The Centaur, Cheltenham
22-23 September

Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver

Conductor: Joanne Sykes

The Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band was formed in 1980 with 14 playters by Angela Lowe, using instruments from the old Radstock Silver Band, £400 from the Midsomer Norton Band and a grant from the Local Council.

Her boundless enthusiasm drove forward the band, which went from strength to strength and although she sadly passed away in 2003, the Band has continued to thrive.

In 2010 Jo Sykes took over the position of MD and in November 2011 the band entered the Fourth Section of the SWBBA Championship and came second. In 2012 the band made history in winning its first Area title at the West of England Fourth Section Championships in Torquay.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Clare Knight
Principal Euphonium: Rob Gould
Soprano: Mark Johnson
Solo Horn: Mark Lewis
Principal Trombone: Stevan Dera
Flugel: Louise Perryman
Baritone: Claire Burt
Eb Bass: Tony Knight
Bb Bass: Richard Kitley
Principal Percussionist: David Collyer

Qualification:
Region: West of England
Qualified: Winners (J. Sykes)

Conductor:
Joanne's musical roots are also based firmly in Yorkshire brass bands.

A highly respected teacher of brass, woodwind, drumming and the guitar in schools both private and state across Somerset in the UK, she has also performed at many of the UK’s leading concert venues.

In 2006 Joanne became MD of the Wincanton Silver Band, qualifying them to the National Finals at her first attempt. She repeated the feat with Midsomer Norton at the West of England Championships this year, winning the title against a huge field of rivals.

Joanne is a trustee and advisor to the National School Band Association and is Patron of the Frome Choral Society.

Test Piece Views:
None given

Bletchington Silver

Conductor: Nigel Hall

The band was formed in 1920 and with a couple of lapses has continued pretty much uninterrupted ever since.

The current resurgence began 18 or so years ago when the band provided a training environment with starter groups, and a senior band. The current band has many musicians who started then, supplemented over time by players drawn through the training organisation.

The band entered their first Area contest in 2003 and in 2005 qualified for the National Finals in Harrogate. Some inconsistent years followed but coming 3rd at the Areas in Stevenage this year secured a place at the Finals for a second time.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Sheldon Barwick
Principal Euphonium: Will Taylor
Soprano: Bridget Owen
Solo Horn: Lynne Whitely
Principal Trombone: Ken Westgate
Flugel: Kerry Wells
Baritone: Eugene Gratwohl
Eb Bass: Kevin Knight
Bb Bass: Nigel Surman
Principal Percussionist: Andy Baulch

Qualification:
Region: London & Southern Counties
Qualified: 3rd (N. Hall)

Conductor:
Nigel began his musical education at the age of eleven and later joined Brackley & District Band and then Yarnton Band near Oxford.

After a period away from banding he returned in 1995, with a number of his compositions and arrangements being published, latterly with his music publishing company, MMI Music.

Nigel has also conducted Amersham, Pangbourne Silver and Corby Bands before joining Bletchington Silver Band as MD is 2006. He is also a respected adjudicator.

Test Piece Views:
The band are enjoying playing A British Isles Suite; it’s nice to have a new piece to play.

We feel it’s a good test for a fourth section band. Each section has something to challenge them.

Burbage (Buxton)

Conductor: Steve Critchlow

Established in 1861, Burbage Band is one of the oldest in the world, and proudly maintains its original aims and objectives.

The team and community spirit actually became so strong that during World War One all the members signed up and marched together to the Somme as a band.

In the late 1920s they became so successful that they were able to engage Harry Mortimer as a professional conductor. Under his baton the band entered several contests in which they were successful and, under different conductors, the band has been contesting ever since.

MD Steve Critchlow, was appointed in 1994 and has ushered in a period of great stability and success.

With a full line up of players, most of who have been products of the Burbage Junior and Training Bands, they enjoy a busy line up of engagements and were crowned Midlands Regional champions in 2011 – a result they repeated 2012.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Carl Gartside
Solo Euphonium: David Errington
Solo Trombone: Mark Shirt
Soprano: James Gratton
Flugel: Kieran Jones
Horn: Laura Critchlow
Baritone: Jeanne Henson
Eb Bass: Gareth Holder
Bb Bass: Paul Shirt
Percussion: James Rushworth

Qualification:
Region: Midlands
Qualified: Winners (S. Critchlow)

Conductor:
Steve started cornet playing at the age of 11 and had private lesson with trumpet player Morris McLean.

Steve gained a place in the senior Burbage Band and rose quickly to play solo cornet. During his A level years he started conducting the Burbage Junior Band and his success was quickly noted by the senior band, where he soon found himself acting as bandmaster.

In 1994 he was appointed MD – a role he still holds 18 years later.

During his tenure the band has become widely renowned as an innovative concert and contesting outfit, claiming successive Midlands Area title in the past two years.

Test Piece Views:
None given

Dunston Silver

Conductor: Steven Archer

Dunston Silver Band has been in existence since 1902 and performed at the National Championships in 1913 at Crystal Palace.

During the 1960s, the band undertook several tours of the continent, including a concert in the British Embassy in Berne and broadcast on Swiss radio.

For many years, Dunston was non-contesting and only returned in the late 1990s. In 2005, they represented the Northern Region at the National Finals. Since 2009, they have received support from Bristol Street Motors which has assisted in their development.

Under MD Steven Archer, the band has won its last two contests, a 100% record of success for a conductor new to brass bands. Recently they have performed with rock bands and opera singers and will work in association with the City of Sunderland College Music Department on new projects.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: John Myers
Principal Euphonium: Louise Wright
Soprano: Verity O’Hara
Solo Horn: Justin Short
Solo Trombone: Steve Hill
Flugel: Jim Kelly
Baritone: Brendan Bell
Eb Bass: Derek Duggan
Bb Bass: Dave Jakeman
Percussion: Alan Tullett

Qualification:
Region: North of England
Qualified: Winners (S. Archer)

Conductor:
Steven’s first introduction to music was at the age of 11 when he took up the tuba. With a keen interest in both harmony, analysis of music, composition and arrangement it led him to two professional diplomas in Musical Direction at distinction level.

Steven joined Dunston Silver as an Eb Bass player in 2007 and was appointed Musical Director in 2011.

Although new to brass band conducting, Steven has built up many years of experience with orchestras, military bands and most recently directing rock and big bands and operatic soloists.

Test Piece Views:
Feelings are mixed in the band regarding this test piece. When we first got the piece, it was disliked by many however it has grown on us as we have played it more.

The MD remarks that I’ll personally be looking out for more of Mr. Bates’ compositions in future which I’m hoping will be given more consideration when it comes to the application of tonality and timbre.

Launceston Town

Conductor: Dave Dobson

Launceston Town Band takes its name from the town of Launceston, situated on the border between Devon and Cornwall whose division is made by the River Tamar. This famous Cornish band was originally formed in 1919.

Launceston Town Band are a friendly group of brass musicians, a good mixture of young and not so young who rehearse weekly in preparation for concerts, contests, and civic duties.

The band has enjoyed growing success in recent years, winning the Exmouth Festival and the SWBBA Fourth Section titles in 2011 and qualifying for the National Finals in Torquay earlier this year.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Ann Brown
Principal Euphonium: Steve Wagstaff
Soprano: Julie Dobson
Solo Horn: Josie Whale
Principal Trombone: Nigel Joy
Flugel: Ellie Joy
Baritone: Karena Smith
Eb Bass: Steve Brown
Bb Bass: Jack Ayland
Principal Percussionist: Gemma Brown

Qualification:
Region: West of Engand
Qualified: 3rd (D. Dobson)

Conductor:
Dave became began playing Bb Bass in his local Midlands brass band before eventually playing with Championship Section Banks's Brewery until he moved to Cornwall in 1987.

There he played for Launceston Town and conducted the Launceston Youth Band in one of their first contest performances, before moving to Bodmin Town, where he enjoyed several years of success including two National Finals appearances at the Royal Albert Hall.

He continued to build up the Youth Band at Bodmin as well as conducting at Bude Town, taking them from a just 12 players to winning the Cornish Fourth Section title in under 2 years.

Dave has also conducted Mount Charles senior and youth bands, Bugle and Saltash, which he led them from the Third Section to become West of England Champions, gaining 7th place at the National Finals in 2001.

Dave he was appointed MD of Launceston Town Band in 2006.

Test Piece Views:
The band likes the test piece very much. There’s plenty to challenge all sections, but it’s fun to rehearse.

The players think it’s a good test for the whole band but especially the soloists.

Norfolk Wherry Brass

Conductor: Andrew Craze

Norfolk Wherry Brass was formed in 2004 by a group of brass musicians from across Norfolk and Suffolk.

They started from humble beginnings with no music, instruments, equipment or uniforms, and had to borrow most of these in the early days from local friendly bands. Ever since, the players and supporters have worked hard to build the band at an impressive speed.

In March 2005 they made their debut at the Area contest, where they won from a field of 22 bands, going on to come 5th at Harrogate.

