One man’s band! · Issue no. 5663 – 30 April 2011 BB meets the man behind the Carnoustie...

Issue no. 5663 – 30 April 2011

BB meets the man behind the Carnoustie phenomenon

Price £1.25 www.britishbandsman.com

One man’sband!

BB 1.indd 1 26-04-2011 17:09:11

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 2

MAILBOX

‘Federation’ accused of over-ambition

I have always believed that a strong national

body was essential for the wellbeing of brass

bands, a sort of trade union to which all bands

should belong. Consequently, from a distance,

the work and perseverance of the British

Federation of Brass Bands (shortly to become

the English Federation) has been something

I have admired. Its success in achieving a

significant increase in Arts Council funding is

real recognition.

It would seem, in a delicious irony, that the

Arts Council has more faith in the Federation

than bands themselves - 213 bands out of a

total of around 1,000 are members. Despite the

successful funding bid, regrettably I have to

conclude that the Arts Council’s grasp on reality

is as poor as that of the Federation.

The basis of part of the Federation’s successful

bid to the Arts Council was that in the next

ten years there will be a brass band in every

postcode area in the UK; the Federation’s

reckoning is to have 2,400 bands in England.

I don’t know how many bands there are in

England but if there are only 1,000 in the whole

of the UK, it is clearly less than that figure so

that’s an ambitious target in excess of 1,400.

There are 39 postcode districts in Suffolk.

There are about ten brass bands - a shortfall

of 29. Presumably, the Federation’s detailed

submission will have set out how an area like

Suffolk will attract the necessary resources to

create the band trainers, funds for instruments

and bandrooms to say nothing of finding over

700 people to take up the hobby of banding?

Brass bands in numerical terms have been in

decline for over 100 years. They peaked around

the 1890s and in the early years of the 20th

century. Counting the number of bands is

notoriously difficult, but J. H. Elliot, who knew

the movement well, suggested a figure of

5,000 on a number of occasions in the inter-war

period. The late Peter Wilson, a former editor of

British Bandsman, put forward a figure of 2,000

in the early 1980s. Yet the suggestion is that

this decline can be reversed within ten years.

When the next funding application to the

Arts Council is due, the inevitable failure may

take some explaining. It would be a shame to

lose funding through a lack of realism as the

likelihood is that in three years time, when

funding deals expire, there will be actually

fewer bands than there are now!

Call me a pessimist, but history doesn’t lie!

Tim Mutum

Ipswich

Plea for Registry assistance

I am the Secretary of the Clacton-on-Sea

Co-operative Band and in chatting to Colin

Johnson at the Registry recently, we were

discussing the fact that when I send in new

registrations or transfers, I always enclose a

stamped self-addressed postcard and on the

reverse put:

‘Received at the Registry new registration (or

transfer) for (name of bandsman concerned) for

Clacton-on-Sea Co-operative Band.’

Colin then stamps the date of receipt on the

card and posts it back to me. I therefore know

that my transaction has been safely received

and will be dealt with. This gives me peace

of mind and if everyone did the same thing it

would save Colin and his staff having to spend

valuable time answering numerous telephone

calls every day from bands asking if they have

received their transactions at the Registry.

Could you please print a HELP THE REGISTRY

plea. This should make their life and each band

secretary/manager’s life more hassle free.

Ann Headworth

Clacton-on-Sea

Memories of Besses sought

I am a current player as well as deputy

Chairman (working with Chairman Matt Bailey)

at Besses o’ th’ Barn Band. I am researching the

history of Besses both:

1. Its position in the brass band community.

2. Its position within the local Whitefield

(Manchester-Bury) community.

I am conducting the research with a view to

produce a publication of some sort to follow

on from the book that covers Besses’ history

up until 1892, and I hope to complete this to

coincide with the band’s bi-centenary year

in 2015.

I am inviting responses from any former

players/members and their families as follows:

1. Players names and years of tenure with

Besses.

2. Memorabilia for photographing.

3. Memories/anecdotes etc.

Steve Hughes

[email protected]

Were you in the RAF?

Were you ever a musician in the Royal Air

Force? The RAF Music Services Association is

looking for new members. We wish to contact

any retired and former musicians who served in

any of the RAF established bands or orchestras,

including the WRAF band and the RAF

voluntary bands.

The Association was formed in 1987 as a way

for members to renew their friendships with

former colleagues. Membership includes

a magazine twice a year full of news and

reminiscences of the RAF Music Services

past and present. Members also have the

opportunity to attend the Annual Reunion

each summer.

For full details of membership please contact

me on 01296 433763 or by email at

[email protected]

John Dablin

Address supplied

Whistling decried by leading composer

What a splendid event the RNCM Brass

Festival has been. Congratulations to everyone

concerned, but most of all to Paul Hindmarsh,

whose conception and management of the

event made it all so satisfying, enlightening

and rewarding.

For this listener there was but one very small

irritation, which perhaps is not capable of

being eradicated, for it seems to some extent

to be endemic. To the generous, appreciative

applause is often added the noisome, invasive

sound of shrill whistling. Whilst the ignorant

perpetrators of this vulgar, unacceptable

practice might intend it as a compliment to

the performers, it is really a sign of the very

opposite: an expression of derision, more

appropriate by the side of the boxing ring

or at the close of a football match when the

supported team has played badly. There is

a need to dissuade this uncouth practice at

musical performances of all kinds.

Arthur Butterworth

Address supplied

HAVE YOUR SAY

BB 2-3.indd 2 26-04-2011 17:04:41


NEWS

Brass band music

storms ‘Hall of Fame’Following various campaigns over recent

months, brass band music made a considerable

impact on the 2011 Classic FM Hall of Fame,

the popular radio station’s annual countdown

of the 300 most popular classical pieces, which

concluded on Easter Monday.

The two highest new entries in the chart

were both brass band pieces, with Simon

Dobson’s Penlee storming in at position 106,

closely followed by the BB and 4barsrest

readers’ choice, A Moorside Suite by Gustav

Holst at 118. In addition, works by Salvation

Army composers, Eric Ball (Resurgam) and Ray

Steadman-Allen (The Lord is King) made it to

202 and 263 respectively.

Speaking to BB about his work’s popularity,

Simon Dobson commented: “I am extremely

pleased that Penlee did so well in the Hall of

Fame. I think the publicity it will bring to brass

bands will be invaluable. Thanks to all who

voted for it.” The performance given on the

programme was by Leyland Band, conducted

by Jason Katsikaris, and a delighted Band

Manager, Allan Littlemore, added: “Naturally

we are all so encouraged by this endorsement.

It reflects very positively on all concerned -

Leyland Band, the conductor, the composer,

the producer, Paul Hindmarsh, and Faber Music.

We clearly have a lot of supporters out there,

and we are very grateful to them for taking the

time to vote for us. Now we have to think of a

special way of celebrating this success.”

