Comments ~ 2002: February

Comments from February 2002

Mr Snell Recalls
Seeing the comments page the other day I thought to send 4barsrest some info about the Mineworkers and Open Contests. I conducted Grimethorpe at one of the early 70's CISWO Finals when the testpiece was 'A Moorlands Suite'. My only experience of conducting anything was a few hours run-through with the Band a year or two before at Gary Howarth's invitation.

I was under the impression that 'we' won because of the following memory: the Band had been very unhappy about going to the contest because for some reason they thought that they would not be allowed to win. (You must understand that at this point I knew less than nothing about contests and their attendant paranoiacs. Must be that open adjudication!)

When, as I thought, we won, the Band then grumbled even more furiously at having to play the piece again at the 'victory' performance. Even with both sides of my family being in mining, I understood none of this or the attitudes behind it. When, some time later, I was asked to conduct the Band at the Open (Diadem of Gold) I accepted equally innocently.

Unbeknown to me there had been a few personnel problems in the days prior to my turning up a few days before the contest to rehearse. The soprano player had just left, and a very-young-indeed substitute had been moved off three or four on the front row on to the vacant seat. For Diadem of Gold, I hear you ask? Yep. Roger Webster was/is his name. Another sub, elderly this time, was in the basses (Eb I think) who, after each rehearsal was heard to say very audibly 'Ye canna go to Belle Vue without a Sapranna!' The performance was a disaster .... 'lucky to come last' is the sort of phrase that comes into the mind. The Soprano rejoined the Band a soon after the contest.

I have very good memories of the Midland's CISWO Contests that Desford used to do at Mansfield. Especially a 'Kensington Concerto' which was very good indeed. This was in the days of that poet of the cornet Kevin Dye, for whom I made my 'Nessun Dorma' arrangement: to my ears, his performance never equalled. The trophy was a truly massive solid silver affair worth a fortune. For several years I had to keep it in my house, uninsured, as Desford did not have any premises of its own till much later and couldn't afford the cost of insurance. Happy days!

Howard Snell

PS When, in a week's time, I start to rehearse Faireys for my last English Contest (the NorthWest Area), I understand that one of the newly signed players, Roy Batty, recently left from Grimethorpe, will be in the Bb Bass section. By a neat and somehow satisfying symmetry, he played in my first contest mentioned above

25thFeb

4BR reply:
Thanks Mr Snell. Something's about contests don't change do they? As for the players you mention, what ever happened to Roger Webster and Kevin Dye and it's very nice to report that Roy Batty will be playing for you at the Regionals. We are sure we are not alone in wishing you the very best in your (very early) "retirement" and we are sure there will many people wishing you success come Blackpool.

Quoting a Mistake
Dear 4barsrest

The Yorkshire review is excellent except for one little mistake. Rothwell Temps actually received 3rd in 1999 and qualified for the finals with Blitz and not 10th as printed.

As they say: "The pen is mightier than the sword".

Regards
Andrew Rigby
Solo Baritone, Rothwell temps
25thFeb

4BR reply:
Thanks for pointing out our mistake Andrew - we'll put it right as soon as possible. We are trying to give the most comprehensive coverage of the Regions and their sections ever and we hope everyone likes what we are trying to do - it's about time we think that they got some in depth information. There will be mistakes and so we apologise now if there are any. Let us know and we'll try to put them right.

Nice quote - it comes from Edward Bulwer Lytton (1803 - 1873) and ends a quotation that starts, "Beneath the role of men entirely great….." Who said we don't bleeding well educate you eh?

Malta Calling!
I saw your web site and it is very interesting. I am from the island of Malta. I play the base drum with Sliema band in Malta. I like to read about brass bands because that is my hobby and I like to here music from brass bands. thats all for now. Thank you for this interesting web site.

Philip Vella
Sliema Malta
25thFeb

4BR reply:
Many thanks Philip, and we hope you continue to log in and enjoy what we are trying to do. We understand there is a great deal of interest in brass bands in your country, so tell your friends about us and keep enjoying the bass drum!

Tods Demise
To 4barsrest.

I am writing to you to express my sadness at the seemingly unavoidable folding of Todmorden Old. Although I am still not 100% cirtain if this is the case or not but reports in the press have seemed to point at this.

I have always considered Tod Old as "my band" as they were the first band I played with, even though it was only usually in the junior/learner group. They got me hooked, and although I moved down to Hebden Bridge Junior Band when the band was rising up through the sections and am very happy there, it had always been one of my hope to return "home" when I left Hebden. But that now doesn't appear to be possible.

I have attempted to avoid all the politics in this long running saga, and I don't pretend to understand all the intricacies. I just wish there could be another alternative, but wishes rarely come true and so this doesn't seem likely. All I can hope is that other bands can learn from this and don't make the same mistakes.

Ellen Davies (17)
Solo Euphonium Hebden Bridge Junior Band
Solo Euphonium Todmorden Community Brass

PS: Dennis, if you should happen to read this- I've finally learnt my scales and got my tongue going fast. Thanks for getting me obsessed.
25thFeb

4BR reply:
A sad end to a band with a very long history. However, Todmorden Old are not alone and there are many bands out there (famous ones at that) who's future is precarious to say the least. There is a great and very fine tradition of community based bands that rely on their community for support and financial help. Move away from that community and things will invariably start to go wrong, as hoping to survive just on financial sponsorship from a company or benefactor is a two edged sword, as many bands have unfortunately found out over the years. Remember Sun Life, Kennedy Swinton and William Davis to name but three?

Bloody awful Beeb!
Friday night - 22nd Feb.

Just listened to an excellent broadcast by Fodens conducted by Bramwell Tovey. What this man does to this band is breathtaking - thanks, everyone, for a splendid programme beautifully played. Thanks, that is, to everyone except the recording engineers.

Where was this broadcast recorded? It certainly didn't sound like a studio, - more like the inside of a wet sock!! I was so certain that something had gone wrong with my hi-fi, the quality was so bad, that I checked Radio 2 again after the broadcast and reception was perfect. The miking was atrocious and I could have done better with one mike and an old Nagra recorder.

I complained once before to the BBC about brass band programmes being faded out, and at least this has now stopped. They did admit however, that broadcast parameters for Radio 2 were different than for Radio 3, as sound levels were compressed on Radio 2, with car radios in mind. Perhaps if BBC engineers and producers read this comment, they may realise that discerning listeners with modern high quality receivers are not to be put aside.

Stan Wood, Northwich.
25thFeb

4BR reply:
Don't know what it is with the BBC and brass bands these days Stan, but we don't seem to be getting a fair crack of the whip do we? Frank Renton is doing a sterling job and others are trying to maintain a presence on local radio, but it seems the "suits" in London don't feel we are really important enough to secure good quality air time. We suggest you write to the Beeb to their "Talback" programme on Radio 4 and see if they can come up with a proper answer.

Apologies!

I am sending my apologies to all concerned at 4BR, because I seem to have upset both the reporters/writers and others. My attitude towards the article was rather rash, I was probably having "one of those days", especially having had a rehearsal on 'Whitsun Wakes'! This is a cracking, up to date and fair website, the movement really needs it and I'll stop being so soft in future!

Delphman (M. Rodgers - Principal Cornet, Hepworth Band)
25thFeb

4BR reply:
Thanks Mark. It takes a lot of guts to apologise and we thank you for it very much. Don't worry too much though as we enjoy the odd rant!! Hope you don't get "One of those days" on "Whitsun Wakes" though and we look forward to reporting on more success for Hepworth. Keep cool, chill and have a Stella - it works for us!

