National Championships 2004 - Harrogate - Third Section
6-Sep-2004Band by band analysis of all the competitors battling it out for the crown of Third Section Champions of Great Britain 2004.
Thanks to all bands that helped us collate this information. An extensive amount of time has gone into putting this together. Unfortunately there are still a few gaps but if you send an email to
stating your band and section we will try to amend your details as soon as possible.
Sunday 12th September 2004
Commences: 9.30am
Test piece: Diamond Heritage, Darroll Barry
Adjuducators: John Maines and Derek Broadbent
Boarshurst
2004 Regional result:
North West – 3rd (181pts in a 19 band field)
Conductor: Jonathon Webster
Biography:
Jonathon joined Boarshurst as Musical Director in September 2001 following an outstanding career as a Baritone Player. He was born into a musical family in Huddersfield and first joined the local Meltham Band as a cornet player at the age of nine before progressing to the Hammond’s Sauce Works Band.
Jonathon then started playing the Baritone during which time, he played with I.M.I. Yorkshire Imperial, Leyland Daf, Black Dyke and Brighouse and Rastrick. Prior to starting to conduct, Jonathon was a member of the highly successful Foden’s Courtois Band. Since joining Boarshurst, the band under his direction has played consistently well as reflected in the high number of contest successes.
Band history:
The Band was first formed in 1849 at Boarshurst School in Greenfield and is now one of the oldest established bands in the country. Rehearsals were in a loft above the stable at Casey Mill and during the summer months under the railway arch at Arthur’s Lane.
Over the years, the band has had several well known conductors, with the legendary Alexander Owen and Harry Mortimer being the being the most famous. Young players have always been encouraged to join the band and in 1976 a Youth Band was established. This was closely followed in 1979 with the new Band Club as the Boarshurst Band’s headquarters. All age groups use the club. During this latter period of time, the band under the leadership of Jonathon Webster has continued to enjoy good results in local, national and international contests. The Band swept the board in the their section in the 2002 French Open Championships and last year, as this represented the North West of England in the National Brass Band championships.
Achievements:
February 2004 First place at the Brass at the Guild Preston
March 2004 Qualified at the Areas in Blackpool
March 2004 Second place at Tameside Contest
April 2004 Third place at Holmfirth Contest
May 2004 First place at Buxton Brass Band Festival
June 2004 Only managed to get to six contests on Whit Friday, but won Eight prizes
June 2004 Best Third Section Band not in top three at Marsden Quick Step Contest
July 2004 Best Third Section Band not in top three at Diggle Quick Step Contest
July 2004 Played for the Opening of the Saddleworth Folk Festival in Uppermill
Principle Players:
Principal Cornet: Martin Stott
Soprano Cornet: Simon Gray
Solo Horn: Susan Lever
Solo Euphonium: Paul Dutton
Flugel Horn: Keith Horsfall
Solo Trombone: Christopher Mansfield
Carlisle St. Stephens
2004 Regional result:
North of England – 2nd (186pts in a 9 band field)
Conductor: D. Dye
Biography:
Born 1951 in Hartlepool David began playing the Tenor Horn at the age of nine, when a junior band was formed by the Hartlepool Old Operatic Brass Band. At about the same time he began piano lessons but was not too keen to practice. However, his grandfather Howard Robson (professional name - Jimmy Howard) was a well known piano and saxophone player who ran and performed in a local Dance Band. This style of music was much more like it and David would visit regularly to learn how to really play the piano.
By the age of thirteen he had moved on to the Head Wrightson Works Band in nearby Stockton where he learned so much from the conductor Cliff Midgley and the players around him. He was now Assistant Church Organist at York Road Methodist Church and organist to several Working Men's Clubs in
Hartlepool.
Since this rather unique introduction to the world of music David has been Head of Music in Comprehensive Schools for approximately twenty years, played the French Horn in Brass Ensembles and various local orchestras and most notably was Principal Tenor Horn with the Ever Ready Band from 1972 until 1991 featuring as a soloist in concerts, TV and radio broadcasts and was appointed Bandmaster from 1989-1991. After this he worked with many Brass Bands around the north of England, and joined Carlisle St. Stephen's Silver Band as MD in the summer of 2002.
Band History:
It all started in a tin-roofed hut on Arthur Street, Currock, in 1904. The noise wasn't much appreciated by local residents, who threw stones on the roof to express their displeasure. Eventually the vicar of St. Stephen's parish church came to the rescue, offering rehearsal space in exchange for our services each month in church.
The band grew from there, and reformed after the First World War. By the mid 20's we became one of the most respected names in British brass banding, winning the Championship Section of the National Finals in 1927 and 1929, with a 2nd placing in 1926 and 3rd in 1928.
Since then fortunes have risen and fallen over the decades, and in this the band's Centenary year the future is looking bright once again. New sponsors Cumberland Building Society have provided real support, some new players have strengthened the band in key areas, and youth development has also played an important role in the improvement of the band. Probably the biggest influence now though is the "Dye factor." When the senior members say they've never had such a good bandmaster, when the concerts sparkle and the test pieces all seem to fall into place, you know something good is happening. On the podium in their Centenary year? Maybe - they've already over come one major hurdle, not the qualifiers, but their hotel cancelling
their booking just 8 days before the contest because they'd double booked with a wedding!
