The Kibworth Band has thanked Ted Smith for his outstanding service to them in his role as Band Manager.

The Kibworth Band has announced that after many years at the helm, the highly respected Ted Smith has decided to retire from the day-to-day Band Manager role of running the band.

1945

Ted has been involved with Kibworth since 1945 when he first joined on cornet, and has spent a considerable number of years as Band Manager, enjoying many successes, including the National First Section Championship title in 2006.

Thanks

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Everyone involved in the Kibworth Band would like to go on record and express their thanks to Ted for his commitment to us over many years.

Although he will still be around supporting the band through its busy programme, his hard work behind the scenes will be greatly missed. Ted has now been appointed as one of the band’s vice-presidents and a concert is to be given in his honour later in the year."

Horn star Leslie Poole helps young Scots stars with their first steps towards banding glory...

The Irvine & Dreghon Band recently enjoyed a wonderful day of brass playing and masterclass teaching from a former local lass made good, as Foden’s horn star Lesley Poole led their Slow Melody Competition and Children’s Workshop.

Masterclass

The day stated with Leslie leading an informative and productive masterclass for the band’s beginners and youth players where she gave invalubale tips and tuition.

Lesley actually started playing at the local Blacklands Primary School before going onto Kilwinning Academy - the very schools many of those playing on the day were now attending.

Competition

The Slow Melody competition was well attended with players of all ages taking part. Nine juniors and ten seniors played slow melodies which Lesley adjudicated before telling everyone that she had thoroughly enjoyed their performances.

Senior soloist winner was euphonium player, Dawn Spence with cornet players, Derek Leitch and Iain Lowry just behind, whilst the Junior soloist winner was trumpet player Ross MacMillan.

Highlight

The highlight though was six beginners, affectionately known as ‘The Brasslets’ - who have only been playing for 6 months, who wowed the audience with their excellent solo performances.

Proud

Irvine & Dreghorn Musical Director John Boax later told 4BR: "I was very proud of them all today. They are a credit to themselves and their families.

The future looks bright and hopefully we can recruit more players - both beginners for our Brasslets programme and more developed players for the training and senior bands."

Concert

The evening concert with the senior band was also a huge success, with Lesley wowing the audience with her solos.

There were also additional performances from the training bands before the evening closed with a joint performance of Paolo Nutini’s ‘Pencil Full Of Lead’, featuring the senior, training and brasslet bands!

Lots of talent

Lesley told 4BR: "I really enjoyed the day. There is lots of talent and the band has such a great set up. The future is bright for Irvine and Dreghorn", whilst one little Brasslet added: "I loved it today. I love playing my trombone and shaking eggs with the big band. I was proud today."

Solo Competition results:

Senior Solo:
1. Dawn Spence (euphonium)
2. Derek Leitch (cornet)
3. Iain Lowry (cornet)

Section Awards winners:
Phyl Fleming (horn)
Anne Taylor (horn)
Dawn Spence (euphonium)
Derek Leitch (cornet)

Junior Solo:
1. Ross Macmillan (trumpet)
2. Hannah Godfrey (euphonium)
3= Rebecca Smith (cornet)
3= Ashley McLaughlin (euphonium)

Have you registered for the Band Supplies Brass Bonanza Day on Saturday 15th June yet? Make sure you do...

If you haven’t then due to great demand, please register now for FREE tickets to avoid disappointment.

Plenty to enjoy

There is plenty to enjoy too, with a warm welcome from both Band Supplies and Besson/Courtois Instrument representatives and a fantastic masterclass from cornet virtuoso Roger Webster.

Go to:http:/­/­www.band-supplies.co.uk/

Then there is the inaugural concert of the Courtois Trombone Ensemble featuring Mark Templeton (London Philharmonic Orchestra), Davur Juul Magnussen (Royal Scottish National Orchestra), John Barber (Foden’s Band) and Richard Ashmore (The Royal Ulster Orchestra).

Vouchers

Band Supplies will be exhibiting instruments and accessories and there will also be plenty of give-aways and vouchers for all who are attending.

Each delegate will receive a voucher for 25% off all musical accessories from Band Supplies and be entered into a prize draw for a Kindle which will be drawn on the day as well as receiving a 50% voucher off all music bought from Band Supplies too.

Crazy deals

All this and there will be crazy deals available on Buffet and Courtois Instruments that are too good to be able to print!

The event is supported by Besson and Courtois and Dave Beal, Band Supplies Sales Executive told 4BR:

"We hope that this is the first in a long line of regular concerts showcasing the high calibre of instrumental talent on display on 15th June, which will inspire, enthuse and bring people of all ages together in this fabulous new venue."

Time and placeb

So make sure you come along to: Ronnie’s Club - AQL Salem Church, Hunslet Road, Leeds (LS10 1JW). 4.00pm (doors 3.30pm)

There is a bar and the doors will open at 3.30pm for you to soak up the amazing atmosphere of this event.

Register

You can register for your FREE tickets on 0113 245 3097, email orcontact us on our facebook site

The event is taking place at AQL Salem Church on Hunslet Road, Leeds where you will find large carpark opposite the venue.

We are a ten minute walk away from Leeds railway station.

Don't get lost

If you experience a problem locating Salem Church on your sat nav by postcode, the venue recommends using the adjacent Dock Street, Leeds, LS10 1LX. Salem Church is situated 100 yards from the Adelphi pub on the corner of Hunslet Road and Dock Street.

It’s a huge place—you can’t miss it!!

The great trombone virtuoso Lito Fontana will be making at least three home appearances this year...

The great trombone virtuoso Lito Fontana has revealed that he has been busier than ever since making the decision to take a break from brass bands and become a full time soloist.

Celebrated

The Argentinean star ended his celebrated tenure as principal trombone at Brass Band Oberösterreich last September, and ever since he has been inundated with offers to perform all over the world.

And now, after just celebrating his 50th birthday, he told 4BR that he continues to enjoy the opportunity to showcase his skills.

Fortunate

"I have been very fortunate," he told 4BR. "I didn’t know so many people wanted to hear me play.

I’ve just performed at the Danube Brass Festival, where I was privileged to give a masterclass with the wonderful bass trombone player Stefan Schulz from the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra."

Currents

Lito laughed when he recalled that the weather was so bad that the original plan to play on a ship sailing down the Danube had to be cancelled.

"I think we would have ended out at sea as the currents were so strong! Instead we played at the beautiful Grein Theatre, the oldest theatre in Austria, built in 1791. It was a wonderful occasion."

Second home

This weekend he returns to his second home of Italy (where he recalls he first came to play in a television orchestra that was sacked by Silvio Burlesconi!) where he will perform the premiere of a new work entitled, ‘Colors’ by Bert Appermont in the harbor town of San Benedetto.

"It’s such a pleasure to come back to play in Italy—which is my second home. The new work celebrates the European ‘Blue Banner’ Award as the sea here is so clear and pure—it is the perfect colour!"

Third home

Lito then returns to his third home of Austria, where he will perform with his renowned quartet Trombonisti Italiani, before going on a short tour to Abtei Lambach and Mondsee.

He finally makes a long awaited brass band return with a guest appearance with Brass Band Fröschl Hall, where he will once again meet up with his great friend MD Hannes Buchegger in a concert in the courtyard of the Imperial Palace in Innsbruck.

Present

"My beautiful wife Mona sees less of me now when I was in the band," he chuckles. "But I always try to come home with a nice present for her as I miss her so much. I do miss playing in a brass band too though!"

First home

Further tours this year to Portugal and an appearance organised in Norway will be added to with his return to Argentina to play in ‘Trombonanza 2013’ in Santa Fe.

"I cannot wait to perform in Argentina. It will be so emotional and it is a real honour and privilege as it will be the first time I will perform in a concert in my first and only homeland."

The new John Packer JP374 comes highly recommended - and don't just our word for it either...

The JP374 Sterling Euphonium has just been reviewed by Mike Howley, solo euphonium with Desford Colliery Band, and a former principal euphonium with top flight giants Brighouse & Rastrick and Yorkshire Building Society (YBS).

Fantastic collaboration

Staff at John Packer Ltd recently caught up with Mike who has been trying out the JP374 Sterling, the fantastic new collaboration with brass design luminary Paul Riggett, formerly of Boosey & Hawkes.

On discussing the instrument with Grenville Moore of John Packer, Mike revealed he was suitably impressed.