Another Ranker!
I read with interest the e-mail sent by a representative from Alliance Brass concerning their current points and ranking status.

Out of interest, I am curious as to where my band, PHG Lindley would feature in the extended table.
As you are aware, we won both the Senior Cup and 1st Section at Pontins last year and we still didn't appear on the table, even though other bands who
appear to have achieved less did. Can you answer my query?

Chairman Charlie Gott.
25thFeb

4BR reply:
Not at the moment Chairman Gott, but we hope to be able to show you exactly where you band is on the rankings after the Regionals. Our statistician has already answered as many queries as he can on this subject and we are sorry but haven't got the resources to answer every bands plea for a ranking. Do well and you never know, you could well be up on the list.

The English Running Scared?

It is very disappointing to see that BAYV Cory have withdrawn from the All England Masters as they would have really flown the Welsh Flag high. What is
the reasoning behind the objections of the English bands concerned?

If it is to keep the All-England masters purely a contest for English bands then that's fine because I can appreciate the nonsense of the title of such a
contest if all nations are allowed to enter. However, I understand a band from New Zealand were invited to compete some years ago which would seem to
go against this theory of maintaining the "All-England" nature of the contest.

So the only conclusion I can come to is the fact that the New Zealand band didn't have a "cat in hells chance" of winning the competition whereas the
BAYV Cory certainly do and has resulted in 5 of the English bands running scared.

Del Thomas
25thFeb

4BR reply:
With a name like yours Del (is it short for Delme we wonder - after the great lock forward who captained Llanelli to beat the All Blacks in 1972?) Just a point. The English running scared eh? If only it was true come Twickenham in a few weeks time.

A Long call for Fair Play...
While no great fan of the 'Pay Per View' Cory band, I must say I'm appalled at the way they have been treated over their invitation to compete in the Masters, with the result that they have been forced to withdraw due to the bully boy tactics of a couple of bands who should know better. The facts are:

1. Cory are currently in the top 6 of bands in the UK on current form, and any contest in which they don't compete is devalued.

2. Just because the event is called the English Masters, why on earth should that preclude non English bands from taking part? I'm sure last time I visited the English Masters Golf Tournament, there were Swedes, Spaniards, and yes, even a Welshman competing! It was won by an Irishman -should he have declined the trophy?

3. Has anyone considered the paying public? I recently paid £15 for a ticket to watch the Masters, on the understanding that I would be able to see as many of the best bands around as possible. One band withdrew(Todmorden), to be replaced with another(Cory). What's the problem? Then 2 or 3 bands consider pulling out because they don't want the replacement band to be there, or weren't consulted, or something, effectively holding the organisers to ransome. This attitude is stupid, childish, unprofessional, brings banding into disrepute, and makes it a laughing stock - again.

We are always hearing about the need for "the brass band movement to drag itself into the 21st century" (the 20th would be a start! and why is it called a movement anyway? do string quartets have a Movement as well? - but that's a question for another day). There is a certain type of bandsman (usually those that can't actually play!) who never seem to be happy unless they are locked into a cloak-and-dagger backstreet committee meeting, stirring up trouble, discussing the latest contest rules and regulations.

I can't believe that the very top bands in the country have sunk to this level. This latest carry-on just proves what a long way we still need to go to prevent banding disappearing up its own shiny-trousered sweaty arse. When I was a lad, my band's reaction to the news of another strong entrant to a contest would've been to practise a bit harder so that we could give 'em a good stuffing on the day! Why can't we just concentrate on blowing our bloody trumpets?! (sorry, getting a bit Postlethwaitian there!)

The contest organisers certainly don't emerge with any credit either , Emailing Cory to ask them "reconsider their acceptance of the invitation", putting the burden on them to withdraw rather than have the balls to tell them to their faces they're not wanted! And this is supposed to be the 'friendly' 'well-organised', 'for the bandsmen' contest. ! Well, the mafia have got their way now, and that's set a dangerous precedent for the future of this event. Will all future test-pieces/adjudicators have to pass the "Brighouse Seal of Approval"? The whole thing STINKS !

In contrast, what a magnaminous gesture from Bob Childs in pulling out of the contest to try and keep the peace. What should happen now is that the contest organiser, and the "Big five" bands who objected to Cory's presence (er, sorry, the 'Big Four' + Sellars!) should collectively approach the Cory band, offer their sincere apologies, and re-invite them to Cambridge. Then if they'd like to go back to their bandrooms and do a bit of work on the test-piece, they would be able to procede with a clear conscience to try and blow the Welsh upstarts off the stage in May!

That is what everyone who has paid good money to attend the contest wants to see - the best bands around doing battle, (...with maybe one two not so good bands thrown in, to give the oppurtunity to nip out for quick pint - cheers, Sellars!) regardless of whether they come from England's green and pleasant land or not.

Cheers, 4BR.. Great website by the way - and I only surfed in to try and find out what time Desford were on the tele!! (just to put on record that I have no axe to grind with any of the bands involved, in fact I've played with two of them in the past. I just like to see fair play, that's all!)

John Challis,
25thFeb

4BR reply:
Glad you got that off your chest eh mate?

Bring on the French disabled Lesbian trombone players!

Just a little thought regarding the whole situation at the Masters this year............

Whilst somewhat understanding certain bands` worry and concern over allowing a welsh band to compete at the "all England masters", it does surely raise a few concerns......

Are these bands worried that a Welsh band could come along and potentially steal their English crown? Understandable really, as I wouldn't like to see an English band take, say, the Welsh regional title. However, if we had the likes of say Faireys and Fodens competing at our regional event, this would instantly raise both the standard and prestige of our area contest. Unfortunately we don't have as many so called big names in Wales as say the north west or Yorkshire, and we have to struggle by as best we can.

Every once in a while, in this small principality, we have the privilege of producing a world class band. In this case it is Cory, but in the past has been the likes of say Tredegar, BTM, Point of Ayr, etc etc. We seem to have the ability to produce fantastic players in Wales, some of the best, but invariably these players have to go to other areas to join the so called best bands in the country.

Without wanting to sound racist against our English neighbours, but they have gifted the world with many things from football to rugby, and have found themselves superceded by other nations eventually, and if one were being a bit cynical, one could say that they are guarding their bastion of Englishness that is the masters, and who can blame them, from foreign invasion. I mention this purely as devils' advocate in this tricky situation, and hope that no-one takes me too seriously.

I would however point out that if a band of French disabled lesbians had entered the masters, then I'm sure at this point that Brussels would have intervened and ruled that it were illegal to discriminate against such a minority, not that I know many French disabled lesbian trombone players!!.
Just a little thought to add some fuel to the debate.....

Gavin White
25thFeb

4BR reply:
Strange Gavin - very, very strange. The very thought of a band of disabled French lesbian trombone players is enough to make the mind boggle. What's that all about eh? It's too frightening to even contemplate.

Canada Calling!
Thanks for a great website. I have said before that there is nothing worse than going to a site that was last updated August 1, 1998!!!! No such problem here. As with many others, I visit almost daily and there is always something fresh to read. Keep up the great work.

I particularly appreciate your CD reviews and only wish that more recordings were sent to you for that purpose.

