2005 Lower Section National Finals - Second Section Runners and Riders
20-Sep-20054BR looks at the runners and riders in the Second Section - all hoping to leave Harrogate crowned as National Champions.
Deiniolen
www.deiniolenband.org.uk
Conductor: Gavin Saynor
Qualified: Winners of the Welsh Championships
Principal Cornet: Jeni Lyn Morris
Euphonium: Leah Grebenar
Soprano: Ieuan Morris
Horn: Dylan Williams
Trombone: Irfon Morris
Flugel: Elin Morris
Eb Bass: Elfed Morris & Goronwy Morris
Percussionist: Carwyn Price
Gavin Saynor:
Gavin started playing tuba at the age of 10 with the Deiniolen Silver Band, and progressed through county level and also the National Youth Brass Band of Wales.
Gavin studied music at the University of Salford and became a member of several top bands including YBS, Fairey and Leyland. In 2003 Gavin was awarded the City of Bergen Soloist Prize for his virtuosic playing during YBS' winning performance at the European Championships.
Gavin has recently been announced as the new principal tuba at the BAYV Band ahead of commencing his studies in Cardiff in September.
His conducting career started with the Menai Bridge Band. Following a stint with the Llanrug Band, Gavin returned in 2005 to conduct Deiniolen to victory at the Welsh Regional in Swansea. The win wasn't Gavin's only conducting success at this year's regional contests - he was also victorious with Jersey Brass at the L&SC contest, and Gavin wishes them well at the finals.
Band history:
Deiniolen is a small village of around 1000 residents in the heart of Snowdonia, North Wales. The Band was formed in 1835, as a quarry band. The majority of today's members, whilst being descendants of quarry workers, come from all walks of life, with only one member continuing the tradition of working in a quarry.
There is a thriving youth section at Deiniolen, something which is emphasised by the fact that nearly half of the band that will be competing at Harrogate are under the age of 21!
The band is very much looking forward to representing the village of Deiniolen, and the whole of Wales, in Harrogate, and wish to thank all the supporters who have helped make this year, a year in which the band celebrates its 170th birthday, so special.
Diggle
www.diggleband.co.uk
Conductor: Norman Law
Qualified: 2nd Place at North West Championships
Principal Cornet: David Pogson
Euphonium: Phil Rose
Soprano: Brian Taylor
Horn: Zoe Woodhead
Trombone: Paul Kershaw
Flugel: Sarah Wrigly
Eb Bass: Eddie Howarth.
Percussion: Mark Gregory & Lesley Cavanaa
Norman C Law:
Norman, began his playing career on trombone with the Alva Town Band quickly progressing to solo trombone.
In 1972 he "emigrated" to England to take solo trombone with the GUS (Footwear) Band, a position he held with various bands for the next 20 years, including Fodens Motor Works, Brighouse & Rastrick and finally eight years with Black Dyke Mills Band.
During his stint at Dyke, the band enjoyed its most successful period, winning the "Grand Slam" in 1985. From 1990-2000 Norman was MD of the Hepworth Band, which he saw promoted to the Championship Section in 1999.
In 2000 Norman became MD of the Old Silkstone Band; they recorded many successes and gained two promotions in five years. Norman has now been involved with Diggle Band since 2002, he has coached them to their second appearance at the National Finals in just three years, and under his directorship the Band has seen two promotions in the same period.
Band history:
In 1996 Diggle Band was reformed after its previous dissolution in 1927. The original plan was to get together players that had retired from competitive banding for a weekly blow in the Band Club in Diggle. The first outing was only a dozen strong, and took place in the only space available in the bandless Diggle band club, the club garage!
Within two years the band had grown to full strength of 27 players, and the upper story in the club had been fully refurbished and converted from a store loft into a first class rehearsal room.
In 2000, it was decided to enter the North-West area as a 4th Section Band. They won, and went onto London for the National Final in the Royal Albert Hall, coming a creditable 5th and promotion to 3rd Section. After three years of consolidation at this grade, in 2003 the band became National Champions 3rd Section under the directorship of Norman Law and the band was once again promoted.
The organization now embraces the main band, the B band and a trainer band with over a hundred playing members.
