Black Dyke Band/2nd Rossendale Scouts Band

Conductor: Dr. Nicholas Childs
Conductor: Graham Helm
Royal Theatre,
Bacup
Saturday 2nd July

One hundred years ago, members of Irwell Springs Band were given gold medals on the stage of the Royal Court Theatre in Bacup, to mark their victory at the 1905 National Final, beating Black Dyke into second place.

Last Saturday (2nd July), Black Dyke ventured for the first time onto the territory of their former rivals when Dr. Nicholas Childs and the band joined the 2nd Rossendale Scout Group Band in a joint anniversary celebration - Black Dyke's 150th and the Scout Band's 40th. To mark the occasion, Rossendale Scouts' musical director, Graham Helm, commissioned a new work from Rodney Newton for both bands to perform together, after each band had presented an entertaining programme.

Black Dyke, on fine form, began with a spirited ‘Queensbury' march, followed by an equally lively ‘Ruslan and Ludmilla'. Roger Webster then delighted everyone with the Harry James' version of ‘Carnival of Venice' before the band launched into its popular ‘Black Dyke at the Movies' sequence.

Peter Roberts was on top form in his soprano solo, ‘Memory' whilst the 200th anniversary of the ‘Battle of Trafalgar' was commemorated with Albert Elms' stirring piece of the same name, with Matthew Routley as narrator and Claire Allen supplying off-stage trumpet signals.

2nd Rossendale Scout Band then took the stand with Philip Sparke's ‘Fanfare',‘followed by William Himes' rich arrangement of the hymn tune, ‘Nicea', ending with Ray Farr's arrangement of music from ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'.

Both bands then combined for Rodney Newton's ‘Fantasia on a Lancashire Hymn Tune' (‘Bacup' by local vicar, James Roscoe). Conducted by Nicholas Childs, the piece, featured both bands as equal partners and, despite being clearly in awe of Black Dyke, the Scouts made a brave and secure contribution, featuring some lovely solo playing from principal cornet, Danielle Wilcock, and solo horn, Rachel Burgess.

Following the presentation, by Graham Helm, of mementos to Mr. Newton and Dr. Childs, Black Dyke concluded the evening with a flugel solo from John Doyle (‘The Children of Sanchez'), ‘Grandfather Clock', with euphonium soloist, David Thornton, and a grand finale, Wagner's ‘Procession to the Minster'.

Commenting on the success of the concert afterwards, Dr. Childs said: "We felt we were among friends."

Kenneth Crookston

This review first appeared in the British Bandsman

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