Achievements:
Regionals 2003 - 8th 2nd Section (rel) : 2002: 8th 2nd Section (rel)
Chinnor
2004 Regional result:
London & Southern Counties – 2nd (173pts in a 18 band field)
Conductor: David Pegram
Band history:
A well-established and busy Oxfordshire, Southern Counties Band dating back to the 1850’s.
Achievements:
Regionals 2003 – 8th
2003 - SCABA Autumn Contest – 1st
Principal Players:
P Cornet: Stephen Clapton
Soprano: Stephen Barnes
Solo Horn: Elisabeth Gallacher
Solo Euph: Tristram Church
Solo Trom: Pete Hills
Hayle
2004 Regional result:
West of England – 2nd (184pts in a 19 band field)
Conductor: Derek Johnson
Biography:
Derek was born in Carlisle and began his music studies at the age of five. It was when the family moved to Yorkshire that Derek began his induction into Yorkshire banding, first with the Rossington Colliery Band and then to the Dinnington Colliery Band. At the age of fourteen he joined the Cresswell Colliery Band. His father was appointed musical director of the Camborne Town Band, and so the family moved to Cornwall. His playing career continued playing principal trombone for St Austell, St Keverne, and Camborne Town Band.
He has played in the National Finals in the Albert Hall London on several occasions. In 1992 Derek was asked to conduct the St Keverne Band and so started his conducting career. He is at present professional and resident conductor of the Hayle Town Band and the St Stythians Band and he is also the recording producer for P M SOUND.
Band history:
The band was reformed in 1973 under the influence of band enthusiast Harry Rutter. With enthusiasm and drive over the years, the band retained its stability and the under the current direction of Derek Johnston, is now thriving.
Out of some 20 people who had turned up for the first rehearsal only 3 could play and seeing that there was only 3 instruments that could be used, it was somewhat fortunate. Mr Alan Richards was the first musical director, and in the first year the band managed to attract players from different areas of the band world.
Mr Teddy Irish was appointed as secretary and with his enthusiasm and drive the band started to improve. Captain Tim Richards was the next musical director, and he put his experience to good use with the coaching of the players to attain a good standard in music and the understanding of what brass banding was all about.
After some time the Catholic Church kindly let the band use their hall for rehearsals, and they slowly progressed. With more players coming in to join until eventually with the correct tutoring the band were able to have a junior band to complement the senior players. This all took place under firstly Mr Alan Toy and later with Mr Chris Harris. Here they remained until moving to their present band room in St. John's Street.
Since Derek Johnston has been the musical director our band has gone on to greater things than was originally thought possible, winning many contests.
Achievements:
2004 - 49th Truro Annual Band Contest – 1st
2004 – Bugle – 1st
2003 - 57th Annual Championships of the South West – 1st
2003 - Exmouth Brass Band Entertainments Festival – 1st
Principal Players:
P. Cornet: James Burns
Euph: Simon Phillips
Trom: Steve Andrews
Sop: Tracey Stevens
Flugel: Anthea Lander
Hoover Band (Bolton)
2004 Regional result:
North West – 1st (183pts in a 19 band field)
Conductor: Chris Wormold
Chris Wormald was appointed to Smithills School in 1990, the year he also joined James Shepherd Versatile Brass. He played in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain alongside Ian Bousefield, Nick Childs, Steven Mead and Martin Winter. Chris was MD of Wingates at the 1998 All England Masters and British Open Championships when presented with the Mortimer Medal at Symphony Hall in Birmingham. He has conducted Brighouse & Rastrick, Besses, Wingates and many top bands in concert and formed his highly successful Smithills School Senior Brass Band back in 1992 since when they have won a national or international title together every year to this day since 1994. Chris has conducted Smithills in the USA, Japan, Norway and New Zealand in addition to the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Halls in London over 40 times to date.
Chris is a member of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors and Association of Brass Band Adjudicators and appears on the British Federation List of Adjudicators. He has adjudicated regularly since 1991 including the Yorkshire Area Contests in both 2001 and 2003 and also the 2003 Scottish Areas, Carnegie Trust Championships, Wilkinson Northern Open Championships and British Open Solo and Quartet Championships. He will adjudicate at the Pontins Championships in October and the Scottish Areas in 2005. He was Classic FM Music Teacher of The Year in 2001 and in 2002 won the Gerald Taylor Vocational Award and Brian Hicks Memorial Award for his continued success and dedication to developing brass bands within education.
Band history:
The Hoover Band (Bolton) has been known throughout most of its long and proud history as the Bolton Borough Band which was formed over 200 years ago in 1794. Further documentation chronicles the band leading a procession to celebrate the coronation of Queen Victoria on June 29th 1838, itself an amazing 166 years ago.
Well over a century ago the band changed its name to the Bolton Subscription Band and then to Bolton Subscription Prize Band before returning to the name of Bolton Borough Band once again in 1920 for over 60 years. In 1984 the band accepted sponsorship for the very first time and became known as Warburtons Bolton Band for 8 years. In 1992 the bakery decided not to renew the its sponsorship but the Bolton-based headquarters of the Hoover Foundation stepped in and for the past 12 years has sponsored the band under its new name of the Hoover Band (Bolton).
One of the band’s most well known characters was conductor Ernie Appleyard who led the band for almost a decade from 1979 to 1988. During that time Ernie successfully kept the band in existence through very difficult times. By 2002 playing membership had again dwindled to worryingly low numbers and the band approached Chris Wormald to become its Musical Director that July, just over 2 years ago now.