Granite City Brass
www.granitecitybrass.co.uk
Conductor: David James
Qualified: Winners of Scottish Championships
Principal Cornet: Calum Booth
Euphonium: Kenneth Chapman
Soprano: Alan Haggart
Horn: Moira Ross
Trombone: Sunil Kamath
Flugel: Stewart Gilmour
Eb Bass: Alex Paterson
Principal Percussion: Colin Reid
David James:
David James was born in South Wales and was appointed principal cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain at 16.
He began studies at the Royal Academy of Music London at 17 and was appointed principal trumpet of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra at 20, a post he held for 16 years.
In 1965 he began conducting with the Kirkintilloch Silver band and many of the top Scottish Bands winning numerous prizes. In 1978 he moved to Yorkshire to conduct Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, and also conducted many of the top bands including Grimethorpe, Ransome, Rigid Containers and Imps.
Whilst in Yorkshire he taught at the Royal Northern College of Music, Huddersfield University and Salford University. He has an international reputation both as a conductor and brass clinician, and many professional brass players make the journey to his home in Gallaton just outside Stonehaven for his expertise and advice on problems.
Band history:
The band was formed in 1850 as Stoneywood and Auchmill Union Band. In 1908 the band became the Stoneywood Brass Band and by the end of the Second World War the name had changed yet again and was now Stoneywood Silver Band.
By the 1980's players were drawn from all walks of life and when the old works hall was damaged by fire the link with the mill was finally severed. New rehearsal accommodation was offered by UDI, and so in 1985, Stoneywood Silver moved band hall and became UDI Brass. In 1997 UDI Brass merged with Aberdeen City Band and became UDI (Aberdeen City Band). When the bands merged the Community Band was formed.
The final name change came in August 2003. The bandmembers decided that Granite City Brass was a more apt name to have. Aberdeen is known as the Granite City.
On 4 occasions the band have been in the prize list – 3 of these being 1st places – at the Scottish Championships thus qualifying for the National Finals.
2005 has been a good year for GCB winning the 2nd section at the Scottish Championships and following that with another win at the NCBBA Entertainments contest.
GT Group (Peterlee)
www.gtgroupbandpeterlee.co.uk
Conductor: Barry Holden
Qualified: 2nd Place at North of England Championships
Principal Cornet: Ian Langthorne
Euphonium: Steven Grant
Soprano: John Abbott
Horn: Trevor Winch
Trombone: Graeme Harrison
Flugel: Joe Armstrong
Eb Bass: Peter Lavery
Percussionist: Vincent Ashby-Smith
Barry Holden:
Barry Holden has a wealth of experience at all levels of brass banding. A teacher by profession he has been responsible for the development of several fine young brass players over the years. In his early years Barry studied choral music and continued this interest in the Durham University Choral Society whilst at college.
He started conducting in the late 70s achieving considerable success with Durham Colliery Mechanics taking them from fourth to championship section.
After a break from banding to study for a Master's degree, Barry became MD of Easington Colliery Band and in 1994 MD of Broughtons Brass, a successful association that saw the band achieve championship status in 2000. After spells with Greggs Bakery and Northumbria Police Bands, he was appointed MD at the GT Group Band in 2002. At this time the band was at a low ebb having lost many key players. Barry was able to assist in attracting new players to the band and has overseen improvement, which sees the band promoted to the 1st section at the end of 2005.
Band history:
The G.T Group Band Peterlee was formed in 1974 as the Peterlee Town Band. The band was formed jointly between Peterlee Town Council who bought the instruments and Peterlee Development Corporation who provided the uniforms.
In 1993 the band gained sponsorship from the G.T Group of Companies, an engineering group that has its headquarters in Peterlee, and consequently changed the name to the G.T Group Band Peterlee. Although now known as the G.T Group Band we are still the local town band and have town councillors who sit on the band committee.
The bands schedule includes many and varied engagements. Their commitments to the town council include marching at the head of the carnival procession every September, taking part in the Remberance Day commemorations and providing music for the Mayoresses att Home. Earlier this year the band won the Whitehaven contest.
Hebden Bridge
www.hebdenbridgeband.co.uk
Conductor: Ian Craddock
Qualified: Winners of Yorkshire Championships
Principal Cornet: Grant Taylor
Soprano: Colleen Smail
Flugel Horn: Danny Hirst
Euphonium: Ian Plant
Trombone: Neil Robinson
Horn: Steve Gardner
Eb Bass: Ian Coleman
Percussionists: Steve Rollason and Emma Crossley
Ian Craddock:
Ian Craddock, who is currently a professional music teacher, brings to the band a wealth of knowledge and experience from the music world. For fifteen years Ian was the principle euphonium with the Yorkshire Imperial Metals Band during which time they won the British Open Championship three times, as well as a National Championship victory.
