The organisers of the famous West of England Bandsman’s Festival in Bugle have announced the test pieces chosen for their centenary event next year.

Favourite sons

The contest day will take place on Saturday June 16th when the memory of one of their favourites musical sons will be remembered by the inclusion of works by Goff Richards.

Philip Sparke’s ‘Tallis Variations’ is the Championship Section set work, which is coupled with Goff’s arrangement of ‘I’ll Walk With God’ by Nicholas Brodsky.

The contest day will take place on Saturday June 16th when the memory of one of their favourites musical sons will be remembered by the inclusion of works by Goff Richards4BR

Forgotten work

Meanwhile, a somewhat forgotten Goff work, ‘A Cornish Festival’, will be used in the First Section coupled with the march ‘Arnhem’.

Goff conducted his work on a 'Listen to the Band' broadcast in 1988 but was never puiblished. Searches in the archives by Goff’s wife Sue, revealed the manuscript score and parts and following preparatory work by Brian Minear and David Marshall it will be published in time for the Festival.

Grips

Second Section bands will get to grips with ‘Symphonic Suite for Brass Band’ by Leighton Lucas, which has been coupled with a modern arrangement of the hymn tune ‘Aurelia’ by Rieks van der Velde.

‘Anglian Dances’ by Alan Fernie is the single test for the Third Section whilst Ralph Vaughan Williams provides the Fourth Section bands with ‘English Folk Song Suite’.

The Sections for Youth and Training Bands have the opportunity to play own choice music to suite their particular abilities.

Further details

Full details will be available on the Festival Web Site, www.webf.co.uk

Entry forms and details are available from the Festival Promoter, Andrew Teague on 01726 815662.