"It’s a triumph of musical engineering. How can such quality be so affordable?

I’ve been using the euphonium as a soloist and in the euphonium section of a top flight brass band and it’s perfectly at home in both environments. The tone is true at the extremes of pitch and throughout the dynamic range."

All about sound

He added: "The euphonium is all about sound. With the JP Sterling Euphonium I can create the very personal sound which is in my heart and in my soul. That's simply not possible on many of the much more expensive brands."

The JP374 Sterling is available now from £1,908.

Find out more

If you are interested in finding out more about our JP374 Sterling Euphonium, please visit our website or email Steve, our brass manager at

www.johnpacker.co.uk

For further news and to keep up to date with John Packer why not like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/­johnpackerltd or follow them on twitter at www.twitter.com/­johnpackerltd

British Bandsman magazine is seeking to appoint a Commercial Manager.

The post is based at our Head Office in Wellingborough.

Attractive salary package available.

Applicants should have previous experience in sales and marketing, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as good command of the English language, including a high level of competency in grammar and punctuation.

Education to a minimum A-Level standard is essential and the successful candidate will be self motivated, possess excellent IT skills and the ability to commit to tight working schedules and be flexible when required.

A keen interest in brass banding and knowledge of the market is preferred.

Applications:

Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence and should be sent, with an up to date CV, to:

Lynn Barker, Human Resources Manager,
66-78 Denington Road
Wellingborough
Northants.
NN8 2QH,

or by email:

Closing Date:

Closing date for applications: Monday 17th June 2013

Making a Difference to the way we promote ourselves is the key behind the latest BBE initiative.

Brass Bands England has announced that it is to hold another ‘MAD 4 Brass Bands Day’ on the 6th July.

Impress

The ethos is for bands up and down the country to try ‘Making A Difference’ (MAD) by promoting their events and activities, impress new audiences and spread the word that brass bands form an integral part of their communities.

It is hoped to replicate the success of the first ‘MAD Day’ in 2010 by focusing on increasing the public profile of brass bands using as many varied methods as possible to tell the general public about who they are and what they do.

Attract

By doing so it is also hoped that it will see bands attract new audiences, new players and perhaps even new financial support.

Rachel Veitch-Straw, Liaison Officer for Brass Bands England, told 4BR: "We're really looking forward to ‘MAD 4 Brass Bands Day’ this year, with that emphasis on telling the world about what brass bands can offer.

There is no better time to focus on talking to people about their local band: You never know what might arise from a chance conversation, or an article in the local newspaper.

The more people see and hear about how brass bands work in their communities, the more support they will gain to help their future progress."

Social media

Bands are being encouraged to use all media outlets—from the new 21st century phenomenon of Twitter, Instagram and social media tools, to the traditional sticking up of posters, newsletters, local radio and newspapers—and even going out to spread the word mouth to mouth!

Right time

Rachel believes the time to promote ourselves is now. She added: "Some bands may use the publicity drive to seek volunteers for specific events, or for help in raising funds, or to manage the organisational or management tasks to help run a band more effectively. This is the perfect time to ask.

Why not make a push on visiting local schools, libraries, museums, social clubs and firms or networking events and voluntary sector meetings to spread the word about their band."

Pershore's perfect example

Rachel used the example of the Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival as a perfect example of what can be achieved. The stunning market town will ring out to the sound of 36 bands from Championship Section to Youth in five different venues on July 6th.

"With help from the BBE Norman Jones Trust, this is a perfect example of how brass bands can play a central part in local community life, year after year," she said.

Festival Organiser Dr Valerie Trim added: "Pershore Midsummer Brass' raison d'être is the same as Brass Band England’s - to promote and develop interest in the brass band movement in a local area. With hard work and real commitment it has become a huge attraction and success from which all the bands benefit."

Get in touch

Brass Bands England’s Liaison Officer wants to hear from you and is collecting information about your 'MAD 4 Brass Bands' Day plans.

Please contact: or look for @BrassBandsEng on Twitter.

Website: www.brassbandsengland.co.uk

Play it again Sam... A long lost hidden Falcon by Goff Richards has been unearthed in Lanner.

An unpublished concert piece thought to be lost forever from the pen of the late Goff Richards has been unearthed by members of the Lanner & District Band when relocating the contents of their library.

Falcon

The hand written ‘The Lanner Falcon’ was commissioned by the band in 1995 and performed extensively, before being misplaced at the back of their library and subsequently thought lost.

Now, almost by accident, it has been found—much to the delight of Band Chairman Lee Rouse.

"We were moving our library a few weeks ago when one of our players came across a large envelope hidden away in the wrong place with the words ‘Lanner Falcon’ on it," he told 4BR.

"I couldn’t believe our luck. Inside was a complete set of handwritten parts—long thought lost—and all written by Goff himself."

Loved it

Lee added: "The piece was commissioned in 1995, arguably when Goff was at the height of his powers. Everyone - players, conductors and especially audiences loved it, and we played it for several years before it seemed to disappear.

Seeing those handwritten parts has brought back some very fond memories both of the music and of a great composer."

Play it again...

MD, Stuart Chappell has decided that ‘The Lanner Falcon’ is far too good to be left covered in dust any longer and so the current band will feature it in concerts throughout the rest of the year.

In the meantime, a slightly truncated version has been put together to use as a march, and will be played by Lanner at the West of England Bandsman's Festival at Bugle on 15th June.

At his best

Stuart added: "This is Goff at his best. We are really lucky to have our own piece written by one of the all time greats of the brass band world. Playing ‘The Lanner Falcon’ at the start of the contest at Bugle seems very appropriate given Goff’s connection to the event."

The Lanner Falcon is dedicated to Daisey Moyle, who was a long time supporter of the band and even accommodated their first rehearsals in 1965.

Fitting end

Stuart added: "It also seems rather fitting that the piece has come to light again as a result of us moving to our new, purpose built headquarters, as it was Daisey that give us our first base. We won’t be losing it again."

Andrew Berryman is set to relinquish his role as Wingates Musical Director to return to Abu Dhabi.

4BR has been informed that Andrew Berryman is to leave his role as MD of Wingates to return to Abu Dhabi at the end of the month.

Acclaim

The former principal trombonist of the Halle Orchestra first joined the band in 2006, leading them during a three year tenure which included contest successes and widespread critical acclaim for their association with composer Michael Nyman.

He initially left the band in 2009 to take up a post in charge of police bands in Abu Dhabi, before returning in 2012. He now returns to the country for a second time.

Proud and privileged

Andrew told 4BR: "I'm pretty sure these words will closely echo those of 2009, when I said goodbye for the first time.

I have enjoyed my time with Wingates immensely, and have been proud and privileged to have been associated with such a famous and historic band, and to have been entrusted with the conductor's baton in two separate spells. It's been a terrific journey."

He added: "I'm disappointed to be leaving in the 140th anniversary year, especially as I was looking forward to being part of the various commemorative plans and events, and seeing the comprehensive Wingates story published for the first time.

However, I shall continue to follow the band's fortunes from afar, and will retain a very close interest in all their future developments. I wish the band well in all their endeavours."

Empathy

Wingates President David Kaye added: "We are very sorry to see Andy depart for a second time. He has enjoyed a great empathy with us throughout both his terms as MD, and developed a terrific rapport with the players, members of our Supporters Club, and our concert audiences as a result of his unique and often totally unpredictable style."

He added: "He will be greatly missed, and we wish him continued success during his second stint in Abu Dhabi. Andrew will always be a welcome visitor to our bandroom whenever circumstances allow."

The talented Dhani Miller has been appointed MD at Rivington & Adlington Band.

The Rivington & Adlington Band has announced the appointment of Dhani Miller as their new Musical Director.

UAE

The Scottish born musician spent 17 years in the United Arab Emirates, three of which saw him play with the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra and the Abu Dhabi Big Band, before moving to Manchester in 2009.

Graduating from the University of Salford in 2012, where he enjoyed studying cornet under Stuart Lingard, Brian Taylor and Mark Wilkinson and conducting under Dr Howard Evans he also developed his composing and arranging skills with guidance from Professor Peter Graham.

First outing

The band's first outing with their new MD will be at Southport Botanical Gardens this coming weekend.

Dhani told 4BR: "I'm really excited to have been given the chance to conduct Rivington & Adlington and I look forward to a long and successful partnership and some great music making.