In addition to its 2004 contest wins and high profile concerts, the band recorded its first ever CD last June entitled A New Beginning and looks forward to making a second CD next Spring.
Achievements:
March 2003: Qualified for Championship Finals in Dundee by finishing 3rd in the N/W Areas (Third Section)
June 2003: Recorded first ever CD with Doyen entitled A New Beginning
September 2003: Runners-Up at the National Brass Band Championship Finals (Third Section).
November 2003: 4th in Section B of Wilkinson Northern Open Contest
March 2004: North West Area Champions
July 2004: Rhyl Festival of Brass Winners (Third Section)
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Lynsey Hayes
Soprano Cornet: Chris Seddon
Solo Tenor Horn: Karen Rawcliffe
Principal Euphonium; Andrew Jackson
Flugel Horn: Janet Gill
Solo Trombone: Chris Wilcox
Jedforest Instrumental
2004 Regional result:
Scotland – 2nd (183pts in a 9 band field)
Conductor: Alan Fernie
Biography:
Alan Fernie hails from Newtongrange, where he joined the local brass band as a youngster. He went on to study trombone at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and played for many of Scotland's leading orchestras.
Today, he is best known as one of the UK's leading arrangers and composers of brass band music. It is virtually impossible to find a brass band anywhere in Britain that has not played at least one of Alan's arrangements. He composed the test piece for the B section in the European Championships this year.
His work as a conductor has taken him all over Scotland, England, and abroad (mainly Norway and Switzerland). Having first taken up the baton at Jedforest some four years ago, Alan has lifted the standard of the band enormously. Alan is a consummate entertainer, and is extremely popular with band members and audiences alike.
Band History:
Jedforest Instrumental Band is based in the small Scottish Border town of Jedburgh, and is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. There are about sixty players involved in the band organisation, ranging in age from 7 to 65, in the senior, junior, and training bands. The bands perform in public about sixty times a year, including 5 major sell-out concerts in the town. All practices take place in the custom-designed Band Hall, opened in March 2001 by HRH The Princess Royal
Achievements:
Nov 2003 Whitburn Contest 1st Third Section (3rd overall)
Nov 2003 Borders Entertainment Contest 1st Third Section (3rd overall) Mar 2004 Scottish Championships 2nd Third Section
Aug 2004 Brass in the Park 1st Third Section (3rd overall)
Principal Players:
Cornet: David Sutherland
Euphonium: Stuart Graham
Trombone: Les Rose
Tenor Horn: Nicola Currie
Soprano: David Lightbody
Flugel: Stuart Black
Lockwood
2004 Regional result:
North of England – 1st (189pts in a 9 band field)
Conductor: John Roberts
Band history:
Lockwood Brass were officially formed in 2002 from the Yarm & District Band and Lingdale Silver. This followed four previous years where the bands had operated as an alliance, carrying out concerts as both Lingdale Silver and Yarm & District and contesting as Yarm & District. After several successful years it was decided that in order to move on the alliance showed be formalised so, named after a local parish, Lockwood Brass were formed. Since forming the band have had great contest success, including winning the Fourth Section at the Pontins Championship just weeks after officially forming.
Achievements:
The band has been placed 1st in eleven of the fourteen contests it has competed in. These have included:
2002 Pontins Championship – First (Fourth Section)
2003 North of England Championships – First (Fourth Section)
2004 Durham League Contest – First (Section D)
2004 North of England Championships – First (Third Section)
2004 Ripon Entertainment Contest – First (Third Section)
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Graeme Laird
Euph: David Shawcross
Horn: Nigel Barnes
Trom: Crawford Hall
Sop: Dave Rumney
Newtown Silver
2004 Regional result:
Wales – 1st (173pts in a 8 band field)
Conductor: Steve Edwards
Biography:
Steve began his association with brass bands as a young boy when he joined the local Salvation Army band in his hometown of Bargoed in South Wales. As he developed his craft he went on to become the youngest ever principal cornet of the Divisional Youth Band. Steve then became solo cornet, and later solo horn of the Hymac [Rhymney] Band.
After moving to Mid-Wales in 1974 Steve became principal cornet of the Newtown Band and formed the Newtown Junior Band and it was the formation and development of this musical group that directed his musical career towards the path of brass teaching, coaching, musical arrangement and conducting.
In 1983 Steve was invited to conduct Newtown band and immediately took them to the success they were going to enjoy for many years. He went on to become associated with many bands in the vicinity including Llanidloes, Aberystwyth, Beaumaris, and the North Powys Youth Band.
In 2000 Steve moved to Milton Keynes where he continued his work with young musicians and became M. D. of the Bradwell junior band. He also formed a ten piece brass group in the area and conducted when he was required. During this time Steve completed the City and Guilds Certificate in Brass Band Training.
He returned to Newtown band in January 2004 and hopes to continue with the success the band is currently enjoying.
Band history:
Newtown band from mid –Wales was formed in 1880 as a brass and reed band, which eventually became known as Newtown Silver Prize Band ,after dropping the reed instruments. The band has been serving the local community ever since and is proud of its strong links with schools and youth bands in the area maintaining its objective to promote brass playing to as many people as it can.