Ian also played with the famous ensemble 'Versatile Brass' at venues in such places as Monte Carlo and Berlin. Ian has also been in demand for solo work with performances across Scandinavia and Europe.
In recent years he has become a well respected Adjudicator, adjudicating not only at the highest level in national contests in the UK but also in Europe.
No Band history was provided
Horsham Borough
www.horshamboroughband.co.uk
Conductor: Glenton Bacon
Qualified: Runners-up at London & SC Championships
Principal Cornet: David Beck
Euphonium: Mike Levett
Soprano: Steve Harrington
Horn: Kay Clarke
Trombone: Karen Maybury
Flugel: Becky Harrington
Eb Bass: Kevin Cole
Principal Percussion: Geoff Clarke
Glenton Bacon:
Glen took over the position of conductor three years ago. A former principal cornet in the band, Glen has been involved in contesting bands since 1983. He started his musical career at the age of 6 with the Salvation Army in Brighton. Conducting Horsham has allowed Glen to work with a very friendly group of enthusiastic musicians and enabled him to bring together a mixture of experience and youthful endeavour.
Glen is very excited at the thought of conducting at the National Finals for the first time, having experienced it on three previous occasions as a player
Band history:
The Band was formed in 1900 as the Horsham Recreation Silver Band and has been providing the sound of brass in the town for 105 years. Two members of the band, Fred Woods & Peter Long have been with the band since 1948 & 1960 respectively.
The Band is very fortunate in having it's own dedicated rehearsal room and meets twice a week with extra rehearsals in preparation for contests and major programmes. The Band are keen supporters of SCABA and have won the first section at Hove for the last two years, this, combined with the qualification for Harrogate, means the Band is currently having its most successful time for a number of years.
At local level the band were Championship Section winners at the SCABA autumn contest in 1989 and 1991. At national level the Band's last appearance at the National Finals was 1990 when the set test-piece was Belmont Variations! Eight of the current band have survived the last 15 years!
After gaining promotion from the second section this year, the Band is eagerly awaiting the challenge of playing in the First Section in 2006.
Lochgelly
www.lochgellyband.com
Conductor: Jim Chamberlain
Qualified: Runners-up at the Scottish Championships
Principal Cornet: Stewart Hepburn
Euphonium: Jane Dewar
Soprano: Rab Nicol
Horn: Fiona McAlpine
Trombone: Aileen Russell
Flugel: Karen Brow
Eb Bass: John Martin
Percussionist: Irene Carstairs
Jim Chamberlain:
Jim Chamberlain began his playing career in 1986 under the tuition of Rita James. He has played for Sharlston Colliery, Jayness (Queensbury), Wallace Arnold (Rothwell), Harlequin Brass (10-piece) and has helped out many of the UK's leading bands including the Yorkshire Building Society and the Scottish Co-op. Jim moved to Scotland in 2000 to pursue his career as a music teacher.
Jim has won several prizes for his fine flugel playing, including the Best Horn/Flugel at the Scottish Solo Championships and the Best Soloist award at the 2004 Carnegie Contest. Jim also teaches and conducts the Scottish Schools Orchestra Trust (SScOT) as well as the Lochgelly Band, and he is looking forward to conducting at the Nationals after he led them to second place in the Scottish Regional Championships, 2005.
Band history:
The Lochgelly Band are based in the town of Lochgelly in Fife in Scotland. The band were formed in the early to mid 19th century although the first recorded instance of a brass band in the town dates from 1854.
Since its formation the band have been active participants in both the contest arena and in public performance. The band are regularly seen at most of the local childrens gala day parades and regularly play concerts throughout the year including an annual Carol concert in the St Andrews Church in the town.
On the contest stage the band were Scottish Champions in 1973 and gained a creditable 6th place at the National Championships Finals in the Royal Albert Hall. More recently the band has had a difficult time in the 90's suffering successive relegations. However at the beginning of the new millennium the band has surged back to prominence with two successive Scottish Championship victories in 2002 and 2003 bringing them back into the Second Section. The band also won the 4th Section of the National Mineworkers Championships in 2002.
