English Nationals announce set work

Bands set to have a whale of a time at Preston, as BFBB announce Paul Lovatt-Cooper's new work for the contest.

Thursday, 19 February 2009

The British Federation of Brass Band (BFBB) has announced that Paul Lovatt-Cooper's new work, 'Within Blue Empires' will be the test-piece for the English National Championships taking place at Preston’s Guild Hall on Saturday 27th June.

Whale focus

It has been stated that the composition follows a programmatic brief, focusing on the sea, and in particular, the life of whales. The continuous work will include sections entitled: The Deep, The Mother and Her Baby Calf, Feeding, Prepare to Set Sail, Out at Sea, Calm Waters, The Breach and Finale.

The work will also require a CD track of sea sounds and whale songs to be played, as well as some players emulating the whale ‘spouts’ as the great mammal blows out air.

The work will require a CD track of sea sounds and whale songs to be played as well as some players emulating the whale ‘spouts’ as the great mammal blows out air4BR

Relinquishing playing duties

The composer has also confirmed that he will be relinquishing his commitments with Black Dyke two months prior to the contest and that he will have no contact with both the band and their conductor Dr. Nicholas Childs regarding the piece.

Internet masterclass

Paul will also present a workshop and masterclass on the piece which will be broadcast exclusively on 4Barsrest, giving all competing bands, conductors, adjudicators and audience a unique insight to aid them in their contest preparations.

'Within Blue Empires' was commissioned by Graham Taylor who is a successful design consultant. Graham was whale watching off the coast of Canada when he became inspired and fell in love with the great mammals.

Competing Bands

The BFBB has announced the line up of competing bands for the contest.

Brighouse & Rastrick
Black Dyke
Carlton Main Frickley
Fairey Band
Flowers
Fodens Richardson
Grimethorpe Colliery
Hammonds Saltaire
Hepworth (Cookson Homes)
Leyland
Mount Charles
Redbridge
Reg Vardy
Rothwell
Wingates
Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel

Judges

The adjudicators have been announced as William Relton, David Horsfield and Steve Sykes.

For further details please go to: http://www.bfbb.co.uk/images.htm

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