They repeated their victory in the Third Section at Stevenage in 2006 and qualified for the third time for the National Finals in 2012.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet:
Soprano:
Flugel:
Solo Horn:
Baritone:
Solo Euphonium:
Solo Trombone:
Eb Bass:
Bb Bass:
Percussion:

Qualification:
Region: London & Southern Counties
Qualified: 2nd (A. Craze)

Conductor:
No details given

Test Piece Views:
None given

Rhyl Silver

Conductor: Keith Jones

Rhyl Silver Band has been in existence for over 130 years and serves its community by providing free musical instruction for all ages.

The band is self-financing with some well received and regular help from the Rhyl Town Council.

They have become an important part of the local community with the ambition to move back up through the sections in the years to come.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Stuart Parry
Principal Euphonium: Matthew Stenson
Soprano: Julian Joannidi
Solo Horn: Steff Butler
Principal Trombone: Carl Davies
Flugel: Rhian Jones
Solo Baritone: Phil Copeman
Eb bass: Geoff Lewis
BBb bass: Carrie Ornsby
Principal Percussionist: Steffan Rhys Owens

Qualification:
Region: Wales
Qualified: 2nd (K. Jones)

Conductor:
No details given

Test Piece Views:
None given

Severn Tunnel

Conductor: Josh Ruck

The Severn Tunnel Band was formed in 1923 with a majority of the early members working on the Great Western Railway network at nearby stations and engine sheds.

This will be the band’s eighth visit to the National Finals, with a best result so far coming in 1971 when they were placed second in the Fourth Section.

Following the success at the Welsh Area the band was placed third in the Third Section SEWBB Championships and first in the Fourth Section at the Weston Super Mare contest.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Steve Ruck
Principal Euphonium: John Ayres
Soprano: Caroline Williams
Solo Horn: Leanna Bollen
Principal Trombone: Andrea Ayres
Flugel: Julie Spencer
Eb Bass: Daniel Jones
Principal Percussionist: James Montague

Qualification:
Region: Wales
Qualified: Winners (J. Ruck)

Conductor:
Josh first began conducting at the age of 16 during the summer holidays with the Pillowell Silver Band - standing-in when his Dad was busy!

At 17 he conducted Pillowell Silver at their 120th anniversary concert on a piece that he composed especially for the occasion.

In May 2011 he was appointed MD at Severn Tunnel and started working with the band to develop a greater level of consistency. This certainly paid off in March when the band won the Fourth Section Welsh Area, booking a place at the National Finals.

In March 2012 Josh was appointed resident conductor of the Tongwynlais Temperance Band.

Test Piece Views:
None given

Darwen Brass

Conductor: Steve Hartley

Darwen Brass has only been in existence for a short period of time, having formed in April 2007.

The band has been conducted since its formation by Steve Hartley, and has enjoyed considerable success on the contest stage, recording victories every year since.
Major contest achievements include wins at Fleetwood, St Helens, Brass at the Guild and Tameside.

They are the current Fourth Section Tameside Open champions, and qualified for Cheltenham by virtue of gaining 3rd place at the North West Areal contest at Blackpool.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Laura Kendall
Principal Euphonium: Dave Thomas
Soprano: Mandy Pickles
Solo Horn: Cat Carey
Principal Trombone: Matt Haworth
Flugel: Janet Walsh
Baritone: Fred Elliott
Eb Bass: Martin Crankshaw
Bb Bass: Tommy Stingfellow
Principal Percussionist: Dom Hogan

Qualification:
Region: North West
Qualified: 3rd (S. Hartley)

Conductor:
Steve Hartley was born in North Wales, and played with many local bands including Gresford Colliery and City of Chester. He attended Salford College graduating with a Diploma in Band Musicianship.

His conducting career started with the Windsor Band in Salford, later enjoying spells with Todmorden Old, Haworth, Golborne, Marton Mere Park, Poulton le Fylde, Thornton Cleveleys and North Fylde Brass.

He is employed as a civil servant in Blackpool, and also instructs a number of pupils in brass playing and music theory. He has conducted Darwen Brass since its formation, and is proud to share his most successful conducting achievements.

Test Piece Views:
Darwen Brass has enjoyed working on A British Isles Suite, and feels that it will be a good test for all the bands at Cheltenham.

There are lots of strong melodies, and rhythmic challenges, with plenty to do for band and soloists.

Ireland Colliery Chesterfield

Conductor: Ian Knapton

Little is known about the early history of the band, although it is believed they have been in existence for well over 150 years and may well be linked to the Chesterfield Band that was a prize winner at the British Open in the early 1860’s.

Following the decline of the mining industry, Ireland Colliery, Chesterfield and Pearsons Pottery Band merged to form what has now become ICCB.

