overseas bands set to star at brass in concert · trumpet virtuoso, martin winter, who also...
TRANSCRIPT
Issue no. 5557 – 18 April 2009
www.britishbandsman.com
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Bramwell Tovey and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain gathered for the band’s Easter Course at Harrogate Ladies College last week,
prior to performances in the Yorkshire town and in Manchester. BB was at the Manchester concert and the full story is on pages 12 and 13.
Continuing a trend established over the past three years at the Brass
in Concert Championship, the organisers of the world’s premier
entertainment-based brass band contest have released details of two top
overseas bands due to participate at this year’s event.
A spokesman for Brass in Concert told BB: “As part of an agreement
with the organisers of the US Open Brass Band Championship, the 2008
Champion, Fountain City Brass Band, from Kansas City, qualifi ed for an
invitation to attend the 2009 Brass in Concert Championship. So eager was
the band to accept, that it has extended its visit to the UK to two weeks,
returning home after also competing in the Scottish Open Championship
in Perth.”
Fountain City has been the pre-eminent contesting brass band in the
USA for the past few years, having been crowned North American Brass
Band Champion for three consecutive years (2007–2009) and US Open
Champion in 2007 and 2008. Conducted by the irrepressible Joe Parisi,
Fountain City is sure to build on the outstanding contribution made to the
Brass in Concert event by its US predecessor, Brass Band of Central Florida,
in 2006. Fountain City will feature in the World of Brass in Concert gala
opener on Saturday 14 November, then compete in the Championship the
following day.
Tour co-ordinator, Helen Tyler, who formerly played solo baritone with
Foden’s Band prior to moving to the USA, confi rms that the tour itinerary
for Fountain City, while not yet fully confi rmed, will include concerts on
a more-or-less nationwide basis, while also undertaking a World of Brass
backed recording project. “The band is thrilled at the prospect of the UK
tour and is, of course, delighted and privileged to be able to compete in
two such high-profi le contests during the trip,” she commented, adding,
“We hope our experience of both the set test-piece and entertainment
format contests in the USA will stand us in good stead.”
Also making the trip for this year’s Brass in Concert will be Manger
Musikklag, the 2008 Siddis Champion, which was led to victory in the
leading Norwegian entertainment contest last November by the English
trumpet virtuoso, Martin Winter, who also composed the band’s entire
programme, the four-movement Central Park Suite. Manger’s appearance
continues Brass in Concert’s long association with Norwegian banding,
most recently continued by visits from Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag in
2007 and Stavanger Brass Band, which achieved a highest ever placing
at the event for an overseas band when it fi nished second in 2008 under
Allan Withington.
Tickets for the World of Brass in Concert, which takes place on Saturday
14 November, together with the Brass
in Concert Championship on Sunday 15
November, are now on sale from the box
offi ce of The Sage Gateshead, which can be
contacted on 0191 443 4661 or
Overseas bands set to star at Brass in Concert
Pict
ure
cour
tesy
of J
ames
Chi
shol
m.
Price £1.25
BB 1.indd 1 14-04-2009 17:00:22
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 2
Sedb
ergh
Sch
ool i
s a
Reg
iste
red
Cha
rity
No.
108
0672
JOIN THE TOP BRASS!
www.sedberghschool.org
At Sedbergh, we believe in making a noise about being the best, and our brass band is top class. In the last three years, 12 band members have received ATCL and LTCL diplomas. We’ve toured to the Bahamas, France, Germany and Slovenia, and even played at Lord’s during two test matches. Sedbergh is probably the only school to offer specific Brass Band Scholarships, and they are now available for September 2009. For more information please contact Alan Lewis: 07876 404 408 or email: [email protected]
Boys and girls aged 4 –18
2009 All England
Masters International
ChampionshipSunday 24th May 10.00am
The Corn Exchange, Cambridge
Sponsored by
Test-PieceMasters of the Space & Time - Broughton
Tickets £17 - £13
Gala Evening Concert 7.45pmFodens Band &
National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain
Tickets £17 - £13
For tickets telephone: +44 (0)1223 357851or +44 (0)1223 234090 or +44 (0)1954 781238
With additional support from Pro-Digital Systems Ltd.
BB 2-3.indd 2 14-04-2009 17:01:37
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 3
NEWS
Australian title for Jason KatsikarisJason Katsikaris, the Australian conductor who has made a major
impact in UK contesting in recent years with Leyland and BTM bands,
led his Gunnedah Shire Band to victory in the Australian National
Championships, which took place in Sydney last weekend. Having given
what turned out to be the winning performance on Saturday of Philip
Wilby’s test-piece, …Dove Descending, Gunnedah followed-up with a fine
performance of Philip Sparke’s Harmony Music in Sunday’s own-choice
section to secure an overall four-point victory.
The full results were:
A Grade
Test-piece: …Dove Descending (Philip Wilby)
Adjudicator: Professor David King
1. Gunnedah Shire (J. Katsikaris) 46 (hymn) + 198 (test-piece) + 197 (own-
choice) + 46 (stage march) = 487
2. Kew Band Melbourne (M. Ford) 48 + 196 + 192 + 47 = 483
3. City of Holroyd (N. Weeks) 46 + 194 + 195 + 46 = 481
4. Warringah Concert Brass (J. Saunders) 45 + 192 + 194 + 48 = 479
5. MPV Brass (M. van Emmerik) 45 + 195 + 191 + 45 = 476
6. Brisbane Brass 1 (J. Christodoulides) 47 + 190 + 193 + 45 = 475
7. Footscray-Yarraville City (P. Edwards) 44 + 191 + 193 + 44 = 472
8. Waratah Brass (W. Tyrell) 47 + 189 + 192 + 42 = 470
9. Willoughby City (A. Snell) 46 + 190 + 191 + 42 = 469
10. Darebin City Brass - Preston Band (D. Dielkins) 43 + 186 + 190 + 45 =
464
11. South Brisbane Federal (M. Gray) 43 + 190 + 188 + 40 = 461
12=. St. Mary’s Band Club (P. Terracini) 40 + 183 + 192 + 43 = 458
12=. Boroondara Brass (D. van Bergin) 42 + 180 + 192 + 44 = 458
14. Glenorchy City Concert Brass (D. Hunt) 42 + 179 + 188 + 41 = 450
Best Soloist in Test-piece: Riki McDonnell, euphonium, Holroyd
Best Section in Test-piece: Warringah Percussion
B Grade
Test-piece: Bandsmans Challenge (Bertrand Moren)
Adjudicator: James Curnow
1. Hobart City (S. Cawthorne) 49 + 196 + 195 + 47 = 487
2. Townsville Brass (D. Hosking) 48 + 195 + 193 + 44 = 480
3. Geelong West (J. Steele) 43 + 191 + 194 + 46 = 474
4. Parramatta City (J. Gatt) 47 + 194 + 190 + 42 = 473
C Grade
Test-piece: Symphony of Marches (Gilbert Vinter)
Adjudicator: James Curnow
1. Darebin City Brass - Northern Brass (A. Power) 46 + 192 + 194 + 46 =
478
2. City of Wollongong Brass (P. Eades) 44 + 188 + 192 + 45 = 469
3. City of Holroyd No. 2 (S. Yow) 43 + 185 + 191 + 44 = 463
4. Greater Bendigo Brass (D. Trottman) 42 + 190 + 189 + 41 = 462
D Grade
Test-piece: Call of the Righteous (Leslie Condon)
Adjudicator: Professor David King
1. Boroondara Harmony Brass (D. van Bergin) 46 + 194 + 196 + 46 = 482
2. Newcastle PCYC Band (T. Wallace) 47 + 193 + 193 + 47 = 480
3. Narrabri Shire Band (S. Moore) 46 + 198 + 190 + 44 = 478
4. Brisbane Brass 3 (B. Barker) 45 + 195 + 193 + 43 = 476
Junior A Grade
Test-piece: Shine as the Light (Peter Graham)
1. Gunnedah Shire (D. Alexander) 47 + 197 + 198 + 47 = 489
2. Willoughby City Youth (B. McGuinness) 41 + 187 + 193 + 43 = 464
Junior B Grade
Test-piece: A Disney Fantasy (Goff Richards)
1. Warringah Youth (J. Saunders) 47 + 197 + 198 + 47 = 489
Foden’s announces sponsorship dealThe current British Open Champion, Foden’s Band, has announced that
Sandbach Town Council has pledged financial support by becoming a
Platinum Sponsor of the band. Speaking to BB on behalf of the band, a
delighted Mark Wilkinson commented: “This reinforces the already strong
link between the band and the local Town Council, representatives of
which are always evident at our Sandbach Concerts.”
Chairman of the Council, Pauline Minshull, presented a cheque to Andy
Rolfe of Foden’s during the monthly Town Council meeting earlier this
week and a short presentation followed, which allowed the council to
understand a little more about the band and all the benefits that go with
being a Platinum Sponsor.
Andy Rolfe commented: “We are very pleased to secure this sponsorship,
as the band is proud of its roots in the local community. We will
endeavour to positively represent Sandbach throughout the year at the
many venues in which we play and hope to strengthen our association
with the Town Council in the future. The band will make good use of this
additional funding with its work in the local community.”
Alison Balsom to star in Last Night of the PromsFrom playing with a 4th Section
brass band to a career as an
international soloist is a pretty
huge step, but one which trumpet
player, Alison Balsom, has made.
Born in Royston, Hertfordshire,
Alison was educated at Tannery
Drift Junior School, Greenway
School and Meriden School before
attending the junior department of
the Guildhall School of Music and
Drama, the Royal Scottish Academy
of Music and Drama and Paris
Conservatoire, where she studied
with Håkan Hardenberger. She began learning the trumpet from the age
of seven and joined Royston Town Band at the age of eight, alternating
between cornet and flugel horn. In 1998, she was a finalist in the BBC
Young Musician of the Year competition and, in 2006, she was named
best Young British Classical Performer at the Classical Brit Awards and also
won the Classic FM Listeners’ Choice Award. Alison is a Visiting Professor
of trumpet at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, but, as she
revealed in an interview with the Sunday Times, still plays with Royston
Town Band on Christmas morning, although never as principal cornet, as
the band considers she doesn’t attend enough rehearsals!
On 12 September this year, she will be joining the mezzo-soprano,
Sarah Connolly, the BBC Singers, the BBC Symphony Chorus and the
BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of the BBC’s Principal Guest
Conductor, American David Robertson, at the Royal Albert Hall in the Last
Night of the Proms, in which her contribution will include Joseph Haydn’s
Trumpet Concerto. Perhaps one day Royston Town might let her play
principal cornet, but only if she improves her attendance record, of course!
BB
BB 2-3.indd 3 14-04-2009 17:01:38
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 4
NEWS
The Southern Counties Amateur Bands
Association (SCABA) welcomed 22 bands to its
annual Spring Contest at the Town Hall in Hove
on 5 April. Speaking before the announcement
of results from the morning session, adjudicator,
Colin Hardy, said that he was very impressed
with the choices made by the bands in this
own-choice contest.
Once again, Mode for… sponsored the Youth
Section by offering all competing youth bands
a £50 voucher to purchase music from the
Company’s catalogue. This sponsorship deal
started at the Autumn Contest last October
and will continue for all SCABA contests in
2009. SCABA’s Media Officer commented: “we
are extremely grateful to Mode for… for its
generosity. We are trying to encourage youth
bands into contesting and, hopefully, with the
opportunity of boosting their libraries, this
might encourage the bands take part. There are
one or two youth bands out there; we just need
them now to test the water. Over the last few
months, SCABA has greatly missed the presence
of its Chairman, John Williams, who has been
undergoing treatment for his illness, but it was
fantastic to see him again on Sunday.”
The results were:
Championship Section
March
1. Friary Guildford (A. Porter)
Test-piece
1. Friary Guildford (A. Porter)
Best Instrumentalist: Richard Straker (Friary
Guildford)
Best Bass Section: Friary Guildford
1st Section
March
1. Tilbury (A. Duguid) (drawn 5) 188
2. Uckfield Concert Brass (S. McIntyre) (6) 187
3=. Brass a Musica (M. Dils) (1) 186
3=. Horsham Borough (K. Maxwell) (7) 186
Test-piece
1. Brighton and Hove City (M. Hackett) (8) 185
2. Tilbury (A. Duguid) (5) 184
3. BAE Systems Brass (K. Woodger) (4) 182
4. Brass a Musica (M. Dils) (1) 181
Best Bass Section: Brighton and Hove City
Best Horn Section: Tilbury
Best Tenor Trombone: Andrew Harrington
(Tilbury)
Best Bass Trombone: Nathaniel Dye (Fairlop)
Conductor’s Prize: Matthew Hackett (Brighton
and Hove City)
2nd Section
March
1. Uckfield Concert Brass (S. McIntyre) (2) 185
2. Hangleton (M. Pollard) (3) 183
3=. Cranbrook Town (I. Lanceley) (1) 182
3=. LGB Brass (I. Stewart) (6) 182
Test-piece
1. Uckfield Concert Brass (S. McIntyre) (2) 184
2. Hangleton (M. Pollard) (3) 182
3. LGB Brass (I. Stewart) (6) (181)
4. Cranbrook Town (I. Lanceley) (1) 180
Best Instrumentalist: Marcus Plant (Uckfield
Concert Brass)
Best Trombone Section: Hangleton
Conductor’s Prize: Steve McIntyre (Uckfield
Concert Brass)
3rd Section
March
1. Cobham (D. Ruel) (4) 177
2. Patcham Silver (J. Benka-Coker) (1) 175
3. Snowdown Colliery (K. Spencer) (2) 173
4. Crystal Palace ‘B’ (I. Whittaker) (3) 171
Test-piece
1. Cobham (D. Ruel) (4) 182
2. Snowdown Colliery (K. Spencer) (2) 181
3. Patcham Silver (J. Benka-Coker) (1) 180
4. Crystal Palace ‘B’ (I. Whittaker) (3) 178
Best Instrumentalist: Keith Pritchard (Snowdown
Colliery)
Best Solo Cornet Section: Cobham
Best Horn Section: Patcham Silver
Conductor’s Prize: David Ruel (Cobham)
Youth Section
March
1. Shanklin Town Youth (M. Lewis) (2) 181
2. Hangleton Youth (M. Pollard) (1) 179
Test-piece
1. Shanklin Town Youth (M. Lewis) (2) 180
2. Hangleton Youth (M. Pollard) (1) 178
Best Instrumentalist: Ashley Wicks (Shanklin
Town Youth)
Conductor’s Prize: Malcolm Lewis (Shanklin
Town Youth)
BB
Far-travelled bands at Carnegie HallThe Fife Brass Band Festival takes place next
Saturday (25th) in Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline,
where 27 bands will line up to play concert
programmes throughout the day. Among the
furthest travelled groups, Felling Band, from
the North of England region, and Campbeltown
Brass from the Mull of Kintyre will once again
make the trip to Dunfermline. Local Fife bands
are also represented by Dunfermline Town,
Buckhaven and Methil, Lochgelly, Tullis Russell
Mills and Dysart Colliery. This year, two non-
contesting bands, Callander Brass and Arbroath
Instrumental Junior Band, will take part to
give their players experience and they will
receive comments on their performances from
adjudicator, Derek Southcott.
The event starts with bands in the 4th Section
at 9.30am and tickets will be available at the
door.
Stephen Sykes became the Lions UK Trombone
Champion at Birmingham Conservatoire
on 4 April. The competition, which was
the culmination of the British phase of the
Lions European Music Competition, had
representation from all parts of the UK.
Adjudicators, Bob Hughes (former bass
trombonist with the London Symphony
Orchestra), David Purser (Head of Brass,
Birmingham Conservatoire) and trombonist,
Neil Samuel, praised Stephen for his
outstanding playing, both musically and
technically, in his chosen pieces, Ballade
by Eugene Bozza and Aria and Polonaise by
Jongen. Stephen will now perform as the UK
representative in Tampere, Finland in the
European Final in September.
A few days earlier, Stephen won the Concerto
Class at Bath Music Festival, one of the most
prestigious festivals in the music calendar. In
the final, he competed against finalists from
both the string and piano sections and became
the first brass player to win the Concerto Final
since the competition began in 1922.
This is a busy time for Stephen, as he will also
be playing with Cory Band in its bid to retain
the European title in Ostend next month.
Encouraging event at Hove
BB BBSykes becomes Lions UK Trombone Champion
BB 4-5.indd 4 14-04-2009 17:01:13
PROFILE
George Adey - 91 not out!Rodney Newton talks to 91 year-old George Adey of Thundersley Band, one of the oldest active bandsmen in the
country, about his long banding career
Some folk seem to be blessed with a perpetual
source of energy. At an age when most people
would be sitting by the fire and taking trips
down memory lane, George Adey is up and
about, attending band rehearsals and taking
part in concerts with the enthusiasm and
vigour of a man half his age.
Born on 14 March 1918 in Raweth, Essex,
George Adey was educated at Rayleigh
Secondary School. Initally, on leaving school, he
worked for his father in the family decorating
business, but changed career, working for
a medical research company before joining
the Merchant Navy. The years of World War II,
however, saw George back on dry land, enlisted
into the Army. On his demobilisation, he joined
the Ford Motor Company as a vehicle road
test driver. However, after 20 years behind the
steering wheel, he changed his career once
again and joined the Post Office as a postman
(high grade), where he remained until his
retirement.
His involvement with brass playing came at the
age of 12 years. He recalled: “My father asked a
friend if he would teach me to play a baritone
which was old and battered. I was thrilled,
and managed to play various scales. I played
in Goodmayes Salvation Army Band, before
being forced to discontinue playing due to
my circumstances. One special memory I have
of my time in the Merchant Navy, was when
I was sailing between the United States and
the United Kingdom. During one shore leave, I
went to the local Salvation Army hall, met the
officers of the corps and the musicians, and
I was invited to play with them for a Sunday
service. On subsequent visits to New York, I was
invited to join the families and play in the band.
I never lost my interest, though, and played
occasionally in a small church band. However,
my enlistment into the Army (stationed in
Austria) encouraged me to get involved with
the Band of the 5th Battalion Northamptonshire
Regiment. Although a friend of my father
originally taught me to play, I have been mostly
self-taught, with the encouragement from
the members of various bands, and especially
from my mother, who was a brilliant organist.
It was my parents, with their determination to
find someone who was willing to train me, that
have been the greatest influence on my playing
career.
“After the war, I met, by chance, the bandleader
of the Romford Town Band, who invited me to
join the band. I began on soprano cornet, but
my friend, Tommy Bell, who was also a soprano
player, joined the band and it was decided
that two soprano players were not required,
Over his long life, George has seen a number
of conductors come and go, although Major
George Willcocks in his Fairey and Black Dyke
days and Romford’s own Jock Anderson
remain in his memory as particularly fine.
He has also seen a number of developments
affect brass bands, and observed, “There have
been numerous changes over the years, and I
have witnessed the demise of the brass band
throughout the country and the number of
people learning to play the instruments. The
music has changed so much, and the musical
arrangements have become more varied and
more complicated to play (or is it my age?).
The standard of the bands, especially in the
competitions, has increased and complete
dedication to the instrument (and to one’s
practise) is required. The bands are not as
popular as they once were, but the enthusiasm
of the players makes up for this loss. Also, I
have noticed with my band, that the audience
is growing each year. My playing days are
coming to a close, but I will still be involved
in the band through my recent promotion
to the office of Vice-President. I consider this
an honour and I will continue to promote
the band, even though I will not be a playing
member.”
According to Thundersely Band’s Secretary,
Richard Folkstone, George Adey has never
missed a single rehearsal during his entire
two-and-a-half years with the band. Although
his playing career may be drawing to a close,
there is one final event booked for this coming
December, when he will play Make Me a
Channel of Thy Peace as a solo at the band’s
Christmas concert. All at British Bandsman
salute the wonderful example of dedication
and enthusiasm that is George Adey.
so I was asked if I would change instruments
and play solo horn, which I did. I remained
with Romford for 45 years but, at the end of
that period, my wife suddenly became ill, and I
had to discontinue my playing in order to care
for her, as the journey between my home in
Brentford and Romford made it impossible to
do both. After my wife died, I felt in need of
an interest in life and, by chance, I met some
members of Thundersley Brass Band at the
local fête. They suggested that I attended a
rehearsal and, although I considered myself too
old and out of practise to join them, I found,
with their encouragement, that I was able to
play and I have been a member of the band
for two years now. Due to my age, I don’t take
part in contests, but I do play the odd solo, and
recently I played a duet with our solo baritone
player. However, I am normally to be found
among the 2nd or 3rd cornets.”
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 5
George in his younger days at Romford, sitting in the front row, fourth from the right
BB 4-5.indd 5 14-04-2009 17:01:14
essays
DaviD Daws prepares to make a comeback after lip surgeryBy Anthony Leggett
Cornet star, David Daws, former principal cornet of the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army (ISB) and now of the Hendon SA Band - who has been authoritatively described as ‘one of the great cornet players of all time’ - is currently out of action for six months as he recovers from lip surgery in Canada
to repair a ruptured orbicularis oris muscle in his upper lip. Also known as
‘Satchmo’s Syndrome’ because Louis Armstrong suffered with it in 1935, this is an injury that can
cripple a brass player by causing
fatigue, pain and a deterioration
of the sound.
British BAnDSmAn Page 6
BB 6-7.indd 6 14-04-2009 17:56:03
ESSAYS
WS PREPARES TO MAKE AFTER LIP SURGERY
David has released four solo CDs and toured as
a soloist in countries including Australia, New
Zealand, Canada, USA, Switzerland, Sweden
and the Netherlands during his glittering
playing career (he was also principal cornet
of the Enfield Citadel Band prior to moving
to Hendon). However, he will, perhaps, be
best remembered by the brass band world
at large for his brilliant (and humorous) duet
performances with Roger Webster at the Royal
Albert Hall Epic Brass concert with Black Dyke
Band and the ISB in October 2001, and also
the Eric Ball Centenary Concert by the same
bands at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham,
two years later, when he was called in at just a
few hours notice to deputise for Roger Webster
and gave a stunning solo performance from
memory of the immensely difficult original
version of Eric Ball’s Clear Skies.
However, it was early in 2005 that David
began to experience embouchure problems.
“My lip constantly felt tired and, without my
knowing it, my embouchure was changing
as I endeavoured to cope with the problem,”
David recalls. He tried at first to resolve matters
by simply resting his lip – not easy when
playing with an SA brass band and with a busy
schedule. “It made playing very difficult and
I have had many anxious moments, needing
to constantly rest in rehearsals and in band
concerts. The high range, in particular, suffered,”
he added.
There were occasions when David realised
that he was totally unable to play in front of
the public without suffering embarrassment.
In June 2005, he was the soloist with the ISB
at a large SA event at the Royal Albert Hall
and, at a rehearsal with the band a few days
before it, was playing the solo, Golden Slippers,
when, after a couple of bars rest in the first
movement, he found that he couldn’t get his
embouchure right and missed his next entry –
“Very worrying!” he commented, continuing,
“During the afternoon rehearsal on the day of
the concert, playing through a simple melody,
I was in big trouble: the concert starting in an
hour or so, my lips not working properly and
I felt as though I had already been playing for
three hours. This was indeed frightening, and I
still haven’t watched the DVD of the event!”
He continued: “The first engagement I had
to actually pull out of was the Gala Concert
preceding the Brass in Concert Championships
at The Sage Gateshead in November 2005,
when Alan Morrison deputised for me. This
obviously caused me a great deal of concern;
one doesn’t want to be considered unreliable.”
David tried all sorts of investigations and
remedies, including MRI scans at Harley Street,
acupuncture sessions, muscle relaxants and
electric shock treatment. “I saw nine different
medical specialists throughout the UK, and
it was very frustrating to be passed from one
to another, none of whom could help. The
last few years have been a bit of a nightmare.
There have been times when I have felt good,
followed by periods when producing a bottom
C is a major hurdle. I made a CD with Brass Band
de Waldsang in 2007 and never once practised
the last note in Martyn Thomas’ A Song to Swing,
as I simply wasn’t able to. At the recording
session, it was the last track to be recorded and
I just crossed my fingers, hoped for the best,
and went for it, knowing that it would finish me
off!”
“In June 2007, I realised that I would probably
need surgery, having felt during solo playing
that I had lost all control, and having endured
many new starts before confidence was
destroyed through my inability to play the
easiest of pieces. Instead, I had a number of
months out and hoped that things would sort
themselves out. I returned to Hendon Band in
April 2008 and, for a while, things seemed OK.
I had personally often complained of a ‘hole’ in
my top lip and it was only through visiting Dr.
J. Simon McGrail - a world-renowned physician
in Toronto, regarded as ‘the guru of injured
brass players and vocalists’ - in September 2008,
that a torn muscle was diagnosed, with surgery
being the only real solution. After playing as a
guest with Enfield Citadel Band the following
month, lacking stamina and with a very
uncomfortable lip, I realised that surgery was,
indeed, my only option.”
Dr McGrail is thought to be the only surgeon
now carrying out this type of operation to repair
ruptures of the orbicularis oris muscle, and has
performed it on approximately 60 patients.
David travelled to Toronto just before Christmas
last year when, under local anaesthetic, an
incision was made along the top of his lip. The
surgeon said it was difficult for him to raise the
skin flap due to heavy scar tissue, but when
the muscle was exposed David was asked to
‘buzz’. A mid-line rupture of the muscle then
became apparent, Dr. McGrail saying that it was
about the worst he had seen. He shortened and
then stitched the torn muscle together, leaving
self-dissolving stitches inside the skin before
replacing and stitching the skin flap.
David is now required to follow an extended
programme of ‘lip convalescence’ for
approximately six months without playing at all.
Daily lip stretching exercises are required and
he telephones Dr. McGrail monthly to report
on progress. He doesn’t expect to play again in
rehearsals with Hendon Band until about May,
but then anticipates performing as a soloist
again round about September – though he
hopes that it will be before the smallest possible
crowd!
“Some people have suggested that my playing
problems were ‘in the mind’, but I can certainly
say that is not the case,” says David. “However,
suffering with such a disability makes one
draw on all of one’s experience to overcome
the difficulties. People ask me if I miss playing,
which I certainly do, but I would rather not
play on with the injury than continue in such
turmoil, not knowing whether or not I can get
through a piece.”
David is still conducting the fine Young Peoples’
Band at Hendon and a plus during his ‘play
freeze’ has been the opportunity to meet and
have tuition with renowned trumpeter and
teacher, David James, and his wife, Rita, a
number of times at their home near Aberdeen.
“I have spent thousands of pounds (the
operation alone cost 6,000 Canadian dollars)
seeking an answer to my debilitating
embouchure problems but, although the cornet
is safely locked away in my loft, I am fairly
confident for the future,” is David’s positive
assertion. “I know that I have met with the
right surgeon and I look forward to resuming
playing.”
The many thousands of people who have been
charmed and thrilled by David’s wonderful
cornet sound, superlative technique and
supreme artistry in the past will certainly wish
him well on the road to recovery.
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 7
BB 6-7.indd 7 14-04-2009 17:01:57
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 8
FEATURE
In a letter from
America, Steve Walker,
Director of Butlins
Mineworkers’ Brass
Band Festival, reflects
on his recent trip to the
North American Brass
Band Championships in
Louisville, Kentucky.
It was all going so well for the Butlins team,
having had a fabulous weekend as guests of
the North American Brass Band Association
(NABBA) and its President, Russell ‘Rusty’
Morris, at the organisation’s 27th Brass Band
Championships. The host city, Louisville,
Kentucky, was in the grip of ‘Cardinal fever’,
as the local ladies basketball team was
heading to the grand final, while the city, the
birthplace of Muhammad Ali, had seen another
heavyweight performance from the Fountain
City Brass Band to claim a hat-trick of titles in
the Championship Section. Then, suddenly, the
weather turned, flights were grounded and we
found ourselves stranded and chasing twisters.
Having found sanctuary back at the luxurious
Brown Hotel, the host hotel of NABBA 2009, it
seemed like a good opportunity to reflect on
why we were even here in the first place and
what we had learned.
Since the Mineworkers’ came to Skegness in
2003, Butlins has visited most of the major
brass band contests in the UK, making friends
and exchanging ideas. Innovation has always
been at the forefront of all the Butlins ideals
and this has resulted in our growing friendship
with NABBA, which began with the visit of
Doug Yeo, NABBA’s Vice-president and bass
trombone superstar, to Skegness in 2007.
Doug returned more recently in 2009, together
with President Rusty, as our association began
to flourish. Rusty and the NABBA board of
directors are keen to learn from their UK
counterparts but, despite our long heritage
and some world-class bands and soloists, the
Brits could certainly learn a thing or two from
our friends on the other side of the pond. The
apparent decline in the British banding scene
has been well documented, especially after
our recent Regional Championships. The same
thing could be said about the scene ‘Stateside’
(18 bands competed this year compared to
22 in 2008), although this can be attributed
to several extenuating circumstances. One
only had to be here in Louisville to witness
how the movement continues to grow and
flourish, while the presence of UK names in
the extensive trade show leads us to suspect
that the shrewd ones are already exploring this
developing market.
With much conjecture on the future of banding
in the UK, including the current debate
concerning the integrity of our adjudicators,
this is the exact opposite of all that is going
on in the US. We can learn much about the
true spirit of healthy competition from our
NABBA friends. Perhaps the fact that there
was absolutely no prize money at stake had
something to do with this. It was interesting to
see Rusty Morris briefly swap his organisational
role to lead his fine Natural State Brass Band
BB 8-9.indd 8 14-04-2009 17:03:36
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 9
Doug Yeo (Vice-president of NABBA), Steve Walker and Rusty Morris
(President of NABBA). Photo courtesy of Frank Washburn
in which it encourages its youth movement,
while the Open Section encourages bands
without the exact brass band instrumentation
to become involved. NABBA has found that,
once these ensembles have been part of a
major festival, the French horns are soon
replaced with tenor horns and they move up
into the more conventional Explorer Section.
The solo and ensemble competitions provided
valuable performance opportunities to
appreciative audiences, while the youth band
section was given a prime slot just before the
Championship Section results. This proved
to be an inspired decision, as the winner,
Triangle Youth Brass Band, drew another
standing ovation from an ecstatic audience
with its breathtaking performance of the last
movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.
4. The band’s conductor, Tony Granados,
is a legend in these parts, and this writer in
particular would love to know his secret in
extracting such a remarkable level of maturity,
professionalism and incredible enthusiasm
from these youngsters. The audience went
ballistic at the conclusion of this performance,
which alone was well worth the trip.
It still remains that the brass band’s historic
contests and traditions in the UK are the envy
of our American friends, but it appears the
things Stateside are moving forward at a rapid
FEATURE
to victory in the Challenge Section. Far from
the cries of foul play that we Brits were
expecting, the band’s stunning performances
of Kenneth Downie’s Purcell Variations and
Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s Vitae Aeternum brought
the enthusiastic audience to its feet. True
enough, the band had won the contest by an
undisputed country mile but, nevertheless, the
congratulations offered to Morris by his rivals
was genuine and sincere. In the current climate
of suspicion in the UK, would Butlins advisor,
Stan Lippeatt, enjoy similar treatment if he
were to lead a band to victory in Skegness?
The use of a ‘walkie-talkie’ system between
adjudicators, controllers and backstage crew
replaced the customary UK use of whistles
and lights, and continuity announcers who
knew how to use a microphone correctly gave
a more professional flow to the proceedings.
Even the percussionists (four in the majority
of bands) were afforded a sensible amount of
time to set up. NABBA, like Bullins, appreciates
the fact that percussion sections enhance
a band’s performance and, therefore, the
audience’s experience. It was a refreshing
change not to be fixated on the time it takes
the percussionists to get set.
Despite the fact that NABBA has a policy of
closed adjudication (at least semi-closed
adjudication, as the box didn’t have a back on
it!), the draw was printed in the programme
along with precise onstage timings for every
band. This was much appreciated by the most
important people at any band contest – the
paying public, who also didn’t seem to mind
that the adjudicators would have had a fair
idea of who was on stage if they had cared
to take a look at the NABBA website. NABBA
recorded all the performances and mixed in the
adjudicators recorded remarks directly onto
CDs that the bands could take away with them.
This meant that, on reflection, the bands could
listen again to their performances and also
hear the thoughts of the judges at that precise
time – cool huh? All the adjudicators were
later presented to the large audience, who had
stayed in the auditorium after the results, to
receive generous applause. The attitude of fair
play and sportsmanship meant that they were
happy to meet and greet all the competitors
who wished to speak to them without fear of
being verbally abused, something we don’t
see in major British contests, at which the halls
clear faster than a Le Mans start.
NABBA must also be congratulated for the way
rate of knots. Several of the bands there have
already visited and competed on our shores
and, later this year, the NABBA Champion,
Fountain City, will be hoping to add the
Scottish Open and Brass in Concert titles to its
roll of honour. Next year, Rusty Morris and his
high-flying Natural State Brass Band will be on
tour in the UK, and 2011 may see an all-star
NABBA band visiting Butlins. If we are able to
base our opinions of these bands with our ears
and not our eyes, we may soon see the day
when one of the American bands walks away
with one our coveted titles. NABBA is keen to
learn from us and I would suggest that a trip
to Raleigh, North Carolina for the 28th NABBA
Championships in 2010 may be also beneficial
to those at the forefront of British banding.
Louisville is a city packed with culture and
heritage and has welcomed NABBA with open
arms. A visit to the famous Louisville Slugger
factory, where they make the finest baseball
bats in the world, serves as a reminder that
we in the UK must ‘step up to the plate’ if
we are going to stay ahead of the game. The
Butlins team had a wonderful time with NABBA
and thank the organisers sincerely for their
hospitality. In the meantime, until we meet
again in Skegness next year, ‘have a nice day!
BB 8-9.indd 9 14-04-2009 17:03:42
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 10
BRASS ROOTSPeel Park in Salford, behind the University and
what is now the City Museum, is where local
artist, L.S. Lowry, studied art and was once the
subject for a few of his paintings. On these
1920s paintings, the bandstand was featured,
with one of numerous local bands on the stage
and a very large crowd admiring it. Today, a
grass circle marks the site of the bandstand and
only four bands are left in existence in the city,
finding much smaller crowds, even if they do
play in one of the city’s parks. Like most cities,
brass bands have declined at an alarming rate
in Salford and, while migrating populations,
changes in people’s habits, and a lack of interest
in the genre are all contributory factors in the
downward spiral, the inability to attract new
blood, especially among the young is usually
the main reasons bands have struggled to fill
seats.
Salford Education’s MAPAS, or Music and
Performing Arts Service, to give its formal title,
is helping to nurture the green shoots that
may one day lead to a brass revival. It recently
teamed up with the Hallé Brass Quintet to help
encourage young brass players to further their
interest in playing, and maybe eventually to
become musicians.
Manchester’s famous orchestra has an
education department whose remit is to
encourage and develop closer links with the
local community and, maybe, break down
the barriers that are sometimes perceived of
professional musicians. Stephen Pickett, the
Hallé’s Director of Education and a former
bassoon player, was asked to compose a piece
that young players and the quintet could play
in a series of classes that would culminate in a
concert performance. His own daughter’s move
to a life in New Zealand inspired a challenging
work entitled Christchurch Bound, the main
theme of which was based on the Maori song
Po Atarau.
MAPAS formed a brass band to work with
the Hallé Brass Quintet and, although tenor
horns were replaced by French ones, it was
an opportunity for pupils of Grade 5 standard
and above to work with professionals and
experience full brass playing. With a programme
that included Edward Gregson’s Prelude for an
Occasion, the hard work culminated in a concert
showcasing the new group alongside the rest of
MAPAS work, including percussion, drama and
wind groups in the Peel Hall. Stephen directed
the band for his own work and Ewan Easton, the
quintet’s tuba player, led the ensemble in the
rest of the concert. His direction showed what
a talented musical trainer he is, and it would be
nice to see him more often in brass band circles.
He demonstrated the Quintet’s talents to great
appreciation during the concert.
MAPAS Director, Richard Milton, bass
trombonist with Whitworth Vale and Healey
Band, was pleased with the new relationships
forged with the Hallé and he later commented:
“I feel that working closely with top professional
players has had huge benefits, not only for
the young people, but also for the team of
brass teachers. The confidence of some of
the young players sitting in a band next to
experienced musicians and teachers has soared.
The ‘learning from Nelly’ approach to teaching
has been a tradition in brass bands since their
conception and there is still a place for that
method in today’s education system.”
He went on to thank his staff and the pupils
for their commitment and he hoped that the
young brass players would go forward to strive
for the excellence demonstrated by the Hallé
brass players.
Future artists in Salford may never have the
opportunity to paint a modern version of
Lowry’s iconic image and the four city bands
may decline further, but at least the educators
of the city are making a huge effort to
inspire their pupils to learn an enjoyable and
worthwhile skill that may one day enrich the
city’s musical life.
John Stirzaker
Ringwood and Burley Band was on the
quayside at Southampton over Easter weekend
to play the cruise liner, Oceana, away on its
voyage. During the summer, the band will be
also playing other liners off on their journeys,
performing on the quayside as the final loading
of passengers and luggage takes place and
playing suitable music as the liners sail away.
Following the publication of his letter on the subject of bandstand concerts in last week’s BB, Mr.
Leonard Atter, of Eastbourne, has kindly sent in this picture of Eastbourne Silver Band, performing
last Sunday (12th) at the Bandstand in his home town.
Although we are happy to report that free bandstand concerts will take place throughout the UK in
the months ahead, very few of the venues will have bands performing during the month of April.
BB’s Bands in the Parks feature will begin in time for the May Bank Holiday weekend and any bands
or organisations wishing to have a free listing in BB should send the details to
Hannaford Street Silver Band (HSSB) held its
annual Festival of Brass weekend at Toronto’s St.
Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts from
3 to 5 April. The weekend was a great success,
with various bands from the southern Ontario
area participating, along with special American
guest, Brass Band of Columbus. On the Sunday
afternoon, HSSB took to the stage to present
Slide Show, with guest conductor, Alain Trudel,
and trombone soloist, Joseph Alessi of the New
York Philharmonic.
The band got the concert off in fine style with
Jaime Texidor’s sparkling march, Bonds of
Friendship. Next up was Holst’s Second Suite in F,
here given a fresh reading by the band, thanks to
Trudel stamping his own personality on the work.
Joe Alessi was then introduced, and he presented
Bram Tovey’s challenging work for trombone and
band, Urban Cabaret. In his introductory remarks,
Alain Trudel gave some useful insight into the
piece, explaining that the composer’s intention
was to suggest, through musical ideas, the soloist
making his way through the din and bustle of
New York City, to a Philharmonic concert. The
work is certainly challenging for band and soloist,
yet keeps the listener interested throughout.
There were occasional hints of Bernstein in there,
which was appropriate when his connection to
the famous orchestra is considered, plus lots of
funky percussion. Alessi never fails to impress
BB 10-11.indd 10 14-04-2009 17:00:39
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 11
As part of its centenary celebrations,
Christchurch and Highcliffe Band will be
launching a training band in May. The band
was started by the then vicar of Highcliffe, who
donated money for its formation. Over the
years, it has evolved and gone under several
different names, and its purpose in launching
a training band is to teach and encourage
the next generation to keep the British brass
band tradition going. The band’s President,
Jilly Hills, commented: “It is a pleasure to be
President of such a long-running Band and
a thrill to see the new training band coming
to fruition.” Her husband, David Hills, also a
President of the band, said: “The launch of the
training band will be memorable, as it is the
last event in our centenary year.” The training
band will be launched on Tuesday 12 May at
The Rainbow Pre-School, 254 Lymington Road,
Highcliffe, BH23 5ET at 6.30pm. Instruments
can be provided for those who do not have
their own and anyone of eight years and over
is welcome to come along and see if playing
a brass instrument is for them. Tuition fees
and instrument loan will be £17.50 per school
term. Members of the training band will have
a rare opportunity to meet Brighouse and
Rastrick Band at a masterclass at Highcliffe
Comprehensive School on the morning of
Sunday 14 June. Depending on their musical
ability, they will be invited to join in the
class or just come and listen. Further details
can be obtained from Margaret Townsend
on 01425 271651, 07754 737407 or e-mail
[email protected] The band
will also be holding the final concert of its
centenary year on Friday 24 April at 7.30
pm at The Salvation Army Hall, Palmerston
Road, Boscombe. The band will be playing
its favourite music in what promises to be
an enjoyable night of brass and celebration.
Accompanying the band will be Poole Borough
Band and the Avon Valley Chorus.
BRASS ROOTSwith his sound and impeccable technique,
and fully deserved the sustained applause
from the full house. The first half concluded
with Edward Gregson’s popular Variations on
Laudate Dominum. This included the two new
movements, which I find freshens up the piece
for those who may have found it becoming too
‘familiar’. The band gave a splendid performance,
thanks in no small part to Trudel’s confident
interpretation and direction.
To begin the second half, the band gave a
rousing rendition of Malcolm Arnold’s march,
The Padstow Lifeboat, always a crowd favourite.
Joseph Alessi then returned to perform Philip
Sparke’s Sambezi, which was also given an
effortless performance by the soloist. I especially
liked the feature in the middle of the piece
where the band’s trombone section stands to
join the soloist in a jazzy answering figure. Alessi
played a ‘lick’ and was answered in kind by
the section, all to percussion accompaniment.
As the ‘licks’ got more difficult, the section
sheepishly sat down, leaving the soloist to
continue on his own, almost sending a ‘We give
up’ signal! The crowd enjoyed this moment. One
of Alessi’s attribute’s is his ability to maintain a
consistent sound right through the range. His
note production, particularly when starting a
high note is something to hear and he really is
a master of the instrument. After this item, the
HSSB’s Executive Director, Ray Tizzard, stepped
forward to announce the winner of the young
soloist competition, which was adjudicated
on the Friday evening by Alessi and Trudel.
The winner, Kohei Kamikawa, is a product of
the Hannaford Youth programme, and he was
introduced to play Arban’s Carnival of Venice,
accompanied by the band. From this secure and
confident performance, I expect we’ll be hearing
more from this young euphonium soloist in the
future. The mood was changed, as Joe Alessi
gave a sensitive rendition of Stephen Adams’
classic song, The Holy City; lovely playing again
from soloist and band.
Alain Trudel is no slouch when it comes to
trombone virtuosity, and he joined Joe Alessi
to present Arthur Pryor’s Air Variè in duet form.
This was a treat, as two of the finest exponents
of the instrument wowed the audience with
slide pyrotechnics galore. Following sustained
applause, Trudel and Alessi joined the band’s
trombone section for a rousing finale, in
the form of Meredith Willson’s Seventy-six
Trombones. An appropriate way to conclude a
most enjoyable afternoon. After several curtain
calls and shouts of ‘bravo’, Joe Alessi returned
to play Derek Ashmore’s arrangement of
Bolivar. Kudos to Ray Tizzard and his team for
another excellent Festival of Brass weekend.
Stan Ewing
Highcliffe Brass Band c.1910 - Ian Stevenson Collection.
The halls of Groby Community College were
once again ringing with the sound of slow
melodies, duets, air varies and quartets, as
Leicestershire Brass Band Association’s
Spring Solo Contest got underway on Sunday
5 April, performing to the trusted ears of
adjudicators, Sharon Stansfield, Keith Leonard
and Ian Bartram.
An impressive turnout from local bands, as well
as those from further afield, showed that the
tradition of brass banding continues to thrive
in the Midlands. Over 50 competitors under the
age of 14 battled it out in the two youngest
sections, with increasing entries in the open
sections also. Shirland Band continued its recent
successful run, claiming titles in a Junior Slow
Melody and both Junior Quartet sections. There
was also a fine array of instruments on display,
with soprano cornets in the Junior Slow Melody
and three bass trombonists competing in the
Open Slow Melody. This year, the first prize
went to bass trombonist, Stephen Lomas, who
was delighted to finally add a slow melody title
to his increasing successes in the art of air and
variations.
Leading the way in the Open Quartets were the
ladies from Amington band, closely followed
by a foursome from City of Coventry. A number
of special prizes were also awarded in the
open sections, including the highest placed
Duet under 19 years of age, which went to
the brother and sister act of Alcha and Smain
Mokrane from Bestwood Band.
Results:
Junior Slow Melody (ten and under)
1. Josh Watson (Harborough)
2. Alice Watson (Harborough)
3. William Davies
Junior Slow Melody (11-14)
1. Catherine Ashley (Shirland)
2. Smain Mokrane (Bestwood)
3. Alcha Mokrane (Bestwood)
Junior Slow Melody (15-18)
1. Ian Mildowski (Hathern)
2. Lewis Squires (Shirland)
3. Adam Jones (Harborough)
Open Slow Melody
1. Stephen Lomas (Hucknall)
2. Emma Walton (Shirland)
3. Steve Barham (Leicestershire Co-op)
Junior Air Varie
1. Adam Jones (Harborough)
2. Adam Whittle (Shirland)
3. Lewis Squires (Shirland)
Open Air Varie
Stephen Lomas (Hucknall)
2. Steve Barham (Leicestershire Co-op)
3. Chris Lock (Derwent)
Open Duets
1. Sam Scutt and Graham Jacklin
(Leicestershire Co-op)
2. Richard Capstack and Nick Lear
(Leicestershire Co-op)
3. Patricia and Peter Woodings (Newhall)
Highest placed under 19 Years: Alcha and Smain
Mokrane (Bestwood)
Junior Hymn Tune Quartets
1. Shirland ‘A’
2. Hathern Youth
3. Hathern Training
Junior Quartets
1. Shirland Cornets and Flugel
2. Shirland
3. Shirland Euphoniums and Trombones
Open Quartets
1. Amington
2. City of Coventry
3. Newhall
Open Percussion
1. Luke Timson (Bestwood)
Highest placed under 19 Years: Luke Timson
(Bestwood)
BB 10-11.indd 11 14-04-2009 17:00:41
If there are any doubts or concerns about the
quality of young players being developed
within banding, any negative thoughts were
blown away in Manchester last Saturday in
a memorable concert by the National Youth
Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB). Eighty-
plus players from between the ages of 12 and
18 had met the previous week in Harrogate to
undertake the 2009 Easter Course. This is the
first of two meetings this year, with the second
taking place at Bromsgrove in August.
Bramwell Tovey, who succeeded Elgar Howarth
as Artistic Director in 2006, appears to revel in
his role of inspiring these young musicians, and
this was especially evident on this night at the
Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM).
Saturday’s programme included new music
from banding’s hottest new composing talent,
Salvation Army classics, an exciting work for
band and piano, and established classics from
Gilbert Vinter and Malcolm Arnold.
Towering display byNYBBGB at Manchesterby John Ward
ACCENT ON YOUTH
It was the Malcolm Arnold contribution that
opened up a substantial offering from the band.
Little Suite for Brass was composed in 1963 for the
NYBBGB’s younger sibling, the National Youth
Brass Band of Scotland. Through its extensive
use in virtually all levels of banding since
then, it would be easy to simply hear ‘another’
performance of this work, but the freshness of
the reading by conductor and the execution
by players, totally uncorrupted by the staleness
that over-familiarity with a piece can breed,
provided an excellent start to the evening. The
second movement afforded the audience its first
opportunity to revel in the playing of principal
cornet, James Fountain, who proved to be the
evening’s, and by all accounts, the course’s
outstanding performer.
Next up was John O’Gaunt by Gilbert Vinter, a
piece which Bramwell Tovey suggested had
been overlooked in favour of other works by
the same composer such as Variations on a
Ninth (which was performed on the last NYBBGB
course). The recent selections of Salute to Youth
for the Regional Championships and Spectrum
would prove this assessment to be true, and it
was good to hear one of Vinter’s less familiar
works receive an airing. To say that this was not
the group’s most convincing performance of the
concert would not be a criticism, it simply serves
to highlight the standard set by the rest of the
evening. That said, the performance did highlight
many of the subtleties of Vinter’s writing, and
there was an effective depiction of St. Clements
Danes Church bells, the setting of John O’Gaunt’s
third marriage, in the opening bars.
There followed two Salvation Army works, the
first of which was Dean Goffin’s variations, My
Strength, My Tower. Although a long-established
favourite within The Salvation Army, the work
achieved wider recognition through its use
as the 2nd Section test-piece at last year’s
Harrogate ‘Finals’. The difficulties this work
posed for those bands are well documented,
but the NYBBGB, in Bramwell Tovey’s words,
“ate it for breakfast”. Well, perhaps it wasn’t
quite as easy as that, but Dr. Tovey was certainly
accurate in his insinuation that the group
had the musical and technical measure of the
work. From the opening two defiant chords,
depicting the associated text, ‘Thee Will I Love,
My Strength, My Tower,’ it was clear that this
was a performance to ‘sit up’ for. A simple
presentation of the main theme led to a first
variation of considerable stature, the varying
lines and counter melodies were interwoven
beautifully by band and conductor, and the
declamatory statements of the trombone
‘quartet’ (led by a commanding Chris Mansfield)
and entire cornet section towards the end of
the movement, were of the very highest order.
The slower second movement contains a most
demanding cornet solo, one that would test the
very finest cornet players. In fact this listener
has had the opportunity to hear a number
of renowned cornetists tackle this solo with
great authority, but James Fountain’s rendition
here matched the best of them. To say that his
playing belied his age (15 years) would perhaps
be a predictable cliché to use on a night such
as this, but it perfectly describes what the
audience witnessed. The warm and rich sound
with just enough vibrato and colour, and the
vocalised way in which he approached the
line of the solo were simply stunning. Principal
euphonium, Matthew White, also deserves
a special mention for when he joined James
for the second ‘lap’ of the solo, later in the
movement - a special moment indeed. The
precision and contrast displayed in the high-
octane finale capped off a performance of an
exceptionally high standard.
Edward Gregson’s newly-revised Variations
on Laudate Dominum concluded the first
half. Professor Gregson, a former principal
of the RNCM, was in the audience and was
invited to explain his thought process behind
the additional movements, prior to the
performance. Written in 1976, Gregson always
felt that “the piece was too short”, and it was
Paul Hindmarsh who suggested that he fulfilled
his original desire for the work by adding some
movements to exceed the original 12-minute
prescription. The result is like a new coat of
paint – the structure and quality of the ‘wall’
remains undiminished but the extra gloss
allows you too appreciate it in a new way.
The aforementioned fresh approach by the
players contributed much to a highly enjoyable
rendition here.
The second half commenced with works
from two of banding’s emerging composition
talents - Peter Meechan and Simon Dobson.
Macbeth was commissioned by the Scottish
Brass Band Association for the 2007 Scottish
Open Championship, and describes the
Shakespearean tale, on which Bramwell Tovey
did not elaborate … “with children present”!
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 12
Pict
ure:
Jam
es C
hish
olm
.
Bram Tovey with the principals of the NYBBGB’s Easter Course
BB 12-13.indd 12 14-04-2009 17:48:53
ACCENT ON YOUTH
Peter Meechan has scored a fiendishly difficult
cornet cadenza, which James Fountain
despatched with aplomb and, despite the
occasional ‘knock’, there was much to admire
in the Zoe Hancock’s extended flugel lament in
the middle section.
Simon Dobson was then introduced to the
audience as the first Assistant Conductor of the
NYBGGB. He was picked from six shortlisted
candidates (following an intensive audition
process on last year’s Summer Course) and
was present on the Easter course to work
with Bramwell Tovey. Simon is an established
composer and his music has been used at
European ‘B’ Section and National Youth
Championship level. Penlee is one of his newest
works, and it proved to be one of the highlights
of the evening. Simon was invited to explain
the inspiration behind the work and spoke with
great knowledge and genuine insight into the
events of the December evening in 1981, when
the Solomon Browne lifeboat was despatched
from Penlee lifeboat station to answer a
distress call from the Union Star, en route from
the Netherlands to Ireland. The music vividly
describes the pre-Christmas celebration of the
lifeboat crew, interrupted by the call to duty,
the boat being driven dangerously towards the
rocks and all hands being tragically lost. This
was an emotional experience for the audience,
which was taken right through the story,
with the words from Simon and his musical
depiction. The closing moments has echoes of
Peter Graham’s Harrison’s Dream, with muted
cornets symbolising the lost crew members
saying goodbye, as well as a quotation from
Eric Ball’s Resurgam (I Shall Rise Again) in the
euphonium line. The NYBBGB’s fine percussion
section excelled in this work – the scoring
ensuring that it was not just enhancing the
brass work, but integral to the music, and the
five-strong team rose to the challenge with
distinction.
In Macbeth and Penlee, we have two examples
of exciting new works by the new generation
of composers. Both works are accessible, but
both have great substance and are totally free
of the computer-generated ‘cut and paste’
element we are often subjected to today. It is
hoped that those responsible for test-piece
selection, some of whom were in the audience,
will receive word (and a recording) very soon.
If the contesting stage remains one of the few
platforms for bands to perform music of this
length and substance, then it is essential that
works from Simon Dobson and Peter Meechan
are used at one of our major championships,
and soon. They will remain as ‘emerging’, until
the decision-makers allow them to be become
established.
