Dr. Jonathon Corry has been working with Arkansas Musicworks Brass Band in the lead up to their second appearance at the North American Brass Band Championships which are currently taking place in Indiana this weekend.

Just a week after giving a workshop clinic and acclaimed concert in Alma in Arkansas with the help of Getzen Instruments, the band has headed to Fort Wayne to compete in the First Section of the National Championships.

Success

The band was founded in 2017 after an attempt to pitch the idea of student brass bands to local private schools in Northwest Arkansas didn't work out. However, co-founders, Michael Olefsky and Jay Shepherd, decided they would persist and carry on and form a local group of top players and try to compete as an amateur group.

Such has been the success of the venture that they came runner-up at the Dublin Festival of Brass in March 2018 and then went on to win the US Open Entertainment title in November. They are now looking to make their mark on their debuts at the NABBA event.

Wonderful experience

Dr Corry told 4BR: "It's been a wonderful experience for me and I've enjoyed myself immensely working with such wonderful people."

In response tuba player and co-founder, Jay Shepherd added: "There is an authenticity and refinement to Dr. Corry's conducting and advice that is unlike anything I've seen from other clinicians in the states. He was absolutely brilliant."

An ensemble group from the West of England Area champion Flowers has just returned from a hugely enjoyable trip to Palanga, where they took the opportunity to take in the local culture and history before performing in the gala concert of the 2019 Lithuanian Wind Band Championships.

Excellence

MD Paul Holland, who also adjudicated at the event, told 4BR that he was also bowled over by the enthusiasm and excellence of the growing Lithuanian wind and brass band movements.

"It was a memorable weekend for everyone concerned. The welcome given was wonderful and we were looked after so well.

The brass band movement is growing so quickly and the enthusiasm is incredible. I'm sure the 2020 European Championships are going to be a huge success here in Palanga."

Assistance

The ensemble helped provide a 45-minute programme of easy listening music before the announcement of the results, with the Flowers players assisted by performers from selected competing bands.

"That made for a lovely atmosphere in the hall," Paul added. "...and it enabled us to hear just how determined and talented the players were. The reception at the end was incredible, and I have to thank the event organisers for making us feel so welcome."

The next event to take place at the Concert Hall will be the Amber Wind international Wind Music Festival from the 17th-19th May, which will feature wind ensembles from the UK and Lithuania, as well as a Gala Concert performance by Cory Band.

Stars of the Yamaha Neo Ensemble will be heading to Scotland next month to undertake a series of workshops with school children as well as perform alongside them at the prestigious Perth Festival of Arts.

Led by Yamaha artist Russell Gray, the ensemble will link up with youngsters from local secondary schools in the days leading up to the evening performance on Wednesday 22nd May.

Inclusive

Speaking to 4BR, Russell said that it was a great way to link up and hopefully inspire talented young players. "The 10 day festival has a really inclusive outlook and we are delighted to be a part of it this year," he said.

"We will be making the necessary arrangements with local schools to come along and hopefully inspire their players.

It's a great opportunity to spread the benefits of brass and percussion ensemble playing, especially as it will be rounded off with the concert together at such a great venue as the Perth Concert Hall."

Find out more

To find out more about the Perth Festival, go to: www.perthfestival.co.uk

Yamaha Neo Ensemble
Wednesday 22nd May
7.30pm
Perth Concert Hall

Tickets: £16.50 Adults, £11.50 Children (Tickets inc. £1.50 booking fee)

Event link for Tickets https:/­/­www.horsecross.co.uk/­whats-on/­yamaha-neo-ensemble-58002
Box Office 01738 621031

Such has been the success of the Bolsover Festival of Brass Festival that the organisers have informed 4BR that nearly 50 bands have already signed up to take part in the 2019 event, even though it doesn't take place until Sunday 6th October.

Once again it will be hosted at the Heritage High School in Clowne, and will be live-streamed around the banding globe with competitors in the five sections having the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Get in touch

Speaking to 4BR, a spokesperson said: "We had bands confirming their participation almost as soon as we had announced the 2018 winners.