The current band has a mixture of youth and experience, led by MD, Ian Knapton.

The band returned to the contesting stage in 2004, and has since enjoyed its most successful contesting period between 2009 and 2012, qualifying for the National Finals on two successive occasions and being crowned Fourth Section Bolsover entertainment champions.

Since 2011 the band has enjoyed the valuable sponsorship support of Conceptunet Ltd.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: George Newbould
Principal Euphonium: Martin Squires
Soprano: John Squires
Solo Horn: Rob Smith
Principal Trombone: Carrie Knapton
Flugel: Karen Squires
Baritone: Bev Smith
Eb Bass: Simon Whyatt
Bb Bass: Dennis Sedgwick
Principal Percussionist: Jeremy Newman

Qualification:
Region: Midlands
Qualified: 2nd (I. Knapton)

Conductor:
Ian began conducting in 1999 taking Emley Band back to contesting after a four year absence.

After two years he became the resident conductor at Harworth Band under their professional conductor John Davis, and in 2003 Ian joined Ireland Colliery as MD, taking them through a rebuilding battle after they were close to folding. Ian has led the band at the Area contest every year and under his baton they have enjoyed an extended period of contesting success.

In 2011 Ian led the band to the National Finals for the first time in over 20 years – a feat repeated in 2012. The band will be promoted to the Third Section in 2013.

In 2008 Ian took to the centre of Old Trafford in front of 80,000 people to conduct Katherine Jenkins before the Super League Grand Final.

Test Piece Views:
The piece has plenty for each player to get to grips and we are enjoying getting to grips with it in rehearsals.

Golborne

Conductor: Paul Andrews

Golborne Band is one of the oldest 'village' bands in the country, formed in 1867.

Reformed in 1922 as the Golborne Public Subscription Band and again in 1950, and they won their first title at Rhyl in 1955.

Many prizes followed and the band has enjoyed considerable success under many different conductors. They qualified for the National Finals for the first time in 2011 and in 2012, under the baton of Paul Andrews they claimed the North West Area Fourth Section title.

This was the first time in the band’s long history that they won an Area competition and as a result gained the band qualification to the National finals for a second successive year.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: James Lyon
Principal Euphonium: Karen Jones
Soprano: Eddie Hill
Solo Horn: Tom Swift
Principal Trombone: Lesley Quirk
Flugel: Jennifer Grayson
Baritone: Norma Tinsley
Eb Bass: Paul Beardsmore
Bb Bass: Stephan Day
Principal Percussionist: Liam Taylor

Qualification:
Region: North West
Qualified: Winners (P. Andrews)

Conductor:
Since becoming a respected freelance conductor, Paul has more time to dedicate himself to his passion of Professional Development – using his expertise and programme to lead Golborne to their 2012 Area success.

Paul first learned to play euphonium under the guidance of his father, Len Andrews. With 17 years of top class playing and 22 years of successful conducting experience, he has found himself in great demand, not only nationally but internationally, working successfully recently with Brisbane Excelsior Band in Australia.

Test Piece Views:
The band is enjoying rehearsing 'The British Isle Suite' and look forward to presenting their interpretation on the 22nd September.

Parr Band (Richardson Ltd) St Helens

Conductor: John Ludden

The band was formed in 1936 as Parr Public Band, later changing its name in the 1970’s to reflect it place of origin.

The band has enjoyed considerable success over the years, winning a prize at Belle Vue in May 1937 all the way though a trio of National Finals appearances in the 1960’s claiming second place in 1963 in the Second Section.

Although they endured a lean time in the 1980’s, the following decade saw a revival. Between 1991 and 2003 the band claimed 51 prizes, many on Whit Friday, where they became highly respected.

In 2011 the band enjoyed a fine contesting season, and this carried on into 2012, with qualification to the National Finals backed by further Whit Friday success.

Principal players:
Principal cornet: Christine Houlton
Principal Euphonium: Helen Wildman
Soprano: Martin Halliwell
Solo Horn: Joanne Ludden
Principal Trombone: Peter Middlehurst
Flugel: Laura Bethom
Solo Baritone: Lewis Sanderson
E flat Bass: Louise Molyneux
B flat Bass: John Parkinson

Qualification:
Region: North West
Qualified: 2nd (J. Ludden)

Conductor:
John joined the Parr Band in 1971, and after training to be a music teacher, John returned in 1983 first as a player then as a highly respected MD.

John initially conducted the band until 2003, winning 51 trophies along the way, before enjoying spells at Greenall's and Skelmersdale before his return again in 2010.