There is a very strong youth policy in the band with a good junior section that is vital to the continued success and
progress of the band. They last qualified for the finals in 1998 in Harrogate however this was followed by a couple of lean years. Next year the band celebrates its 125th year of continuous service.
Achievements: The band has won and been placed in numerous competitions including the Welsh Area, National Eisteddfod, Rhyl Open and also were fortunate to play at the Royal Albert Hall on two occasions in 1984 and 1985 when the finals were held there gaining a creditable 4th place in 1984 playing Suite in F by Gustav Holtz.
The band in recent years have made several recordings and toured Europe extensively, visiting France, Holland, Belgium, Germany and Austria entertaining audiences wherever they perform.
Principal Players:
P. Cornet: David Gardener
Euph: Del Thomas
Horn: Claire Foskett
Trom: Paul Lloyd
Sop: Alan Breeze
Flugel: Phil Pryce
Royal Buckley
2004 Regional result:
Wales – 2nd (172pts in a 8 band field)
Conductor: Gareth Westwood
Biography:
Hailing from the South Wales valleys, Gareth, upon taking up the trombone at the age of 13, found himself playing for his first championship band 2 years later. He moved to Manchester in 2000 to study at the Royal Northern College of Music. During his time at college Gareth has worked with some of the UK's top bands and working with such eminent conductors inspired Gareth to take the baton himself and in his third year of study at the RNCM, he undertook a course of study in conducting with Clark Rundell.
Before coming to Buckley, Gareth has had experience conducting a variety of ensembles including Symphony Orchestra and wind ensembles. Gareth was also assistant conductor to Ian Brownbill at the time he was taking the Haydock Band. At present Gareth also conducts the Rhyl Silver band. He has worked with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and is a founder member of the Northern Cornetts and Sackbutts. Gareth has played with the Kath Dyson Jazz Octet and the Jazz orchestra of the QE2 on its cruise of Norway.
In the summer of 2004, Gareth graduated from the RNCM with an honours degree in music (Bmus {hons}).
Gareth lives in Didsbury, in South Manchester and is currently studying for a PGCE at the Manchester Metropolitan University.
Band history:
Royal Buckley claim to be the oldest surviving brass band in Wales and one of the oldest in Britain being founded 1822, The Royal Buckley Town Band is one of the oldest known brass band's in Great Britain. It is one of only three brass bands to proudly have and indeed be allowed to use the "Royal" title the others being Royal Oakley from Blaenau Ffestiniog and Royal Doulton from the Potteries. Proud of their "Royal" title, although with the passing of time the actual date when it was bestowed to the band cannot be pin-pointed exactly. It is certain that they held the title in 1894, and it was probably around the 1889-1890 period that permission was given, just after the Band had played in Hawarden Castle before the Prince and Princess of Wales (later to become King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra). During the period 1870-1900 the Band was in great demand, especially at Hawarden Castle where the Band would be summoned to attend by the ‘Grand Old Man' as Mr. Gladstone was affectionately called.
In August 1969 the band had the pleasure of playing for the present Prince of Wales when he visited the Shire Hall in Mold, and indeed then he spoke to the Bandmaster enquiring after our "Royal" title.
In 1985 the Band purchased the "Old Fire Station" in Buckley and converted it into a purpose built Bandroom
Achievements:
Best 3rd Section band at the Brighouse Hymn Tune & March Contest in July 2004
Gained promotion to the 2nd Section as from 1/1/05
The band are seasoned travellers having toured Europe on five occasions between 1971-1996 and also have very strong ties with the Cerveny Kostelec band in the Czech Rebublic.
Principal Players:
P. Cornet: Steve Griffiths
Euph: Carolyn Smith
Horn: Julie Davies
Trom: Peter Meredith
Sop: Milne Robinson
Flugel: John Wynne
Sandhurst
2004 Regional result:
London & Southern Counties – 1st (177pts in a 18 band field)
Conductor: Roger Burke
Biography:
Roger Burke was appointed Musical Director of the band in 1995. Born into a musical family in Wigston, Leicestershire, his father taught him to play the cornet from the age of seven. Eight years later he transferred to tenor horn and then to euphonium with the Kibworth Band and then enlisted into The Staff Band Royal Corps of Transport. In 1991 he was selected to serve at The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and it was during these two remaining years that his association with Sandhurst Silver Band first began.
Since leaving the army in 1993 Roger has developed a career as contracts manager for a building consultancy company. Roger always try’s to take account of individual needs and ambitions whilst remaining focused on the enjoyments that the 'hobby' of brass bands can bring. This culture has secured the long term membership of a large number of the bands members.
Band history:
Although the bands history can be traced back as far as 1908, the last few years mark the most significant successes. For the fourth year in a row SSB have made it through the L&SC regional qualifiers to the finals of the National Championships. After decades in the fourth section, the year 2001 saw the breakthrough when the band won the areas and following another first place in 2002 were promoted to the third section. Third place at 2003 areas took SSB on the long journey to Dundee in Scotland. It was Dundee where the band achieved the success it is most proud of, 5th place at the National Finals.
Sandhurst Band enjoys excellent support, from both Bracknell Forest and Sandhurst Town Council. The Sandhurst Mayor has supported the band at every performance at the National Finals as well as many local events. The band’s achievements and contribution to the local community were recognised at Christmas 2003 by Bracknell Council holding a Civic Reception in the band’s honour..