We've been delighted by the response and now only have a waiting list for the Championship and First Section and limited spaces for the Second, Third and Fourth. I would advise any bands that wish to take to get in touch as soon as possible."

They added: "We are also continuing to build on the broadcast foundations put in place over the last few years and we will be working to make it increasingly interactive to enable bands to reach out to the widest possible worldwide audience."

Contact:

For further entry information contact:

Fountain City Brass Band retained its grip on the North American Brass Band Association title with a commanding victory under the baton of Prof David King in Fort Wayne on the weekend.

Two outstanding performances of the imposing set-work, 'Partita' by Wilfred Heaton and 'A Brussels Requiem' by Bert Appermont saw them claim the title for the eighth time ahead of distant rivals James Madison University with Brass Band of Central Florida in third.

Further report details to follow

Results:

Championship Section:

Set Work: Partita (Wilfred Heaton)
Adjudicators: William Himes; Keith Wilkinson; Allan Ramsay; Stephen Bulla

1. Fountain City (Prof David King) — 291.6
2. James Madison University (Kevin Stees) — 280.0
3. Brass Band of Central Florida (Gareth Pritchard) — 279.6
4. Atlantic Brass Band (Salvatore Scarpa) — 278.8
5. Chicago Brass Band (Dr Colin Holman) — 273.2
6. Georgia Brass Band (Trey Harris) — 266.4
7. Colorado Brass (Randall Hoepker) — 261.8
8. San Antonio Brass Band (Matthew Mireles) — 255.6

First Section:

Set Work: Another World's Hell (Simon Dobson)
Adjudicators: William Himes; Dr Kate Wohlman; Stephen Allen

1. Dublin Silver Band (Dr Tim Jameson) — 280.4
2. Illinois Brass Band (Stephen Squires) — 277.6**
3. Central Ohio Brass Band (Jessica Sneeringer) — 270.2*
4. Rockville Brass Band (Nigel Horne) — 269.8***
5. Oakland University Brass Band (Dr Kenneth Kroesche) — 267.8****
6. Five Lakes Silver Band (Dr Steven Kandow) — 261.2**
7. Arkansas Musicworks William Ratcliffe) — 258.6******
8. Madison Brass Band (Craig Mason) — 257.2***

Second Section:

Set Work: Coventry Variations (Bramwell Tovey)
Adjudicators: Gordon Ward; Dr Kate Wohlman; Stephen Allen

1. Capital City Brass Band (Jim Otto) — 278.6
2. Motor City Brass Band (Craig Strain) — 276.6
3. Milwaukee Festival Brass (Mark A Taylor) — 274.0
4. New England Brass Band (Stephen Bulla) — 273.4
5. Upper Canada Brass (Rita Arendz) — 269.8
6. Fillmore Philharmonic Brass (N/K) — 269.4
7. Youth of Central Florida (Aaron McGarvey) — 268.4
8. Cincinnati Brass Band (Jon Noworyta) — 266.4
9. River Brass (Dr Pat Stuckemeyer) — 266.4
10. Austin Brass Band (John Caputo) — 263.3

Third Section:

Set Work: Chorale & Toccata (Stephen Bulla)
Adjudicators: Keith Wilkinson; Allan Ramsay; Stephen Bulla

1. Old Crown Brass Band (TJ Faur) — 282.2
2. Triangle Brass Band (Tony Granados) — 275.8
3. Fountain City Academy (Lee Harrelson) — 270.0
4. Dublin Metro Brass (William Ballenger/Kevin Wallack) — 256.8

Youth Championship Section:

Adjudicators: Keith Wilkinson; Dr Kate Wohlman; Stephen Allen

1. Fountain City Honor — 284.8
2. Watson Brass Band — 283.0**

Youth First Section:

Adjudicators: Keith Wilkinson; Dr Kate Wohlman; Stephen Allen

1. Triangle Youth — 286.0

Youth Open Section:

Adjudicators: Keith Wilkinson; Dr Kate Wohlman; Stephen Allen

1. Fountain City Youth — 273.0***
2. Triangle Youth Academy — 272.0
3. Avon High School — 267.0

Overall total is weighted 60% for test-piece and 40% for rest of programme

Tiebreaker: The band with the highest test-piece
Second Tiebreaker: The band rated higher on the test-piece by two of the three judges
Time penalty imposed at rate of 1 point per judge for each minute or fraction of a minute by which the maximum stage time is exceeded

* 3 point time penalty
** 6 point time penalty
*** 9 point time penalty
**** 12 point time penalty
***** 15 point time penalty
****** 18 point time penalty

Tim McQueeney replaces a valve on a flugel horn at the famous McQueen's instrument repairers and restorers in Pendlebury, Greater Manchester.

One of the last remaining renovators of brass instruments in Britain it has a worldwide reputation for the level of its craftsmanship and expertise.

They recently renovated ten bugles for Her Majesty's Band of the Royal Marines, and overhauling 30y donated brass instruments, which they have serviced, to the 'Saved By Music Foundation' in Uganda, where street children are given free instruments.

All this, and McQueen's recently undertook their regular restoration work on the iconic FA Cup.

Picture: Lorne Campbell / Guzelian

Altena Brass from The Netherlands will be celebrating its 20th anniversary later this month with a special Easter Jubilee Concert alongside guest artist Tim Ouwejan.

Led by guest conductor Michael Engelbrecht the Championship Section band will perform works by Peter Graham, Martin Ellerby, Philip Sparke, Gregorio Allegri, Richard Strauss on Saturday April 20th in the of Hank, including two world premieres of works by their Composer in Residence, Joop van Dijk.

Market Garden

Band Secretary Wilma Wijgers told 4BR: "'The Sosabowski Men' is a spectacular concert march dedicated to the Second World War Polish General Sosabowski and his 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade, who fought bravely during Operation 'Market Garden' at the Rhine in September 1944.

The second is written for the band's talented solo trombone player, Tim Ouwejan who studies at the Amsterdam Conservatorium and who will perform 'Parade — Concerto for Trombone and Brass Band'."

Invitation

Altena Brass has invited all former band members to the event, with two founder members performing with the band at the concert.

Ahead of the launch of the new Mode for…Publishing website at the end of April which will become a new creative hub, Tabby Kerwin has told 4BR that pre-orders are now being taken for her new book 'The Three Ps: Possibility Productivity & Performance' which will be published on 19th April.

The books will be available on Amazon and through the Mode for…Publishing website on its launch, which will also be the home to music composed and arranged by her late husband, Simon.

Honest

Tabby said: "I'm delighted the book will come out to coincide with the launch of the new website.

There's definitely something to gain for everyone whether they are dealing with social anxieties, looking to improve their musical performances, trying to be more efficient and productive at home or in their personal life or run their own business.

It's also very honest as it's based on my own experiences, so great for anyone that's just nosey!"

Miles and miles

Not only is Taby looking forward to publishing her book, but she is also racking up the miles in preparation for the London Marathon this month in aid of the Yorkshire Cancer Centre and launching another events aspect of Mode for…

As she added: "This will feature some of Simon's music which we will be continually adding to, all available as instantly downloadable PDF files with a favourable price point for bands wanting to extend their repertoire."

Pre-order

The Three Ps: Possibility, Productivity & Performance can be pre-ordered on Amazon at https:/­/­amzn.to/­2CXaFGe and both the Kindle and Paperback versions will be available later this month.

Mode for… — www.modeforevents.co.uk and www.Facebook.com/­modefor

Mode for…Publishing — www.modeforpublishing.com and www.facebook.com/­modeforpublishing

Create My Happy — www.createmyhappy.co.uk and www.Facebook.com/­createmyhappy

2019 Virgin Money London Marathon Fundraising — https:/­/­uk.virginmoneygiving.com/­TabbyKerwin

With the fourth National Association of Brass Band Conductors (NABBC) Conducting Competition taking place on Saturday 8th June, the 2018 champion has been telling 4BR about what his success has brought.