Then to a ‘newish’ work from Bramwell Tovey,
premièred in the same venue in 2006 by the
composer and Foden’s Band. Pictures in the
Smoke is a musical portrayal of Dorothy Parker’s
poem about dating, something to which
Bramwell Tovey suggested in his introduction,
he had great experience of “a long time
ago!” This jazz-influenced score featured the
composer at the piano, Simon Dobson directing
the accompaniment and the impressive kit
playing from Emma Crossley, who provided a
real energy and drive in the performance.
The final programmed work was the late
Canadian, Morley Calvert’s Canadian Folk Song
Suite, another work from the SA repertoire,
which was premièred by the New York Staff
Band in 1968. The second movement afforded
us the final opportunity to delight in James
Fountain’s playing (a young man with the world
at his feet) and some beautiful small ensemble
playing of the She’s like the Swallow folk tune.
An energetic finale ensued at breakneck speed
complete with an infectious hand clapping
sequence!
The NYBBGB concluded a substantial evening
with two encores, the march, Punchinello (with
the now traditional sung da capo) and NYBBGB
board member, Clarence Adoo, directing the
hymn tune, Colne. Clarence was paralysed in
an accident in 1995, and here conducted using
only facial expressions and head movements. It
was a profound moment to see 80-plus pairs of
eyes focused entirely upon Clarence’s leading
– this writer confesses to a lump in the throat
when Bramwell Tovey kissed Clarence’s head at
the conclusion, and the players response to him
following this hymn tune spoke volumes about
the fabulous atmosphere and respect that
abounds within the NYBBGB.
This was a thoroughly satisfying evening; there
is a real sense that, although the NYBBGB
demands high technical standards from its
members, the group is primarily about creating
rounded musicians. Yes, the performances had
much technical polish, but the musical shape,
line and emotional core were so evident, and
this is a credit to the players, conductor, tutors
and organisation as a whole.
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 13
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Joh
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BB 12-13.indd 13 14-04-2009 17:48:57
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 14
WIRELESS BRASS
We take every possible precaution to ensure the accuracy of
the details given below. However, we cannot be responsible for
changes to stated times or running order.
Friday, 24 April, 2130-2200. BBC Radio 2
Listen to the Band. Frank Renton presents a session by Foden’s,
conducted by Michael Fowles. Opening with George Willcocks’ classic
march, The Champions, the band plays Bernstein’s overture to Candide,
the Barry Manilow hit, One Voice, and the programme ends with an
excerpt from Pines of Rome by Respighi.
Listen to the Band is also available all week via Radio 2’s website www.
bbc.co.uk/radio2. Click on the playback section to hear the show, on
demand, for a week following transmission.
World of Brass Radio. John Maines introduces a weekly one-hour
programme of the best of international banding. Commencing on
Fridays, the rolling programme of the most recent four shows can be
accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year on
www.worldofbrass.com (then click on the WOB Radio link) or www.
worldofbrass.com/wobradio
This week’s programme includes: Black Dyke (Roy Newsome): Spirit of
Youth (Blankenburg); Foden’s (Russell Gray): Poet and Peasant (Suppé);
Sunderland Monkwearmouth Band of The Salvation Army (Nicholas
Hall): St. Clement Variations (Silfverberg); Foden’s (Bryan Hurdley):
My Ain Folk (Lemon - soloist: Helen Fox); Fairey (Simon Stonehouse):
South Pacific (Rodgers); Scottish Co-op (Robert Childs): Peace (Golland
- soloist: David Childs); Grimethorpe (Elgar Howarth): Pineapple Poll
(Sullivan/Mackerras); BNFL (Richard Evans): West Side Story (Bernstein);
Cory (Robert Childs): Mr Lear’s Carnival; (Howarth); Black Dyke (Nicholas
Childs): Summon the Dragon (Graham).
Local Radio for next weekSunday, 19 April, 1905-2000. Sounds of Brass. FM frequencies:
Bristol 94.9, Cornwall 95.2, Devon 103.4, Gloucestershire 104.7,
Guernsey 93.2, Jersey 88.8, Swindon 103.6, Wiltshire 104.3.
Available on the World Wide Web at 1905 British time or at any time for
seven days after the broadcast. To hear the programme, access www.
bbc.co.uk/devon and click onto Listen Live or Listen Again.
Phillip Hunt presents a programme of brass band recordings and news.
This week’s edition is the first of three special programmes exploring
the music of Gilbert Vinter, born on 4 May, 1909. Phillip Hunt is in the
company of Paul Hindmarsh, Tim Mutum, David Read and Dr. Andrew
Vinter.
The programme includes: Williams Fairey Engineering (Peter Parkes):
Challenging Brass, Salute to Youth. Simon Called Peter, Elegy from
Entertainments; Black Dyke Mills and Huddersfield Glee and Madrigal
Society with Maurice Murphy (trumpet) and Michael Langdon (bass
vocalist) (Geoffrey Brand): Blazon and Destruction from The Trumpets
Requests and comments are welcome at e-mail: brassmanpgh@
uwclub.net
Monday, 20 April, 2100-2200. Manx Radio
Time for Brass. Frequencies 97.2, 89 and 103.7 FM and 1368 AM
and worldwide on www.manxradio.com
Click on Listen FM or Listen AM for the programme at the time of
broadcast or on Listen Again for a week following transmission.
Ian Cottier presents a programme of brass band music and comment.
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKRICHARD ADAMS. Conductor, Adjudicator, Head of Music, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, 151 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189656. Phone: +65 9451 8398. [email protected]
DEREK ASHMORE. www.hallamshiremusic.co.uk Tel: 01507 358141 Fax: 01507 358034.
BRETT BAKER. BSc. ARCM. Soloist, Teacher, Conductor, Adjudicator. 35 Yewtree Drive, Barnton, Northwich, Cheshire. CW8 4NH. Tel. (01606) 783869. (Mob.) 0777 320 1736. E-mail [email protected]
MAURICE BALE. BSc, Arranger, Godiva Music. 18 Raleigh Road, Coventry CV2 4AA. Tel. 024 76 459 409.
PETER BASSANO FRCM HonRCM North Lodge, Potter Row, near Gt. Missenden, Bucks HP16 9LT. Tel.01494 868240 mobile; 07985 101244. E-mail :[email protected] www.peterbassano.com
DUNCAN A. BECKLEY. BA. Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator. 26 Ruskin Avenue, Wrenthorpe, WakefieldWF1 2BD (MOB) 07973 389707 E-mail: [email protected]
JOHN BERRYMAN. ALCM, LTCL, Conductor, Adjudicator. 12 Beaufort Drive, Barton Seagrave, Kettering, Northants. NN15 6SF Tel. (01536) 722991.
DEREK M. BROADBENT. Conductor and Adjudicator. 17 Corrance Road, Wyke, Nr. Bradford, BD12 9LH Yorks. Tel/Fax. (01274) 670459.
MALCOLM BROWNBILL. Band Tutor, Conductor, and Adjudicator. 49 Pike House Road, Eccleston, St. Helens, Merseyside. WA10 5JZ. Tel. (01744) 28642.
C. BRIAN BUCKLEY. C.Chem., FTCL, LTCL, ALCM, Conductor, Adjudicator, Band Teacher. ‘Egmont’, 81 Gabalfa Road, Sketty, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA2 8ND. Tel. (01792) 205896.
BOB CHILDS. DMA, M.Mus(dist), ARCM(hons), FLCM, PGCE, Euphonium Soloist, Conductor, Teacher. 13 Parc Plas, Blackwood, Gwent NP12 1SJ. Tel 01495 226106 (home), 07966 263881 (mobile). [email protected] http://www.bobchilds.co.uk/
ROY W. CURRAN. Conductor, Adjudicator. 6 Mary Street, Burnley, Lancs. BB10 4AJ. Home: 01282 426203;Mobile: 07973 788812.
DR. KENNETH DOWNIE. DMA. BA(Mus) Dunelm. Kantara, 8 Downs Road, South Wonston, Winchester, SO21 3EU. Tel: (01962) 883031 Internet: www.kantaramusik.com
JOHN DURRANT. MA. Soloist, Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator. 3 Todmorden Road, Lytham St. Annes, Lancs. FY8 2QL. Tel: 01253 721903. Or 07985 191623 (Mob).
J. STUART FAWCETT, OAM, LDBBA. Conductor, Adjudicator. 23A Mill Moor Road, Meltham, Holmfirth, HD9 5JT. Tel: 01484 309500.
ALAN FERNIE. DRSAM, Dip NCOS Craiglea, 48 Mill Street, Selkirk, TD7 5AD. Tel. 01750 725213. (Mob.) 0794 7254961. E-mail: [email protected]
BRUCE FRASER. Adjudicator, Conductor, Composer. Lomond Music, 32 Bankton Park, Kingskettle, Fife. KY15 7PY. Tel. (01337) 830974. E-mail: [email protected]
COLIN HARDY. Member NABBC, Adjudicator and Conductor, 25 Thirlmere Avenue, Wyke, Bradford, W. Yorks. BD12 9DS. Tel/Fax. (01274) 674174. E-mail: [email protected]
DAVID HIRST. Conductor and Adjudicator. The Cottage, Main Street, Milton, Newark, Nottinghamshire. Tel. 01777 872339 Fax 01777 872852 E-mail: [email protected]
ALAN HOPE. Conductor, Teacher and adjudicator. 113A Fatfield
Park, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear. NE38 8BP. Tel/Fax 0191
4161008 Mob: 0776 5656729 E-mail: [email protected]
DAVID W. HORSFIELD. Adjudicator and Music Publisher.