Speaking of CD's, how about getting someone (Nick Childs perhaps) to write a piece on the production of a band CD? Who starts the ball rolling and what happens before we get to spend our precious dollars?

I remain surprised that no recording from the British Open has been released. No "Live" recording of Les Preludes and nothing from the studio either.

I was fortunate to be at the RAH in October and have enjoyed listening to
the "Epic Brass" recording. A great memento of a great day.

Thanks again!
John Brooks
Cambridge, Ontario
21th Feb

4BR reply:
.Many thanks John and we hope you continue to enjoy what we are doing. It's hard old work especially as we do have full time jobs, but we enjoy it.

We do hope other bands let us have copies of their CD's to review. We'll hopefully then be able to help them sell them on the site and make the bands some money! It's a big decision for any band to make, so we'll see if we can get any further information to see if we can help.

As for the Open test piece, we understand that there could be something coming out in the next month or so. As soon as we know we'll let everyone know!

Dodgy Wiring.
I would like to point out that 'Wire Brass' is a completely new band and that the Preston Guildhall contest was our very first contest. Therefore it would be incorrect to describe us as having 'renewed confidence'. However we are now looking forward to the areas in Blackpool in a few weeks time.

Sarah Saunders
21th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Sarah,

Perhaps we should have said "supreme confidence!" What a record - Played 1 won 1. Keep up the good work and we hope to able to report "Sky High confidence" after you possibly make it 2 out of 2.

Life in Leicester
One of your letters was from someone wanting to see a band in the Leicester area this summer - they should take a look at our website + check our dairy (or even diary) page. www.enderbyband.co.uk The Youth + Junior Bands will be holding an open air concert in June which, if last year's was anything to go by, should provide a wonderful evening's entertainment.

Most of EYB will be at the Wessex course in July/Aug but there are a few village events where they can be seen + heard.
Great site. Keep it up.
Jan Gill (EYB secretary + compere)
21st Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Gill,
Hope our visitors take the opportunity to check the site out and enjoy the banding scene in the your area this year.

In need of a good Rank!
This is purely a question because I am curious, not because I want to kick up a fuss. But how many points would a band accumulate by winning the first section areas in the London and Southern Counties area contest and then coming second at the 1st section national finals in Preston? Possibly more than 16?

The band in question is Alliance Brass Band and we are a new band and I was just curious to see how many points we actually have in your ranking system.

I would much appreciate it if you could let me know.

Lewis Edney
21st Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Lewis,
We have been in contact with our rankings guru and he gives the following explanation.

Alliance Brass are currently in 105th position with 2.07 points and ranked 7th in their area. These are the points that they gained by winning the 1st Section at London & Southern Counties Regional last year and are now worth approximately half of what they were at the time. Their second place at the National 1st Section gained no points as there no top 20 ranked bands at the time in the contest.

The band that won the 1st Section National, ASDA Stocksbridge, are in 33rd place with 39 points. However, the bulk of their points are those gained at the Yorkshire Area, which is by far the strongest at the moment. By contrast, London & S.C. is the weakest area so it is only natural that the points on offer there would be considerably lower. The points on offer for any contest vary every year depending on the quality of the bands involved so last year's 1st Section National offered about 7 points to the winners, roughly the equivalent of finishing around 17th in the Championship Section Finals or last in the British Open.

Being a relatively new band, Alliance Brass, who have performed pretty well over the last year or so still require getting some good results against higher ranked bands before they will break into the top 60. 2nd or possibly 3rd place in the Regional Championships would be enough to secure 60th depending on results at other areas.

I hope this doesn't discourage you. One of the features of this system against other similar ones is that coming 2nd to a highly ranked band doesn't in itself gain a band a lot of credit. You must defeat other highly ranked bands to truly make a mark. This can make it more difficult for new bands to breakthrough but I think that it is fair to say that the vast majority of the top 60 bands are very well established with a fair number of contest victories behind them.

Good luck at the area and I look forward to seeing you near the top soon.

Mr Casey. 4BR Rankings Guru.

Quartet Return
Having read David Read's interesting resume on his earlier days in banding (thanks David) and concurrently an account of Andrew King's success in Australia (well done, Andrew), the old brain-box started working !!

David's mention of some of the old quartet events and pieces that were played in competition made me think that there is a unique chance to marry old with new.

How about the following? We have some exceptionally talented young players (and still rising) around; viz. David Geogehen (cornet), Sheona White (horn), Andrew King (trombone) and David Childs (euphonium), who just happen to constitute the classic quartet combination. Put them together on a CD playing some of the pieces David Read mentioned and what a sound that might be - and what a pleasure for us old wrinklies to hear some of our old favourite quartet pieces played by the refreshing sound of such great young players.

Stan C Wood
21st Feb

4BR reply:
Sounds a great idea Stan! David Read knows more than most what constitutes a good quartet (he was a champion at the thing on numerous occasions) and some of the older repertoire does contain some of the best tunes!

Perhaps a recording company may have the idea and get the team together to record some of the works he played all those years ago. Who said "wrinklies" don't have any ideas, and perhaps others could come up with other combinations to resurrect this dying art! What about Roger Webster, Ian Porthouse, Sandy Smith and Nick Hudson eh?

Masters Mess
Hello 4BR
Having just read the article on BAYV Cory's withdrawal from the Masters and the press releases, the only thought in my mind is 'would it have been better to consult with participating bands first before asking BAYV Cory (this may have happened, but having read that five bands objected, it is more-than-likely that this wasn't the case) to compete at Cambridge? Hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn't it!

I also believe that Bob Childs & BAYV Cory deserve credit for withdrawing in response to how bands feel about their invitation. Any thoughts, 4BarsRest?

D Lloyd
Manchester
21st Feb

4BR reply:
Not really Mr Lloyd, only that it became a very unfortunate situation that could and should have been avoided. The reactions of some (not all) the competing bands was understandable in view that the contest had built a reputation for dialogue and consultation, but on the other hand it is a private contest and the organisers are free to invite who they like and promote the success of the contest in the best way they feel fit.

It seems that all this could have been avoided and all it has done is show the movement in a pretty poor light. It just shouldn't have come to this.

Musing Found
Further to previous items, this is available from Gramercy Music, whose web site also includes a brief profile on the composer.

Peter Bale, Hadleigh
21st Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Peter,
Hope it leads to a few sales for the lad!

Don't forget the Runner Up!
Dear Sir,
I read with interest your article on the Ern Keller competition in Australia. Andrew played fantasically, and was a great ambassador for both the UK and the Trombone. However your article is inaccurate. I very much have a vested interest in the correction - because I indeed was awarded second place! Brent was in fact awarded third place by the adjudicator
Campbell Barnes.

I hope you can correct your story. If you need corroboration, you could contact Ken Bradley, who organises the event at kenbradley@ozemail.com. I
have no doubt that Andrew was the best performer on the day (in fact I thought he outclassed us all), however I did work hard for my second place
to have it unacknowledged in your article.

Regards,
Dr. Alan Lourens
Musical Director, Midland Brick Brass
www.wabrass.com
Euphonium Soloist
Head of Classical Music, WA Academy of Performing Arts
21st Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Alan for pointing out our oversight. We contacted Andrew who gave us the details, but the poor lad was so jet lagged that he had trouble remembering what day it was let alone who run him close for the title. Congratulations on your performance and second prize and sorry. We'll amend the details straight away!

Bonfire the Nanny
Hi Lads,
I like the idea of a bonfire of music. We have threatened this many times at rehearsals when our conductor goes rummaging through the library.