As a young musician, an opportunity like this really gives me a chance to find my creative path and hopefully premiere some of my music to a wider audience."

A talented young composer wins Festival prize with a tasty sounding new work...

Harry Sargeant, a 17-year old pupil from Shrewsbury School and a member of Tewkesbury Town Band, has won the innovative Nook Deighton Challenge as part of the Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival in Coalbrookdale.

Heritage

The competition was set up as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site’s commitment to youth work and to find a young composer who could write a piece to be played at their event later this summer.

Harry’s evocatively named composition ‘Colonel Custard and Major Mustard’ took the honours and the £100 first prize, although such was the high standard of entrants that runner-up Trystan Gifford, who plays in the Abraham Darby School Band, will also have his piece performed too.

Delighted

The Festival takes place at the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron on 13th and 14th July, when the talented duo will be presented with certificates to recognise their success.

Harry, who lives in Gloucester told 4BR: "I’m delighted to have won. I have been composing for the cello, my second instrument, for some years and have arranged for brass, but I’ve never composed for brass until now."

4,000 visitors

The weekend long Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival, which attracts over 4,000 visitors, has for the last four years run a workshop for younger players, culminating in a Youth Festival Brass programme slot on Sunday afternoon.

The competition was sponsored by local estate agents Nock Deighton, whose MD Graham Taylor is a noted post horn player. Almost a dozen entries were received and were judged by a panel of local brass band specialists.

Worthwhile

Festival Chairman, Neil Fury told 4BR: "This has been a very worthwhile exercise and we are proud to be making a contribution to encouraging this aspect of a young musician’s development."

Graham Taylor added: "We were absolutely delighted to have supported the Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival this year in its quest to find a talented young composer from the local region.

We’d like to offer a huge congratulations to Harry Sargeant, and look forward to hearing his music come to life at the festival in July."

Cornerstone Brass is to help pay tribute to one of the last forgotten batch of heroines of two World Wars - the Sheffield Women of Steel.

Cornerstone Brass will be appearing with some of South Yorkshire finest music and showbiz icons in a unique fundraising concert paying tribute to Sheffield’s ‘Women of Steel’ later this year.

Inspirational

The November event at Sheffield City Hall will help to raise funds for a £150,000 statue to honour the inspirational women of two World Wars, who kept the huge steel mills going whilst fathers, husbands, brothers and sons went off to battle.

The band will take to the stage with the likes of Heaven 17, ABC’s Martin Fry, You’re Gorgeous hitmakers Baby Bird, John Shuttleworth, singer-songwriter John Reilly, Philippa Hanna, folk star John Tams, songwriter Ray Hearne and many more stars from the music, television and film worlds.

Recognition

With extensive cross party political and industry support it is hoped one of the last unsung heroines of the World Wars will find rightful and overdue recognition.

Thrilled

Cornerstone’s Damien Wileman told 4BR: "This will top off a year to remember. Opportunities like this don’t come along often so we were thrilled to be invited to take part.

A number of the players from Cornerstone Brass were born and raised in Sheffield and will have had family members that took part in the events of both Wars, so it is really humbling to be able to give something back and also acknowledge the selfless work of the great ‘Women of Steel’."

Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) has recently teamed up with one of the UK's most influential musicians Jarvis Cocker.

Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) Band recently teamed up with one of the UK’s most influential musicians Jarvis Cocker for the opening night of ‘DocFest’—Sheffield’s documentary film festival.

The Big Melt

Based at the famous Crucible Theatre, Jarvis provided a live soundtrack to the film ‘The Big Melt’ - a documentary using archive footage of Sheffield steelmaking.

The occasion celebrated 20 years of hosting ‘Docfest’ and the 100th anniversary of the invention of stainless steel—something which the name of Sheffield is now synonymous.

Soundtrack

The live soundtrack was provided by Jarvis and other Sheffield musicians including Richard Hawley, members of Pulp, a string quartet and a youth choir.

Jarvis told The Guardian newspaper: "I only hope that we can pay proper homage to the extraordinary individuals featured in this footage. Our aim is to melt faces (and hearts) and to blow minds - with maybe a bit of smelting thrown in for good measure."