In 2005 the band gained second place in the 2nd Section of the Scottish Championship contest to
qualify for their third trip to the National Finals in four years and also acheiving promotion to the 1st Section for the 2006 contest year.
Lockwood Brass
www.lockwoodbrass.co.uk
Conductor: John Roberts
Qualified: Winners of North of England Championships
Principal Cornet: Graeme Laird
Euphonium: Bryan Tams
Trombone: Crawford Hall
Horn: Anne Myers
Soprano: Dave Rumney
Flugel: Fiona Johnson
Eb Bass: Gary Robinson
Percussion: Andrew Wilkinson
John Roberts:
John began his musical career at the age of 10 with the Rothwell Temperance Band, eventually being appointed deputy conductor at the age of 21.
He reached the final of the ‘Young Conductor of the Year' in 1984 and with the Rothwell Band he conducted them to success from the Third to the Championship Section winning many contests and competing at the British open and All England Masters Championships.
He also conducted the Black Dyke Band and was appointed MD at the British Steel Teeside Band in 1993, directing them to the National Finals before becoming MD of the EYMS Band in 1997, winning the North of England Regional Championships.
Latterly he has conduced the former combined bands of Jayess (Queensbury) and Jayess '87 when they combined to form the United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band. He recently left the band after a highly successful period that included their record breaking trip to the New Zealand National Championships.
Band history:
In 1998, the Lingdale Silver and Yarm & District Bands began to founder and it was decided to form a tentative alliance.
Despite, the potential obstacles the alliance thrived, and the band had contest successes as Yarm & District and sell-out concert success as both Lingdale Silver Band and Yarm & District. For three successive years they performed at the National Brass Band Championships.
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 is named after the nearby parish of Lockwood.
RAF St Althan
Conductor: Alan Bourne
Qualified: 2nd Place at the Welsh Championships
Principal Cornet: Andy Parkes
Euphonium: Jayne Smith
Soprano: Claire Bourne
Horn: Michael Caress
Trombone: Jason Page
Flugel: Chris Parkes
Eb Bass: Trevor Boyle
Percussionist: Derek White MBE
Alan Bourne:
Band's MD is Alan R Bourne JP, BMus (Wales), FLCM, ARCM, ADWCMD. Alan accepted the post of Director of Music in December 1986. Prior to his appointment, Alan spent 4 years studying Trumpet at the Welsh College of Music and Drama, 3 years gaining a Bachelor of Music Honours Degree from University College of Wales Aberystwyth and time spent as a post graduate student at Goldsmiths' College, University of London.
A former member of both the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales. Alan is also a member of ABBA, the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators
Band history:
The band was formed in 1938 and despite a short break during the Second World War has been active in and around the Vale of Glamorgan and South Wales ever since. In the RAF Voluntary Band world St Athan is unique, being based entirely at one station, and also being solely brass.
Contest success has included qualifying for the Fourth Section Finals in 1991, 92 and 93, Third Section Finals in 1994, and Second Section Finals in 1999. They regularly compete at the Royal National Eisteddfod, and have claimed numerous prizes over the years.
This year saw victory at the GBBA contest in the Forest of Dean, second place at the Welsh Regional, third at Ebbw Vale and first place in the Second Section at the Royal National Eisteddfod.
The band is also the first choice band of the Football Association of Wales and plays for Internationals in Stadiums around Wales, most recently at the Wales versus England World Cup Qualifier.
Sandhurst Silver
Conductor: Roger Burke
Qualified: Winners of London & SC Championships
Principal Cornet: Chris Hills
Euphonium: Pat Donovan
Soprano: Derek Hawkins
Horn: Bob Gates
Trombone: George. Carter
Flugel: 'Barny' Bowden
Eb Bass: Keith Penton
Percussionist: Dave Roberts
Roger Burke:
Roger was born to a musical family in Wigston, Leicestershire, and at the age of seven his father taught him to play the cornet.
He spent his early years playing with Enderby and Kibworth Bands. In 1971, a move to Euphonium prompted his decision to enlist into the Staff Band Royal Corps of Transport where he completed twenty years service.