Immediate boost

Josh Geddes from Australia claimed his victory amid difficult family circumstances. "It was really the Monday of that week I knew I was going for sure. My wife told me I wasn't allowed to call back with any further bad news, so luckily I was able to call with something to cheer us all up!"

In fact Josh enjoyed an immediate boost to his conducting career as one of the judges, Mark Heron, immediately invited him to a workshop with a Canadian group the very next day.

Cory link

After returning home, Josh returned to the UK to take up the opportunity to realize a major part of his prize — and the chance to work with Cory Band.

He added; "Many people want to know about the experience of either the competition or conducting Cory. Really that's been fun. I've been able to meet a lot of fantastic musicians, really lovely people, and continue to work on the art and craft of being a conductor."

Esprit de corps

For Josh, the NABBC conducting competition was also very different to other competitions he had entered, as he explained: "The fact we were all locked in a room together fostered a very good esprit de corps.

Also receiving the one to one feedback between the rounds helped, so I would say to anyone hoping to have a conducting career, make sure you enter the competition, the opportunities it gives are tremendous."

2019 entry

Anyone interested in entering should email the association secretary James Holt on and an application pack will be provided.

The closing date is Friday 26th April.

Although brass band fans across the world know exactly where Foden's Band hails from, visitors to Sandbach and its surrounding areas are now also given a clear indication of its most famous musical ambassador.

Train station

In 2017 Sandbach Town Council were responsible for installing town and village signs at several key locations and now new signs are to be found on the roads around the area as well as Sandbach Train Station courtesy of the 'Friends of Sandbach Train Station'.

The volunteers are aiming to make the station a more welcoming and passenger-friendly place, as well as giving vistors an immediate reminder of the fame of their local brass band.

All destinations

Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "Foden's Band has been associated with Sandbach for 117 years and we are extremely proud of our history and association with the area.

We would like to thank the Friends of Sandbach Train Station for arranging these signs that further enhance our status in the town and to all destinations beyond."

BBC SOUNDS OF BRASS — Worldwide

BROADCAST ON BBC RADIO CORNWALL, DEVON, GUERNSEY & JERSEY EVERY SUNDAY EVENING @ 7.00pm and on BRISTOL, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, SOMERSET SOUND, SWINDON & WILTSHIRE Sunday 1.00am to 2.00am.

PRODUCED AND PRESENTED WEEKLY BY PHILLIP HUNT since 1985.

AVAILABLE LIVE AND LISTEN AGAIN EVERY WEEK ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB THROUGH THE BBC RADIO iPLAYER.

Live on Sundays at 20.05 or 12am British Time or at any time for 30 DAYS after the Broadcast.
To hear this week's programme instantly go to the Web Site of the BBC Local Radio Station you are listening to and click on Live or Listen Again, then Schedule.

For those listeners who can hear the programme on their TV through the Freeview Radio Channel you can now set your system to record the programme on a weekly basis by going to the Radio Programme Guide and finding our broadcast time.

At the moment the BBC Local Radio Stations on the Freeview Radio Channel can only be accessed within the individual Radio Station areas, which is why some numbers are duplicated.

The Freeview numbers for the Stations available are, BBC Radio Bristol 719, Radio Jersey 719, Radio Devon 720, Radio Guernsey 721, Radio Cornwall 721, Radio Wiltshire 721, Radio Somerset 722, Radio Gloucestershire 735.

You can also listen to and download the programme on your Smart Phone by downloading the BBC iPlayer APP.

Requests and Comments welcome at E Mail:

Telephone: 01752 843919

Check the Sounds of Brass Blog @ www.sofbblog.wordpress.com every week for programme details, brass band articles and information.