Voodoo Ray

Unite’s segment came on the acid house track ‘Voodoo Ray’, with band spokesman David Lindley telling 4BR: "Although it was all arranged at short notice, we ran through the piece with Jarvis in the Yellow Arch recording studios in Sheffield a couple of nights before the event.

The biggest obstacle was working out the logistics of getting on and off stage and synchronizing our playing with the film in a darkened theatre.

In the event it all went off without a hitch and the band was the talk of the evening amongst the festival goers."

The band will later be recording the track with Jarvis for the official release of the documentary.

There is a real blend of eclectic experience in the boxes at Cheltenham and London this year.

The adjudication teams that will decide on the destinations of the various National titles in Cheltenham and London this year have been announced by Kapitol Promotions.

Welcome mix

There is a welcome mix of eclectic experience at both events, with David Read MBE, Derek Broadbent and Alan Morrison in the box at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 12th October, to pass judgement on Edward Gregson’s set work, ‘Of Distant Memories (Music in an Olden Style)’.

David Read MBE, and Derek Broadbent team up in Kensington for the for the first time since 2010, with Alan Morrison, Chairman of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators, making his first appearance.

Cheltenham pairings

At Cheltenham on the weekend of 21st/22nd September, there is more widespread experience on offer, with Dr Robert Childs and Flowers MD Paul Holland making the decisions over Gavin Higgins’ ‘Fanfares & Love Songs’ in the First Section.

Meanwhile, David Hirst will team up with Marsden MD and Foden’s euphonium star Glyn Williams to separate the bands out on ‘Purcell Variations’ by Kenneth Downie in the Second Section.

Simone Rebello and Steve Pritchard-Jones offer contrasting musical outlooks in the Third Section on ‘Penlee’ by Simon Dobson, whilst two very experienced musicians in Derek Southcott and Gareth Pritchard will get to grips with the performances of ‘A Malvern Suite’ in the Fourth Section.

Championship Section:
David Read MBE, Derek Broadbent, Alan Morrison

First Section:
Dr Robert Childs & Paul Holland

Second Section:
David Hirst & Glyn Williams

Third Section:
Simone Rebello & Steve Pritchard-Jones

Fourth Section:
Derek Southcott & Gareth Pritchard

One of the great modern day brass band philanthropists has been awarded the OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

David Armitage, one of the most generous philanthropic supporters of brass banding in the UK, has been awarded the OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Charity

The honour comes in recognition for services to charitable giving in Yorkshire and the UK.

Speaking to 4BR, the man who gave so much support to the Sellers Band organisation said the news had taken him completely by surprise.

"I had just come back from a trip to America and there was a letter from the Cabinet Office on my doormat. I thought it was about something very different so you can imagine my surprise when I opened it."

Humble

After the initial shock wore off David found out that to his delight much of the initial support for his recommendation had come from the brass band movement—and in particular a former player with the Sellers Youth Band.

"I was very humbled to find out that Jamie Smith, who I remember starting out as a six year old on triangle with the youth band, had proposed me for an honour.

That meant more than you can imagine—especially as it had come from a young player who has since blossomed into such a fine musician."

Sellers association

David revealed that it was through his association and support of both Sellers Bands, he was able to do so much for charities throughout Yorkshire and the UK.

"Phillip McCann shared my ethos about how the senior band could put something back into the community and help others. My support for them wasn’t about gaining contest results; it was about doing something good through making music.

Without Phillip’s help and that from Mark Bousie with the Sellers Youth Band, it would not have been possible. I’m very grateful to them both."

Great friend

Phillip himself paid tribute to a person he called ‘a great friend’.

"What David has done for so many charitable causes has been amazing. This honour is long overdue and I can only offer my heartfelt congratulations to man who in our long association became a great friend."

He added: "It’s no exaggeration to say that he has been responsible for raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for so many worthy charities over the years - millions even.

His support of the Sellers Band was wonderful and it was a huge privilege to be able to help support him. I’m absolutely delighted for David and his family—it is so well deserved."

Long overdue

Mark Bousie agreed. "It’s a wonderful, long overdue acknowledgment. His support of the Sellers Youth Band ensured that young players could enjoy music making in a stable, pleasant and friendly organisation.

He was always interested in the band and took great pride in how the young players were developing—knowing their names and speaking to the families.

This is brilliant news for a very special, charitable man."

