. The second band, Nelson Silver Prize Band, lasted until 1956. In 1957 a public meeting was held to consider re-forming the band. A grant of £650.00 was made and Nelson Civic Band was born. Instruments, Music and Uniforms were bought and rehearsals were held in a disused chapel. In 1957 the band played its first concert with Nelson Civic over 60's Choir on Stanley Street, where the band rehearses to this day.

The conductor was Norman Riley, the players contained bandsmen from Nelson Old and Silver bands and players were also borrowed from other bands. Within two years the band had all its own players, a thriving youth section and was competing in contests once more. The band reverted to its name of Nelson Band after local government reorganisation. The 60's were a good time, but the 70's were hard. The 80's saw a regrouping but in the 90's Nelson Band went from strength to strength. 2001 was a special year for the band with them representing the North West in the National Finals together with other contest successes and a trip to Paris. There is a fine mix of players, a dedicated committee and with a lot of hard work, the only way is up!

Achievements: This is the band’s second National appearance (previous 2001) John North took the baton in January of this year and so far has an enviable record as MD - three wins and a place at the finals

Ogmore Valley Silver Brass
Area: Wales

Conductor: Ivor Barnett

How they got there: Runners Up in Wales with 180 points, and Ivor Barnett in charge

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Helen Jones
Euph: Glen Narbeth
Trom: Mark Tunster
Horn: Steve Roderick
Sop: Christine Barnett

Band history: Unclear as to when band started, but origins from 1893. The only competing band in the borough of Bridgend.

Achievements: Won instrumentalist prizes in recent contests. This is the first time the band has reached the national finals in over thirty years

Peebles Burgh Silver
Area: Scotland

Conductor: Iain Fleming

How they got there: Runners up in Scotland, under Derek Broadbent with 83 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Morag Carrie
Euph: Rhona Musgrave
Trom: Andrew Murray
Horn: Christine Grant
Sop: Sandy Hamilton
Flug: Jackie Hamilton

Band history: Peebles Burgh Silver Band is the official brass band of Peebles, a small town in the Borders of Scotland. Formed around 1834, the Band has been providing musical performances such as concerts, contests and parades since then to the present day.

The Band is made up of approximately 27 musicians in the standard Brass Band format. To find out more about the instrumentation of the band and the players who play them, please click on 'musicians' on the main navigation on the left hand side.

The Band is a voluntary organisation and relies entirely upon funding by itself and from grants and donations *
The Band is constantly striving to improve it's performance and is happy to hear from any interested musicians who would like to join or organisation. We are also able to train those who have never played a musical instrument in their life.

Phoenix West Midlands Brass
Area: Midlands

Conductor: David Bishop-Rowe

How they got there: Winners of Midland Fourth Section under David Bishop Rowe with 182 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Lisa Glover
Euph: Vicki Southall
Trom: Geoff Pearson
Horn: Richard Haines
Flugel: Emma Cox
Sop: Martin James

Band history: Phoenix West Midlands Brass formed in September 2000 and consists of members from all over the West Midlands. For the first year, the band established themselves in their local community by performing at concerts such as a charity concert for the Mayor of Sandwell, a Remembrance Concert in aid of the British Legion and a Christmas Carol Broadcast for SAGA 105.7fm Radio to name a few.

The Bands Principal Cornet, Euphonium, Solo & Flugel Horn all developed through their Local Authority Music System (Sandwell) aswell as other band members. The Soprano & Solo Trombone player started their Brass Band life in their local Salvation Army Band.

In March 2002, Phoenix made their debut at the Midlands Areas and came 4th. The band gained valuable experience and went on to participate in their first Entertainments Contest in Rhyl. The band won Best 4th Section Band, Best Soloist & Best Percussion Section. Later in the year, Phoenix won Best 4th Section Band at another Entertainments Contest in Buxton.

At the West Midlands Annual Brass Band Contest in Leamington, the band came 1st in an Own Choice Test Piece Contest

Achievements: The Band came 1st at The Midlands Areas in March and in June this year they retained their titles at Rhyl (Best 4th Section Band & Best Soloist).

Ripon City
Area: North of England

Conductor: Mr Mark Sidwell

Born in 1972, Mark who hails from Ripon in North Yorkshire, began playing the cornet at the age of 8 under Wilfred Heaton. Whilst at music college, this was further developed under the guidance of both Alan Morrison and Phillip McCann. A former pupil of Major Peter Parkes, Mark extended his musical talents into conducting at the age of 18. He has worked with numerous bands throughout the North of England in both a conducting and playing capacity. Being a perfectionist, with a successful past record places him in constant demand, not only as a conductor and player, but also as a private tutor. His demanding schedule takes him all over the North of England. Mark is currently conducting the Chester-Le-Street Riverside band.
Mr Jim Shepherd is the man responsible for getting Ripon to the finals. Unfortunately Jim is unable to conduct us at the finals, and has asked that the band find a conductor who can take on the bands commitments.

How they got there: Runners up in North of England, under James Shepherd – 180 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Darren Spurgeon
Euph: Ross Baldwin
Trom: Steven Fieldhouse
Horn: Theresa Hunt
Sop: Nigel Robertshaw

Band history: The first recorded details of a band in Ripon can be traced back over 150 years. In November 1860, records show that a volunteer band was formed using instruments previously used by the 'City Band'. This volunteer band, under the baton of Sergeant Beckwith, can be traced forward to the present date.

The band has changed its name several times over the years, being known at various times as the Ripon City Prize Band, the Ripon City Silver Band, the City of Ripon Band and the present name of Ripon City Band.