Since them the band has won 19 trophies and secured promotion to the Third Section for 2013. John also won a Gold Medal with Greenall's at the 2005 World Music Contest although he is making his debut at the National Finals this year after 41 years as a player and conductor.

Test Piece Views:
The band and conductor are really enjoying this piece of music.

Newhall

Conductor: Kevin Holdgate

Although the exact date of the band's formation is not known, its history goes back to at least 1860 when it was known as St John's Church Band.

The band achieved Championship Section status in 1971, following success in being crowned Area and National Second Section National champions and winning the Grand Shield.

During the early 1970’s, Newhall (with sponsorship back) enjoyed its most successful period under MD Ernest Woodhouse, culminating in several appearances at the National Finals and British Open.

In the 1990s the band entered a difficult period withdrawing from the contesting arena, but returned in 1997, qualifying for the National Finals - an achievement they repeated in 2004.

In 2008 the band appointed Kevin Holdgate as its MD, with the partnership claiming prizes at the WMBBA, LBBA, Ireland Colliery Entertainment Contest and the Area in the past few years.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Helen Kirkby
Principal Euphonium: Jo Priestley
Soprano: Gary Stokes
Solo Horn: Patricia Woodings
Principal Trombone: Claire Hopcott
Flugel: Chris Sweeney
Baritone: Ian Perks
Eb Bass: Colin Clulow
Bb Bass: Patrick Marklew
Principal Percussionist: Adam Hawkins

Qualification:
Region: Midlands
Qualified: 3rd (K. Holdgate)

Conductor:
Kevin was born and raised in Yorkshire. His father and grandfather were both trombone players and by the age of 11 Kevin was solo trombone of Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band.

He continued with Carlton Main for a number of years whilst also performing in the jazz and orchestral fields, playing for the National Youth Orchestra and a number of symphony orchestras.

In 1978 Kevin joined the famous James Shepherd Versatile Brass and also became solo trombone of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band. In 1994, Kevin became a member of the illustrious collection of brass band legends that formed the Kings of Brass.

Kevin has played as a freelance trombone player and is in demand as a lead trombone with a number of jazz big bands. He is an instrumental brass teacher in Derbyshire, and combines this with composing and arranging.

Test Piece Views:
None given

Linthwaite

Conductor: Tony Jaeger-Fozard

Linthwaite Band was formed in 1852, and is believed to be one of the first recognized fully registered brass bands in Great Britain.

The band was extremely active during the 1950’s, claiming a prize at the Third Section Daily Herald Contest in 1956. Always competitively active in more recent years the band qualified as Yorkshire Area Champion for the 2002 National Finals in Torquay.

After a ten year absence, during which time they have enjoyed local and national success they qualified for the National Finals as Fourth Section Yorkshire Area Champions, gaining promotion to the Third Section for 2013.

The current band still contains ten players who participated at Torquay in 2002.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Matthew Roebuck
Soprano: Cathy Eastwood
Flugel: Steve Bonner
Solo Horn: Sandra Bonner
Baritone: Dan Sawyer
Solo Euphonium: Matthew Brook
Solo Trombone: Jonathan Eastwood
Eb Bass: Peter Swallow
Bb Bass: Bob Eastwood
Percussion: Neil Prescott

Qualification:
Region: Yorkshire
Qualified: Winners (T. Jaeger-Fozard)

Conductor:
Tony Jaeger-Fozard, took up the baton at Linthwaite in 2011.

He is a professional musician who graduated from Salford University after enjoying a distinguished military band career in the armed forces through the 1970’s and 80’s.

Tony has been associated with many bands, at all levels, both locally and overseas as a player, conductor, composer and arranger.

Test Piece Views:
None given

Andover Town

Conductor: Steve Large

Formed in November 2010 by a group of ambitious local brass players, Andover Town Band aims to be the band of the community, for the community.

Players range from 7 to 77 years old and many have family members playing alongside each other.

Despite their short time together, the band have already experienced contest success, with podium finishes at the Weymouth contest, winning 5 out of 6 trophies at the Wessex Youth band contest and coming runner –up at the West of England Area this year.

The band has just returned from a continental tour to Italy and Luxembourg.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Adrian Wallace
Principal Euphonium: Kay French
Soprano: Adam Large
Solo Horn: Marie Wilds
Principal Trombone: Jan Walukiewicz
Flugel: Joanna Walukiewicz
Baritone: Alison Large
Eb Bass: Dave Wilds
Bb Bass: Graham Capper
Principal Percussionist: Chris Judd & Chris Elmslie

Qualification:
Region: West of England
Qualified: 2nd (S. Large)

Conductor:
No information given

Test Piece Views:
A British Isles Suite is proving to be an excellent test for a 4th Section band, with challenges for players in all the sections of the band including percussion.