We are a small village band in the Yorkshire Dales and have been around for 105 years, so as you can imagine we have a lot of old ****.

I think my biggest bugbear would have to be "Hootenanny" as we have played this to death over the last few years. I know we'll never get rid of it though as the audiences always enjoy it so much!!!

Keep up the good work, excellent website.

Regards
Allan Guy
Soprano cornet - Muker Silver Band
21st Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Alan,
"Hootenanny" eh? A rather obvious choice for us, although we agree that playing the bloody "Chicken Reel" and Frankie and Johnny" two thousand times would be enough to send you bonkers. Anything with Irish fiddledydiddley higgledypiggeldy stuff gets up our noses as well - Riverdance has a lot to answer for!

Nice Package!
Hello boys!

Would it be possible to order the 'package' that advertised the CD's rather than the CD's themselves? Just asking on behalf of all the girls in banding who appreciate some serious eye candy.....

Kay Wiblin
The Hanwell Band
19th Feb

4BR reply:
Sorry to disappoint you Kay, but Iwan was young and naïve and needed the money when he allowed those shots to be taken of him. It was also at a time before the ravages of too much beer, late night kebabs, playing sop and working for Social Services took their unkind toll on a once superb physique. If you saw him now in his pants it would make you're blood run cold. The other shot of a naked bum is not his either, but we couldn't let you know who's it is for fear of reprisals!

Youth List?
Does anyone have a definitive list of Youth Band contests i.e. when and where they are held. We have entered the National Youth Brass Band Championships at Salford University for the last four years. Other than this fine event in February each year are there any other worthwhile events i.e. with a reasonable number of bands competing and with no registration involved? At last years Pontins Finals was it rumoured that Pontins might be introducing a Youth section to their contest? (No piece was announced recently for a Youth Band section at the Pontins finals for 2002). Any information would be welcome.

Andy Godwin (On behalf of Chalford Youth Band)
19th Feb

4BR reply:
We don't at the moment on our site but both the British Bandsman and Brass Band World offer a listing of up and coming contests, if that is of some use. We will be doing it also in the next few weeks if we get the time, so watch this space.

Helping Hands!
Hello Everyone at 4barsRest

I would like to start by congratulating you on producing an excellent website. I use it daily and eagerly wait for updated news.

My main reason to contact you is to thank Robert Childs for his first class article on Conducting. I have been conducting a young 3rd Section band now
for 10 years. My conducting technique is self-taught and I'm always willing to learn and gain information from anyone.

Many of us Conductors would like to know how to get better but besides the Colleges and Universities there are not many chances to learn. I know the Association of Brass Band Conductors run Workshops and the ones I've attended are always very good, but should we run more.

Conducting these lower section bands is certainly a lot more than just waving your arms about.

Brian Keech
(Milton Keynes)
19th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Brian. We asked Bob Childs to do something for us as we have been unable to give as much coverage to the lower sections as we would have liked in the last 12 months, due to the fact there are only two of us doing the work!

Bob has produced a very good insight into how to prepare a test piece and we hope it will be of use not only to you but everyone else that has to get to grips with some quite difficult test pieces this year. We believe he was an ideal man to shed some light on a very difficult subject. However, don't blame us if it all goes pear shaped and the judges don't give you and your bands the prize you deserve!!! We are only trying to help!

Anyone Out There?
Hi there: Know anywhere a person can get info about brass band concerts playing in the Leic. area (roughly) for August 2002? Or ANY info on concerts? We are in England from Canada for a few weeks this summer and want to see some brass bands and do not know where to get info Thanks for any help/direction.

John and Joan Brear
19th Feb

4BR reply:
Now that you have contacted us, we hope some of our readers will be able to let us know what's going on in the Leicestershire Area this forthcoming few months. We then put it up on the site and let you know. You could also contact the Midland Brass Band Association by contacting the Regional Secretary on 01623 478454.

The Masters Position?
Dear 4BR,
I am now no-longer directly in banding but I have played at the All England many times. I have read the reasons why the five have objected to opening the contest to non-English bands but I can't say that I ever, ever, held this contest in such light - an English comp for English bands.

When competing we always thought of this contest as a good work-out between the Area and the Open/National - and we all know how much bandies love comps.

I have always found the organisers very approachable and ready to listen to constructive criticism, and rarely do they ever get the pat on the back they deserve. I hoped everyone talked before setting pen to paper and having a go at Phil etc.?

Finally, the British Open has had its visitors from outside our shores without losing its position in the eyes of its beholders. So why not the Masters?

G Colmer
19th Feb

4BR reply:
You raise a lot of interesting points Geoff and all of them seem to make sense, but the bands themselves seem put out that they were not consulted, when over the years this has been a cornerstone of the enlightened approach that the Masters has strove to maintain. It is this, rather than who has been invited that is the crux of their argument and disappointment. It seems that the story has some way to go before it is finally resolved to the satisfaction of all interested parties.

The Definitive Messiah
Dear 4BR,
Your banner headline advertisement, I think you will find, irrespective of what it may say on the CD seems to be factually incorrect in that Handel called his 'Magnus Opus' Messiah, with no definite article.
Keep up the good work,

Regards, Allan Littlemore
19th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks for pointing this out Allan. Someone did suggest the same thing a little while ago, so we have hunted through our vast collection of music books (as if) and found that you are quite correct. There is no definitive article (The - to those of us without a good quality comprehensive education) and that the work was in fact entitled, "Messiah".

Bonfire of the Vanities
Hi'ya 4BR,
Talking about opinions I would like to ask the question :If you were to organise a sponsored music bonfire what would you throw on? I know mine is sad but it would have to be 'A Walk In The Black Forest' arr. Siebert. For no other reason than I got sick of the sight of it over the years!
I would love to know others opinions

John James
19th Feb

4BR reply:
Don't know about pieces of music but there are plenty of other things we could think of disposing in such a way. We may give this a go - Any opinions anyone?

A little Musing?
Hello all at 4barsrest,
With regard to the question about a piece called "musings"-

I think that the composer is actually a Stuart Pullin (unless he's now going by the far more glamorous stage name of Steve!) and he was a student at Salford University around about the same time that I was there. I believe (but am not certain) that the piece would have been used at a later date (98 or 99) at the youth band championships, which are of course held at the University.

I don't know what he's up to now, but I know that at the time he was a first horn player with the Yorkshire Building Society Band. During my time we did play through the piece at uni, a sort of proof read if you like with the band there, and we all found it an enjoyable piece of music. I believe that he went on to study at post-grad with Peter Graham in composition and arrangement. During my time there we did a BBC recording with the main band, and one of the featured items was one of Stuarts arrangements of the concert etude by Goedicke, for Sheona White. Don't know if this helps at all but I would say that perhaps it would be an idea to contact the University to see if they have any recording of this piece.
All the best,

Gavin
19th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Gavin. Hope this is of some use to our friend who wrote to us. Sounds a good piece, but could someone let us know if it is actually available?

Now You Know
Please note: Milton Keynes Contest 2002

Section B: 4th place was Stantonbury Brass NOT Abbey Brass as listed

Just to keep things accurate!

Best wishes
Alan Jenkin
19th Feb

4BR reply:
Now we all know.

Not Me!
I appear to have a namesake and the comment made regarding Hepworth has caused a bit of a stir. Please make it clear next to his comment that it is not from me as I have friends in Hepworth Band!
Thanks!

