YBS, Rochdale Youth and Junior Bands

Gracie Fields Theatre, Rochdale
Compere: Gilbert Symes
Saturday 15th January 2005

YBS Band
Conductor: Philippe Bach
Rochdale Youth Band
Conductor:  Eric Landon
Rochdale Junior Band
Conductor:  Hayley Moore
Gracie Fields Theatre, Rochdale
Compere: Gilbert Symes
Saturday 15th January 2005

Rochdale Music Centre encourages youngsters to get involved in brass playing and as a result Rochdale Youth Band is now one of the premier youth bands in the country with the Junior Band also now making an impression on their peers.  The opportunity to share the stage with the reigning Yorkshire, European, All England Masters and 4BR's Band of the Year, YBS is just one that can not be missed for all at Rochdale and having organised the event last year to great success, it was decided that it must be done again.

YBS under guest conductor Philippe Bach took the lions share of the playing doing a spot in both halves, whereas both Rochdale Bands did mini spots before all three combined at the end for a couple of pieces.

Rochdale Youth Band and Eric Landon got the whole evening's proceedings off to a fine start with a programme that included ‘Stars and Stripes Forever' featuring Michael Golding on soprano, ‘I Got Rhythm' and Goff Richards' ‘Breezin Down Broadway' that featured some nice playing on principal cornet from Rebecca Chrimes.  The band also has some talented individuals within it, and percussionist, Matthew Mills was showcased in the xylophone solo ‘Sparks'.  Matthew demonstrated that he is one to look out for now, never mind the future as he had total control of the instrument and the auditorium with an outstanding performance.

Rochdale Junior Band performed a mini-set at the start of the second half.  The march ‘True & Trusty' was followed by music from Russia entitled ‘Czardas' and they finished with one of conductor Hayley Moore's favourites, Bill Hayley's ‘Rock Around The Clock'. 

What was evident as with the Youth Band is the enthusiasm, endeavour and commitment that all of the young players put in.  They enjoyed every minute of it and this is another young band that no doubt will have the stars of the future.

YBS were of course the main attraction and they were in good form throughout.  They opened their part in the night with ‘Fest Musik De Stadt Wein', where the MD gave the music plenty of time to breathe.

The same could be said for the popular ‘Force of Destiny'.  By the end of the bands opening two numbers, it was evident that Philippe's musical background had some influence on interpretation.  The opening of Verdi's work was slow and very precise, bringing out delightful cornet playing from Stuart Lingard.  The overall clarity of sound from within the band was superb and whilst the tempos were restrained, Philippe Bach was in total control.

Stuart Lingard was the first YBS soloist of the night in ‘Lairg Muir' from 'Hymn of the Highlands' and he gave a clear demonstration as to why he was included in the 4BR Band of 2004 with a flawless display.  Percy Grainger's ‘Molly on the Shore' was quite sublime with some fine ensemble playing from within the band and Bob Blackburn (another member of 4BR's 2004 Band of the Year) in particular on baritone.

Sheona White chose Goedicke's ‘Concert Etude' to showcase why she is still the best horn player in the world.  This was just magical stuff with a real command of the instrument with an impeccable display where she had the audience in the palm of her hand. To conclude the first half, music from Tchaikovsky and his ‘Little Russian' Symphony.  Once again, Philippe Bach's influences were in evidence as this was another classical interpretation with some fine playing from within the band.

YBS's second half contributions were just as impressive as the first, and included an item that appears around Christmas time. 

The lively ‘Farandole' from Bizet's suite 'L'Arlesienne' got things off to a good start and featured some nice playing on soprano from the ‘guesting' Martin Irwin, the ex B & R soprano player who currently resides in the cornet section at Hepworth.  Martin was in fine form all night and seemed to really enjoy playing with this World-class outfit.

Goff Richards' ‘Shepherds Song' featured some delightful playing from Stuart Lingard and Morgan Griffiths and it was the aforementioned Mr Griffiths who was featured as the final soloist of the night.

Morgan is a player who a true master of his craft and listening Hartman's ‘La Belle Americane', the quality of sound and style of which he approached the music was just a delight.  For any of the young players listening, this was yet another example of what they can aspire too in the future.

A selection of music from ‘Harry Potter' once again had some fine ensemble playing within it, before the band wrapped up its individual spots with the lively ‘Dance' from Balissat's 'Second Sinfonietta'. 

YBS were in great form all night and responded superbly to Philippe Bach, who certainly seemed to enjoy the experience.  Anyone not involved at Butlins or the RNCM next weekend and within reach of Scarborough can hear YBS in concert where they will be directed by Richard Evans.  On the evidence of this night, you are guaranteed some top notch music-making.

To conclude the whole night's entertainment, it was (literally) standing room only on the stage as all three bands combined to perform Rayner's ‘Loyal and True', a typical street march heard on Whit Friday and Bach's ‘Toccata in D Minor'.

This was another night that the members of Rochdale Youth and Junior Bands will not forget in a while.  On the evidence of this concert, banding is has a bright future in the Rochdale area for a good while to come.  The opportunity to perform with YBS doesn't happen too many and the large audience was entertained royally by all the bands and compere, Gilbert Symes. 

Malcolm Wood

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