It will certainly be a test of the basics, and our young players are working very hard to get the most out of the piece. The band has already given performances in Vianden, Luxembourg on our recent tour.

Hawk Green

Conductor: Neil Hewson

Hawk Green Band was formed in 1982 as a feeder band for the Marple Band.

Originally conducted by Peter Christian, it soon became independent and started contesting, winning its first contest at Pilkingtons in 1988.

It took the name Hawk Green Band in 1997 after Hawk Green Cricket Club kindly provided rehearsal facilities. The Marple and Hawk Green Bands now constitute the Marple brass band organisation.

The band qualified for the Fourth Section National Finals as Marple B in 1990 and again in 1995 (Third Section).

It has risen to the First Section on two occasions and has a proud contesting record, winning awards at Pontins and Buxton as well as the Whit Friday March Contests, where they came third overall at the Denton Contest in 2011.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Hayley Tuite
Principal Euphonium: Peter Gill
Soprano: Tommy Jobson
Solo Horn: Ian Waterhouse
Principal Trombone: Alyson Jarvis
Flugel: Ruth Sim Mutch
Baritone: Peter Johnson
Eb Bass: Phil Jones
Bb Bass: Nigel Moore
Principal Percussionist: Valerie Langfield

Qualification:
Region: North West
Qualified: 4th (N. Hewson)

Conductor:
Neil began has brass banding career with the Egglescliffe School Band before joining Billingham Silver and later Ever Ready.

Neil studied at the RNCM under the guidance of Howard Snell and Martin Winter, joining the Britannia Building Society Band, BNFL and finally, Williams Fairey Band on flugel horn helping them to win both the British Open and the National Championships of Great Britain.

In 1998 Neil was awarded the Harry Mortimer Brass Student of the Year prize, and spent an enjoyable period with the Sellers International Band and the Brighouse & Rastrick Band.
Neil was appointed Musical Director of the Hawk Green Band in 2009 and is currently Head of Music at the Bluecoat School in Oldham.

Test Piece Views:
The piece has many fascinating and familiar parts to it. The second movement being quite beautiful at times and contrasts with the opening.

The Isle of Man and Irish feel for the 3/4 movement is a real toe tapper and leads well to the culmination of Britishness in the last!

Kingdom Brass B

Conductor: Andrew Duncan

The Kingdom Brass 'B' Band was first proposed in 2007 as part of Kingdom’s ambitious 5-year development plan.

With the establishment of the Kingdom Brass Youth Band and the Kingdom Percussion Academy, an avenue was needed for the older children to move into a senior band, supported by experienced older players. During 2011 a planning and recruitment phase took place, and the 'B' Band was officially registered with SBBA in August 2011. The first rehearsal took place in October 2011.

The band made their winning contesting debut at the Scottish Championships in Glenrothes in March 2012, conducted by Bede Williams.

They then contested at the Carnegie competition in April winning the Fourth Section title there as well.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Gavin Spowart
Principal Euphonium: Campbell Wilson
Soprano: Robbie Strong
Solo Horn: Kenny Adamson
Principal Trombone: Paul Gudgeon
Flugel: John Cotton
Baritone: Ian Green
Eb Bass: Bill Guyan
Bb Bass: Brian Henderson
Principal Percussionist: Graeme Wilson

Qualification:
Region: Scotland
Qualified: Winners (B. Williams)

Conductor:
Andrew's musicianship has been formed from performing under many world class conductors during his professional career as a tuba player in the Halle Orchestra and other major British Orchestras.

He began his conducting career shortly after leaving the Halle Orchestra in 2000, becoming the MD of the Hepworth Band. He made his first contest appearance at Pontins with them in 2000.

Following his move to Scotland he worked with the Whitburn Band, leading them to secure second place at the 2003 British Open.

Andrew was appointed MD of Kingdom Brass in 2009, and led the band to new contesting heights including an appearance at the 2011 European Championships in Montreux.

With his appointment as Development Manager for SBBA, Andrew relinquished this position, but accepted the invitation to conduct Kingdom ‘B’ at the National Championships.

Test Piece Views:
The piece is very enjoyable, and a lot trickier than it first appeared.

It’s a real test, especially for the soloists and percussion section, with a different approach needed for each movement. Overall, a great test piece for this level.

Amersham

Conductor: Paul Fisher

The origins of the Amersham Band can be traced back to 1843, as the Amersham Sons of Temperance Band in 1890.