In 1991 he was selected to serve at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and it was during these remaining two years of military service that his association with Sandhurst Band began. Since leaving the army in 1993 he has developed a career as a contracts manager with a London based building consultancy. Despite the demands of his work and Sandhurst Band Roger enjoys passing on his knowledge and experience to others and in particular the development of Sandhurst training band.
Band history:
Sandhurst Band is making its fifth consecutive appearance at the national championships. Sharing borders with Berkshire and Hampshire, the band has been making music in the area since 1908.
Almost entirely self sufficient the band exists for the benefit of the community and in this respect enjoys active support from Sandhurst Town and Bracknell Forest Councils. With its own practice facilities built by members in the 1950's the recent refurbishment is testimony to the hard work and commitment of the band members.
A wide variety of engagements has made possible the purchase of replacement instruments and new uniforms. Sharing the town with the famous Military Academy the band enjoy providing musical assistance to them, since the academy has no regular music support itself and depends on external visitors for its musical services.
Promoted to the second section in 2005 and destined for the first section in 2006.
Shirland Welfare Training
www.swtb.co.uk
Conductor: Marie Smith
Qualified: Winners of Midland Championships
Principal Cornet: Ian Beckett
Euphonium: Chloe Noake
Soprano: Stefan Maddock
Horn: Victoria Howarth
Trombone: David Moore
Flugel: Emma Walton
Eb Bass: Nigel Carlisle
Percussionist: Tim Revill
Marie Smith:
Marie has been teaching brass music in the village of Shirland, for over 40 years and is now on her second generation of brass players. She has an exceptional ability to teach children and many of her students have gone on to enjoy professional careers. Five have become national champions of Great Britain.
Marie was taught the cornet at the age of three by her father and has been connected with Shirland ever since. She became a professional trumpet player with the renowned Ivy Benson Band and for a number of years, travelled the world playing music.
As a soloist and champion herself, she has continued to teach music in the area and under her direction Shirland's quartet has won the National Junior Quartet Championship of Great Britain on no less than six occasions.
Under Marie's direction, the band has come a long way formation in 1998 and it is easy to see why. She is a perfectionist musician and conductor who is dedicated to her craft.
Band history:
The present Training Band was formed in 1998, having evolved from the original junior band and it now has around twenty young players, supported by older musicians (mostly the mums and dads) on the larger instruments. Incidentally, these mums and dads were the junior band of the sixties.
The band has maintained a family focus and has actively encouraged youngsters to play, attracting school-age players from the immediate locality, as well as from throughout Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Shirland also has a thriving junior band, where players as young as seven years old are given brass tuition and ensemble experience.
Shirland Welfare Training Band's first major success was in 2000 when it won the British Mineworkers Championships with a very young band. The band then went on to win the Fourth Section National Championships in 2001 and later that same year won the Fourth Section British Mineworkers Championships for the second consecutive time.
Other contest successes include runners up in the Third Section British Mineworkers 2002, winners of the Junior Quartet Championship of Great Britain in consecutive years of 2002 and 2003, the Whit Friday March Youth Sections at Scouthead and Denshaw in 2004 and earlier that year, the band also won the Midlands Third Section Area.
St Keverne
www.stkerverneband.org.uk
Conductor: Derek Greenwood
Qualified: Winners of West of England Championships
Principal Cornet:: Kelvin Retallack
Euphonium: Angela Retallack
Trombone: Gareth Churcher
Horn: Claire Churcher
Soprano: Paul Kneebone
Flugel: Andrew Bellfield
Eb Bass: James Sturges
Percussion: Simon Taylor
Derek Greenwood:
In 1976 Derek left HM Grenadier Guards Band after 10 years as principal euphonium, moving to Cornwall to conduct Camborne band.
He has conducted all Cornwalls premier bands and been guest conductor with bands such as Sun Life, Tredegar, Woodfalls and Aldborne.
He has been at St.Keverne for over 8 very happy years, taking the band to 3 National finals and numerous local titles. He has also lead the youth band to 3 National Titles and 2 BBC youth band of the year titles.
In 2000 he was awarded the Mortimer Medal for his work with youth bands. A member of the adjudicators panel, Derek teaches at Truro School.
Band history:
The band was formed in 1896 and is the most southerly band on mainland Britain. The band boasts its own purpose built premises, affording stunning views over Falmouth Bay. The premises were built by band members in 1971 and extended in 1995.