David C. Evans
M.D. Yorkshire Imps
19th Feb

4BR reply:
.Glad to be able to help you clear things up David - not that anyone believed that it was you. Good luck with the band for the Regionals, it must be hard getting to remember all the new names of the players.

Hepworth Agree
David, I agree with everything you have said in your message, but the thing I was a bit miffed about was there being no mention of Preston being our second win in a row, which made it look like a bit of a fluke. This may be a little thing to you and others, but for a band like Hepworth this is one of the times that the band deserves a really good write up. This is very important for the band's confidence and also good that the band has the chance to have the coverage that the BIG BOYS have so regularly.

Steve Walsh, Solo Euph, Hepworth.
19th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Steve,
Lets hope this is finally the end of the disagreement - and we hope to be able to cover further successes for the band in 2002! Honest we don't have it in for anyone!

Stella Helps Out!
Hi Guys
Just a quick note to congratulate you on your speedy and efficient delivery of CDs that I ordered online on Saturday (16th). I received them this morning (Tuesday 19th), and am listening to them now. Last week, you seemed to be getting it in the neck from some people, so I thought I'd turn the tables. I am thoroughly impressed, and will definitely be ordering with you again! Thanks once again!

Iain McKnight - St. Austell, Cornwall
(tubasmarties3000@yahoo.com)

PS. Although, you did get my name wrong on the Compliments slip, calling me Steve. I wonder, perhaps, if you'd been at the Sherry on Sunday?! Still, no matter....

19th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks for the kind remarks Iain. Don't know what came over us on Sunday - Sherry? Never! We are from the old South Wales School of Strongbow/Stella drinkers so perhaps that may explain it. Come to think of it I called my girlfriend Kylie in my sleep - or was that just wishful thinking

Viagra CD's!
Hi 4BR,
Just to let you know that my CD's came in the post in time for Valentine's Day. My hubby was very pleased and so was I. So much so that Valentine's Night was one to remember (If you know what I mean).

Thank You! It was better than giving him a Viagra tablet.

Mrs Linda H
(full name witheld on grounds of decency!)
15th Feb

4BR reply:
What can we say eh? We will be putting out our secret patent for sale in the near future if this is the result. We await oders from banding widows everywhere!

Legless Hepworth.
Dear 4BarsRest,
After reading the comments from two representatives of the Hepworth Band, I have got to say that I don't feel they have a leg to stand on with their accusations about your coverage about the Preston Contest.

I was there and they were clear winners (although 6 points was a bit much in my opinion), but there was nothing in your report to denigrate them in any way. Looking at the coverage you gave, it was clear and concise and gave information that related to the bands in every section that came in the prizes so that the reader could see what bands were doing well from last year.

You are the only site that tells it as it is, and are big enough to put your heads on the block, even when you get it wrong! So what if you got the date of Pontins wrong, at least you gave the contest some proper post match coverage.

Come on Hepworth, 4BarsRest is the best thing to happen in the banding world for years. Take a chill and support their great work.

David Evans
15th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks David. Everyone has their own opinion about what we write, but we do get a bit miffed when it is obvious people haven't read what we print before having a go at us. Still, it's all good healthy debate and we will be delighted to report on another win for Hepworth. Can't please everyone can we?

Depressed of Iceland
As someone who has a great interest in brass bands, but who has unfortunately had to give up playing because of work for the last three years, I must write to you to congratulate you on the web site.

I log in every day and am amazed at the way in which you get up to date news, views and reports from just about everything going on. The CD reviews in particular are great. Funny and accurate and telling us just what we need to know. Keep up the good work. It makes life in Iceland just a bit more bearable!

Ian Rogers
15th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Ian. We take it that you live in Iceland the country not Iceland the frozen food retailer - your e mail didn't make it quite clear! Still, as long as we make the day go a bit quicker then we are doing something right.

Lifes a Beach
In addition to Point of Ayr's recent nomination regarding their lovely(?) beige and brown uniform of the eighties, weren't they also called Point of Ayr (Talacre Beach Caravan Park) Band for a while? How glamorous does it get!!

Dave Goff
15th Feb

4BR reply:
We remember it well Dave. The uniforms were pretty horrendous, but rehearsal facilities for you must have been terrible. Trying to get a 27 strong band in a six berth tourer must have taken some doing!

Smaller is not better
I thought I ought to report to you that the smaller print is too distorted to read and have been having this problem since the last few days. I don't know if
anyone else has reported this problem.

Thanks
A. Ireland
15th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks for the enquiry. We have just adopted a new font size, due mainly to it being easier to read and fit into the web pages. We haven't had any complaints as such about it becoming distorted, so hopefully things should correct themselves on your machine if it is just a technical hitch.

Confessions of a Sales Rep
Hi there,
Reading the email from the secretary of Newhall band
has prompted me to write a little thank you to the
bands around that area. In the day job I work for a
small software house and quite often have to travel
around the country. From May to the end of November I was working on a fairly long contract in Ashby and
took my cornet with me to see if I could get a blow
with a band.

I spent many happy hours playing with the bands around the area and made quite a few new friends. I spent most of my time split between Ibstock and Newhall but also paid a visit to Ratby, Hathern, Gresley Old Hall and Leicester Co-op. I was made welcome everywhere I went and would like to thank all the people I met and wish them well in the future.

Just a couple of points to mention - some of the
contact details in the directory published by the BFBB
are out of date so please drop them a line if your
contact details or rehearsal dates / venue changes.
Secondly, if you get a call from a player wanting to
come down for a blow - please be nice to them - it
could be me !

Kind regards,
Roman Galaska
Principal cornet - Nelson Brass
15th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Roman - Great name. Just goes to show that there plenty of welcoming bands out there, even though it makes a heck of an excuse to your boss in trying to justify working and selling around rehearsal nights! Good luck though and well done to all the bands who have taken in this waif and stray for a blow!

Great Coverage for the Boys!
Congratulations on the innovative use of the female form for your Valentines Day promotion.

There's nothing like a big pair of gazumbies to make a person feel like ordering some CD's.

Well done once again!

Darren Muir (solo trom SWT Woodfalls)
13th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Darren. We know it's cheap, sexist and nice to look at, but we defend ouselves on the basis that we also had to provide a "good package" for the ladies out there. As Kenny Everret used to say, "It's all done in the best posssssssible taste!" - so get your order in.

What Experts?
Why give so-called 'expert coverage' of a contest, when the reporter was obviously there and heard every band of course (Brett Baker was on his way
back from the USA and Steven Booth conducted Longridge!) or am I just bitter?

Of course Hepworth were happy, not because they beat several 'so-called favourites' (He-hem!!), not because we had to drag ourselves from that
disgusting 8th place at Pontins, or we had the lucky draw! We simply followed on from the success at the Northern Open in November (Winning off a No 1 Draw out of 9 and scooping 3 soloist prizes with it!). I would be delighted to know who your expert analyst was at this contest!

Why not give the band an ounce of credit, we won by six points and as an experienced Championship cornet player I know that it is a silly margin. But who should be that bigotted to, in a way "steal our thunder"? The band should have started on high this evening and because of these obviously uninformed comments (not even being able to spell the names of bands (Boldon!) we started our area preparations really "up for it"! "We've won by six points but we were really lucky, according to someone who might have been there!"