‘Ravenswood’ 50 Wyke Old Lane, Bailiff Bridge, Brighouse, West
Yorkshire. HD6 4EH. Tel (01484) 722855. Mobile: 07710 208340.
E-mail: [email protected]
ALAN JENKIN. B.Sc., LTCL, BBCM, Cert. Educ., Conductor,
Adjudicator. 4 Beauchamp Close, Neath Hill, Milton Keynes,
Bucks MK14 6HZ. Tel/Fax. (01908) 604818 (Home), 224251
(Music Centre) 07901 552235 (Mobile),
E-mail [email protected]
TERRY JOHNS. A.R.A.M.
Composer/Conductor/Adjudicator
55/6 Waterfront Avenue Edinburgh EH5 1JD
E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: 07777603675
SIMON KERWIN. BA (Hons) 07740 583801
website: www.staveslimited.com
email: [email protected].
NORMAN C. LAW. Conductor, Adjudicator, Band Trainer,
Private Teacher. Lawholme, 4 Farfield Drive, Hepworth,
Huddersfield, W. Yorks HD7 1TU.
Tel. (01484) 685354.
ALAN R. LEWIS. B. PHIL. LTCL. Head of Brass, Sedbergh School,
Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5HG.
Tel. (015396) 22230 (w), (015396) 20001.
STAN LIPPEATT. B.A., L.R.S.M. Conductor, Adjudicator.
60, Sixth Avenue, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Notts. NG21 9PW.
Tel (01623) 822672 Mobile 07875 138776
JANE LLOYD. MA FVCM, LGSM, ALCM, PGCetEd, Dip Mus.
Conductor, Performer, Arranger, Teacher. Northampton & East
Midlands Area. Tel: 01604 675188
KEITH MacDONALD. N.A.B.B.C., A.L.C.M. Conductor, Band
Trainer, Adjudicator, Author (see website). 20 North Haven,
Seaham, Co. Durham SR7 0DS. Tel: 0191 581 4224 (home),
07949 947703 (mobile) Email: [email protected], info@
keithmacdonald.co.uk Website: www.keithmacdonald.co.uk
MAJOR IAN McELLIGOTT. Conductor, Adjudicator, Composer/
Arranger, Brass Teacher. 41 Weaver Moss, Sandhurst, Berks.
GU47 9BQ. Mobile: 07903 137659
JOHN MAINES. Conductor, Adjudicator. 46 Hill Crest Road,
Offerton, Stockport. SK2 5QL. Tel. 0161 292 9443.
(Mobile) 07901 528059. Website: www.johnmaines.co.uk
STEVEN MEAD. Euphonium Soloist, Conductor, Adjudicator.
10 Old Forge Road, Fenny Drayton, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
CV13 6BD. Tel/Fax: (01827) 711964, Mob. 07971 843668,
E-mail: [email protected].
ALAN MORRISON. FTCL, LRAM. Soloist, Conductor and
Adjudicator. 25 Acaster Drive, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2BH.
Tel. (0113) 286 3374, Fax. (0113) 287 3947, Mob. 0775 197
3176. E-mail: [email protected]
website.lineone.net/~alan-morrison
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 14
BB 14-15.indd 14 14-04-2009 17:00:53
BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 15
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APRIL
17 - Marsden. Mnozil Brass, 7.45pm, Marsden Mechanics.18 - Bournemouth. Portsmouth Citadel Band, 7.15pm, All-Saints Church, Southbourne BH6 5EQ.18 - Stroud. Flowers Band, Subscription Rooms.18 - Uppermill. Mnozil Brass, 7.30pm, Uppermill Civic Hall. SOLD OUT
24 - 26 - Norway. Grenland International Brass Festival, Skien.
MAY
2 - Slough. Recital No. 34 with Charley Brighton (euphonium) and Malcolm Stowell (piano), 12.00pm, St. Mary’s Church.3 - Buxton. Buxton Brass Band Festival, own-choice test-piece competition. See www.northwestbrassbandorg.uk for more details.9 - Blackpool. The Spring Brass Band Festival, Winter Gardens.16 - Stroud. Wingates Band, Subscription Rooms.17 - Weston-super-Mare. 41st Own-Choice Contest, for more details contact 01934 514960.24 - Cambridge. All-England Masters International Championship and Gala Concert (featuring Foden’s and NYBBGB), 10.00am and 7.45pm, The Corn Exchange.30 - Newport. Greater Gwent Solo and Quartet Contest, YMCA.
JUNE
9-10-11 - London. Royal Marines Beating Retreat, 6.15pm, Horse Guards Parade.14 - Leeds. NYBBGB auditions, University of Leeds.17 - Huddersfield. Open Day at University of Huddersfield Music Department, contact 01484 472003.20 - Cardiff. Cory Band, Wycliffe Gordon (trombone) and Morriston Orpheus Choir, 7.30pm, St. David’s Hall.20 - Milton Keynes. NABBC Young Conductors’ Competition, Chrysalis Theatre.21 - London. NYBBGB auditions, Royal Academy of Music.28 - Rhyl. Entertainment Contest, Championship/1st to 4th Section, email: [email protected] - 3 July - Holland. Allan Withington’s Conducting School, email: [email protected] for more details.
JULY
26 - 1 August - Swansea. 19th International Brass Band Summer School, University of Wales.
AUGUST
9-15 - Bromsgrove. Brass Band Summer School, Bromsgrove School.22 - Huddersfield. Open Day at University of Huddersfield Music Department, contact 01484 472003.22 - Slough. Recital No. 35 with Charley Brighton (euphonium) and Malcolm Stowell (piano), 12.00pm, St. Mary’s Church.
SEPTEMBER
12 - Birmingham. The 157th British Open Brass Band Championship, Symphony Hall.20 - Cornwall. NYBBGB auditions, St. Dennis Bandroom.
OCTOBER
25 - Leicester. NYBBGB auditions, Ratby Bandroom.
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BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 15
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Cory Band in ConcertSaturday 16 May 2009, 7.30pm
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Euphonium Recital No.34Charley Brighton with
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St. Mary’s, Slough at 12.00pm. Admission free.
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Bramwell Tovey and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain gathered for the band’s Easter Course at Harrogate Ladies College last week,
prior to performances in the Yorkshire town and in Manchester. BB was at the Manchester concert and the full story is on pages 12 and 13.
Continuing a trend established over the past three years at the Brass
in Concert Championship, the organisers of the world’s premier
entertainment-based brass band contest have released details of two top
overseas bands due to participate at this year’s event.
A spokesman for Brass in Concert told BB: “As part of an agreement
with the organisers of the US Open Brass Band Championship, the 2008
Champion, Fountain City Brass Band, from Kansas City, qualifi ed for an
invitation to attend the 2009 Brass in Concert Championship. So eager was
the band to accept, that it has extended its visit to the UK to two weeks,
returning home after also competing in the Scottish Open Championship
in Perth.”
Fountain City has been the pre-eminent contesting brass band in the
USA for the past few years, having been crowned North American Brass
Band Champion for three consecutive years (2007–2009) and US Open
Champion in 2007 and 2008. Conducted by the irrepressible Joe Parisi,
Fountain City is sure to build on the outstanding contribution made to the
Brass in Concert event by its US predecessor, Brass Band of Central Florida,
in 2006. Fountain City will feature in the World of Brass in Concert gala
opener on Saturday 14 November, then compete in the Championship the
following day.
Tour co-ordinator, Helen Tyler, who formerly played solo baritone with
Foden’s Band prior to moving to the USA, confi rms that the tour itinerary
for Fountain City, while not yet fully confi rmed, will include concerts on
a more-or-less nationwide basis, while also undertaking a World of Brass
backed recording project. “The band is thrilled at the prospect of the UK
tour and is, of course, delighted and privileged to be able to compete in
two such high-profi le contests during the trip,” she commented, adding,
“We hope our experience of both the set test-piece and entertainment
format contests in the USA will stand us in good stead.”
Also making the trip for this year’s Brass in Concert will be Manger
Musikklag, the 2008 Siddis Champion, which was led to victory in the
leading Norwegian entertainment contest last November by the English
trumpet virtuoso, Martin Winter, who also composed the band’s entire
programme, the four-movement Central Park Suite. Manger’s appearance
continues Brass in Concert’s long association with Norwegian banding,
most recently continued by visits from Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag in
2007 and Stavanger Brass Band, which achieved a highest ever placing
at the event for an overseas band when it fi nished second in 2008 under
Allan Withington.
Tickets for the World of Brass in Concert, which takes place on Saturday
14 November, together with the Brass
in Concert Championship on Sunday 15
November, are now on sale from the box
offi ce of The Sage Gateshead, which can be
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