The band flourished as Amersham Town Band, although they were disbanded during both World Wars and was not reformed again until 1977.

They have since gone from strength to strength, regularly visiting their twin towns, Bensheim in Germany and Krynica in Poland, establishing a well supported training band and developing newcomers at both beginner and intermediate levels.

The band last reached the National Finals in 2010, but has regularly taken home silverware from SCABA contests, including victory in the Second Section at Folkestone and winning the Area title this year gaining promotion to the Third Section in 2013.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Marion Mayhew
Principal Euphonium: Declan Goodhall
Soprano: Adam Bidgood
Solo Horn: James Dickinson
Principal Trombone: Paul Waters
Flugel: Kim Speller
Baritone: Rod Stevens
Eb Bass: Jeremy Stevens
Bb Bass: Tim Colsell
Principal Percussionist: Bridget Harrison

Qualification:
Region: London & Southern Counties
Qualified: Winners (P. Fisher)

Conductor:
Paul is a Lead Teacher in Brass for Hertfordshire Music Service and is a professional freelance trombone player. 2012 has been a really busy year and he has been on tour with Alfie Boe, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Jools Holland and Il Divo.

Test Piece Views:
Both Paul and the band are looking forward to an enjoyable weekend in Cheltenham.

The band has been thoroughly enjoying working through the test piece and everyone has their favourite movement.

Armthorpe Elmfield

Conductor: Haydn Griffiths MBE

The Armthorpe Enfield Band was formed in 1964 and has been self supporting ever since, thanks to hard work, local community support and much needed Lottery Funding from the Arts Council of England and Wales.

The band has enjoyed many successes over the years, including, Silver Club Award in BBC North Champions 2000, Yorkshire Third Section winners 2001 and The Queen´s Golden Jubilee award in 2002.

The band has toured West Germany with great success and in 2012 qualified for a second time for the National Finals after coming runner up at the Yorkshire Area Championships in Bradford.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet:
Principal Euphonium:
Soprano:
Solo Horn:
Principal Trombone:
Flugel:
Baritone:
Eb Bass:
Bb Bass:
Principal Percussionist:

Qualification:
Region: Yorkshire
Qualified: 2nd (H. Griffiths MBE)

Conductor:
Haydn started playing at the age of 6 and became a member of Markham Colliery Band becoming principal cornet at 14. He was later appointed Assistant Bandmaster guiding them to many National Championship appearances during the late 1950´s and 1960´s.

He later became MD of Hatfield Colliery Band and achieved many successes. Haydn taught in local schools for 37 years and many of those he taught still play today. In 1966 he decided to concentrate on the youngsters of the local village and at one time had 57 members of his Junior Band!

Haydn has also adjudicated at many competitions around the country and has completed over 70 years of music making.

In 2002 Haydn was honoured with the MBE in the Queen´s New Year´s Honours list for his services to the Armthorpe Elmfield Band and the Community of Doncaster and South Yorkshire.

Test Piece Views:
None given

Bon Accord B

Conductor: Richard Kidd

The Bon-Accord Silver Band was formed by the late Stewart Watson M.B.E in 1962.

By 1980, the band had grown to such a size that a ‘B’ band was formed. Over the years, the ‘B’ band has been both a training and development band for young musicians wishing to start their banding career, whilst also supporting more experienced musicians that would like to participate without the increased commitments of the senior ‘Silver’ Band.

The band gained second place at the Scottish Championships and was runner up at the Fife Brass Band Festival with principal cornet Mark James crowned best instrumentalist at both events.

They are excited about the prospect of heading to Cheltenham for the National Championships.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Mark James
Principal Euphonium: Mandy Pirie
Soprano: Robyn Easton
Solo Horn: Joanne Watson
Principal Trombone: Sandy Hutchison
Flugel: Christine Murray
Baritone: Eilidh MacLauglin
Eb Bass: Eric Kidd
Bb Bass: John Geddes
Principal Percussionist: Frazer Stewart

Qualification:
Region: Scotland
Qualified: 2nd (R. Kidd)

Conductor:
Richard Kidd started his playing career with the Bon-Accord Silver ‘B’ Band in 1999. Since then he has gone on to become principal euphonium with Bon-Accord Silver, Whitburn and for six years with the National Youth Band of Scotland.

Richard won the Scottish Youth Solo title three times and was a finalist in the first BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist of the Year in 2004. He has appeared as a guest soloist with the National Youth Wind Ensemble of Scotland.

Richard began conducting with the Aberdeen City Junior Wind Band. In 2010 he became conductor of the Bon-Accord Silver ‘B’ Band and the MD of the Aberdeen City Youth Brass Band only two years after leaving the band as a player.