The bands most notable contest success came in 1976 when they won the National 3rd Section title. There have been numerous other wins at local contests and internationally, but it has been the St.Keverne Youth Band who have won many National titles in the last few years.
The band today is built around these young players, many who have remained with the band whilst finding employment in Cornwall and resulting in 2 weddings from within the band during the past year.
The band's MD since 1996 has been Derek Greenwood, a position from which he retired in September last year, handing over to the late Shaun Thomas. With the tragic loss of Shaun, Derek once again led the band to an emotional win at Torquay, a fitting tribute to the hard work Shaun had put in with the band.
The band has remained undefeated this year, with wins in the 1st section at the CBBA contest as well as both the 2nd section and 1st section at the Bugle contest.
The band have appointed Tom Paulin as their new MD, who will be returning from Australia in time to join the cornet section for Harrogate. Tom will take up his position as MD following the finals as well as tutoring band members and teaching in local schools as part of the County Music Service.
West Yorkshire Police
www.westyorkshire.police.uk
Conductor: Kevin Wadsworth
Qualified: 2nd place at Yorkshire Championships
Principal Cornet: Huug Steketee
Euphonium: Mark Bray
Soprano: Dean Taylor
Horn: Tracey Marsh
Trombone: Eric Lonsdale
Flugel: Paul Cartwright
Eb Bass: Chris Helme
Percussionist: Neil Graham
Kevin Wadsworth:
Kevin started his playing career on cornet at the age of six. He is probably best known for his time as the solo horn player with the Black Dyke Mills Band, joining them at the age of 14 - the youngest player ever to play for them.
Kevin was accepted into the National Youth Brass Band and was the first recipient of the Pye Records Award as outstanding soloist. He attended King Alfred's College, Winchester during which time he was a founder member of the City of London Band. His concert work has included Royal Command Performances, the first appearance at the Proms of a brass band and appearing as guest soloist at the Bergen International Music Festival. He has conducted Nigel Kennedy and Julian Lloyd Webber and has worked with many people from the world of light entertainment including Antony Newly and Petula Clark.
Kevin's brass band conducting experience includes directing Meltham and Meltham Mills, Lockwood, Carlton Main Frickley, Dobcross, Holme Silver and Innovate Skelmanthorpe.
Kevin is also a busy brass band adjudicator and is an Executive Member of ABBA, the U.K. panel of adjudicators.
Band history:
Bradford City Police Band was formed as long ago as 1899, with Leeds City following some fifteen years later.
In 1974 the Leeds and Bradford forces amalgamated to form The West Yorkshire Metropolitan Police, and both bands merged at that time to become The West Yorkshire Police Band.
Initially military in style, in 1984 a new ethos was agreed and from that date the band has been styled in the traditional banding format.
In 1988 the band represented the Yorkshire area in the National Finals in London and after a few years away the band re-entered the area finals a few years ago and has steadily worked its way up from the 4th Section to their 2005 promotion to the 1st Section for 2006
The band was originally composed of all serving Police Officers but the Band now also draws from civilian Police Support Staff, retired Police officers, and members of the public.
Since its inception, the Band appears nationwide for charitable organisations in concerts and parades, and channels all proceeds to the West Yorkshire Police Community Trust which focuses its grant programme on the promotion of a Safer Community.
Wigston
www.wigstonbrassband.com
Conductor: Gary Sleath
Qualified: 2nd place at Midlands Championships
Principal Cornet: Kirk Turner
Euphonium: Tony Mills
Soprano: Mat Bell
Horn: Dave Harrold
Trombone: Phil Hales
Flugel: Ian Hayto
Eb Bass: David Spray
Principal Percussionist: Roger Marvin
Garry Sleath:
Garry Sleath, G Mus., FTCL, LTCL, Cert.Ed. has been the MD of The Wigston Band since 1998. He is a professional teacher and has been Director of Music at the John Cleveland College, in Hinckley, Leicestershire, since 1991.
As well as this, he is an experienced player, having originally gained qualifications on Trumpet. Garry later turned to the Euphonium and has played for many notable organisations including The Birmingham School of Music and, Jaguar Cars, amongst others, and Harry Mortimer's 'Men-o-Brass'. In more recent times Garry can be seen in the Jazz world on Trombone, but still plays Euphonium from time to time.