Mark Rodgers
(a very knackered Principal Cornet of The Hepworth Band, from weeks of working on that little ditty, Harmony Music, a sensible own choice piece!!!)
13th Feb

4BR reply:
We will always apologise for something we get wrong Mark and so we are sorry that we stated that you came 8th at Pontins in November instead of October last year.

However we do suggest that you actually take the time and read our report of the contest before you go accusing us of things we certainly haven't done.

At no point did we state that we were giving "expert coverage" of the contest. We simply reported on the bare results and information we were given from the contest by someone who asked us if they could simply do that for us. Neither did we state, suggest or imply that someone had listened to all the bands and certainly in no way did we ever suggest that your band was as you say "really lucky" or did we say that you were "happy" because you had beaten several "so called favourites".

What we did say was and we quote, "Kevin Bolton had very little problem by the seem of things when he gave Hepworth conducted by Mark Bentham the first prize and the winners cheque for £500, a full six points clear of Tyldesley and Mark Peacock in second and Thornton's Brass and Stephen Shimwell in third."

We also went on to state, and we quote directly from our report again, "A fairly strong field was assembled but some fancied names didn't quite get 2002 off to the start they were hoping for with Ashton Under Lyne coming home 8th, Freckleton 5th and Northop 6th."

Also, " Hepworth however will take great heart from this result, especially as they could only manage 8th place at Pontins in November when they were beaten by Ashton who came 6th there."

Can't see how these are uninformed comments as you say and certainly we can't see how they could have "Stolen your thunder". Congratulations to you and the band for a fine victory and we apologise for not mentioning your equally fine win at the Wilkinson Contest, but this was a report on the results of the contest and not a retrospective analysis of the contest itself. It will be interesting to see how much coverage your win gets elsewhere in the banding press.

Keep up the good form though, and we hope to able to give "expert coverage" of a prize winning performance come the Regionals.

You Don't Like Us!
Please correct me if I am incorrect but I seem to remember Pontins being in October when Hepworth came eighth, and the Wilkinsons contest being in November where Hepworth band cleared up off number one winning all solo prizes. It seems to me that someone at your end doesn't like Hepworth band if this is or isn't true, please don't make it any harder for bands like Hepworth than it allready is.

Yvonne Embury
13th Feb

4BR reply:
Are you ganging up on us? Apologies once again for not getting the date of Pontins correct and for not mentioning the bands win at the Wilkinson contest, but forget this "someone doesn't like us" crap. It ain't true. We stick by our report (not retrospective) of the contest and congratulate the band once again on a very fine win, but we think we treated your band (and every other we try and report on) very fairly. If our reporting keeps you winning then it can't all be bad!

Caught Out!
Gents,
Sorry to catch you out but Brett did not take Longridge on the day Stephen Booth did. Perhaps when writing from afar a little more care on what is reported?? Nor did John Maines take Ashton as per programme notes.

Marcus Jones
VBS Poynton (and a little disappointed with the result!)
13th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Marcus. We apologise for the error in stating Brett Baker took Longridge and that John Maines took Ashton, but these were the two conductors which were announced next to the bands in question when we were sent the full results list. We have to take what is sent to us in these reports as fact, but on this occassion there were two mistakes in the list. Apologies to all concerned and we are sure you will get over the disappointment of your result very soon.

Cory and the Masters
Gentlemen,
Re:Corys Participation in the Masters
I would like to make it clear from the outset that Ihave nothing against BAYV Cory at all, but a couple of points have crossed my mind which you may/may not be able to help with.

Were any other English bands consulted about taking Todmoden's place in the Masters before Cory? As it is the English Masters, surely the organisers could have found a band to step in. Secondly, is their anything in the rules/constitution of the Masters which says they have to have a certain amount of bands competing? Lastly, having read the article about other competing bands having concerns over the principals of the contest, will the organisers end up with egg on their faces if forced to back down, should B & R (defending champions), YBS, Fairey etc decide that it is right not too compete

Any help with the points raised would be appreciated
D Lloyd
Manchester
13th Feb

4BR reply:
Can't be too much help to you at the moment Mr Lloyd. We understand that none of the competing bands were consulted about who would take Todmordens place, and we believe that there are no rules that preclude a "non English" band from competing at the contest or if there is a limit on the number of competitors. As for what the other bands may decide......... Watch this space.

Euro Coverage?
We enjoy your site so much and are regular visitors to see see what is happening in the BB world.

Have you got any news of the European test piece? We have noted the own choice pieces, but can't find anywhere the set piece for the day. As we have just decided to go to Brussels, we are keen to learn what we will be listening to.

I hope you can help. Thanks and keep up the good work!

Keith & Shirley Hutchinson
New Malden
Surrey
13th Feb

4BR reply:
Don't know as yet both, but as soon as we do we'll let you know. As in keeping with our policy of "openness" we will be giving the contest our usual coverage.

Well Done...... Wherever you are?
Dear 4BR,
In reply to Les McCormack's message, I'd just like to add my congratulations to St Helens Youth for another superb win at the Nationals this year. Thanks Les for correcting the little mistake about the band's location!

As for the website, I believe that they haven't got one at the moment but there are plans to construct one in the near future.

Cheers
David Geoghegan
ex St Helens Youth & Black Dyke, now First City Brass
13th Feb

4BR reply:
God! We've got a lot to apologise for haven't we! First getting the date of Pontins wrong, wrong conductors and now putting St. Helens in the wrong place! Thanks David and congratulations to the band from us at 4BR as well. Things must improve around here or heads will roll!!!

Gray Day in Las Vegas
Dear 4BR,
Another thanks for a great website from an avid fan in Las Vegas.

I have been reading through all the contest histories and it has been interesting seeing whose winning and who is not. As to your suggestion about playing at the "Dune"...it was blown up several years ago to make way for a mega-resort. As for playing back-up to Tom Jones..this is Las Vegas, anything is possible here !!.

It was kind of reassuring to learn that some of the great traditions of the brass band world have traveled here to the Nevada desert...namely that after rehearsal many of the players went to the nearest bar to recover ! (well, after rehearsing in 110 degree heat in the evening who wouldn't ).

Last year in Las Vegas the local brass band organized a brass band festival with several bands from western states taking part. Each band played a 25 minute concert program which was followed by a massed band concert. The guest soloist was Russell Gray. It was hoped that this event might be turned into
an annual entertainment competition to be held in Las Vegas. An interesting side-note to that day was that I remembered playing in the Scottish Senior Solo Championships when Russell was in the juniors. Listening and admiring his wonderful playing here in Las Vegas I suddenly felt about 95 yrs old...was it that long ago?

I also read with interest the letter on favorite test pieces...my contribution for what its worth (in no particular order with the exception of
number 1. Connotations 2. Pageantry 3. Journey Into Freedom 4. Cloudcatcher Fells 5. High Peak 6. John o' Gaunt 7. Freedom

Keep up the good work
Alan in Las Vegas
11th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Alan. The Dunes gone eh? What architectural building of beauty have they got there now? As for Tom Jones............ We can but dream.

Nice to know Russell Gray went down well - looks good on the old CV when you can add "played the Golden Nugget Casino" and that some old traditions of banding have not been lost even in 100 degree heat. What would the world come to without beer.

All Saint's
Delighted to read that St Helens Youth were successful once again at the National Youth Championship. Congrats to all associated with the band! However, St Helens is not in Cheshire, as your report suggested. The town has a postal address of
Merseyside, although most locals still regard it as
part of the Red Rose County of Lancashire.