Trinity Girls
Area: North West

Conductor: Stuart Barton

Stuart Barton began his musical career at the age of 8, first learning organ and later piano. His interest in brass bands began, when at the age of 11, he was given the opportunity to play the cornet and join a local band, Orrell Silver. After becoming a member of the Wigan Youth Brass Band no Soprano cornet, he joined the Flixton Band and then moved to join the cornet section of the BT Band.

Stuart graduated form Salford University in 1994, with BA (Hons) in Band Musicianship, gained his PGCE, and is currently Head of Music at Hawkley Hall High School in Wigan.

Since university, Stuart has shown an increasing interest in conducting. His conducting career has seen a number of successful partnerships, the mot notable of which was leading Pemberton Old Wigan Band from the Fourth to the Championship section in just four years. In 1999, Stuart was appointed resident conductor of the BT Band, where he quickly gained a reputation as a promising young conductor.

Trinity Girls Brass Band has gone from strength to strength since Stuart was appointed Musical Director of the band in August 2001.

How they got there: Won North West area under Stuart Barton with 183 points

National’s Appearances: Two (previous to this time)

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Anna Spedding
Euph: Claire Anderton
Trom: Amy Freel
Horn: Lisa Bond:
Sop: Megan Chadwick


Band history: Trinity Girls Brass Band was established in 1959, originally as part of the Girls Guildry. Two years later, the band broke away to become an independent organisation under the name of The Girls Guildry Band. It later became the Trinity Girls Brass Band, named after Holy Trinity Church, to which it had originally belonged.

The band began competing in 1970 and despite such a relatively short history, it has seen many successes, resulting in a reputation and status that is wholly unique. In more recent times, the band has experienced it’s most successful period both in concert and on the contest stage. Having been crowned North West Regional Champions 2003, the band will compete in the National finals for the third time, and as a result the band has been promoted to the Third section nationally, it’s highest ever ranking in its 42 year history.

Current Form: JJB Bier and Brass Fest. 2003 - Fourth Section Winners (Hymn and March)
North West Regional Championships 2003 – Fourth Section Winners
Wilkinson’s Northern Open 2002 – Third Section Winners Wychavon Festival of Brass 2002 – Fourth section Winners

Wardle and District Anderson Brass
Area: North West

Conductor: Phil Shaw

How they got there: Runners up at North West Area with Phil Shaw in charge – 180 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Susan Butterworth
Euph: John Whatmore
Trom: Paul Sharp
Horn: Angela Leedham
Sop:John Chalker
Flugel: Chrstine Longhurst

Band history: Formed in 1988

Achievements: Runners up at Torquay last week into third section for 2004

Woodbridge Excelsior Band
Area: L/SC

Conductor: Evan Howells

Evan started to play a brass instrument at the age of 8 when he joined the Salvation Army Juniors. By age 10, he was Assistant Euphonium with Bedworth Silver, a Midlands colliery band. Making the grade to play with the National Youth Band of Great Britain he became Assistant Euphonium to the City of Coventry Band under Albert Chappell and subsequently won many solo awards on Euphonium in the Midlands
before moving south to become Principal Euphonium with the John Dickinson Aspley Mills works band under Geoffrey Brand. He played for Luton Band for a while, and then after a successful year with the Royal British Legion Band
in Plymouth moved to Ipswich where he played with the Fire Service Band and latterly for the Clacton Co-Operative Band, playing Eb Bass. Evan has been Musical Director of Woodbridge Excelsior Band now for 4 years and the band has flourished under his experienced baton, stemming from his many years of making music with Championship-grade bands and with most of the leading brass-band personalities from the 1950's to the present day. Evan, along with Assistant MD Jackie Walker and her team, is also
responsible for the tuition of the next generation of Woodbridge Excelsior players in the training and intermediate sections. Evan lives with his wife, Alison (who plays Trombone) in Ipswich and they have a daughter Hannah and son Morgan.

How they got there: 2nd place at London region with Evan Howells in charge with 180 points

Nationals appearances: 2
Best Result: 2nd 2003 (4th section).

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Stephen Hewett
Euph: Ian Spence
Trom: Torben Bechmann
Horn: Andrew Walker
Sop: David Clayden

About the Band: There are few bands that have celebrated their 150th anniversary. But Woodbridge Excelsior Band, from Suffolk, celebrated theirs in 1996. There are a number of gaps in the long history of the band, particularly during wartime, but it is known that it was formed in August of 1846 when it began life as the Woodbridge Temperance Band .In those early days the band instrumentation was brass and woodwind and it was not until 1916, when the name was changed to Woodbridge Excelsior Brass Band, that the woodwind, trumpets and French horns were discarded in favour of the recognised brass band instrumentation.

In the contest field the band has never risen to any greatness, but they have recorded some instances of note. In the early 1970's the band appeared on the same bill as the rock band Deep Purple, when the concert was aptly titled Contrast of Music. There was also the privilege of being the first brass band to play at the National Film Theatre in London for the premiere of the film Akenfield. Then in 1977 came a recording for a commercial for Golden Wonder Crisps, when the band had to play the Lincolnshire Poacher 90 times because the child actor was less than co-operative!

Like many bands Woodbridge Excelsior Band has had its share of ups and downs and has recently emerged from a fallow period with the arrival of Evan Howells who has transformed the band to the extent that this September will mark the bands first ever appearance at a National Final in its 157-year history.

Achievements: 2003 2nd (4th section + promotion to 3rd section for 2004), Last year they gained 5th place in 4th section

Current Form: Having not competed at all for at least 8 years, Woodbridge Excelsior returned to the regional arena in 2002, taking 5th place in the 4th section. This year the band has been fortunate to have attracted some very capable new players and following some hard work earlier this year was delighted to achieve 2nd place in the London & Southern Counties Regionals and promotion to the 3rd Section for next year.

Since then the band has been working equally hard on the test piece for the finals and are confident that they can do themselves justice on the day.

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