Hectic

David told 4BR he will receive his OBE in the next few months.

"That will be something to look forward to with my family," he added.

"I must thank everyone for their generous congratulations and kind words. Things have been very hectic since the news came out, so perhaps I will be able to have a glass of something to celebrate with my family later tonight."

More great music from the brass band heartland of Yorkshire with Chris Helme.

Produced and presented by Chris Helme for further information please see www.chrishelme-brighouse.org.uk and follow the Sunday Bandstand links for this play list and previous week’s.

It is also available via Podcast from the Radio Phoenix website www.phoenixfm.co.uk

Yorkshire Dales

It is also available on Drystone Radio 106.9FM or through their website www.drystoneradio.com on Sunday mornings between 8am and 10am

Wigan

My radio programme has now been picked up by www.wiganfm.com a local internet only radio station and my weekly brass band show can be heard on Sunday’s between 11am and 1pm

New Zealand

Listeners in New Zealand will be pleased to hear that this programme is now also played on www.worldfm.co.nz in Wellington at 2p—4pm (NZ time) every Thursday.
Requests

I am always pleased to receive requests—you might want to hear a piece from your own early days in banding, recordings that have long since joined the record deletions list and difficult to find.

Or have a burning nostalgia question about the world of brass bands, if you have then please contact me via e-mail:

16th June:

Rhythm and Blues
Philip Sparke
Opening for weekly show
Foden's Band
MD: Michael Fowles - 2010

The Flowing River March
William Broughton
Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Band
BM: Captain Eric Ball - 1933

The Saga of the North
Cyril Jenkins
Fairey Band
MD: Leonard Lamb - 1965

Sing Sing Sing
Gene Krupa
Arr: Don Hannah
Las Vegas Brass Band
MD: Charles Jackson - 2002

The Swan
Saint Saens
Euphonium Soloist Barrie Perrins with piano accompaniment
1970s

English Dances Op 33
Sir Malcolm Arnold
Arr: Ray Farr
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
MD: Elgar Howarth - 1993

Pilgrims Chorus
Richard Wagner
Arr: Michael Kenyon
Honley Male Voice Choir with the Sellers Engineering Band
MD: Philip McCann - 1992

Der Zigeunerbaron Act 1 Overture (The Gypsy Baron)
Johann Strauss ll
Black Dyke Band
MD: James Watson - 1996

Whisper a little Pray
Robert Redhead
Trombone Soloist Andrew Justice with the International Staff Band
BM: Dr. Stephen Cobb - 2012

Masters of Time and Space
Bruce Broughton
Brass Band Willebroek - 2009

St Clements
Andrew Blyth
Winton Bournemouth Salvation Army Band
BM: Norry Smith - 2012

Silver Showers
William Rimmer
Cornet Soloist Derek Garside with the CWS (Manchester) Band
MD: Alex Mortimer - 1960s

Abba Gold
Anderson / Ulvaeus / Anderson
Arr: Ron Sebregts
Soli deo Gloria Band
MD: Jan de Haan - 1995

In Memoriam RK
Elgar Howarth
Fodens Band
MD: Bramwell Tovey - 2009

Star Lake 70
Stephen Bulla
Boscombe S A Band with Fodens Band
BM: Howard Evans - 2011

Dracula
Darrol Barry
Brighouse and Rastrick Band
MD: Alan Morrison - 2011

Peterloo Overture
Sir Malcolm Arnold
Arr: Andrew Duncan
Sellers International Band
MD: Philip McCann - 2004

Rhythm and Blues
Philip Sparke
Ending for weekly show
Foden's Band
MD: Michael Fowles—2010

City of Holroyd on a roller coaster incline to win East Coast Championship.

The East Coast of Australia Championships recently took place at Newcastle City Hall in New South Wales in association with the Hunter Regional Band Association.

Impressive

The Section 1 contest saw another impressive result for Holroyd Brass under the baton of MD Andy Yule who have been through a bit of a roller coaster journey over the last few years; from near collapse and relegation (from A to B Grade) to winning the 2012 AU National Championships (B Grade), 2012 State Championships (B Grade) and now the East Coast of Australia Championship.

Bands had to perform a sacred item and own choice item.