Sunday 21st April 2019:

Check the Sounds of Brass Blog @ www.sofbblog.wordpress.com every week for programme details, brass band articles and information.

WONDERFUL DAY (Stephen Ponsford)
Bristol Easton Salvation Army Band
Bandmaster: Nathan Cole

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Andrew Lloyd Webber arr. Alan Fernie)
Brighouse & Rastrick Band
Conductor: Gavin Lindsay

CARNIVAL OF VENICE (Del Staigers)
Soloist: James Scott
Munn & Felton's (Footwear) Band
Conductor: Stanley Boddington

SPRING (Edward Greig arr. Pat Ryan)
Leyland DAF Band
Conductor: Richard Evans

WHEN I SURVEY (Olaf Ritman)
Norwich Citadel Band of The Salvation Army
Bandmaster: Richard Woodrow

INTERMEZZO FROM CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA (Pietro Mascagni arr. William Halliwell)
Virtuosi GUS Band
Conductor: John Berryman

EASTER HYMN FROM CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA (Pietro Mascagni arr. Roy Newsome)
Soloist: Phillip McCann
Organist: Roy Newsome
Sellers Engineering Band
Conductor: Douglas Blackledge

Easter Sunday Journey
THE VICTORY CRY (Andrew Blyth)
Soloist: Craig Snell

CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN AGAIN (Howard J Evans)
CHRIST-HYMN (Robert Redhead)
Boscombe Band of The Salvation Army
Bandmaster: Howard J Evans

Sunday Bandstand: 7th April 2019

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 shows dating back to 2014.

My website also has a review section and a brass band nostalgia section.

Your CD

Has your band produced a CD this year?

I would be very pleased to play tracks from it if you have. Or have you a burning nostalgia question about the world of brass bands, if you have then please contact me via e-mail:

Click this link:

https:/­/­www.mixcloud.com/­ChrisHelme/­sunday-bandstand-7-april-2019/

Playlist:

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

Centennial Prelude (Jan van der Roost)
Desford Colliery Band
MD: Jan de Haan (1992)

Vista (Dean Jones)
North York Temple Band
BM: Glenn Barlow (2013)

Poeme Op 41 No. 4 (Zdenek Fibich arr. Howard Snell)
Soloist: Roger Webster
Brighouse & Rastrick Band
MD: David Hirst — (1997)

Samum Symphonic Foxtrot (Carl Robrecht)
The Virtuosi Brass Band of Great Britain
MD: James Scott (1974)

Main Theme to Jurassic Park (John Williams arr. Alan Catherall)
Redbridge Band
MD: Melvin White (1995)

The Glorious Fountain (Bernard Smith)
Soloist: David Daws
Musikkorps der Heilsarmee Basel 1
BM: Peter Haldimann (1996)

Caprice — Fantasy about a Natural Yodel Theme (R Ruedi Renggli)
Vocalist Marie-Theres Marti
Brass Band Froshinn Schotz
MD: Ernst Balli (1997)

Endeavour (Gordon Langford)
Black Dyke Mills Band
MD: Major Peter Parkes (1984)

Semper Fidelis (John Philip Sousa)
Williams Fairey Band
MD: Major Peter Parkes (1996)

Carmina Burana — Tavern Song (Carl Orff arr. Ray Farr)
Trombone Feature
Eikanger Bjorsvik Band
MD: Ray Farr (1997)

Fortuna (Brenton Broadstock)
Kew Brass Band
MD: Mark Ford (1998)

All in the April Evening (Hugh Roberton arr. Eric Ball)
Bradford Festival Choral
Black Dyke Mills Band
MD: Geoffrey Brand (1969)

The Queen's Own March (R.C. Ridewood)
Foden's Band
MD: Fred Mortimer (1942)

A Winter Sunday (Gilles Rocha arr. Bertrand Moren)
Soloist: Lionel Fumeaux
La Concordia Vertroz Band
MD: Bertrand Moren (2018)

Tone Poem Othello (Drake Rimmer)
Scottish CWS Band
MD: Robert Oughton (1967)

Marche Symphonique (Frank Hughes)
Foden's Band
MD: Rex Mortimer (1971)

Larghetto Semplice from 'Call of the Seasons' (Philip Catelinet)
Soloist: Aaron Vanderweele
New York Staff Band (USA)
BM: Ron Waiksnoris (2003)

Allerseelen op10 No. 8 (Richard Strauss arr. Stephen Roberts)
Sun Life Stanshawe Band
MD: Bryan Hurdley (1979)

With a Little Help from my Friends (Paul McCartney arr. Philip Harper)
Cory Band
MD: Philip Harper (2018)
Shepherd's Hey (Percy Grainger arr. Denis Wright)

Massed bands of Fodens, Fairey Aviation and Morris Motors Band
MD: Harry Mortimer (1964)

Rhythm and Blues (Philip Sparke)
Closing for weekly show Foden's Band
MD: Michael Fowles (2010)

Enjoy the show....

The renowned Brass Band Summer School which will take place at Giggleswick School in Settle in North Yorkshire between the 4th & 10th August this year has announced that their special guest will be Prof Philip Wilby.

Celebrating his 70th birthday the composer of some of most iconic works for the brass band medium will give a masterclass presentation and be interviewed by MD Richard Evans about his life and works.

Test pieces

The summer school comprises two single bands and a massed band directed by Richard. In addition to previously released repertoire, one band will work on Wilby's 2014 regional test-piece, 'Partita', whilst the other will work on the composer's 2011 regional test-piece, 'A Little Light Music'.

In addition the massed band will perform Wilby's blockbuster composition, 'Paganini Variations', together with his beautiful hymn setting, 'The Day Thou Gavest'.

Important

A spokesperson for BBSS told 4BR: "We're delighted to welcome one of the most important composers of our genre. The contribution Philip Wilby has made to brass bands at all levels is quite phenomenal. We look forward to welcoming Philip and working on his music."

You can sign up to be part of the course at: www.brassbandsummerschool.com

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) has told 4BR that they continue to enjoy a close working relationship with Brass Bands England, and were delighted to link up once more at the recent National Youth Championships.

James Holt who is currently undertaking the adjudicator training programme was given the opportunity to work alongside official judges Richard Ward and AoBBA member Stephen Sykes in the Championship Section.

High quality

Martin Heartfield, AoBBA's Training Officer told 4BR: "We are very grateful to Brass Band England for allowing one of our trainees to have such a high quality experience as part of their ongoing training programme.

This is part of our progressive outlook to working with leading organisations and we are looking forward to working closely with BBE in the future and developing new initiatives for the benefit of the next generation of adjudicators."

Pleased

AoBBA Chairman Mark Wilkinson added: "We're pleased that our adjudicator training programme is achieving recognition and that we now have a number of adjudicators who have qualified to be full members of the Association."

The Skelmanthorpe Band has announced the signing of Derek Hoyle, as their new solo Eb tuba.

A product of the Salvation Army the experienced player has both conducted and performed in many bands in the Yorkshire area. In 2017 he decided to have a short 'break' from playing and has been working as a peripatetic brass teacher, but is now looking forward to making his contesting return at the Grand Shiled in May.

Pleased

Derek told 4BR: "I was really pleased to receive a call from Skelmanthorpe and I really enjoyed my first rehearsal with them. I'm looking forward to being part of this talented band as they continue to develop."

Delighted

In response, MD Martin Heartfield stated: "I'm delighted to make another signing of real quality that will strengthen the playing personnel of the band.

A player of Derek's obvious ability and experience can only help us as we look to make our mark in Blackpool and beyond."

The north of England banding world has been saddened to hear of the death of the hugely respected former Ever Ready player Jimmy McNestry — referred to by everyone as 'Jimmy Mac'.

Jimmy was a hugely respected member of the highly successful Ever Ready Band of the 1970s and 1980s, and along with Dave Carr made an exceptional Eb tuba partnership; Dave with the technique and Jim with his lyrical style from years as a solo euphonium player.

Funeral

Jimmy had played euphonium for the City of Coventry Band (sitting next to Roy Castle no less) and joined Ever Ready on tuba when he returned to the North East.

The current band will play at his funeral on April 18th at 11.45am at Mountsett Crematorium. Any former players are invited to come along to give him a fitting band send off.

Enderby, the newly crowned Midlands First Section Area champion has welcomed the signing of 17 year old Daniel Thompson as their solo trombone.

A product of Sunderland Millfield Corps of the Salvation Army, at 13 he became a member of the Territorial Youth Band, the Salvation Army's equivalent of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, where he rose through the ranks becoming principal trombone this year.

Experience

Daniel is also a member of the Territorial Music School A Band who recently visited California in order to participate in the 2019 Rose Bowl Parade and has been the principal trombone of the Northern Divisional Music School since 2017.

He also enjoys playing with Salvo Brass, joining its trombone section in September 2018.

Excited

He recently left his native North East to pursue his academic studies at the University of Leicester, where he is studying History and American Studies, and told 4BR: "I'm excited to be joining Enderby and I'm looking forward to getting to know the players and to work closely with Musical Director, Ryan Richards."

In response he told 4BR: "Daniel will be a great addition and with his diverse musical background, will bring a different perspective to the band."

As recently reported on 4BR the Oakmead School Band from Bournemouth was looking to celebrate its 60th anniversary in style with a reunion a concert.

Formed in 1959 at the Oakmead School for Boys in West Howe, Bournemouth by Head of Music, Courtney Bosanko, the event at the Hallmark Carlton Hotel in Bournemouth was a great success, with one member travelling from New Zealand whilst another turned up in full school uniform!

Concert opener

The assembled musicians opened the concert with his march 'Oakmead', whilst the included the band secretary, Alan Dean, who had organised all the band's overseas concert tours, as well as former teachers and many past players.

The band was conducted by organiser, John Grinnell who taught at the school before becoming Head of Performing Arts in Barnsley, as well as past players, Don Lloyd, a former Royal Marine bandmaster, Mike Dunnings and Paul Williams. Mike and Paul continue to train young players in Verwood and Downton Bands.

Fantastic weekend

As one player later commented; "What a fantastic weekend. It was a privilege and an honour to play alongside so many talented players and incredible to see so many people proud of their Oakmead heritage and rekindling the spirit of the band that was a starting point for so many fruitful journeys in the world of music."

A social event allowed players to reminisce and remember both Courtney Bosanko and his successor, Colin Courtney who led the band to further success and overseas tours. Some players dusted off instruments having been encouraged to start playing again.

Exceptional

Organiser John Grinnell told 4BR: "The talent displayed at the concert was exceptional, with players making great music from the start of the first rehearsal to the final note of the concert.

It was clear that a number of strong friendships were formed from the great shared experiences of being in this school band and it was a wonderful and memorable occasion."

4BR has been informed of the death of Govan Salvation Army Band retired Bandmaster, John Baillie.

John passed away peacefully on Sunday 7th April in hospital following a prolonged period of poor health.

John was Bandmaster of Govan Band for many years, and led them with great distinction having previously served as their principal cornet. Under John's direction the band travelled widely across the UK and Europe, taking part in many recordings and broadcasts.

He is survived by his wife Jessie, and son Nigel.

There was a great display of musical talent on show at the recent Leicestershire BBA's annual competition held at the Loughborough Endowed Schools Campus.

The event saw over 140 performances across 19 different sections, ranging from Slow Medley to Air Varie, and involving all age groups.

Quality

The adjudicators Dave Purkiss (joined by AoBBA shadow adjudicator, Sam Fisher), Sharon Stansfield and Graham Sutton all stated how impressed they were with the quality of playing on show across all the sections.

Each year the LBBA 'Junior Champion' prize is awarded the highest placed performer across all the available age groups sections, with this year the Harry Bray Memorial Trophy going to Luke Newborough of Shirland Welfare Training.

Results:

Overall Junior Champion: Luke Newborough (Shirland Welfare Training)

Section A: Junior Slow Melody — 10 Years & Under

1. Isabelle Owen (Shirland Welfare Training)
2. George Powell (Hathern Youth)
3. Millie Davenport (Shirland Welfare Training)

Section B: Junior Slow Melody — 11 & 12 Years

1. Fleur Moakes (Shirland Welfare Training)
2. Morgan Bland (Ratby Co-operative Junior)
3. Ashton Peat (Hathern Youth)

Section C: Junior Slow Melody — 13, 14 & 15 Years

1. Daniel Garland (Shirland Welfare Training)
2. Christopher Oddy (Enderby Youth)
3. Brady Herring (Hathern Youth)

Section D: Junior Slow Melody — 16, 17 & 18 Years

1. Luke Newborough (Shirland Welfare Training)
2. Abbey Clarke (Enderby Youth)
3. Amadea Tristanto (Hathern Youth)

Section E: Junior sight Reading 15 Years & Under

1. Christopher Oddy (Enderby Youth)
2. Daniel Garland (Shirland Welfare Training)
3. Brady Herring (Hathern Youth)

Section F: Junior Sight Reading 16, 17 & 18 Years

1. Luke Newborough (Shirland Welfare Training)
2. Amadea Tristano (Hathern Youth)

Section G: Junior Air Varie 14 Years & Under

1. Christopher Oddy (Enderby Youth)
2. Daniel Garland (Shirland Welfare Training)
3. Ciaran Reiff-Marganiec (Kibworth)

Section H: Junior Air Varie 15, 16, 17 & 18 Years

1. Luke Newborough (Shirland Welfare Training)
2. Natellie Poulter (Shirland Welfare Training)

Section I: Junior Duets 18 Years & Under

1. Natellie Poulter & Isabelle Owen (Shirland Welfare Training)
2. Hannah Capstak & Thomas Barham (Leicestershire Co-op)
3. Luke Newborough & Gabrielle Moakes (Shirland Welfare Training)

Section J: Junior Hymn Tune Quartet 14 years & Under

1. Leicestershire Co-op (B)
2. Shirland Welfare Training (A)
3. Hathern Youth

Section K: Junior Quartet 18 Years & Under

1. Shirland (A)
2. Shirland (B)
3. Leicestershire Co-op Training

Section L: Open Slow Medley

1. Patricia Woodings (Ratby Co-operative)
2. Steve Barham (Leicestershire Co-op)
3. Lucy Smith (Unattached)

Section M: Open Air Vaire

1. Patricia Woodings ( Ratby Co-operative)
2. Neil Kelsall (Bilton Silver)
3. Charlotte Burton (Shirland Welfare Training)

Section N: Open Duet

1. Neil Kelsall & Samantha Edwards (Bilton Silver)
2. Thomas Barham & Steve Barham (Leicestershire Co-op)
3. Hannah Capstack & Richard Capstack (Leicestershire Co-op)

Section O: Open Quartet

1. Leicestershire Co-op (B)
2. Leicestershire Co-op (A)
3. Shirland

Section P: Open Percussion

1. Jamie Green (Enderby Youth)

Section Q: Veterans Slow Medley

1. Patricia Woodings (Ratby Co-operative)
2. Samantha Edwards (Bilton Silver)
3= Janet Owen (Shirland Welfare Training)
3= Neil Kelsall (Bilton Silver)

Section R: Adult Beginners Slow Medley

1. Helen Hardy (Shirland Welfare Training)

Section S: Mixed Duet

1. Janet Owen & Isabelle Owen (Shirland Welfare Training)
2. Colin Davenport & Millie Davenport (Shirland Welfare Training)
3. Colin Davenport & Robbie Davenport (Shirland Welfare Training)