On a related point, do you know if St Helens Youth
have a website?

Cheers
Les McCormack
ex St Helens Youth & Black Dyke, now Rothwell Temperance
11th Feb

4BR reply:
Well done too from 4BR to everyone at St. Helens Youth. They seem to very much the premier Youth band in the country at the moment with super players and a fine conductor, so apologies that we didn't put you in Merseyside and plopped you in the leafy expensive suburbs of Cheshire. We don't know about the web site, but we are sure someone will let us know.

Open Concert?
I'm a tuba player from Belgium, and I'd like to go to the British Open in September.
Can you let me know, what is going to happen on the Sunday (contest or concert??)

Best Regards
Kris Hoeben

Kantara Errata for St. Austell Suite
For Lee Rogers and Raunds Temperance band. Kantara music are on 01962 883031.

Ken Vernon. ex Rushden Temps.

Old Student!
I think you are trying to age some of us a little too much. The course began in 1976 although at times I feel that old.

Nigel Beasley
11th Feb

4BR reply:
It's going to be a concert after the Open this year on the Sunday that will celebrate the 150 years of the contest and 100 years since the birth of Harry Mortimer - just like we said really near on four and half months ago on this very site. Do you think the organisers took any notice of us?

Well done Kantara Music for getting the errata out and apologies to all old students of the Salford Course. It was 1976 not 1967 as Nigel points out - it's just so many students we know don't have a clue what day it is let alone what year we're in at times!

17 Year old "Musings"
Dear 4barsrest.
I'm a 17 year old boy from Norway, and my schools brassband are playing a piece called "Musings" and it's written by Steve Pullin, and I wonder if you know
about a recording of that piece. It was written for the national youth band competition in GB in 1996 I think. (I'm not sure if it is that contest but I thought you woUld know) So , do you have any idea of there is a recording of this piece avaiable somewhere?

kind regards
Tommy Hansen
11th Feb

4BR reply:
We don't I'm afraid Tommy, but we are sure that there is someone out there who can tell us if there is. Anyone help?

Norwegian Atlantic
First of all - Thank you for a fantastic article on the Norwegian Nationals. It's good to see that England is looking abroad to see what is happening in other parts of the world. It's also fantastic that you go through all the sections, not only the top section. GREAT!

I see that you are amazed that one of the band in 1st section is going to play "Atlantic". For your information I can tell you that "Atlantic" was commissioned by one of the band in 1st section to be used at this contest. This may explain why you will hear it in 1st section in Bergen this year.

Trond Otto Berg
Soprano Cornet
11th Feb

4BR reply:
Many thanks for the kind remarks Trond. Just have to point out that the Welsh have always had a tradition of making friends abroad. We won't comment on the English!

As for "Atlantic". We have heard reports that it's a very difficult piece and one that will be a stern test come the Masters in May. We understand it was written for the Tomra Band and as they were in the First Division with you, we thought it was a brave choice. It seems we were proved right.

Not taking the credit
Dear 4barsrest.

First of all, thanks for a super magazine!
It's nice to see that you follow the banding world outside the UK as well. Just a small note on the report from yesterday's Norwegian Nationals:

In the 3rd section, the true conductor of Skodje Ungdomskorps is Henrik Dalhaug. I took another band in that section, but won't take credit for Henrik's good work. He also told me yesterday that his own local newspaper had credited me for directing Skodje.
Don't know where all this came from, but it should be sorted out now.


Best wishes,
Tormod Flaten, solo euph EBML
11th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks for the kind remarks and for letting us know that you didn't take the band. We hope you enjoyed our coverage of the Norwegian Nationals - perhaps next year we may even get out there in person to listen.

You'll go blind!
The other day I was trying to find out some info' on the "Black Dyke Mills Band", and so I typed in "Black Dyke Mills", into my search engine....................
WHAT CAN I SAY ???????????

It inspires some interesting ideas for band uniforms for the lady players out there !!!!!!!!!!!!

Lee Rogers
11th Feb

4BR reply:
Lee mate. You need medical help from professionals pretty damn quick. Don't you know it will make you go blind? Still, risk one eye though eh?

Cornish Mini Maestro
I am writing in on behalf of Glen Philp who currently plays with the Mount Charles Youth Band on Solo Cornets front row.

Glen is 12 years old and takes part in many solo contests throughout Devon and Cornwall. On Saturday 26 January he took part in the Helston Solo and
Quartet contest held at the School Community College organised by the Helston Town Band.

He took part in two slow melody classes, the 15 years class and the Open class. Consequently, he won the 15 years class with three clear points, he also had
the cup for the most outstanding performance of the day, and on top of that he won the open class playing against some of the finest adult players in the County.

He is now the currently Open Slow Melody Champion Of Cornwall "that's the title that came with the win" at the tender age of 12.

With kind regards,
Nigel Philp
11th Feb

4BR reply:
Well done to the lad - seems like the Cornish are now producing child prodigies like those little Japanese kids with those tiny violins. 12 years of age eh? All we wanted at 12 was to play football for Cardiff City and snog Olivia Newton John. The kids of today eh?

You Swines!!!
The band I used to play for are now known by the ridiculous title of "David Urquart Travel Yorkshire Imperial (Rothwell) Band", and the band I currently play for were once known as "Kippax Allerton Bywater Workshops (N.U.M.) Band"!!!! - Fortunately we are now known as simply "Kippax Band".

I started my playing career with "Leeds Model Band" who had some lower section success in the 1960's under Peter Kitson (They were formed in 1857 by the famous R.Smith, and they were meant to be the model for all other bands to aspire to). - No! - I wasn't there at the time !!

I did hear talk many years ago of a "Y.E.W.C.O." Band, which I understand stood for "Yorkshire Electric Wire Company". I wonder who was proud enough to admit to playing for "Swines Head Silver" who gave a never to be repeated rendition of "Souvenirs of the Opera" at a Butlins Contest in Skegness about 1964 ?

Ian Wilcox
11th Feb

4BR reply:
You've certainly done the rounds Ian of the great and inglorious when it comes to band names mate! Surely there is someone out there who played in the famous Swines Head Silver performance of 1964. The public need to know! Brilliant name!

Woodhouse 150 not out.
In 2003 Woodhouse Prize Band (in Sheffield ) celebrates its 150th year of continuous existence.
We are planning a number of events throughout the year with a reunion in June of as many past and present players and friends of the band .

We would love to hear from anyone interested in joining us in our celebrations. You can contact our secretary Tracy Cook on 0114 2472698 or our Band Master Graham Cook on 0114 2695477

Your help would be very much appreciated

Regards
Jill Ellis
11th Feb

4BR reply:
Your wish is our command. Hope you get plenty of ex players turning up, although unfortunately we don't think you'll get many original members being able to make it!

Comrade Snell and Grimethorpe?
If I remember rightly Howard Snell did conduct Grimethorpe Colliery band during the early 1970's at the British Open as well I think at the Mineworkers one year. Can't remember which years though, but he was a paid up member of the NUM for sure!

Paul Hitchins
06th Feb

4BR reply:
Both you and Mark we think are right and wrong. We checked the records we have about the British Open and we believe Howard Snell conducted Grimethorpe at the 1977 Open on Diadem of Gold, where they were drawn number 16, after CWS Manchester and before Stanshawe. All three didn't come anywhere and both the latter bands and their conductors on the day, Trevor Walmsley and Walter Hargreaves are no longer with us. As for the Mineworkers Championships - see below

Snell the Miner's Leader
Answering the question posed by Colonel Keith Stanley Lever.

