*
banner

Report & Results: 2016 Lions Youth Slow Melody

There was plenty of amazing young talent on show in Sandbach recently — including a couple of welcome visitors from south Wales...

Lions Youth Brass
  There was plenty of great musical talent packed onto the stage at Sandbach recently.

The future of Lions Youth Brass certainly looks bright after a keenly-contested high quality Slow Melody contest that took place recently at Sandbach Boys School.

Welcome

The Lions organisation was also delighted to welcome Glyn and Helen Williams from the all-conquering Cory Band to cast their musical ears over the proceedings as adjudicators — later admitting that they had a great, but difficult time trying to separate the talented youngsters in all the classes.

The duo also picked winners for the prestigious James Gorse award, a shield presented to the player from each band that, in their opinion demonstrated great potential.

Shield Winners

This year the recipients were George Dean (Beginners), Thea Lee (Juniors) and Hannah Taylor (Youth) after the trio produced wonderful performances.

To round off a great day the three bands then put on an evening concert for family and friends, where Glyn and Helen both performed the solos 'A Candlelight Carol' and 'Away In A Manger' to a captivated audience.

Knee crunching waltz

In addition, the Beginners continued their tradition of performing their own original song: This year it was 'I Can't Wait', whilst the Junior Band channelled their inner 'Cap'n Jack' energies into 'Pirates of the Caribbean'! Finally, all three bands came together in the traditional Lions Christmas Finale and the '12 Days of Christmas' and a knee-crunching 'Snow Waltz'!

The duo also picked winners for the prestigious James Gorse award, a shield presented to the player from each band that, in their opinion demonstrated great potential4BR

Results:

Beginner Band: 8 Years & Under


1. George Dean
2. Isobel Brooks
3. Nathan Mahan

9 Years & Over:


1. Isobel Jenkins
2. Marysia Mignon
3. Madison Dean

Junior Band: 10 Years & Under


1. Callum Raynor
2. Olivia Taylor
3. Adam Dinnis

11 Years


1. Thomas Bishop
2. Elena Simpson
3. Toby Doorbar

12 Years & Over


1. Eliza Dakin
2. Adele Jones
3. Joe Marmont

Youth Band: 13 Years & Under


1. Hannah Taylor
2. Kai Simpson
3. Bethany Harby

14 & 15 Years


1. Jamie Reid
2. Amy Hudson
3: Abbie Webb

16 Years & Over


1: Rhys Woollam
2: Emma Drew
3. Jake Fletcher

Open Section: Non Brass Instruments


1. Jamie Reid (Cello)
2. Craig Shaw (Piano)
3. Toby Doorbar (Guitar)

Beginner/Junior Groups Section


1. Emily and Alex Miles
2. Johnny Collett and Ryan Snelson
3. Melissa, Nancy Fletcher and Thea Lee

Youth Groups


1. Hannah Taylor and Bethany Harby
2. Tasha Brett, Emily Gibson, Abbie Webb and Daya Gill
3. Jake Fletcher, Anne Capewell, Ed and Oliver Shirvington

James Gorse Memorial Shield Winners:


Beginners: George Dean
Juniors: Thea Lee
Youth: Hannah Taylor

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


RNCM

Research recognition for RNCM

January 8 • The Royal Northern College of Music adds to its established recognition as a leading centre for the advanced study of music performance and composition.


ODBBA

ODBBA confident of capacity turn-out

January 8 • You will need to be quick to make sure you get your entry in for the Oxford & District Brass Band Association Winter Contest.


Geneva Clans

Geneva boost to cross border battle

January 8 • Geneva Instruments has boosted the prize funds for the forthcoming 'Clans vs Counties Contest' in June.


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd