Two of the banding world's premiere performers will be appearing with the British Army Brass Band on 13th July.

The British Army Brass Band (BABB), Corps of Army Music is holding its first concert for nearly two years at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall on Saturday 13th July at 3.00pm.

Programme

The programme will feature music from Lovatt-Cooper, Rossini and Stravinsky with guest soloists trombone virtuoso Brett Baker and tuba superstar Les Neish.

Brett will be performing Gordon Langford’s famous ‘Rhapsody for Trombone’ whilst Les will entertain the audience with ‘Czardas’ and ‘Swing Low’ - which is an apt number to play in the shadow of Twickenham rugby ground!

Soloists

The band will also feature two of its own word class soloists with a soprano solo ‘Greensleeves’ played by Musician Dan Shave and ‘Children of Sanchez’ performed by Sergeant Richard Evans on flugel horn.

Looking forward

Les told 4BR that he is really looking forward to making his debut concert appearance with the band.

"It’s a great opportunity to meet and play with some pretty special players," he said.

"Both Brett and I have the greatest respect for the Corps of Army musicians and the brass band players in particular.

We are going to enjoy providing the masterclasses and we hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to come along before staying on to enjoy some great music making."

He added: "It's a fantastic venue with wonderful facilities, so come along, enjoy and say hello. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!"

Best players

The British Armey Brass Band consists of the best brass players in the Corps of Army Music. The band was formed in 2007 and was conceived out of a desire from the established musicians within the Corps who had come from a brass band background.

The band will gather together for a series of rehearsals in the week leading up to the concert, although rehearsal times are tight as all the musicians have busy schedules over the Summer months within their own Corps of Army Music Bands.

Masterclasses

Brett and Les will be giving a Masterclass each on Saturday at 12.00pm, which audience members are welcome to attend as part of your ticket price.

Places for the masterclasses are limited so will be on a first come first served basis. There will also be some BABB players on hand to run their own sessions at the same time on cornet and percussion.

Great Western Youth Band and Brunel will also be performing in front of the bandstand before the concert.

Tickets and more information

Tickets are available from Skiddle.com or by calling Skiddle on 0844 884 2920.

More information on the Concerts in the Park, Kneller Hall series can be found on the website.

www.army.mod.uk/­khconcerts

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Allan Withington at his Conductor Summer School n Leeuwarden in Holland.

Allan Withington is currently leading his 5th International Conductor Summer School in Leeuwarden in Holland.

This year the theme is all about 'Ready, Steady, Unlock' - with music inspired by the historic local prison and the desire of its inmates to escape from behind bars....

Allan talks about the course, and its success in attracting conductors from all over Europe with 4BR Editor Iwan Fox.

4BR Editor Iwan Fox to a Scotsman and a Spaniard enjoying being part of Allan Withington's International Conductor Course.

Robert Richardson and Borja Martinez-Allegre talk to 4BR Editor Iwan Fox about what they hope to gain from being part of Allan Withington's latest International Conductor Course in Leeuwarden in Holland.

Manger claim world title in Kerkrade following titanic battle with Cory and Treize Etoiles.

Manger Musikklag will return home to Norway as newly crowned World Champion, after winning the 2013 World Music Championship title in thrilling fashion in Kerkrade on the weekend.

Sore throats and headaches

They will also make the long journey back to the Hordaland area near Bergen nursing headaches and sore throats of world championship winning proportions, after celebrating their victory long into the warm Dutch night with the accompaniment of numerous well deserved beers and a plethora of joyous Norwegian songs.

Titanic battle

Under the baton of Allan Withington, Manger claimed the quadrennial title and the 3,500 Euro first prize following a titanic two day battle against defending champion Cory and Swiss challengers, Brass Band Treize Etoiles.

The impressive Brass Band Heist from Belgium was fourth, with their exceptional euphonium player Glenn Van Looy claiming the ‘Best Soloist’ Award. The powerful duo of Chicago Brass Band and Atlantic Brass Band showed further proof of emerging American top flight contesting credentials by finishing close behind.

In the end just one point separated the top three bands, after each delivered performances of the set work, ‘Goldberg 2012’ and their 40 minute own choice programmes worthy of claiming the World Championship banner.

Desire

Manger’s desire to add the world title to a CV that includes their European success of 2011, saw them make the journey to the contest via twin concert appearances with their MD at his Conductor Summer School in Leewaurden earlier in the week.

"It was so important to us to be totally prepared," tuba player Nils-Arne Traeland told 4BR.

"We decided to travel to Leewaurden to enjoy performing on Allan’s course and also to work hard with him in rehearsals. We even added in extra practices on the Saturday evening and on the Sunday morning."

Close knit

The title success also meant a great deal to the closely knit members of the band.

"We are all friends as well as playing colleges," trombonist Birgitte Bruget added.

"We are all totally committed to Manger with everyone paying over 500 Euros each towards the cost of coming here. The win makes it all worthwhile though. I’m sure we will celebrate all the way home!"

Deserved

Conductor Allan Withington was equally delighted. "It has been great to work with Manger on both my course and this contest. They are such wonderful people and so professional.

They did everything and more of what I asked of them, and now they can enjoy being called World Champions. They deserve it."

Gracious

Although there was disappointment for current European champion Cory, the Welsh band was gracious in defeat.

Band Manager Austin Davies told 4BR: "Our congratulations go to Manger. They are a very fine band and we have had a great time meeting and playing with them in the Gala Concert.

We couldn’t have done anymore to retain our title, so although disappointed we knew we gave everything we could."

Epic homage

The Norwegians led the standings on the Saturday evening, producing a superbly evocative account of Svein Henrik Giske’s epic homage to Bach via Sting and the funkmeister Brekker Brothers, that found favour with the international judging panel of Philip Sparke, Jan de Hann and Danny Oosterman.

With James Gourlay on inspired form in leading Treize Etoiles into second and Philip Harper drawing startling playing from Cory to end third, the battle lines were set for the own choice showdown on Sunday afternoon.

Every ounce

Cory drew on every ounce of musical energy to try and retain their title, producing a 40 minute programme that included a superb rendition of Philip Sparke’s ‘Perihelion’, whilst Manger’s balanced set included a wonderful ‘Daphnis & Chloe’ to crucially end just a point behind.

Treize Etoiles meanwhile gave it everything and more in a powerhouse account that included a rousing ‘On the Shoulders of Giants’ that very nearly took the roof of the Rodahal.

Superb

The adjudication panel was certainly presented with a trio of programmes of the very highest quality, with Ian Porthouse later telling 4BR. "The top three was superb—and gave us all individually so much to think about.

All the judges agreed—there was very little to choose between Manger, Cory and Treize Etoiles over the two days."

Ian also said there was much to admire about the contributions of the other competitors too, with a special mention to ‘Best Soloist’ winner Glenn Van Looy.

"Heist, Chicago and Atlantic should be very proud of their performances—especially against bands of this quality on this type of form. Glenn Van Looy was simply stunning, and was the unanimous choice of all the judges on the Sunday."

Remarkable

For the winners though, the future as 2013 World Champion looks very good indeed.

"It is a remarkable achievement for our band," Nils-Arne Traeland added. "We have so much to work towards again this year, but first we have to try and find somewhere where we can display the new World Champion banner!"

First Section:

There was plenty of high quality playing on show in the other three sections of the WMC event, with local favourites Regional Brass Band Spijkerpakkenband taking the First Section title under the baton of Eric Janssen.

Their excellent performances of the set work, ‘Far Horizons: Sailing West’ by Philip Wilby and their own choice selection of ‘Psyche’ by Ludovic Neurohr saw them claim a clear three point winning margin over German rivals, 3BA Concert Brass, with Brass Band Bacchus in third.

The former European B Section champion certainly gave it their all in trying to carry the title back over the nearby German border, with their powerful own choice selection of ‘From Ancient Times’—complete with inventive use of what looked like massive flower pots turned into tuba mutes.

Brass Band Bacchus from Belgium also showed great ambition with their own choice selection of ‘Whitun Wakes’.

Second Section:

Tom Davoren’s ‘VIVAT!’ was given a number of fine renditions in the Second Section contest that took place at the Parkstad Limburg Theatre, with Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus claiming the honours.

With the addition of Philip Sparke’s ‘A London Overture’ as their own choice selection they took the title back to Switzerland by the narrowest of 0.50 point margin over local favourites Brass Band Schoonhoven B.

They had led the contest on their set work performance, but could only end joint second with ‘Cross Patonce’ by Goff Richards, whilst third placed Brass Band Hombeek for Belgium came third thanks to the addition of ‘King’s Lie’ by Stan Nieuwenhuis and ‘Abide with Me’.

Third Section:

Six bands lined up to battle for the glory in the Third Section where the eventual honours went to the delighted Dutch representative Brass Band Gloria Dei, with a commanding victory over second placed Brass Band Looft den Heer with St Cecilia Leest from Belgium in third.

Championship Section:
Adjudicators: Philip Sparke, Danny Oosterman, Steve Sykes, Ian Porthouse, Jan Van der Roost, Jan de Haan

Test Piece: Goldberg 2012 (Svein Henrik Giske)
Test piece/Own Choice programme = Average

1. Manger Musikklag: (Allan Withington): 96.00/94.40 = 95.20
2. Cory: (Philip Harper): 94.00/95.40 = 94.70
3. Treize Etoiles: (James Gourlay): 95.00/93.40 = 94.20
4. Brass Band Heist: (Bert van Theinen): 89.00/92.60 = 90.80
5. Chicago Brass Band: (Colin Holman): 90.00/88.40 = 89.20
6. Atlantic Brass Band: (Salvatore Scarpa): 87.00/87.20 = 87.10

Best Soloist: Glenn Van Looy (euphonium) - Brass Band Heist

First Section:
Test Piece/Own Choice = Average

1. Regionale Brass Band De Spijkerpakkenband: 94.00/92.00 = 93.00
2. 3BA Concert Brass: 88.00/93.00 = 90.50
3. Brass Band Bacchus: 90.00/87.00 = 88.50
4. Kunst naar Kracht: 86.00/88.00 = 87.00
5. Brass Band Leieland: 87.00/85.00 = 86.00
6. Brass Band Merum: 84.00/84.00 = 84.00
7. Delta Brass Zeeland: 83.00/84.00 = 83.50

Second Section:
Test Piece/Own Choice = Average

1. Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus: 92.00/92.00 = 92.00
2. Brass Band Schoonhoven B: 93.00/90.00 = 91.50
3. Brass Band Hombeek: 92.00/90.00 = 91.00
4. Brass Band Gent: 91.00/88.00 = 89.50
5. CMV Euphonia: 85.00/87.00 = 86.00
6. Mercator Brass Band: 85.00/85.00 = 85.00
7. Brass Band Schotz: 81.00/82.00 = 81.50

Third Section:
Test Piece/Own Choice = Average

1. Brass Band Gloria Dei: 93.00/90.00 = 91.50
2. Brass Band Looft den Heer: 87.00/89.00 = 88.00
3. St Cecilia Leest: 86.00/86.00 = 86.00
4. Koninklijke Brass Band De Grensbewoners Smeermaas: 86.00/84.00 = 85.00
5. Brass Band Middleburg: 85.00/83.00 = 84.00
6. Brass Band Looft den Heere: 84.00/83.00 = 83.50

More music from Frank at the post Wimbledon BBC....

Listen to the Band:
14th August:

Frank Renton with music from the Cory Band concert at the Welsh Proms.

21st August:
Frank Renton with more music from the Cory Band at this year's Welsh Proms.

More great music from the heartland of the banding world with Chris Helme.

Sunday Bandstand:

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. These shows are now available for play back from the WorldFM website.

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:

7th July:

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

Duke Street
Leslie Condon
Household Troops Band of the SA
BM: Carl Saunders - 2013

Reflections of Freedom
Andrew Duncan
Whitburn Band
MD: Andrew Duncan - 2004

Cortege
Michael Ball
Cornet Soloist Roger Webster with the Black Dyke Band
MD: Dr. Nicholas Childs - 2004

Kenilworth
Sir Arthur Bliss
Foden's Band
MD: Fred Mortimer - 1936

Chorus Setting - In Perfect Peace
Kenneth Downie
YBS Band
MD: Professor David King - 1999

Electra
Martin Ellerby
Black Dyke Band
MD: Dr. Nicholas Childs - 2013

Someone Cares
John Larsson
Arr: Ray Steadman-Allen
Baritone Soloist David Taylor with the Household Troops Band of the SA
BM: Carl Saunders - 2013

The Dreaded Groove and Hook
Simon Dobson
European Youth Brass Band - 2011

The Tempest
Maurice Johnstone
Foden's Band
MD: Harry Mortimer - 1950s

The Father’s Blessing
Kenneth Downie
International Staff Band of the SA
BM: Dr. Stephen Cobb - 2012

Evergreen
Williams and Streisand
Arr: Alan Catherall
Cornet Soloist Jim Davies with the Brighouse and Rastrick Band
MD: David Hirst - 1995

Hebrides Overture
Mendelssohn
Scottish Co-op Band
MD: Dr. Nicholas Childs - 2003

A Woolly Tale
Austin Rayner
CWS (Manchester) Band
MD: Alex Mortimer - c:1957/58

Suite for Brass
John Rutter
Arr: Sandy Smith
Wellington (Telford) Band
MD: Stephen Curtis - 2008

Deep River
Arr: Bruce Broughton
Household Troops Band of the SA
BM: Major John Mott - 2002

Stars and Stripes Forever
Sousa
Champion Whistler David Morris with Scottish Coop Band
MD: Ray Tennant - 2004

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

14th July:

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

Black Domino
Auber
Rochdale Band
MD: Norman Ashcroft - 1974

Malvern Suite 1) Worcester Cathedral 2) The Wye at Hereford 3) Gloucester Market
Philip Sparke
Polysteel Band
MD: Philip Harper - 2008

Grand Selection William Tell
Rossini
Arr: William Rimmer
St Hilda Colliery Band
MD: William Halliwell - 1912

Arioso and Allegro
Joseph Hector Fiocco
Arr: Robert Childs
Euphonium Soloist Robert Childs with the Black Dyke Band
MD: James Watson - 1997

Just as I am
Wilfred Heaton
Yorkshire Building Society Band
MD: Professor David King - 1999

Breath of Souls
Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Brighouse and Rastrick Band
MD: Dr. David King - 2011

Americans We
Henry Fillmore
River City Brass Band
MD: Robert Bernat - 1996

Hunters Moon
Gilbert Vinter
Arr: Tommy Dodd
Tenor Horn Soloist Gordon Higginbottom with the James Shepherd Versatile Brass - 1974

One Moment In Time
Hammond and Betis
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
MD: Garry Cutt - 1993

Conchita Caprice
Eric Ball
Cornet Soloist Ian Porthouse with the Fairey FP Band
MD: Howard Snell - 2003

Beautiful Galatea Overture
Franz von Suppe
Black Dyke Band
MD: Dr. Nicholas Childs - 2013

Prelude in C sharp Minor
Sergei Rackmaninov
Men of Brass - the massed bands of Fodens, Fairey’s and Morris Motors Band
MD: Harry Mortimer - 1957

Music of the Night
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Desford Colliery Band
MD: Manfred Obrecht - 1993

Carnival of Venice
Harry James
Arr: Mark Freeh
Cornet Soloist Roger Webster with the Black Dyke Band
MD: Dr Nicholas Childs - 2004

Bishop Blaize
Goff Richards
Hendon (John Laing) Band
MD: Don Morrison - 1986

Marching to Glory
Stephen Bulla
Sellers Engineering Band
MD: Philip McCann - 2007

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

21st July:

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

Swedish March
Edward Gregson
Canny Brass (Switzerland) - 2011

The Lonely Mill
Handel Lancaster
St Hilda’s Band
MD: George Hespe - 1946

How d’yah like your eggs in a morning?
Nicholas Brodszky
Arr: Van der Velde
London Central Fellowship Band
BM: David Daws- 2013

Summon the Dragon
Peter Graham
Lexington Brass Band (USA)
MD: Ronald Holz - 2002

The Better World
Norman Bearcroft
Euphonium Soloist Derrick Kane with the International Staff Band
BM: Dr. Stephen Cobb - 2011

The Typewriter
Leroy Anderson
Yorkshire imperial Metals Band
MD: Denis Carr - 1979

Montage
Peter Graham
Brass Band Willebroek (Belgium)
MD: Frans Violet - 2004

Nocturne from A Midsummer’s Night Dream
Felix Mendelssohn
Black Dyke Mills Band
MD: Jack Emmott - 1950s

Satchmo
Kenny Baker
Arr: Alan Morrison
Cornet Soloist Mark Davies with the Roberts Bakery Band
MD: Colin Cranson - 2011

Into the Light
Philip Wilby
Cooperative Funeral Care Band
MD: Michael Fowles - 2010

Washington Grays
Claudio Grafulla
Virtuosi Brass Band of Great Britain
MD: James Scott - 1970s

Lord of the Sea
1) Waters Edge
2) Seascapes
3) Seafarers Song
Ray Steadman-Allen
Boscombe Band of the Salvation Army
BM: Howard Evans - 2011

I’ll not turn back
John Larsson & Ivor Bosanko
Cornet & Euphonium Duet Soloists Alexandra Kerwin (cornet) David Childs (euphonium) with the Scottish Co-op Band - 2004

Festival Arrangement - Festivity
Leslie Condon
Yorkshire Building Society Band
MD: Dr. David King - 2001

Brassman’s Holiday
Armengol
Arr: Ray Farr
Williams Fairey Engineering Band
MD: Roy Newsome - 1988

The Falcons
CWS (Manchester) Band
MD: Alex Mortimer - 1950s

Procession of the Nobles
Rimsky Korsakov
Arr: Derek Ashmore
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band - compilation from the 1970s

Fest Musick Der Stadt Wein
Richard Strauss
Arr: Eric Banks
Wingates Band
MD: Norman Law - 1998

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

John Maines brings us his selection box of great brass band music.

World of Brass Radio:
Presented by John Maines

www.worldofbrass.com/­wobradio

A new programme every Friday heard 24/7 52 weeks!

Also catch up with previous programmes
Contact:

John Maines invites you to listen to World of Brass Radio
www.worldofbrass.com/­wobradio
Brass Music 24/7 52 Weeks of the Year!

5th July:

When Thunder Calls
Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Black Dyke
Conductor: Dr. Nicholas Childs

Egmont
Ludwig van Beethoven
Foden's
Conductor: Russell Gray

Fantasy for Cornet and Band
Howard Snell
Foden's
Conductor: Michael Fowles
Solo: Mark Wilkinson

Way Down Yonder in New Orleans
Henry Creamer
Cory
Conductor: Dr. Robert Childs

Life’s Pageant
Terry Camsey
ISB
Solo: Terry Camsey

Nocturne
Frederic Chopin
Grimethorpe
Conductor: Richard Evans
Solo: Michael Dodd

The Great Salvation War
James Curnow
New York Staff
Conductor: Ronald Waiksnoris

Old Pops Was Right
arr Alan Fernie
Black Dyke
Conductor: Dr. Nicholas Childs
Solo: Adrian Hirst

There is a Green Hill Far Away
Noah Bruce arr Newsome
Black Dyke
Conductor: Dr. Nicholas Childs

Procession to the Minster
Richard Wagner arr Snell
Fairey
Conductor: Brian Grant

Neill McDonald takes over the reins at Dumfries Town Band.

Dumfries Town Band has announced the appointment of their new Musical Director, Neill McDonald.

Confidence

Over the past few months, Neill has been working closely with the band in rehearsals and engagements where they have grown in confidence under his style, enthusiasm and motivation.

Neill told 4BR: "This is a band full of potential and personality. I look forward to moving them onwards musically. Already the band sound has improved thanks to the hard work of the players.

I aim to keep this momentum and take this into the second half of the year and to restore the town’s pride in their band."

Experience

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Neill is fairly new on the conducting scene, but brings vast experience in the playing department through his position as Bb bass at Johnstone Band.

The band would also like to thank Peter Hayes for his time with us and wish him the very best."

Camborne announce return of euphonium star John Hitchens.

The Camborne Band has announced the signing and return of euphonium star John Hitchens.

Experience

A former principal euphonium and Euphonium Champion of Great Britain, John returns to add his experience to the Cornish band after its recent rebuilding period.

Camborne MD Kevin Mackenzie told 4BR: "I’m excited to build further on our talented group, adding one of the most experienced players in banding to the ranks.

John is going to be a real asset with his commitment and talent."

Major coup

Chairman Nick Sanders added: "This is a major coup for us. We have real ambitions and want to perform at the very highest levels both in concerts and on contest stages. Signing a player of John’s calibre will certainly help us to do this."

John added: "I’m very happy to return to Camborne. They are ambitious and I feel that I can get the most out of my playing. The band work very hard and I am looking forward to playing at the very highest level again."

The Bugle Silver Band has reinforced its links with one of its main sponsors.

Bugle Silver Band has reinforced its partnership with one of its main sponsors, following the news of the opening of a new branch of Dignity Funerals at St Blazey in Cornwall.

New role

Tutti cornet player Jacky Smith is the funeral director of the new branch, and also takes on the new role after being promoted to the front row of the band herself.

Rising star

Promising young player Grace Thomas has also been promoted to repiano cornet—the latest in a growing production line of young playing talent that is now coming through the ranks of the band.

Wardle High School Youth Band has just enjoyed success at the Music for Youth National Festival.

Wardle High School Youth Band recently performed at the Music for Youth National Festival in Birmingham where they were awarded the Schools Brass Bands Certificate of Achievement for Performance Practice.

Achievement

The band was conducted by Black Dyke star Lee Rigg, who also directed Smithy Bridge Primary School Band in the Junior Section and came away with the same award.

Wardle High Youth Band performed ‘Old 100th’, ‘Vitae Lux’ and the ‘Toccata’ from ‘Suite Gothique’ to receive outstanding remarks from the musical mentors who judged them on the day.

Wow!

One wrote: ‘Wow! Great opening and great sound! So well played. This is a fantastic band and obviously well trained.’

If you want to enter the popular Exmouth Brass Band Festival then get your entries in now...

Bands intending to enter the popular Exmouth Brass Band Festival, promoted and organised by the South West Brass Band Association are reminded that entries close on 19th July.

The event will be held on Saturday 7th September, and there are still a few vacancies available.

Contact

The Festival schedule and entry can be obtained by contacting the Secretary, Brian Elliot on 01752 892056, email or downloading from www.southwestbrassbandassociation.co.uk.

Top class entertainment

Brian told 4BR: "If you haven't been to Exmouth, bands are not only guaranteed a top-class entertainment contest in the seafront Exmouth Pavilion and fringe concerts in the adjoining Gardens, but sunshine and amusements too!"

Annual Championship

Brian also reminded bands that the schedule and entry form for the Association's 67th Annual Championships on Saturday 2nd November in the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay, are now available and entries close on 14th September.

Talented youngsters give performances to rank up with the best Mickey and his friends can muster in Disneyland.

The Head of Disneyland Paris Entertainment Operations has hailed Smithills School Senior Brass Band as, ‘far the best band or ensemble we have ever had’ following their twin concert appearances at the venue’s Videopolis Theatre last weekend.

By far the best

Sue Arondel, Development Manager of Disneyland Paris Performing Arts, spoke to School Governor Stuart Bowman and conductor Chris Wormald to tell them that in her opinion, ‘Smithills is by far the best band or ensemble we have ever had at Disneyland Paris.’

Quality

She stated: "Having seen the performance at first hand, it was sensational from start to finish and so professional in every last detail.

We receive literally hundreds of recordings all year round but, from the moment we heard Smithills, their quality, precision and sound stood out beyond anything we had heard.

We invited the band over without hesitation and, having now seen a concert it was even better than we could ever have imagined."

Executive performances

Ms Arondel was so taken by the band’s performance from that she filmed pieces individually to send to Disneyland executives in Florida, California and Japan for instant feedback.

She went on to say, "The programme the band chose to play was absolute perfection, and it held the audience spellbound in its quality of playing and musicianship, its delivery, stage presence, deportment, visual attention to every last detail.

I just had to forward clips to colleagues around the world as they have to see and hear the Smithills band for themselves. I hope Smithills will return to Disneyland very soon and, if possible, as early as next Summer."

A performance of a brand new contemporary work gains Wigan Youth Band a prestigious award at the Music for Youth Festival at Symphony Hall.

Wigan Youth Band was recently presented with the ‘Innovation Award’ at the National Festival Music for Youth at Symphony Hall in Birmingham.

Tally Boy

Under the direction of Dave Little, the band performed the recently commissioned work, ‘The Tally Boy’ written by BBC Philharmonic Orchestra tuba player Christopher Evans.

The composition featured solos from principal cornet player Ben Coulson and solo trombone player Gemma Riley, whilst the band completed their programme with ‘Japanese Slumber Song’ which again featured solos from Ben Coulson, solo horn Rohit Japegnanam and solo euphonium Tom Collier.

Delighted

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The band is delighted to be the recipients of the award and it has put us in a in a great frame of mind for our CD recording this weekend."

The date for the 2014 North of England Area Championships have been confirmed

The North of England Regional Committee has announced that the North of England Regional Championship will be held in The Dolphin Centre, Darlington, on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th of March 2014.

Notified

Regional Secretary Tony Griffiths told 4BR: "Due to unavoidable issues, we could not confirm the date of the contest any earlier. All regional bands should have now been notified regarding the date, which is during the usual third weekend of March."

Website and reviews

His also revealed that a new regional website will be online in the next few weeks, with all the information everyone will need regarding the contest and that a comprehensive review of all aspects of the contest and its administration will also take place.

Fit for purpose

Tony added: "This will ensure that we continue to provide a vibrant and professional event fit for purpose. We welcome any views that bands may have, that are constructive and we welcome volunteers for the 2014 Championships.

These volunteers are a vital part of the weekend and the future of the event."

Contact:

Please contact Tony on:

Welsh Area champion gives comedian Rhod Gilbert a helping hand with his wedding plans...

Welsh Area champion Tongwynlais Temperance was recently featured in the opening episode of popular comedian Rhod Gilbert’s ‘Work Experience’ series on BBC1 Wales.

BBC programme

The programmes see Rhod (above centre in cowboy hat) trying his hand at new and sometimes unusual careers—with the inevitable highs and lows that come with him being totally unprepared for what they entail.

On this occasion, the band joined him as he took on the role of a wedding planner.

Hollywood theme

"The wedding had a Hollywood theme and the bride and groom wanted to enter the reception to the 20th Century Fox fanfare. Little did they know that the band were ready and waiting to welcome them live!" said Tongwynlais spokesperson Jason Bevan.

He added: "It was a great opportunity for us to be part of the new series. We had the phone call from the producer and it all felt quite surreal, but we really enjoyed taking part and experiencing the filming.

Rhod was great to work with and we even gave him some percussion lessons in the bandroom!"

Watch it now

‘Rhod’s Work Experience’ is currently playing on BBC1 Wales and will be shown on the BBC nationally in the autumn. If you can’t wait till then, the episode is currently available on the BBC iPlayer.

There was plenty of fine music making to compliment the fine weather as the pubs ran dry in Whiston on the weekend.

There was an excellent turn out of bands and supporters at the 2nd Whiston Festival of Brass held on the weekend in the picturesque village near Rotherham in Yorkshire.

Wonderful entertainment

16 bands provided wonderful entertainment for listeners as they marched through the village—where the three local hostelries ran out of beer thanks to the sweltering weather and thirsty bandsmen and women!

Colin Hardy adjudicated the main senior band event with Jonathan Beatty judging the Training/Junior Band contest.

Concert ending

The day was rounded off with a superb evening concert that featured euphonium star Steven Mead as the guest soloist accompanied by Emley Brass.

Winners

Strata Brass claimed the honours and the first prize of £350 ahead of Yorkshire rivals Chapeltown Sliver with Silk Brass in third.

Nicky Hand of Whitwell Brass claimed the ‘Best Soloist’ prize with her rendition of ‘Send in the Clowns’.

Next year’s Whiston Festival of Brass 'Brasstonberry' will be held on Saturday 5th July.

Result:

1. Strata Brass
2. Chapeltown Silver
3. Silk Brass
4. Dronfield Genquip
5. Stannington Brass
6. Dinnington Colliery
7. South Yorkshire Police
8. Maltby Miners Welfare
9. Whitwell
10. Emley
11. Thurlstone
12. Worsbrough
13. Oughtibridge
14. Altofts & Normanton
15. Whaley Bridge
16. Cawthorne Brass

Most Entertaining Band: Chapeltown Silver
Best Instrumentalist: Nicky Hand - flugel (Whitwell)

Junior/Training Band:
1. Whaley Bridge Training
2. Thurlstone Training

One of the most popular behind the scenes men in banding is presented with Lifetime Service Award at English National Championship.

At this year’s English National Brass Band Championship held at the Elgar Hall of Birmingham University, Derek Atkinson, one of the most respected officials and contest organisers in UK banding was presented with ‘A Lifetime Service Award’ by Brass Bands England.

Welcoming

Derek and his wife Barbara are two of the most easily recognisable and welcoming faces in the contesting arena.

For 30 years Derek was instrumental in the success of Lancashire Contests and its predecessors the Preston & District of the North West BBA and the North West Counties BBA in which he served as secretary from 1986.

Early start

After an early start with the Salvation Army and subsequent service as a bandsman with Her Majesties’ 1st Royal Dragoons, Derek was notably associated with Haydock and Ashton Youth Band, Pemberton Old, and for a relatively short period, with the successful Laporte Band (Warrington), before taking up a new career as an influential administrator.

EBBA rep

Derek finished his playing career with the Merseyside Police Band and also served as an executive member of the British Federation of Brass Bands and as their European Brass Band Association representative from 2009 - 2012.

Floating a new idea and a new design helps keep the Wessex Dolce Euphonium as a market leader.

One of the most exciting developments in euphonium design will be unveiled this week when the new Wessex ‘Dolce’ compensating euphonium will be available for sale.

Floating

The instrument has been designed with a floating leadpipe (above) and new 2nd valve water key—to bring practicality as well as aesthetic design enhancements to one of the best value instruments in the market place.

Prices in fact remain the same - starting at only £895 - and one that in recent unbiased blind play comparison, scored better than a leading brand!

More information:

Jonathan Hodgetts
Wessex Tubas
2 Wessex Gardens
Andover, Hampshire
SP10 3JD, UK

Email
Tel. +44(0)7787 504987
website: www.Wessex-Tubas.co.uk
facebook page: http:/­/­www.facebook.com/­WessexTubas

Butlins champions announce Adam Cooke as their new Musical Director.

Butlins Mineworkers champion Virtuosi GUS has announced that Adam Cooke will become their new Musical Director following the retirement of John Berryman after the National Finals in London later this year.

First appearance

He will make his first contest appearance with the band at the Brass in Concert Championship in November.

Band Manager Mike Smith told 4BR: "Adam first worked with us in 2009 as part of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors competition.

Since then we have followed his emergence with particular interest, most notably his work with Becontree Brass and of course, his recent success in coming runner-up at the European Conductor Competition in Oslo."

Fresh perspective

He added: "Following John’s decision, we were looking for a fresh perspective, new ideas, and as an energetic young man with a broad musical experience, Adam fits the bill perfectly.

We have enjoyed some rehearsal time with him in recent weeks either side of his successful trip to Oslo, and plans are already well in place for his debut contest appearance at Brass in Concert."

Delighted

Adam is certainly looking forward to his new role, as he told 4BR.

"I was delighted to be offered the position with Virtuosi GUS. The band's balance of highly experienced players and young talent around the stand, as well as their recent excellent contesting form makes them an exciting prospect for any conductor.

Plans are well under way for our first contest appearance together at Brass in Concert, and we have already had discussions about innovative concert and recording projects over the coming year too."

Success

Adam was appointed MD of Becontree Brass in 2010, and led them to unprecedented success, qualifying for the National Finals on three consecutive occasions and in 2012 winning both the London Area and Butlins First Section titles.

He also led Brass United (a band comprising of students from both the RNCM and Manchester University) to victory at the University Brass Band Championship in 2011 and 2012.

Critical acclaim

David Murray, Chairman of Becontree Brass told 4BR: "Becontree Band is delighted that Adam is set to become MD at Virtuosi GUS. Since joining Becontree as MD, Adam has brought the band up from the Second Section to the edge of the Championship winning critical acclaim and titles along the way."

He added: "Although Adam’s departure is disappointing news for Becontree, we realise he is one of the rising stars in the brass band world and will look with interest at his progress."