I believe Howard Snell won the mineworkers final in Blackpool in 1973 with a Moorside Suite conducting......................Grimethorpe.

I haven't got the conductors list for the following couple of years so maybe he did it again, but he certainly has a Miner's win to add to his extensive list of successes in the contesting field.

Mark Arnold
www.1drummer.freeserve.co.uk
06th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Mark. We've delved into the record books again and we think that you are partly right that Howard Snell did in fact win the Mineworkers Championships, but not in 1973. According to the Arthur Taylor book on brass bands, he won the title with Grimethorpe in 1974, when in fact they tied for the first spot with the Cory Band under Major Arthur Kenney.

The 1973 win was Grimethorpe under the baton of John Berryman. We don't know what the set test was in 1974, but we think the tie for first place is fairly unique at such a contest. If anyone knows anymore let us know.

What about the Queens eh?
As one of the many female members of JAG Mount Charles, I was wondering if it was strictly PC to refer to us as "Kings of Yeovil"?

Tracy Osborne
05th Feb

4BR reply:
Sorry Tracy. Congratulations on the win and we hope you enjoyed yourselves (we saw that the beer cans were piled high in the bar when we went for our glass of orange juice). As we are Guardian reading left of centre types we should know better. Still who's worried when you win eh?

Commonwealth Music
Music will be played by 300 players from North West brass bands before the Queen at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Manchester on August 4.

They will be conducted by the Games music director, Max Lambert, well-known for his work in West End musicals. The North West Association was invited to recruit the players and their general secretary, Shirley Woodward, commented: "This is a unique opportunity for our bands to take part in an event which will be televised throughout the world. It will provide a wonderful showcase for brass banding throughout the region."

Malcolm Wood
05th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Malcolm. Perhaps we'll even win a medal at it or something. Nice to know though that there will be some representation from the brass band fraternity there. A festival of sporting prowess, odd games, lots of Australians winning everything - can't bleeding wait.

Was Snell ever a Major Miner?
I've been reading your website I noticed Howard Snell was retiring.... out of curiosity did he ever conduct the winning band in the Championship section at the CISWO finals at Blackpool??????????? I'm pretty well up with things in the brass band world but this eludes me.... perhaps yet another quiz question..... Can someone help?

COLONEL KEITH STANLEY JAMES LEVER, MVO. MBE. MMus(dist). BA(hons). FRCO. FRAM. FRCM. BMBC. psm. RM. (Chief Staff Arranger at the Royal Marines School of Music).
05th Feb

4BR reply:
To tell you the truth we don't really know! We think he may have conducted at the Championships some years ago possibly with Desford, but we haven't got a record of the winners and the conductors. If someone knows then please tell us. Surely there was one year when Grimethorpe didn't win it.

St. Austell Errata.
Following the letter that was published on the comments page about the possibility of an errata sheet being produced for the Third Section test piece....Yes there is a list available from the publisher. There are other errors not on the list as well. Yes !! Here we go again!!

Ken Vernon. Whitwell Brass.
05th Feb

4BR reply:
Nice to know one has been published and the bands will get it so they can work out the errors in plenty of time. We are sure though that this year won't be as bad as last year when the excuses from the publishers were just plain laughable. Congratulations to the publishers Kantaramusic for being so prompt.

Marple Support
You may,or may not, be aware that Marple have been pulling out all the stops to get a band together for the area. Besses O' th' Barn band would like to urge all associated with banding to help and support any bands that are fighting to keep going because over the years. It's only a "bloodimindidness" to survive that has kept us going. There are too many bands that have ceased to exist over the years so lets help them as much as we can. Come on Marple you can do it.

If you are contacted by them and they ask you to play say yes.

Dave Aston
Besses O' th' Barn
05th Feb

4BR reply:
Hear! Hear! Marple has had a couple of years of real struggle but they are great people who have worked their socks off to survive. If any band deserves some success it's them and we hope they will be able to put a good strong band out at the Areas to prove to everyone that the tradition of public subscription banding still has a future at the highest level.

Pretty Prominent
Yes, Mark Bousie is quite correct in what he has said about the Prominent Fluids Band, prior to that we were Webb Ivory Newhall and before that Burton Constructional Engineering Newhall - and we are still going strong but now just under the title of Newhall Band.

We gained the sponsorship from the Newhall based company of Prominent Fluid Controls (now based in Ashby de la Zouch) in the late 80's early 90's when the band were conducted by David Hutchinson. They are manufacturers of swimming pool filtering equipment and their head office is based in Hiedelberg in Germany. On one occassion when we entered a competition as the name was so long we were listed as Prominent FC Newhall - to which there were many comments of fancy a Football Club having their own brass band!

Glad to know that we are now famous having appeared on your site - and incidently during the time we were PFC Newhall band we also had pink jackets with a blue collar (we thought they looked smart!) before getting the company colours of black jackets with a bright orange trim.

We love the site keep up the good work

Patricia Woodings
Treasurer - Newhall Band
05th Feb

4BR reply:
Nice to know you are still going strong and have recovered from wearing what seems to have been a pretty awful set of jackets! As for a football club having a brass band - it sounds a great idea, lots would like to be known as the Man Utd of the banding world, but who would want to be sponsored by Torquay United?

What ever happened to......
I just have a quick question. Whatever happened to Matt Baker after he left Black Dyke, and why was he asked to leave? By the way I think your web site is great and very easy to find.

Pauline Buddin
05th Feb

4BR reply:
Short and sweet Pauline and pretty hard to answer! We don't know why Matt was asked to leave Black Dyke, but Roger Webster was lined up as his replacement and after being on the end for Dyke where do you go?

We understand that he's been travelling the world over the last year or so and was last heard of riding on top of an elephant in Thailand or somewhere equally exotic. Who knows now? But we hope he returns to the banding scene, as he was a very fine player and held the position with Dyke for a number of years (some difficult it must be said) with a lot of distinction. Can anyone enlighten us?

Hello Boys.........
Mr Morrison is right about compulsive, I just can't leave this alone at the moment.

We've always wanted sponsorship by Playtex so we could compete as Playtex Wonderbras(s). And as (not very funny) teenagers living in London we wondered whether Black Dyke had picked their name so as to win maximum sponsorship from a politically correct local authority.

Amanda Jarret
05th Feb

4BR reply:
Great idea - we would have loved to have seen the band uniforms. The innuendos however would have kept the Carry On team going for years though. Just think of Sid James cracking jokes about good top end stuff, plenty of support, great pairs of bouncing minims......

Billy Smart's Circus

Who need the Blandsman, sorry Bandsman when you've got this !!

Interesting comments on weird band names. As I hail from Swansea I recall Port Talbot Steel Works band was BSC Port Talbot with the nickname of Billy Smart's Circus Band whose allumni include John Ward who was at Euph at Parc & Dare, Fraser Bish of Cory and Ceri Thomas used to conduct them. (Dont know if you should print this it might be offensive to BSC now but it always made me smile ! )

Best wishes - Laurence Barton
05th Feb

4BR reply:
Thanks Laurence for the memories! We remember the band well in Wales and they are still going strong we understand, although they have had a tricky time of late. There were plenty of blokes of all shapes and sizes not just with them but nearly every band in Wales. I'm sure they remember you as well with affection!!

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