The original idea for a campaign to have brass

band music included in the poll came from

BB reader, Carolyn Downs, who said: “I’m so

pleased and delighted that brass bands have

done so very well and also at the positive

comments posted on the Classic FM website.

I knew this could work. Let us hope that the

station takes the polite nudge and gives us a lot

more airtime.”

BB Editor, Kenneth Crookston, concluded: “I

don’t think any of us would have expected

four great brass band works to make it into

such a well-subscribed and wide-ranging poll.

However, the brass band community is to be

thanked and congratulated on its fine effort

to achieve the prominence that our repertoire

deserves. Let’s see if we can get even more

brass band music in next year’s top 300!”

The draw for the playing order at the 35th

Brass in Concert Championship, which will

be held at The Sage Gateshead on Sunday 20

November, was conducted by Bramwell Tovey

during the National Youth Brass Band of Great

Britain’s (NYBBGB) Easter course at Harrogate

Ladies College.

Bram Tovey was joined by Dr. Roy Newsome,

a founding father and Music Advisor to the

Championship and his wife, Muriel, together

with Paul and Jacqueline Beere and David

Bennett, organisers of the two-day festival,

and Clarence Adoo, representing The Sage

Gateshead and a Council Member of the

NYBBGB.

The playing order is:

1. Redbridge Brass

2. Fairey (Geneva)

3. Foden’s

4. Tredegar

5. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery

6. Rothwell Temperance

7. Brass Band of Central Florida

8. Brighouse and Rastrick

9. Exchange Communications Whitburn

10. Grimethorpe Colliery

11. Leyland

Brass in Concert draw revealed

EBBA Conductors’

Competition reaches

semi-final stageThe final six competitors in the European

Conductors’ Competition, who were due to

take part in last Tuesday’s semi-final, have been

revealed as Erik van der Kolk (Netherlands),

Susanne Rechsteiner (Switzerland), Martin

Schädlich (Germany), Bede Williams (Scotland),

Nick Ost (Belgium) and Tristan Uth (Germany).

Twenty-eight young conductors entered the

competition, with 18 being chosen to take part

in the first round. Seventeen of these attended

the first round and the six above were chosen

following performances of the music of Janácek

and Bartok with a string orchestra in Bern.

The final was due to take place in Montreux

on Thursday, the first main event of this year’s

European Brass Band Championships.

Friary Guildford Band, conducted by Chris

King, took the top prize at the recent Southern

Counties Bands Association Spring Contest,

held at Hove. Fourteen bands took part in the

annual event, and the full results were:

Championship Section

March

1. Friary Guildford (Chris King)

Test-piece: 1. Friary Guildford

Best Instrumentalist: Chris Straker, Friary

Guildford; Best Bass Section: Friary Guildford

1st Section

March

1. Brass a Musica (Michael Dils); 2. Horsham

Borough (Linda Cole); 3. Tilbury (Alan Duguid);

4. Fairlop Brass (Kevin Jordan)

Test-piece

1. Brass a Musica; 2. Tilbury; 3. Horsham

Borough; 4. Fairlop Brass

Best Bass Section: Tilbury; Best Horn Section:

Brass a Musica; Best Tenor Trombone: Karen

Palmer, Horsham Borough; Best Bass Trombone:

Maarten Hillen, Brass a Musica; Conductor’s

Prize: Michael Dils

2nd Section

March

1. Brighton and Hove City (Matthew Hackett);

2. Shanklin Town (Malcolm Lewis); 3. Uckfield

Concert Brass (Nick Morris); 4. Godalming (David

Wright)

Test-piece

1. Shanklin Town; 2. Brighton and Hove City;

3. Uckfield Concert Brass; 4. Godalming

Best Instrumentalist: Emma Cosworth, Shanklin

Town Brass; Best Trombone Section: Brighton

and Hove City; Conductor’s Prize: Malcolm

Lewis

3rd Section

March

1. Snowdown Colliery (Keith Twyman); 2. Sussex

Brass (Hastings) (Steve Hollamby); 3. Cobham

(David Ruel); 4. Patcham Silver (James Benka-

Coker)

Test Piece 1. Snowdown Colliery; 2. Sussex

Brass (Hastings); 3. Patcham Silver; 4. Cobham

Best Instrumentalist: Keith Pritchard, Snowdown

Colliery; Best Horn Section: Sussex Brass

(Hastings); Best Cornet Section: Snowdown

Colliery; Conductor’s Prize: Keith Twyman

Youth Section

March

1. Shanklin Town Youth (Malcolm Lewis)

Test Piece: 1. Shanklin Town Youth

Best Instrumentalist: Ashley Wicks, Shanklin

Town Youth; Conductor’s Prize: Malcolm Lewis

Adjudicator: Gareth Pritchard

Summit III details announcedDetails have been announced for the next

summit meeting to discuss the proposed

formation of the United Kingdom Brass Band

Alliance (UKBBA), which will take place on

Saturday 2 July at the Novotel Hotel, Broad

Street, Birmingham, B1 2HT at 10.30 for 11.00.

Robert Morgan, Chairman of the British

Federation of Brass Bands (BFBB), which will

host the event, commented: “Representatives

from all bands, associations and area

committees are invited to attend. Full details

of the proposals have been well documented

but can be found on BFBB and Scottish Brass

Band Association websites and in the band

press. To assist with arrangements for the day,

organisations planning to send a representative

should email [email protected] or

telephone Carole Salter on 01226 771015 to

confirm attendance.”

Friary Guildford on top at Hove

BB 2-3.indd 3 26-04-2011 17:04:43


BB 4-5.indd 4 26-04-2011 17:06:44


ISB 120

‘Great opportunity’ for Japan Staff BandBB looks forward to the forthcoming tour of the UK by the Japan Staff Band as it joins in the

celebrations of the International Staff Band’s 120th anniversary.

The first ever visit to the UK by the Japan Staff

Band of the Salvation Army (JSB) promises

to be a memorable one, with the expected

warm welcome sure to be even more

intense following the recent earthquake and

subsequent tsunami and nuclear tragedies.

As well as its appearance at the Royal Albert

Hall, the JSB will perform on 28 May, when,

after parading through the town’s High Street,

it will receive a civic welcome to Hythe outside

the Town Hall at 11.00am, followed by a short

concert. The same evening, the band will give

a concert in the SAGA Pavilion along with

Shepway Community Gospel Choir. It will also

perform at The Salvation Army, Booth Avenue,

Doncaster on Tuesday 31 May.

The origin of the JSB goes back to 1895, and

since then brass instruments have been a

feature of Christian worship in Japan. In 1907,

Territorial Headquarters formed the first band

to support the General William Booth’s visit.

The JSB comes under the direct management

of the Japan Territorial Headquarters and its

visit to the United Kingdom will be its second

overseas trip, having visited New Zealand in

1997. The band has 23 members and while

some are employees of The Salvation Army,

the remainder work in many other professions

and occupations.

The current bandmaster is Hajime Suzuki, who

studied under Mr. Fujio Nakayama, himself a

famous trumpeter and Professor of Brass at

Tokyo University. Prior to his appoointment as

bandmaster of the JSB in 1984, Hajime was the

solo cornet player and the deputy bandmaster.

Speaking to British Bandsman about the trip,

Hajime Suzuki commented: “This could be a

great opportunity in that we share our common

great purposes (Salvation and worship) and

reassure to serve God and people, through the

Army’s work and its history. It means that we

all praise and rejoice with other staff bandsmen

and so many other people.”

Talking about preparations for the trip, he

continued: “Even though we accepted the

invitation at relatively short notice and that the

JSB is a small band with only 23 bandsmen,

the important purpose of this huge event

encouraged us to travel to England. We

keep practising so that we can give our best

performances, but on the other hand, we still

need to finalise the budget for travelling for

this event.”

Hajime Suzuki added: “The band members are

also looking forward immensely to the tour and

have great expectations to praise God together

with Salvationists and people from all over the

world at the Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham

Palace. Playing in England and having the

chance to hear seven other staff bands from

around the world, as well as learning and

being stimulated by them, promises to be the

opportunity of a lifetime. I believe that God is

providing us this very big and special occasion

as His plan, so I would like to join it to have a

great experience.”

BB 4-5.indd 5 26-04-2011 17:07:03


ACCENT ON YOUTH

Over the past five years, an expectation has

grown that the end of course concerts of the

National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain

(NYBBGB) will provide its loyal audience of

friends, relations and supporters with music

making full of youthful energy, technical

efficiency and, above all, musical insight and

imagination. By the end of the NYBBGB’s

Manchester concert at the Royal Northern

College of Music on 22 April, we were all very

satisfied on all three counts.

Much of that air of anticipation surrounds the

contribution of Artistic Director, Bramwell Tovey,

and the responsiveness that he has instilled into

the 75 young people whose privilege it is to

play under his inspired conducting. The band is

alive to his every gesture, so that even as slight

a march (in musical terms) as Herbert Hawley’s

On Your Way was elevated by the confident and

stylish way in which its detail was teased out. To

be honest, I wondered why Maestro Tovey had

chosen such a trivial work to open the concert.

All became clear in his generous, well chosen

words of introduction.

On Your Way was written for the very first

NYBBGB course in 1952, which was held in

Shipley, West Yorkshire, near to the Hammond

Sauce Works factory of which Hawley was

Managing Director. Principal cornet on that

very first course was Maurice Murphy, whose

recent death was followed not long after by

the passing of another magician of the trumpet

and former NYBBGB principal, James Watson.

As Bramwell Tovey explained, this programme

looked back in tribute to peerless musicians,

“who were good friends and great friends of the

NYBBGB. Maurice and Jim, this one is for you!”

How appropriate then that the guest soloist

for the evening was one of Maurice Murphy’s

successors as principal trumpet of the LSO,

Philip Cobb. Still in his early 20s, it was only a

handful of years ago that Philip was himself

sitting on the end chair of the NYBBGB. His first

contribution in honour of Maurice was Percy

Code’s cornet classic Zelda, described by our

conductor as “an exquisite piece of light music

in Viennese style, full of the beautiful colours

and arabesques of operetta”. Philip brought

a stylish elegance and fresh, light tone to his

performance. His second contribution was

equally assured and well received.

Prelude and Capriccio was completed in 1972

for James Watson by Edward Gregson, who

also paid a heart-felt tribute to ‘Jim’ in his brief

introduction. Philip Cobb brought a more

robust, forthright style and rhythmic bite to the

Capriccio, a perfect foil to the generous lyricism

of the Prelude. Both items were beautifully

accompanied.

NYBBGB pays fine tribute to oPaul Hindmarsh visits the Easter course of the National Youth Brass Band of Great BritainPictures by John Stirzaker

All rise for the National Anthem Philip Cobb pays tribute with Zelda

Steve Plant (centre) bids farewell as Treasurer Arthur Butterworth introduces his masterpiece, Odin

BB 6-7.indd 6 26-04-2011 17:05:19


ACCENT ON YOUTH

The maturity and flexibility of the current

NYBBGB was clearly in evidence in the range of

the evening’s other musical offerings. How some

of us present wished that some 1st Section

conductors had been there to witness how

Frank Wright’s transcription of Carnival Romain

(Berlioz) could be made to work if the fast music

is given air and space and the expansive aria

allowed to flow. Full marks to the euphonium

soloist, Nicholas Birch, for his subtlety shaped

cantabile. The space that Bramwell Tovey gave

to Morten Laurisden’s O Magnum Mysterium

(beautifully arranged by NYBB old boy, Phillip

Littlemore) would have ‘grounded’ a smaller

band. In total contrast was the energy and

drive of the concert’s final billed item - Lock

Horns, Rage On! by Simon Dobson, former NYBB

Assistant Conductor - ‘modern’ music which was

much enjoyed by players and audience alike.

In 1989, James Watson won his third National

Brass Band Championship with Desford Colliery

Caterpillar Band with a performance of Arthur

Butterworth’s Icelandic musical landscape, Odin,

from the Land of Fire and Ice, that took the breath

away with its energy and brilliance. While the

NYBBGB’s tribute performance, given in the

presence of the composer, lacked something

of that panache, the clarity and contrast in the

reading between turbulence (‘fire’) and stillness

(‘ice’) was admirable.

The NYBBGB’s principal horn is Jonathan Bates.

As a horn player he is already demonstrating

huge promise. At 16, he is the youngest member

of Black Dyke Band. Last Friday, he revealed

just as much potential as a composer, when a

ten-minute piece that he has been working on

for two years was given its first performance.

Entitled Within the Paths of Righteousness,

it might also be described as Symphonic

Variations on Crimond, since he has taken

fragments of the hymn tune on which to build

a series of contrasting sections, before finally

revealing the tune in a huge, triumphant close.

The piece is well scored, full of contrast and

shows an imaginative harmonic approach, fully

deserving of the fine reception it received.

For me and for many in the audience the musical

highlight of a superb evening came at the end

of the first half, with a majestic performance of

Eric Ball’s The Kindgom Triumphant. From the

whispered opening, with timpani roll coming

out of nothing, the vivid cinematic imagery, to

the most expansive final bars you could wish for,

the performance was completely enthralling.

With Wilfred Heaton’s march, Praise, to send

us cheerfully on our way, these gems from the

Salvation Army repertoire clearly still mean

a great deal to the NYBBGB’s distinguished

international conductor, Bramwell Tovey.

old boys Murphy and Watson

Trombones and cornets in unison

The NYBBGB raises the roof

BB 6-7.indd 7 26-04-2011 17:05:40


COVER STORY

Four years ago, Carnoustie and District Youth

Brass Band did not exist. Earlier this month,

the band cantered to victory in the Premier

Section of the National Youth Championships

with a display of technique and musicality that

many a high achieving adult band would be

proud to have given. This accolade crowned an

exceptional period for this outstanding group

that has also included two Scottish crowns and

a win in the Advanced Section of the National

Championships in 2010.

By their very nature, youth bands follow peaks

and troughs in playing standard. One victory

might be considered ‘lucky’, but the rapid

emergence, the swift rise and then consistency

of Carnoustie and District’s efforts would

suggest that a great deal of dedicated effort

had been expended over a sustained period.

I was intrigued to find out how the classy

performances that I heard in Perth (November)

and Manchester (April) had been achieved. It

didn’t take many phone calls and emails for the

reason to emerge - the man wielding the stick,

Michael Robertson.

Watching Michael in front of the band, one

is aware of a quiet control and a mutual

confidence and trust - which is not surprising

since he has taught all but one member of the

band. A former trombonist (who went down

from his Alloa home to the Royal College of

Music in London to study with John Iveson

and the late, great Arthur Wilson), Michael has

been employed as a peripatetic brass tutor

for Angus Council since 1995. His catchment

area embraces the neighbouring small towns

of Carnoustie and Monifieth, where he works

with beginners at primary school to advanced

students at secondary level. All of them are

encouraged to play in groups and it is out

of the grounding in group activity that the

youth band was born as Michael explains: “I

have always given primary school age pupils

the opportunity to play in groups by forming

small bands within the cluster area. These

primary pupils also have the opportunity to

play with the secondary school band just prior

to transition. The idea to form the youth band

arose four years ago when the local authority

agreed to hold a brass weekend for advanced

players in the area. Richard Evans, Musical

Director of the National Youth Brass Band of

Scotland, was invited to come and conduct this

specially formed band. The weekend was very

successful and Richard was so impressed by

the standard of the players that he suggested

that this group of enthusiastic and committed

players enter both the Scottish and British Youth

Band Championships.”

All very matter-of-fact from Michael, but as

Bryan Knight, Chair of the band’s organising

committee, observes, the way the young people

played was due to the skill and dedication

of the teaching they all received: “A group

of parents realised that Mike was producing

some fabulous young players. His soloists and

quartet/quintets were achieving a lot of success.

A lot of the players have progressed through

the Arbroath Instrumental Band, which Mike

also directs and which has provided a fabulous

opportunity to perform at a high level. It was

clear to us that when he pulled together the

High School brass band it was streets ahead of

the other disciplines such as woodwind

and strings.”

Carnoustie is a close community and it wasn’t

long before a group of parents got together

with Mike Robertson and Ann Ness (who

conducts Arbroath Instrumental Youth Band) to

help realise the musical potential that Richard

Evans witnessed. A seven-person organising

committee was formed to assist Mike in raising

funds and organising the bands. “That way Mike

and Ann could concentrate on the musical side,”

observes Bryan Knight, “while there was a group

of extremely capable and willing volunteers

behind them raising the money and sorting out

the logistics.”

Angus Council has not supported the band to

the same extent as West Lothian, for example,

but ‘going it alone’ does not seem to be an issue,

as Bryan Knight continued: “As the band has

grown in stature and talent, players are now

queuing up to get in. Mike produces a conveyor

belt of fabulous players through his day job

and success breeds success. But the band’s

overall success is very much a team effort, with

Mike’s musical magic, the community spirit and

support, business and parental support and

a fabulous set of hungry and well disciplined

young people.”

The objective of the Carnoustie and District

Youth Band is clear - to be the most successful

youth brass band in the country. Holding the

two top competitive prizes is indicative of

ambitions fulfilled. The regime of rehearsals is

geared towards that end, as Michael explained:

“We rehearse for an hour-and-a-half a week

in the six weeks before both the Scottish and

British Championships, as most of the players

are members of the Arbroath Instrumental Band

(1st Section) and also attend rehearsals for the

regional and schools’ bands. I aim to make our

rehearsals very intensive but hopefully good

fun too. There is a great feeling of camaraderie

amongst the players. It is also a tribute to their

enthusiasm that for the last four years they have

given up six days of their Easter holidays to

rehearse and travel to Manchester.”

During the rehearsal period, the band has

benefitted from the input of Dr. Nicholas

Childs, who has paid tribute to the players

Oneman’sband

Paul Hindmarsh celebrates the achievements of the

Carnoustie and District Youth Band – the current National

and Scottish Premier Youth Champion - and its conductor,

Michael Robertson.

BB 8-9.indd 8 26-04-2011 17:06:00


COVER STORYand especially to their teacher and conductor:

“Michael is very special. His enthusiasm and

dedication reminds me of my young days in

Tredegar Town Youth Band, under the direction

of my late father.”

The Carnoustie and District Band, under

Michael’s inspired teaching has fostered some

fine young talents, a number of whom have

already begun to study music at conservatoire

level in the hope of entering the profession.

Principal cornet, Eion Tonner (19), is in his

second year studying conducting and trumpet

at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and

Drama (RSAMD) in Glasgow. Eion comes from

a banding family in Monifieth - his parents are

both cornet players and his younger brother

and sister are also members of the band.

Although his father started him off on the

cornet, Eion was taught by Michael Robertson

from the age of eight to 13, when he started

lessons at the RSAMD Junior School on

Saturday mornings.

“Mike was a huge influence on my playing,”

Eion reflects. “He is the driving force behind

the band and an incredibly talented teacher

with an enormous passion for developing

young brass players and a huge amount of

patience! He insists on high standards and

ensures all players are playing with the correct

techniques. We knew when the band was

established that it was going to be of a high

standard. The progress has been staggering and

we could never have imagined being where

we are now when it started. We have given

many memorable performances, but this year’s

‘National’ outshone them all. It’s not often in a

band of any standard do you get such a great

buzz on the platform.”

It is that ‘buzz’ and the dedication to high

standards that keeps Ross Knight (principal

tuba) travelling up to the band from London,

where he is studying with Patrick Harrild at the

Guildhall School of Music, as he explains: “I got

involved with the band because I recognised

the potential in the young brass players

Carnoustie has to offer and really wanted to

be a part of it. That’s one of the reasons I keep

travelling up from London to play with it. Also I

love working with Mr. Robertson. He’s such an

inspiration. In terms of technique, every single

player is so well trained, which is down to Mr.

Robertson’s teaching and the hours of practise

each player puts in.”

Josiah Walters is the bass trombone player and

also a budding composer, who attributes much

of his passion for his instrument and for music

in general to the influence of the band and its

inspirational conductor: “I have played in brass

bands since I started playing trombone ten

years ago, through Mr. Robertson, who asked

me first to join Arbroath Instrumental Junior

Band, under Ann Ness. I moved on to join the

Arbroath Instrumental Band and my enthusiasm

for brass band music has grown ever since.

Carnoustie and District Youth Brass Band was

my first experience playing bass trombone. I

enjoyed it so much that I started to play bass

trombone as my first instrument. This change

really brought on my playing, and was one of

the main reasons I decided to go to the RSAMD

to study.” Joe has also drawn inspiration for

his own compositions from the music which

the band has played, as he went on to explain:

“Playing in the band has also introduced me

to more and more of the brass band repertoire

and that has given me great inspiration for

composing music (my first published piece

was written with the Carnoustie Band in mind).

Philip Sparke’s Dundonnel is a great piece to

play, and to listen to, and that was probably the

highlight of the Manchester win for me. I wasn’t

so convinced by the set work, Fanfares and Love

Songs (Gavin Higgins), on the first listening,

but as it became more familiar, it got better

and better, and I now love the work and could

happily listen to it over and over again! It also

helps that the bass trombone part is enormous

fun to play.”

So there you have it, a champion youth brass

band, formed from and supported by a close-

knit banding community, strong on enthusiasm

and commitment and brim full of talent, which

has been nurtured with great skill and patience

by one modest but determined man - Michael

Robertson. He is already looking to challenges

ahead with his Arbroath and Carnoustie bands.

I wondered what kept him motivated. His reply

was typical of the man - modest and focussed

entirely on the young people he works with.

“I was fortunate to have a teacher who gave me

fantastic opportunities. I have always wanted

to give my pupils the same opportunities. It is

so satisfying to watch them grow as musicians

and individuals, make lasting friendships

and contribute to the life of the band and

the community. I am so proud of them and

I am lucky to have such a committed and

enthusiastic group of young people to

work with.”

BB 8-9.indd 9 26-04-2011 17:06:12


COMPANY NEWS

Band Supplies supports brand new band in CoatbridgeThursday 24 March was a red-letter day for some 48 young people

from the North Lanarkshire town of Coatbridge. They were the nucleus

of a brand new youth band, Coatbridge Concert Brass, which was the

fulfilment of a long held ambition of the district’s Head of Brass, Jim

Smith, who commented: “There used to be lots of brass bands in North

Lanarkshire - mining bands and town bands. Brass bands have always

been a part of my life and I’ve been itching to try and do something”.

Coatbridge Concert Brass was established through a unique partnership

between the local community and the NHS, with the support of the

Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) and the Glasgow-based brass

instrument retailer, Band Supplies, which has supplied all the instruments

for the young players. Band Supplies also donated one cornet, as Willie

McBride, Project Manager of Kirkshaws Community Centre, where the

band is based, explains: “The project has sourced £7,000 in funding from

SBBA and NHS Lanarkshire Engagement Fund. This will allow us to bring

in the services of professional tutors and purchase instruments, which will

give the band a tremendous start. Such is the support being offered to

this new and exciting project that Band Supplies, Glasgow, has donated an

Excel cornet and for that we are eternally grateful.”

SBBA is funded by the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative to

create new bands in areas where none currently exist, as its President,

George Burt, adds: “We’ve developed a ‘Brass Band Starter Pack’, which

provides funding and other musical and organisational support so that

a new band can buy instruments and music and engage tutors and

conductors. This is a perfect example of how it works.”

SP&S, a division of Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd.

has an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to join our Customer Service Department. If you are looking for a great opportunity to make your mark with an exceptional organisation, please read on.

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

We have a new opportunity for you to join our Customer Service Department, which is based at our Wellingborough Head Office.

The successful applicant will have experience in a sales environment where customer service is of paramount importance.

This appointment requires you to be computer literate, with good management and communication skills. You will be responsible for direct interface with SP&S customers, telesales and order taking within the mail order environment, staff training, dealing with customer correspondence and creating a customer focused agenda. To meet the challenges of this important role you will be able to lead by example whilst challenging yourself and your team to deliver results and exceed targets. A detailed knowledge of the SP&S and World of Brass product range is preferred.

Salary: Up to £24k dependant on experience.

Initial applications in writing, enclosing an up-to-date CV, to: The Human Resources ManagerSalvation Army Trading Company Limited, 66-78 Denington Road, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 2QHOr by email to: [email protected] Closing date: 9 May 2011

The Salvation Army is a church and a registered charity. Charity no. 214779 and in Scotland SCO009359

BB 10-11.indd 10 26-04-2011 17:07:46


BANDS IN THE PARKS

BELFAST

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park: 8, 1st Old Boys’

Silver Band (2.00pm); 15, Comber Silver Band

(3.00pm); 29, 1st Larne Old Boys Silver Band (3.00pm).

Woodvale Park (2.30pm): 14, Downshire Brass Band.

BIRMINGHAM

Botanic Gardens (2.00pm): 1, Arrow Valley Brass.

BROMSGROVE

Sanders Park (2.30pm): 1, Gloucester Excelsior Band.

CHIPPENHAM

John Coles Park (3.00pm): 8, Dodington Parish Band.

DEAL

Memorial Bandstand (2.30pm): 1, Betteshanger

Welfare Brass Band; 8. Cranbrook Town Band; 15,

Cantium Brass; 29, 1st Whistable Scout Group Band.

EASTBOURNE

Bandstand (3.00pm): 8, Oxted Band; 29, Eastbourne

Silver Band.

HORSHAM

Podium Bandstand (2.30pm): 15, Patcham Silver

Band.

MORECAMBE

Happy Mount Park (2.30pm): 1, Morecambe Bay

Brass; 8, Blackpool Brass; 15, 29 Morecambe Band; 22,

Pilling Jubilee Silver Band.

NEWBURY

Victoria Park Bandstand (3.00pm): 1, Reading

Spring Gardens Band; 8, Charles Church Camberley

Band; 22, Cholsey Silver Band; 29, Wantage Silver

Band.

ROTHERHAM

Clifton Park (2.00pm): 21, Thurcroft Welfare Band.

SALTBURN

Bandstand (2.30pm): 8, Bearpark and Esh Colliery

Band.

SHANKLIN

Rylstone Gardens: 22, 29, Shanklin Town Youth

Band (3.00pm); 24, Shanklin Town Band (8.00pm).

SOLIHULL

Malvern Park (2.00pm): 1, Alcester Victoria Silver

Band.

WORCESTER

Cripplegate Park (2.30pm): 15, Gloucester Excelsior

Band.

Bands are invited to send their bandstand dates

for free listing in British Bandsman to

[email protected], for inclusion

between May and September each year. Although

considerable care is taken in the compilation of the

above information, British Bandsman accepts no

responsibility for any inaccuracies that may occur.

Bands in the Parks - May 2011

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Cornet Spotlight, Black Dyke

Band’s principal cornet, Richard Marshall, is to present a second day for all

cornet enthusiasts.

Leeds Town Hall will again host the event, which will take place on

Sunday 15 May. Registration will be at 9.00am and it is due to conclude

at 12.30pm. The cost per delegate is £5.00. Speaking to British Bandsman.

Richard Marshall commented: “It’s going to be a wonderful event once

again. The response so far has been superb, so don’t miss out on the

chance to be a part of it. I can promise everyone it will be fun.”

For further details, contact Richard Marshall on richard.b.marshall@

btinternet.com or at www.richardmarshall.info

Eccles Borough Band has announced new arrivals since the Christmas

period. Marianne Garbutt, a previous member of the band back in the

late 1990s, has rejoined, and Ian Twiss, who also started his playing career

with Eccles in the 1980s is also signing on. The band has also appointed a

new principal cornet in Debra Fry. Debra, formerly of Northop Band and

previous principal cornet of Northop Youth, who is pleased with the new

challenge ahead of her.

The bandroom, which Eccles Borough has occupied for around 60 years,

is in the process of being renovated, one of the highlights of the band’s

125th anniversary celebrations, which will be starting off with a concert

on 21 May at Eccles Congregational Hall. Tickets will be soon available by

visiting the bands website at www.ecclesboroughband.org

BRASS ROOTS

Gala Evening

Concert7.15pm

Black DykeBand &

Foden’s Band

Black DykeBand &

Foden’s Band

THE BRIDGEWATER HALL,MANCHESTER

SUNDAY 8th MAY 2011

The Great Northern

Spring Brass Arts FestivalThe Great Northern

Spring Brass Arts Festival

Philip Biggs Brass Festivals presents

12noon - Rothwell Temperance Band - £102.15pm - Yorkshire Youth Band - £11

4.15pm - Brighouse & Rastrick Band - £12All inclusive daytime tickets - £24

All inclusive daytime & Gala Evening Concert tickets from £27

Available from The Bridgewater Hall Box OfficeTel: 0161 907 9000 Fax: 0161 907 9001

Email: [email protected] VAT rate - tickets sold after 4/1/2011 will increase by 2.5%

Tickets:

£13 - £25

Any news? Let us know [email protected]

BB 10-11.indd 11 26-04-2011 17:07:56


TALKING POINT

BB 12-13.indd 12 26-04-2011 17:08:16


CRITICS CORNER

Joy through the AgesBoscombe Band of The Salvation Army,

conducted by Howard J. Evans

SPS 283 CD

Available from World of Brass, 4barsrest and

Midland CD

Boscombe Band celebrates its 125th Anniversary with a varied, well-

chosen and well-recorded selection of repertoire that spans over 50 of

those years. The title track is a six-minute work by the band’s current

conductor, Howard J. Evans. Formerly Bandmaster of the Amsterdam Staff

Band, and a pianist of some distinction, Dr. Evans now divides his time

between his role as Director of Classical Performance at Salford University

and his commitment to this band. Under his musical leadership, Boscombe

Band has continued to fly the flag of musical excellence with a

Christian ethos.

This release is a joy to listen to for the intelligent programme choices,

mixing music of devotion, SA classics and some more recent numbers,

in performances that are delivered with well-trained musicianship and

style. Technically it is not always perfect, but judgements of that kind are

perhaps secondary to the generous sweep of the performances and the

evident sincerity and integrity with which they are delivered.

The sure-footed stylistic sense of Ray Cresswell’s 1954 March, The

Defenders, immediately draws you in, while the meditative harmonic flow

of the hymn setting Coming Home, by former Boscombe Bandmaster,

Kenneth Downie, reveals what SA bands do best, and what many other

bands often neglect - subtle and expressive lyrical playing. Dudley

Bright’s brief but engaging Are you Joyful? shines up well in a revised

version, revealing how much this fine trombonist and SA composer/

arranger learned from Gregson and Steadman-Allen in his younger

days. Howard Evans’ anniversary contribution is especially effective,

combining celebratory fanfares (based on the intervals of the second

and fifth - a clever touch) with American influenced up-tempo writing (in

a Bruce Broughton meets William Himes manner!). It is toe-tapping and

memorable.

A brass version of June Collin’s The Quiet Heart (which featured on the

Kings Singers Choral Essays vol. 1) creates a well-judged oasis of calm. The

three soloists perform well, with confident contributions all round. Len

Ballantine’s bluesy treatment of Charles Gabriel’s gospel song from the

early 20th Century, His eye is on the Sparrow, is especially effective.

For the brass connoisseur, the chief interest will be in the two major

works, Ray Steadman-Allen’s suite, Lord of the Sea, and Eric Ball’s The

Eternal Presence. Dating from the 1950s, Lord of the Sea is rare among

SA published band works, in that it is entirely original. As Dr. Downie

makes clear in his extensive and informative programme notes, it was the

absence of familiar song material that created the surprise among the SA

community at the time. Half a century on, it is the work’s musical integrity

that shines through and its very English sensibility - teased out by Howard

Evans and his band in a flexible and colourful reading.

Evocative instrumental and additional vocal colour, allied to a strong

sense of musical drama, is also the lasting memory of Boscombe’s final

track - The Eternal Presence. Eric Ball regarded this work from the1960s as

the true sequel to Resurgam in spiritual terms. Based on the Stowe/Sankey

song Still, still with thee, it has never failed to move this reviewer since first

hearing it in the late 1960s. This performance is no different.

Paul Hindmarsh

ApopheniaThe music of Peter Meechan

Kew Wind Orchestra – conductor, Spencer Down

Rex Richardson (trumpets and flugel), Becky

Smith (trombone), David Thornton (euphonium)

L4Recordings L4R001

Available from www.petermeechanmusic.co.uk

and 4barsrest

In his expansive programme notes to this engaging release of music

for brass and wind by Peter Meechan, Stephen Arthur Allen offers the

view that the DNA of this composer’s voice ‘resides in his slow music’. In

response, the composer has confessed to finding slow music very hard to

write. Perhaps it is the element of struggle that produces such a powerful,

yet understated impression when Dr. Meechan slows the pace down - that

allied to some stunning performances from three brass artists on top form.

The music here spans five years from 2004 to ‘09 and includes two major

works first heard in brass band versions, the dramatic interpretation of

Macbeth and the visceral Trumpet Concerto Apophenia (literally - seeing

patterns where none exist). Rex Richardson, for whom Apophenia was

written, really ‘gets’ the driving energy of the opening movement. The

spare, still centre of the concerto, with its suggestions of the blues, draws

the listener in, while the sheer virtuosity of the uncomplicated finale takes

your breath away. It will be fascinating to compare this performance

with that of Jens Lindemann with Foden’s, to be released shortly from

World of Brass.

David Thornton’s contribution, in total contrast, is a model of restraint. Dr.

Meechan pares his music down to its Stravinskian essentials in the three

Fields of Destruction, which is a musical plea for justice in a world plagued

by political double standards. The ‘fields’ of the title are the poppy fields

of Afghanistan. In just 125 bars, Meechan makes a powerful musical

statement - bleak, yet not without hope and utterly compelling.

Equally powerful in its vision, symbolism and economy is Epitaph (for

Hillsborough), for me the creative highlight of this release, while Becky

Smith creates a haunting impression in the final track Elegie - beautifully

realised. Macbeth takes on added dimensions of colour and expressivity

in this wind orchestra version, and the lighter Chorlton Suite emphasises

what a fine band the Kew Wind Orchestra under Spencer Down is. It is one

of the finest amateur wind bands in the country, with a full rich sound.

The release is well recorded by KMJ Recordings and having the composer

as producer adds an additional authenticity to the performances.

Paul Hindmarsh

BB 12-13.indd 13 26-04-2011 17:08:20

WIRELESS BRASSWe 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.

Wednesday 3 May, 2130-2200. BBC Radio 2

Listen to the Band. Frank Renton talks to Philip Biggs about his Great

Northern Spring Brass Arts Festival at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, an all-

day celebration of brass playing including an appearance by the American

trumpet virtuoso, Jens Lindemann.

Listen to the Band is available all week via Radio 2’s website at

www.bbc.co.uk/radio2. Click on the playback section to hear the show, on

demand, for a week following transmission. Also available on the BBC iPlayer

by selecting Radio 2.

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 two 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 (Dr. Nicholas Childs): Toccata

from Symphony No. 5 (Widor); Leyland (Philip Harper): The Royal Game

(Harper); Boscombe Band of The Salvation Army (Dr. Howard J. Evans):

His Eye is on the Sparrow (Len Ballantine - soloist: Barney Lawrence);

Foden’s (Michael Fowles): Moto Perpetuo (Ottokar Novacek); Co-operative

Funeralcare (Michael Fowles): You Needed Me (Randy Goodrum – cornet

soloist: Jim Hayes); Foden’s (Michael Fowles): Tallis Variations (Philip Sparke);

Foden’s (Thomas Wyss): Fawkes the Phoenix (John Williams); Black Dyke

(Nicholas Childs): Benedictus from The Armed Man (Karl Jenkins - duettists:

Zoe Hancock (flugel) and Gary Curtin (euphonium); Cory (Dr. Robert Childs):

Pel Mel (W. Hogarth Lear); Black Dyke (Nicholas Childs): Nimrod and Finale

from Enigma Variations (Elgar arr. Eric Ball).

Local Radio for next weekSunday 1 May, 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 Internet 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 on Listen Live or Listen Again.

Phillip Hunt presents a programme of brass band recordings and news. This

week’s programme includes: Men O’ Brass (Harry Mortimer): Wedding March

(Felix Mendelssohn arr. Frank Martyn); Bodmin Town (Leonard Adams): May

Dance (trad. arr. Goff Richards); Helston Town (John Hitchens): The Floral

Dance (trad.); Brighouse and Rastrick (Derek Broadbent): The Floral Dance

(trad./ Katie Moss arr. Derek Broadbent); Besses o’ th’ Barn (Roy Newsome):

Colonial Song (Percy Grainger); City of Coventry (Kenneth Dennison): Bell

Bird Polka (Roger Barsotti); Cory (Robert Childs): The Irish Washerwoman

(trad. arr. Rodney Newton - euphonium soloist: David Childs); CWS (Glasgow)

(Archie Hutchison): Ilkla’ Moor (trad. arr. Derek Broadbent), Sussex Folk (trad.

arr. Derek Broadbent), The Lincolnshire Poacher (trad. arr. Derek Broadbent);

Brighouse and Rastrick (David Hirst): Scarborough Fair (trad. arr. Goff

Richards - soprano cornet soloist: Alan Hobbins); Ipswich and Norwich Co-op

(Robin Norman): A Suffolk Prelude (Andrew Duncan).

Requests and comments are welcome at e-mail: [email protected]

Monday 2 May, 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.

Sunday afternoons – weekly. Live show at 1300-1500 BBC Radio Leeds

and 1300-1400 on BBC Radio York.

Yorkshire Brass. David Hoyle presents a programme of brass band

recordings and listeners’ requests.

Listen live online at www.bbc.co.uk/radioleeds or BBC Radio Leeds FM

frequencies 92.4, 95.3, or 103.9. BBC Radio York FM frequencies 95.5, 103.7

or 104.3. Also available on the BBC iPlayer.

PROFESSIONAL NETWORK


RICHARD PHILLIPS. Dip RCM, ARCM. Conductor, Adjudicator,

Composer, Arranger. 161 Butland Road

Oakley Vale, Corby, Northants, NN18 8FN

Tel:Tel: 01536 741447 Mob: (07905) 383645.

Email: [email protected]

STEVE PRITCHARD-JONES. FTCL LTCL DipMusEd G.Mus

LDBBA QTS. Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher

12 Greenacre Road, Copthorne, Shrewsbury, Shropshire,

SY3 8LR. Tel: 01743 270489 07834 855064


Web: www.stevepritchardjones.com

JOHN ROBERTS. conductor, adjudicator (member of ABBA)

17 Belfry Court, Outwood, Wakefield WF1 3TY

Tel 01924 871413 Mobile 0773 672 1939


MARK SCOTT. Composing and Arranging

Telephone mobile: 07595917466


Website: www.juicybrainsmusic.co.uk

NIGEL G. SEAMAN. ARMCM, ARNCM, Conductor, Teacher and

Adjudicator. 3 Garth View, Bedwas, Caerphilly, CF83 8EW.

Tel. (02920) 851198 or Mobile. (07779) 329446.


ROY SPARKES. MISM, TECH(CEI) MIE, Conductor, Adjudicator,

NABBC and ABBA member.

76 Lear Drive, Wistaston, Crewe, Cheshire, CW28DS.

Tel. 01270-569290. Mobile. 07788 166777.


RAYMOND TENNANT. DRSAM, Dip.NCOS. Conductor and

Ajudicator. 1 Newark Drive, Paisley. PA2 8NU.

Tel. (0141) 589 6466 or 07860 102708 (mobile).

STEPHEN TIGHE. ARCM, MLIA (dip), FPC, LDBBA,

Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator.

11 Linfold Close, Braintree, Essex, CM7 9FB.


07970 458079 (mobile).

BARRY THOMPSON. Conductor, Adjudicator, ABBA member

15 Hall Park Avenue, Crofton, Wakefield,

West Yorks., WF4 1LT. Tel. (01924) 863523 or 07773 950964

ROGER B. WEBSTER. 92 Bence Lane,

Darton, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. S75 5DA.

Tel/Fax 01226 388806. Mobile 07973 157907

Email: [email protected].

MELVIN WHITE. GLCM, LTCL, ARCM, Conductor and

Adjudicator. 25 Sinclair Way, Darenth, Nr Dartford, Kent

DA2 7JS. Tel. (01322) 293230 (home). 07802 796630 (mobile).

DENNIS WILBY. Conductor and Adjudicator.

“Marden” 83 Lion House Park, Mill Road, Hailsham, East

Sussex, BN27 2SE. Tel/Fax. (01323) 449083.

(Mobile) 07762 889520.


DR. KEITH M. WILKINSON. 4120 Meadow Knoll Road,

Delaware, OH 43015, USA.

Tel./Fax. 00 1 740 879 3789.

www.alumcreekmusic.com


JOHN WINTERFLOOD. ARCM, LGSM, Conductor and

Adjudicator. 103 Drove Road, Swindon, Wilts. SN1 3AE

Tel. (01793) 421511.

CHRISTOPHER WORMALD. Conductor, Adjudicator,

Arranger, Horn Soloist, ‘Steinbach’ 42 Sandileigh Drive,

Sandfield Park, Bolton BL1 8UF. Tel/Fax. (01204) 307555.


BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN BANDS.

Secretary: Mike Priscott,

370 Bloomfield Rod. Bath BA2 2PD 01225 832041


THE ASSOCIATION OF BRASS BAND ADJUDICATORS.

Secretary: C. Brian Buckley,

81 Galbalfa Road, Sketty, Swansea. SA2 8ND.

Tel: 01792 205896 Website: www.abbadjudicators.org.uk

THE BRITISH FEDERATION OF BRASS BANDS.

National Office, Unit 12, Maple Estate, Stocks Lane, Barnsley,

South Yorkshire. S75 2BL. Tel. (01226) 771015.

Fax: (01226) 771482. Website: www.bfbb.co.uk

EUROPEAN BRASS BAND ASSOCIATION.

Ulf E Rosenberg, President EBBA

Mobile 47/92 86 63 00, Tel. O 47/51 50 18 26

Øvre Strandgate 75 Fax O 47/51 89 30 05

N-4005 Stavanger, Norway


Internet: www.ebba.eu.com

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRASS BAND CONDUCTORS.

Secretary: David Ruel, 4 Chippendale Close, Blackwater,

Camberley, Surrey, GU17 9DS.

Tel: 01276 31074. Email: [email protected]

NATIONAL YOUTH BRASS BAND of GREAT BRITAIN.

Philip Biggs, Administrator, 2 The Coppice, Impington,

Cambridge, CB4 4PP. Tel/Fax (01223) 234090.


Website: www.bandstand.demon.co.uk

SOUTHERN COUNTIES AMATEUR BANDS ASSOCIATION.

Secretary: Ian Carter, 10 Church Rd., West Drayton, Middx.

UB7 7PT. Tel: (01895) 420007


ORGANISATIONS

P to Z

BB 14-15.indd 24 26-04-2011 17:08:37

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DIARY DATESADVERTS

A list of forthcoming events that have been advertised in British Bandsman.

APRIL

23-1 May - Montreux, Switzerland. European Brass Band Festival.

MAY

8 - Manchester. Great Northern Spring Brass Arts Festival, 12:00pm - Rothwell Temperance

Band, 2.15pm - Yorkshire Youth Band, 4:15pm - Brighouse and Rastrick Band, 7:30pm - Gala

Concert featuring Black Dyke and Foden’s bands and Jens Lindemann, Bridgewater Hall.

17 - London. Royal Over-Seas League Final, Queen Elizabeth Hall.

20-22 - Amboise, Loire Valley, France. 17th French Open Brass Band Championship.

22 - Weston-super-Mare. 43rd Own-Choice Contest.

26 - Warrington. Melbourne Staff Band, 7.30pm, Warrington Salvation Army.

27 - Corby. Melbourne Staff Band, 7.45pm, Corby Main Theatre.

28 - Hythe. Japan Staff Band, 7.30pm, Hythe Salvation Army.

28 - Sunderland. Melbourne Staff Band, 7.00pm, Durham Johnston School.

28 - Belfast. New York Staff Band, 7.30pm, Carnmoney Presbyterian Church.

28 - Boscombe. Chicago Staff Band, 7.30pm, Boscombe Salvation Army.

29 - Kettering. All-England Masters International Brass Band Championship, 10:00am, the

Lighthouse Theatre.

30 - Cradley Heath. Japan Staff Band, 7.00pm, Cradley Heath Salvation Army.

31 - Doncaster. Japan Staff Band, 7.30pm, Doncaster Salvation Army.

31 - Norwich. Chicago Staff Band, 7.30pm, Norwich Salvation Army.

31 - Blackpool. Melbourne Staff Band, 7.30pm, Blackpool Salvation Army.

31 - Dublin. New York Staff Band, 8.00pm, The Round Room, Mansion House.

JUNE

1 - Morley. Chicago Staff Band, 7.30pm, Morley Town Hall.

1 - Londonderry. New York Staff Band, 7.30pm, The Guildhall.

2 - Bristol. The Melbourne Staff Band, 7.00pm, Bristol Easton Salvation Army.

3 - Hadleigh. Melbourne Staff Band, 7.00pm, Hadleigh Salvation Army.

3 - Chelmsford. Chicago Staff Band, 7.30pm, Chelmsford Cathedral.

4 - London. ISB 120th anniversary. Full day event. Royal Albert Hall.

12 - Dunstable. Black Dyke Band, 3.00pm, The Grove Theatre.

25 - Preston. English National Brass Band Championships, 10:00am, Guild Hall.

JULY

1-17 - Durham. Brass 2011, Durham International Festival, various venues.

16 - Gloucester. A Concert for Clarence, 7.00pm, Gloucester Salvation Army.

31 - 6 August - Swansea. International Brass Band Summer School.

AUGUST

7-13 - Suffolk. 2011 Brass Band Summer School, Framlingham College.

SEPTEMBER

17 - Colchester. Stan Ford (piano), Dudley Bright (trombone) and Enfield Citadel Band,

7.30pm, United Reformed Church.

OCTOBER

1 - Dunstable. Brighouse and Rastrick Band, 7.00pm, The Grove Theatre.

NOVEMBER

19-20 - Gateshead. Brass in Concert 2011, The Sage.

APRIL 2012

14-15 - Mechelen. Flemish Open Brass Band Championships, Theatre of Mechelen.

MUSIC FOR BRASS BAND by JOHN LAWES

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BandsmanBRIT

ISH

the leading international brass magazine

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BB 14-15.indd 25 26-04-2011 17:08:45

RELEASESAT WORLD OF BRASS

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BB 16.indd 16 26-04-2011 17:11:53

One man’s band! · Issue no. 5663 – 30 April 2011 BB meets the man behind the Carnoustie...

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Transcript of One man’s band! · Issue no. 5663 – 30 April 2011 BB meets the man behind the Carnoustie...