*
banner

Report & Results: 2017 Holme Valley Solo & Ensemble Competition

Plenty of great competitive music making on show in Hade Edge as players young and old build on their solo and ensemble foundations.

Podium
  There was plenty of great playing in the battle for prizes at Hade Edge bandroom

There was another highly enjoyable day of excellent music making at the 7th Holme Valley Solo & Ensemble Competition held at the impressive Hade Edge Bandroom, with adjudicator, Alan Morrison, describing them as the 'foundation' of the movement.

High standards

Standards were very high, with tenor horn players Zoe Wright and Patricia Woodings going away with the largest engraving bills, whilst other awards went to debutantes including Hade Edge trombone player Christopher Chung and impressive young Chapeltown cornet player Lucy Heeley.

Alan also expressed how impressed he was with the overall standard of playing but made a point in the 11 & under class which he felt was the closest matched of the day and giving him the most difficult decision to make.

Foundation event

Organiser Graham Bates told 4BR: "Numbers were a little down on last year, but that's not uncommon compared with similar events, and we'd certainly hope to see a few more youngsters next year. As Alan said, it's a great start to building confidence as a player in foundation events such as this.

We had representation from 14 different bands across the North of England and we thank everyone; players, parents, supporters, sponsors and committee for once again making it a superb, friendly day."

Graham announced that next year's event will once again take place at Hade Edge on Saturday 16th June.

We had representation from 14 different bands across the North of England and we thank everyone; players, parents, supporters, sponsors and committee for once again making it a superb, friendly dayOrganiser, Graham Bates

Results:

Slow Melody: 11 & Under


1. Maddie Baxter (Hade Edge B)
2. Claudia Bowen (Thurlstone)

Slow Melody: 14 & Under


1. Lucy Heeley (Chapeltown)
2. Matthew Sykes (Hope Bank Works)
3. Haydn Osborne (Lindley)

Slow Melody: 18 & Under


1. Christopher Chung (Hade Edge)
2. Zoe Wright (Hammonds Saltaire)
3. Ellie Warren (Ashton under Lyne)

Slow Melody: Open


1. Zoe Wright (Hammonds Saltaire)
2. Patricia Woodings (Newhall)
3. Christopher Chung (Hade Edge)

Slow Melody: Veterans


1. Patricia Woodings (Newhall)
2. Davina Holt (Uppermill)
3. John Sheard (Vintage Brass)

Ensemble: Open


1. Chiara Eckersley & Phoebe Collins

Air Varie/Technical:


1. Patricia Woodings (Newhall)
2. Zoe Wright (Hammonds Saltaire)
3. Lucy Heeley (Chapeltown)

Special Awards:

Air Varie / Technical (18 & under): Zoe Wright
Ensemble (18 & under): Chiara Eckersley & Phoebe Collins
Best Cornet/Soprano: Lucy Heeley (14 & under)
Best Horn/Flugel: Zoe Wright (18 & under)
Best Euphonium/Baritone: Matthew Sykes (18 & under)
Best Trombone: Christopher Chung (18 & under)
Outstanding Musical Performance: Davina Holt (Veterans)

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    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd