October is set to be an exciting time for the 140th anniversary celebrating Wingates Band.

Fifes to Fame

With the pinnacle of their celebrations on the horizon, last weekend saw them record their new CD, entitled, ‘From Fifes to Fanfares — and Fame!’ – an affectionate nod of allusion to the band's journey from a humble drum and fife ensemble to its internationally renowned contest successes at events such as the National and the Open Championships.

New MD Paul Andrews took the band through their paces as they recorded the double album over three days in their hometown of Westhoughton.

Euph trio

The first part of the CD will feature many different styles and genres of music, including several arrangements by solo trombonist, Adam Taylor, whilst the band was also joined by a trio of guest soloists to record a new work by Lucy Pankhurst.

‘Legacy’ features David Thornton, Gary Curtin and Lewis Musson – all former solo euphonium players of the band.

Major work

Meanwhile, the second part of the recording is dedicated to a new major commission. With support from the PRS for Music Foundation, Lucy Pankhurst's 26 minute long, ‘Th'owfen Raconteurs’ (‘The Storytellers of Westhoughton’) features the band, electronics and singer to help recall their unique story.

Lucy recorded numerous personal accounts from individuals with connections to the Wingates Band and the Houghton Weavers' Tony Berry sings and narrates part of the story, with segments of these interviews used as the main body of the narrative.

Determination

As Lucy told 4BR, with so many different elements to consider and put together, it was a challenge to record, but the band's determination and patience was admirable.

"It was a unique experience and difficult for the band to record, as they couldn't actually hear the audio tracks that will be superimposed over what they are playing," she said.

"Sometimes we were sat listening to a minute and a half of a pianissimo bass drum roll, or a long pause note being recorded!"

Lucy recorded numerous personal accounts from individuals with connections to the Wingates Band4BR

Tough job

Lucy added: "It was a really tough job for Paul as he had to make sure that everything correlated with the band in front of him, the tracks playing through his headphones and the score!

Keith Farrington and his recording team at Music House Productions did an amazing job. I'm really grateful to the band and to Tony Berry, Dave, Gary and Lewis for their involvement and professionalism.

It has been a huge journey for me just to this point with the projects and I'm really excited to hear the finished article!"

Premieres

Both pieces with receive their premieres later this month at a special concert at Bolton's Victoria Halls, which will also see the release of the long-awaited book by Dr. David Kaye; ‘From Bible Class to World Class’ — the band's official history.