Test Piece Views:
A British Isles Suite is a great fourth section test, some nice melodies which we’ve enjoyed rehearsing and most importantly a piece that we are looking forward to competing on.

Cleobury Mortimer Concert Brass

Conductor: Steve Pritchard-Jones

Cleobury Mortimer Concert Brass proudly boasts over one hundred years of history, and has been developed by generations of amateur musicians in the South Shropshire market town of Cleobury Mortimer, from which it takes its name.

Over the last ten years, they have raised many thousands of pounds through their fundraising activities.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Katie Griffiths
Principal Euphonium: Linda Martin
Soprano: Phil James
Solo Horn: Amanda Wilcox
Principal Trombone: Martyn Pattinson
Flugel: Jack Martin
Baritone: Debbie Fowler
Eb Bass: Eddie Humphries
Bb Bass: Mike Parker
Principal Percussionist: Tom Tracey

Qualification:
Region: Midlands
Qualified: 4th (M. Amplett)

Conductor:
Steve is a guest MD for Cleobury Mortimer Concert Brass and has been working with the band in relation to the National Finals.

Steve started playing brass and percussion with Porthywaen Silver Band. He went on to study music at Liverpool and Trinity College of Music in London before embarking on a career in performing arts as conductor, performer, teacher and adjudicator.

He's been guest conductor and cornet player with some of the finest brass bands, orchestras and male voice choirs in the country and has also played keyboard and trumpet in theatrical productions all over the UK as well as working for the BBC and ITV.

Steve is currently the MD of Shrewsbury Brass Band and has previously been the MD of The Band of the West Mercia Police. He has worked as house tutor with The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and The National Childrens Brass Band of Great Britian.

Steve is also a composer, and a member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators and National Association of Brass Band Conductors and represents Wales on the European Brass Band Association Jury.

Test Piece Views:
None given

Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes

Conductor: Steven Askew

The band is proud to be sponsored and supported by Kingsway Printers, a family owned company providing a variety of first class printing services and specialists in labelling for a broad spectrum of industries.

The band plays a variety of concerts at local venues, supporting local charities and providing live musical entertainment for all.

The band has made good progress in Fourth Section contests, playing in the Northern Area Contest held in Darlington and the National Finals in Harrogate.

Recent developments include a Junior Band providing instrumental tuition for the young players of the future. All these endeavours are expertly guided by Musical Director, Steve Askew.

The Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes Band is one of the oldest in Lincolnshire, with a history stretching back to its foundation as the Cleethorpes Borough Band in 1880.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet:
Solo Euphonium:
Solo Trombone:
Soprano:
Flugel:
Horn:
Baritone:
Eb Bass:
Bb Bass:
Percussion:

Qualification:
Region: North of England
Qualified: 2nd (S. Askew)

Conductor:
No details given

Test Piece Views:
None given

Wilton & District

Conductor: Colin Herbert

The band was formed in 1965 by Dennis Chalk and developed from a group of four players that used to rehearse in his front room.

The band has progressed as players have grown and the band was able to divide into senior, junior and beginner bands. Highlights of the senior band’s history have been concert tours to countries such as France, Austria, Belgium, Norway and the USA.

MD Colin Herbert took over from Dennis Chalk in 2008. The band has since gone from strength to strength with major contest successes since.

The band qualified for the National Finals for the first time in its history this year, boasting no less than seven principal players under the age of 21.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Juliet Cook
Principal Euphonium: Simon Topp
Soprano: Andy Drake
Solo Horn: Helen Drake
Principal Trombone: Laura Hillman
Flugel: Rachael Cook
Baritone: Sam Topp
Eb Bass: Lloyd Crowley
Bb Bass: Brian Cooke
Principal Percussionist: Sam Chalk

Qualification:
Region: West of England
Qualified: 4th (C. Herbert)

Conductor:
Colin started his banding under the guidance of his grandfather, progressing through Sherborne Band and on to a career with the 13th/18th Royal Hussars Band where he travelled the world.

He studied at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, and was awarded the Cousins Memorial Parchment for Exceptional Proficiency on the Euphonium.

Colin returned to Dorset after leaving the forces, playing locally and resurrecting the Sherborne Youth Band, taking them to numerous contest successes nationally.

In 2008 Colin was appointed MD of the Wilton & District Band and has since lead them to new heights on concert and contest stages alike, culminating in their first appearance at the National Finals.

Test Piece Views:
A wonderful composition testing our technique, musicality and stamina!

We are thoroughly looking forward to performing the piece in Cheltenham. The second movement is our favourite.