Achievements:
March 2003 L&SC Areas 3rd Place
May 2003 SCABA Entertainment Crawley 2nd Place
Sep 2003 National Finals 5th Place
March 2004 L&SC Areas 1st Place
April 2004 SCABA Spring Contest, Test Piece 2nd Place, March 1st Place, Conductors Prize, Best Instrumentalist (Bob Gates Solo Horn)
May 2004 SCABA Entertainment Crawley 2nd Place
Southern Counties amateur band of year 2002
Principal Players:
P. Cornet: Chris Hill
Euph: Pat Donovan
Horn: Bob Gates
Trom: Georgina Carter
Sop: Derek Hawkins
Flugel Damen Emes
Stamford Brass
2004 Regional result:
Midlands – 2nd (179pts in a 18 band field)
Conductor: Gary Wyatt
Biography:
Gary was born in Evesham, Worcestershire, but spent most of his childhood years in Stockport Cheshire. On leaving school he embarked on a military career, firstly joining the HM Band of the Coldstream Guards and eventually transferring to the Central Band of the Royal Air Force holding the position of Co - Principal Cornet for some 14 years under the direction of Wing Commander Eric Banks and Rob Wiffin. Recently he has become the Principal Cornet of the Band of the RAF Regiment based at RAF Cranwell.
He has travelled the world as a soloist with various Bands including Asia, USA and most of European Countries. He has even played a solo for HM The Queen and The Queen Mum at Windsor Castle. One did enjoy it!
His involvement within Brass Bands stems back to when he and his family moved north to Stockport where his Father was a member of the world famous Fairey Band. Having played in various Brass Bands around the country including Principal Cornet with the Desford Colliery Band, he has more recently become the Principal Cornet of the Ransome Band.
His conducting career started in the mid 1990s and flourished over the last few years conducting various London area bands with great success.
Band history:
Stamford Brass was formed over 100 years ago and for many years carried the title of Stamford Town Prize Silver Band. Over the years this has changed from Stamford Town Band, through Premier Brass - whilst enjoying sponsorship – to the Stamford Brass it carries now. In the list of former conductors, the name of a certain Malcolm Sargeant appears. The band often wonders what happened to him!
For many years the band always rehearsed within the town boundary, and it was with great regret that several years ago it decamped to the village hall in Uffington. However, they are pleased to have built their own purpose built premises, bringing them back within the town’s boundary once more.
For many years the band always contested in the lower sections, until the arrival of Doug Taylor, who directed the band in the eighties and bringing contest success and consolidated their position in the 2nd section. Further consolidation brought promotion to the 1st Section in the 90’s. Currently graded in the third section, they are pleased to have secured promotion back into the 2nd section from January 2004.
Currently enjoying a five year sponsorship arrangement with the Spalding based builders Allison Homes, the band is looking to the future. The current junior band will benefit from a major re-launch in the autumn, whilst plans to commence teaching youngster from scratch are well in hand, and will roll out early in the new year.
Achievements:
In recent times the construction of the new headquarters, back in the town, would have to be greatest achievement. This, along with survival for approx’ 110 years and promotion back into the second section this year, gives the band some pride.
Not being a high level contesting band means that we cannot supply and impressive list of contest successes. This appearance in the Nationals will be our third in the last 12 years. The band is also very proud to have given the only complete performance of Howard Blake’s The Snowman. The concert involved a narrator, pianist and guest soloist. Since then it has been used to raise funds for several charities as well the band.
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Robert Rennard
Soprano Cornet: Lisa Chapman
Flugel Horn: Tony Hill
Solo Horn: Colin Fizjohn
Solo Euphonium: Andy Pickles
Solo Trombone: Jack Calderwood
Eb Bass: Dave Arnold
Shirland Welfare Training
2004 Regional result:
Midlands – 1st (181pts in a 18 band field)
Conductor: Marie Smith
Biography:
Marie is now teaching her second generation of brass players. She has been committed to teaching brass in the village of Shirland for 40 years and has taught five players who have become Champions of Great Britain. Many more have joined these to become professional musicians all over the world.
Born into a brass banding family she was taught to play the cornet at the age of three by her father and later by Harold Barker. Herself a champion and soloist at 15, she became a professional trumpet player with the Ivy Benson Band working abroad, but returned to Derbyshire in her late teens when her father died (conducting Shirland Band at a contest). Marie has continued to teach youngsters from the surrounding area.
Band history:
Shirland Colliery opened in 1864 and a brass band is known to have been in existence in Shirland as early as the 1880s.The Band later moved to Higham, and under the name of the Shirland and Higham Silver Prize Band they gained their first ever prize at Tibshelf Band Contact and Flower Show in 1872. Shirland colliery was finally closed on 28th May 1965, but one facet of mining social history which has remained is the existence of the brass band.
Shirland Band has since the 1960s actively encouraged juniors and the Shirland Welfare Training Band developed from the junior section of the Shirland Band.
Achievements:
Since registering as a fourth section band in 1998, the band has won the Mineworkers Championships in Blackpool in October 2000 and also the North East Midlands Brass Band Association Championships in February 2001. They also qualified for the National finals in September 2001 by being the runners up at the Midlands Championships. In April 2001, the band won first prize in the third & fourth section at Whitwick, Leicester.