Result:

Section 1:

1. City of Holroyd (Andy Yule)—142.50
2. Toronto Brass (Timothy O’Hearn)—136.50
3. Warringah Concert Brass A (N/K)—134.00
4. Willoughby City (N/K)—122.00

Section 2:

1. Warringah Concert Brass C (John Saunders)—123.00
2. Tamworth RSL Brass (N/K)—117.50
3. Moree & District (N/K)—111.50
4. Newcastle PCYC Brass (N/K)—109.00

The wonderful Edward 'Algy' Hoare awarded British Empire Medal in Queen's Birthday Honours.

The Wadhurst Band from East Sussex is celebrating the news that their founder and Musical Director Edward Hoare has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Great success

‘Algy’, as he is affectionately known, formed a school band in Wadhurst, where he was a woodwork teacher in the late 1950’s, later developing it into an adult non-contesting band with great success.

They current organisation is now an integral part of community life in the village which has a population of around 5,000, performing numerous concerts - including one on the very day the announcement was made.

Life long dedication

Band Manager John Whitehead told 4BR that the award reflects the conductor’s life-long dedication to music making in the East Sussex area and beyond.

"He’s a wonderful man who has done so much for the community through his passion for music for well over 50 years. He has conducted the band almost continually since its formation and through his dedication and passion we also enjoy wonderful support from the village.

Everyone associated with the band and the in local community is delighted that he has been given this deserved honour."

Typical

John added that it was typical of the man that even on the day of the announcement he was conducting the band at a local event.

"Nothing stops Algy—and it was only until the announcement came over the tannoy from that the whole of the village knew about it. He was more concerned about conducting the next piece!"

He concluded: "Hundreds of people have enjoyed making music because of Algy over the years—and the BEM is a wonderful way that his outstanding contribution to community life has been recognised."

Scottish Brass Band Association set to find out student numbers.

The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has set a short survey to assist its research into the number of brass band players currently studying in Scotland’s universities.

Youth Development

It will form part of its Youth Development Programme, with SBBA inviting university students to complete a short online survey which will help pinpoint potential development areas in the country’s universities.

Online:

The online survey can be found at: http:/­/­www.surveymonkey.com/­s/­5SP89CW and takes only a couple of minutes to complete.

Accurate

A spokesperson told 4BR: "To produce an accurate collection of data, SBBA encourages all brass and percussion playing students based at Scottish universities to complete the 10 simple questions as soon as possible."

They added: "SBBA looks forward to receiving the survey responses and being able to assess the future brass band potential within Scotland’s university sector."

Links

The survey link will also be available on SBBA’s website (www.sbba.org.uk) and posted on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/­TheSBBA) and Twitter site (@TheSBBA) as well as the social media networks for The National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (F/B: www.facebook/­NYBBScotland and Twitter: @NYBBS).

Bands playing Tom Davoren's 'VIVAT!' in Kerkrade will need to keep an eye out for some changes.

Studio Music Company has announced an up to date errata for bands performing Tom Davoren's ‘VIVAT!’ at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade this July.

Amendments

The following amendments have been implemented following the work’s first appearance at the 2012 National Championship of Great Britain in Cheltenham, but are listed here in case any original sets are being used for the subsequent performance.

Further information

If bands require any clarification then they should contact studio music company:

Tel: +44 (0)1582 432139
e-mail:
www.studio-music.co.uk

Amendments:

B2&3 - Baritone 1 - tie G flat from bar 2 -3
B21- 2nd & 3rd Cornets - pp dynamic.
B47- 2nd Cornet - final note of sextuplet is G.
B70 - to B 73- 3rd Cornet - tie G note across bar line.
B98 - Full band - chord on beat for is f dynamic.
B101 - Bb bass - as Eb down octave (score and part).
B106 - Cornet section - chord is ff dynamic.
B226 to B234 - perc 1 - glock (treble clef)
B284 - Perc 2 should be glock (error in part)
B284 - Cornets - 'singing crescendo'.
B291 - Perc 1- Kit label missing, NOT tubular bells.
B 97 - Beat one-chord as score(error in parts)
B178 - Solo Trombone, beat 3 & 4 Double dotted crotchet followed by semiquaver
B168 - Glock. crotchet beat 3 is B flat
B320 - Perc 1 cresendo over minim