Garry has also taken the band to many major contests, where they have maintained high marks and on many occasions beaten bands from higher sections. Garry's determination was rewarded this year, when the band won an invitation to represent the Midlands at the National Finals in Harrogate.
Band history:
The history of The Wigston Band can be traced back to the late nineteenth century, when it was founded as 'The Wesleyan Mission Band'.
In 1902, the band changed its name to 'The Wigston Temperance Band' under the baton of a local musical shop owner, Charlie Moore. Charlie continued to conduct the band throughout a significant period of the band's development, which included many appearances at some of the country's most prestigious such as 'The Crystal Palace' and the 'Belle Vue Halls' in Manchester. In the 1950's Charlie passed the baton on to his son, Ted, who carried on the family tradition by taking the band to many contest honours including the National Finals on several occasions.
The band have had a number of successful results in recent years including picking up trophies in the First Section at the Leicester Contest in December and winning the WMBBA contest a couple of years ago. The year 2005 however enabled The Wigston Band to shine once again by coming 2nd in the Midlands Regional Qualifying contest, earning the band a place at the Harrogate Finals.
Wire Brass
www.wirebrass.co.uk
Conductor: Paul Andrews
Qualified: Winners of North West Championships
Principal Cornet: Mike Jones
Euphonium: Dave Woolam
Trombone: Jill Riley
Soprano: Andrea Egginton
Horn: Annabel Stapleton
Flugel: Peter Banks
Eb Bass: Ian Riley
Percussion: Stuart Mann
Paul Andrews:
Paul's biggest challenge came with the formation of Wire Brass in September 2001. A band that he hopes will one day achieve top section status and become something that the people of Warrington will be proud of.
The band has been built on the same principles that my mentor Richard Evans set out all those years ago of team spirit, dedication and commitment. All these qualities can never be achieved however without the fundamental ethic of hard work.
Band history:
Wire Brass was formed in 2001 out of conversations between musicians in the Warrington area. It was thought there was a place in the town for a top quality band, able to put Warrington on the national map in the brass band world and this has been the intention with concerts and contests at local and national level.
A number of the band began their playing in the local youth bands but were forced to join bands out of the district to realise their full potential. The band now intend to rectify this situation by providing a quality band on their own doorstep. The response they have had up to now has been very encouraging with almost every position in the band filled, proving that a top calibre brass band in Warrington has long been needed.
They played their first concert to a crowd of almost 300 people at the Sacred Heart Church in Warrington in December 2001. Originally the band were graded for contests in the second section locally and the third section nationally.
The band won the 2nd Section at the North West Regional Qualifiers, earning them a place in Harrogate and also promotion to the 1st section for next year's contests.
Woodfalls Concert Brass
www.woodfallsconcertbrass.co.uk
Conductor: Steve Dunster
Qualified: 2nd place at West of England Championships
Principal Cornet: Daniel Pearce
Euphonium: Shawn Blaker
Soprano: Mark Godfrey
Horn: Naomi Pearce
Trombone: Martin Dean
Flugel: Tom Beddoes
Eb Bass: Alan Glass
Percussionist: Paul Lovegrove
Steve Dunster:
As a conductor, Steve has received years of helpful direction from Melvin White and Derek Broadbent. Since 1997, he has held the position of Musical Director for seven brass ensembles (several concurrently) including contesting, concert and youth bands.
Recently he has been engaged as a guest conductor for the famous SWT Woodfalls Band as well being the Director of Music for Woodfalls Concert Brass since 2003.
As an adjudicator he has adjudicated locally at Brass Entertainment and Solo Contests since 2001.
As a songwriter Steve has worked with international lyricists and one of the most successful recording engineers in the UK. Since December 2004 he has been engaged to compose six film scores for directors in England, Scotland and America in a variety of genres.
Band history:
Woodfalls Concert Brass was originally formed in 1976 as a Junior Band, with an average age of 10 years.
The 40 players were given lessons by Reg Spreadbury and Ron Bligh, with Ron being the bands conductor until 2002/03. The band soon started entering youth competitions, and in 1981 won the Wessex Youth Contest and started competing in the 4th section National contests.
Since then the band has steadily moved up through the ranks and had a short spell in the 1st section in 2001/02. This was impressive for the band, since being made up of young member's results in players regularly leaving to take up further education or careers. Players from the band have gone on to play in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.