In September 2001 the Shirland Welfare Training Band won the National Finals in Preston
2004 – NEMMBA – 1st
2004 - Whit Friday Contests – 3 prizes
2003 – NEMMBA – 2nd
Principal Players:
P. Cornet: Ian Beckett
Euph: Geof Benson
Horn: Victoria Hawarth
Trom: David Moore
Sop: Stefan Maddock
Flugel: Shelley Owen
Shrewton
2004 Regional result:
West of England – 3rd (183pts in a 19 band field)
Conductor: Michael Dunford
Band history:
The band has a long history dating back to 1831 when the first evidence in print of the forerunner of the Shrewton Silver Band appeared. In 1911 the Shrewton Band earned £5 for the Coronation celebrations at Shrewton and in 1934 it was noted that they raised £4 10s from a Sunday Concert for the Gresford Colliery Disaster Fund.
Achievements:
Regionals 2003 12th :
Pontins 2002 – 12th (4)
Slaithwaite
2004 Regional result:
Yorkshire – 2nd (180pts in a 9 band field)
Conductor: Barry Hudson
Barry Hudson's involvement with banding began at the age of seven and has continued with a passion ever since. However his musical claim to fame is that of being the father of trombone virtuoso Nick Hudson!
A former trombone soloist himself with a track record of freelancing with an eclectic mix of ensembles including jazz groups and big bands through to classical brass ensembles and symphony orchestras, Barry's playing and conducting experience began in the Salvation Army. Dovetailing his musical activities with his 'real life' job as chief executive of a London advertising agency and other creative activities as a professional artist and gallery owner, he recorded and broadcast as both resident and guest conductor with various musical ensembles in contest and concert successes throughout Europe.
His musical philosophy is based on a commitment to artistic integrity, creating a faithful interpretation of the composer's intentions and developing a communications channel that is both accessible and memorable. Comments Hudson "I believe the most successful conductors focus on becoming a conduit for the composers original ideas. Like the best soloists, they view their role as a vehicle of expression for the composer's creativity and not simply as an opportunity to display shallow virtuosity".
Although his playing skills have long been eclipsed by his son Nick's achievements, since his appointment as MD at Slaithwaite in September 2003, his imaginative concert programming, motivational skills and methodical rehearsal techniques have made a major contribution to delivering the Band's most successful period in thirty five years.
Band history:
Slaithwaite band was formed in 1892 ,the current band is based on the hillside overlooking the Yorkshire village of Slaithwaite, famous as the location for the popular T.V series "Where the Heart is", near to Huddersfield.
The band has had a varied history over the last 100 years and saw considerable success during the late 1930's and 70's. In the 1960's Roy Newsome was appointed as musical director after several years he was followed by Derek Broadbent who both developed the band forward into the 1970's. We at Slaithwaite are very proud to have had the privilege of providing them with their first stepping stone into their own very successful careers.
The present musical director is Barry Hudson, a formidable trombone player and experienced conductor. Under his leadership not only has he directed the band to enable it to gain a place at the national finals, he has formed a new strategy to cultivate to a wider audience, the band performs a broad repertoire of music for all tastes and occasions, marches and original compositions sit comfortably along side pop, jazz and excepts from stage and screen.
Most members live locally and come from all walks of life including Police officers, teachers, nurses and farmers. Each one is committed to the groups amateur status and all striving to achieve music played to the highest of standards.
The band is eagerly looking forward to Harrogate and competing in the second section next year.
Acheivements
Slaithwaite Band has performed near and far this year giving concerts and competing in contests. Its next venture after Harrogate is a combined concert with Pennine Brass with guest soloist Nick Hudson.
Yorkshire Area 2004 2nd place
Meltham march Contest Best third section Band
Easingwold March Contest Best third section Band
Holmfirth Contest 2nd place amongst 2nd/3rd section bands. Best Hymn tune.
Players.
Solo Cornet: Stuart Cowgill
Soprano Cornet: John Mitchell
Flugel Horn: Amanda Nichols
Solo Horn: Neil Hardy
Solo Euphonium: Peter Brier
Solo Trombone: David Seymour
Stanley Newmarket Colliery
2004 Regional result:
Yorkshire – 1st (181pts in a 9 band field)
Conductor: Keith Wardle
Biography:
Keith is a proud amateur, by day a director of several successful companies. He was born in 1958 and as a player was Great Britain Junior Solo Champion (14 and under) at the age of 11 in 1969. 1st Horn at Thoresby from the age of 8, he became Solo Euphonium at the age of 14, in their heyday, playing at every British Open from the age of 11 to the age of 20. His last spell with “Stanley” was in 1989 when he took them from the 4th section up in to the 3rd.
Band history:
The Stanley Band was formed in 1889 as a String and Wind Band. As the string instruments became unserviceable they were replaced by Brass Instruments and by 1895 were an all Brass Band.
This all brass band were quite successful in their early days as can be shown by their appearance at the National Finals at the Crystal Palace in 1931. At this contest the band were the first to have a female player in their midst at such an important contest – Miss Iris Holdgate aged 10.
1947 saw the band obtain secure sponsorship from the recently nationalised coal industry. The band incorporated the title Newmarket Colliery in to their name.
1981 saw the band in dire straits with only about 10 – 12 players attending rehearsals on a regular basis. The band decided to fight back and by 1992 the band had to find larger premises in which to rehearse. 2002 saw the band obtain a long-term lease on the then disused Gawthorpe Victoria bandroom. From which time the band have progressed steadily so that for 2005 they will be playing in the second section for the second time.
Achievements:
Wilkinsons Contest Nov. 2004 – 3rd Sect.
Mineworkers Contest Skegness Jan 2005 – 2nd Sect
Yorkshire Regional Contest March 2005 – 2nd Sect
Recent Contest Successes
C.I.S.W.O. Contest Blackpool 2nd 2002 2nd Section
Yorkshire Regional Contest 2nd 2003
Thameside Contest 3rd 3rd Section 2003
National Championships Dundee 7th 2003 3rd Section
Yorkshire Regional Contest Winners 3rd Section 2004
Buxton 2004 3rd, 3rd section
Principal Players:
P. Cornet: John Belton
Euph: Martin Hill
Horn: Rhoda Baker
Flugel Horn – Joanne Carr-Wilkinson
Trom: Andrew Crosby
Sop: Kieron Price
St David’s Brass
2004 Regional result:
Scotland – 1st (186pts in a 9 band field)
Conductor: John Dickson
Biography:
Started playing trombone with Kirkintilloch Silver Band’s learners’ class at the age of seven but soon changed to cornet. He was promoted to the senior band at the age of 11 and played with the band for the next 18 years from 3rd cornet to principal cornet. Dumbarton schools - principal trumpet and featured soloist in various concerts. Principal trumpet with the National Wind Band of Scotland.
Studied at the RSAMD under David James for 4 years and won the Trumpet Prize (1976). Gained DRSAM and Teaching Diploma.from Jordanhill College of Education, Glasgow. Did a post graduate year at the RCM under Bob Walton . He played as a freelance trumpet player with BBCSO, SNO, Scottish Ensemble and Scottish Opera.
Returned to Scotland as Brass Teacher at St David’s High School in Dalkeith and was appointed conductor of Dalkieth Burgh Band, winning the 4th Section championship in. (1984). I formed the St David’s High School Band to allow my pupils to experience banding and ensemble playing. The band went on to be the Scottish Youth Champions and also won various accolades and awards at solo and quartet competitions. Other (featured on Radio 2) conducting appointments included Cowdenbeath, Tullis Russell and Penicuik Silver. Recently appointed Conductor of the Midlothian County Band.
He continued my playing career with Whitburn , Scottish Brewers and Kinniel Colliery Bands.
St David’s Brass was entered in the 4th section at the beginning of the 90’s winning the title in 98. The band has won other contests over the years culminating in winning the Scottish 3rd section title this year. Tenor Horn tutor at Napier University in Edinburgh whilst still working at St David’s High School and trumpet tutor at Heriot Watt University.
Band history:
St. David's Brass is a traditional Subscription Band whose membership is comprised of brass and percussion players from Dalkeith and surrounding areas. St. David's Brass developed from the previously successful St. David's High School Brass Band which was formed in 1981 by the then new brass teacher at the school, John A Dickson. Lottery funding was successfully applied for and the resulting grant of £65,900 enabled the now Community Band to buy a complete set of new instruments.
Achievements:
In 1986 the band entered and won the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships in its first ever contest appearance with this victory being followed by a broadcast on B.B.C Radio's Best of Youth Brass. In 1991 it was decided to let the band compete in the Fourth section of the Scottish Championships and in 1998 the band were Scottish 4th Section Champions. This success was followed by the band competing in the National Finals of Great Britain and gaining a highly creditable sixth position. In 2000 the Band entered the annual Forth Valley Contest winning the Third Section. Success when their quartet were placed Second at both the qualifying and Finals of the SBBA School Solos & Quartets Contest.
2002 and 2003 saw the band build on their success by gaining third place at the Scottish Championships on both occasions and the award for the highest placed predominantly Youth Band at the 2003 Brass in the Park competition, before 2004 saw the band win the 3rd Section Scottish Title by three clear points.
Principal Players:
P. Cornet: Stuart Dickson
Euph: Michael Dickson
Horn: Lorna Pryor
Trom: John Kettle
Sop: Dave Kinross
Flugel: Derek Hall
St Dennis
2004 Regional result:
West of England – 1st (187pts in a 19 band field)
Conductor: Brian Minnear
Biography:
Brian Minear is the 4th generation of a brass band family, and commenced his brass band life with the local Stenalees Band. He became a member of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band, where he progressed to the Principal Cornet seat, a position he held for 4 years. He was invited to join the St Dennis Band in 1962, where he held positions of Principal Cornet and later Solo Euphonium and was part of the Band for most of the “Eddie Williams era”.
He gained 4 Prince of Wales medals, specially minted for band who won the hat trick at the Bugle Bandsmens Festival Royal Trophy, and played in the British Open at Belle Vue and the National finals at the Royal Albert Hall. Leaving the Band in 1980 due to work pressures he still involved himself in bands, being a founder member of Kernow Brass with whom he played for a number of years. On taking early retirement from industry in 2001 he was appointed Musical Director of St Dennis Band. His experience as a playing member of the “once famous St Dennis band” has helped bring the Band up to their present standard, having now been promoted to 2nd Section status from 2005.
Band history:
St Dennis Band was formed in 1838 as part of the celebrations for the Coronation of Queen Victoria. In the 1920’s the Band appeared at the Crystal Palace and were very successful Band in the West of England. The Second World War profoundly affected the Band, but afterward they gradually rebuilt and gained successes under W D Lawton, John Harrison and George Thompson in the 1950’s. In 1958 Eddie Williams was appointed Musical Director, and for the next 25 years guided the Band to there most successful period, when they proved to be the most successful and undoubtedly were the best Band in the West of England, with the Band qualifying for the top Section of the National finals no less than 15 times, gaining 6th place in 1978.
They also competed at the British Open when held at Belle Vue on three occasions in the 1960’s.They also won the famous Bugle Bandsmens festival on 17 occasions during this period. At this time the band also had a thriving Youth Section, being The National Youth Champions in 1972 & 73. The 1980’s & 90’s saw a gradual decline in their fortunes and in the mid 1990’s they had reached rock bottom and basically started afresh, moving into the schools in the area to teach young players. The present Band is now a mix of these young players with a number of experienced players.
Achievements:
2003
Cornwall BB Association 3rd Section - 1st
West of England Regional 3rd Section - 2nd
Bugle Bandsmens festival 2nd Section - 4th
National finals 3rd Section - 4th
2004
Cornwall BB Association 2nd Section - 1st
West of England Regional 3rd Section - 1st
Bugle Bandsmens festival 2nd Section - 4th
Principal Players:
Soprano Cornet Andrew Julian
Principal Cornet Jessica Powell
Flugel Horn Zoe Hancock
Solo Eb Horn Garry Lannie
Solo Euphonium Richard Hawkey
Solo Trombone Colin Barret
United Co-op 2000 Brass
2004 Regional result:
North West – 2nd (182pts in a 19 band field)
Conductor: Jamie Meredith
Biography:
Jamie hails originally from Abergavenny, South Wales and started playing Euphonium at 9 years old with Abergavenny Borough Band under the guidance of Eric Powell. At 18 Jamie went to Salford University to study under Nicholas Childs, Peter Graham & Dave King, majoring in performance and brass band arranging. After graduating with BA(hons) in 1994, Jamie became a peripatetic teacher before moving into instrument sales and ultimately setting up his own music business in 2001.
As a player, Jamie has enjoyed stints on solo euphonium with Wingates, Crewe Co-op, Pemberton and currently BT but still lists his time travelling the high seas with the sadly now defunked ' Bier Barons ' as some of his most enjoyable experiences as a player! In conducting terms, Jamie is a relative newcomer having only taken up the baton in anger in November 2003 but since then he has steered United 2000 to a series of contest and concert successes, most notably 2nd place at the North West areas in March 2004.
Jamie's future plans for the band include an appearance at Pontins in October and a CD recording in 2005.
Band history:
The band was formed in 1990 from the South Cheshire Young Brass after gaining sponsorship from the Co-Op Members Relations Committee and had bands entered in the 4th Section and Youth sections as Normid 2000 Band. The band grew from strength to strength and won the North West Area for the Fourth Section in 1994 and represented the area at the National Championships at Wembley. These achievements helped the band achieve promotion to the Third Section.
In 1996 the band moved to Sandbach where they rehearsed for 5 years before returning to their current premises in Crewe in 2001. During this time the band won the Third Section North West Area contest in 1998 after changing the name to United Norwest 2000 Brass in 1997 and represented the area at the Nationals in Harrogate where the band finished in last place!
In 2001 the band were again moving sections however this time it was in the wrong direction back to the third section. This is were they have now remained for the last 3 years. After finishing 5th at Pontins in October last year Jamie Meredith was appointed Musical Director in November 2003 and since then the band have progressed in 2004. Again the band has changed their name this year now being called the United Co-Operatives 2000 Brass. A 2nd place in the North West Area Championships has resulted in them again qualifying for the National Championships for the third time in their history.
Achievements:
October 2003 - 5th Place Pontins Championships 3rd Section
November 2003 - Appoint Jamie Meredith as Musical Director
February 2004 - 2nd Place at contest in Derby
March 2004 - 2nd Place at North West Area Championships 3rd Section
May 2004 - 2nd Place at Buxton Contest 3rd Section
June 2004 - Won March and Hymn Contests for the 3rd Section at JJB Stadium
in Wigan
July 2004 - Hosted concert with the BT band from Stockport in Nantwich
Principal Players:
Not available
West Mercia Constabulary
2004 Regional result:
Midlands – 3rd (177pts in a 18 band field)
Conductor: Steve Pritchard Jones
Biography:
Steve has played a brass instrument since the age of 8. He studied music in Liverpool and at Trinity College of Music, London before beginning a career in the Performing Arts as a conductor, teacher, adjudicator and performer. Steve is employed as Head of Expressive and Performing Arts at a secondary school in Shrewsbury running a large department specialising in Art, Drama, Dance and Drama.
An active musician, he conducts and plays trumpet, cornet and keyboard regularly, as well as arranging and composing music. Steve has played and conducted bands in all sections and his conducting and adjudicating schedule is very busy. He regularly teaches on workshops and is an examiner. Has worked as house tutor on the NYBBGB course. Steve has worked for both the BBC and Granada Television and regularly plays for theatre productions up and down the country. He was one of the first recruits on the Welsh Adjudicator Training Scheme run by Brian Buckley working with band personalities such as Stan Lippeatt, Malcolm Brownbill and Colin Hardy.
Steve is professional musical director of North Powys Youth Band and enjoys working with younger musicians, putting something back into the brass band movement at the early stages of musical education.
A member of the NABBC and a member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.
No other details available.
