A great turn out of bands ensures inaugural Yorkshire Solo Championships is a huge success hosted by Clifton & Lightcliffe Band.

The inaugural Yorkshire Solo Championships organised by the Clifton & Lightcliffe Band and the Brighouse Lions took place last weekend, where over 75 entrants made it a day to remember.

Young and old

The youngest competitor was Ainslee Farrar at just 8 years of age, whilst the oldest was a bit more retiring shall we say! There was also a good turnout of competitors from some of the top bands in Yorkshire and the visitors from over the hills in the North West too!

David Ashworth and Roy Roe thoroughly enjoyed the music making in the adjudicator’s tent, with Kirklees Music giving £10 music vouchers to each of the winners of the solo classes.

Thanks

Jane Clay told 4BR: "Thanks go to everyone who took part, and especially to sponsors Brigitte Matthews and Weyland and Yvonne Roberts. It was a great day of music making."


Results:

Slow Melody: 11 and under
1. Georgia Stones (Jayess Newbiggin)
2. Ainslee Farrar (Unattached)
3. Julian Bayley (Dobcross Youth)


Slow Melody: 14 and under
1. Charlotte Cockburn (Dobcross)
2. Hannah Stell (Skelmanthorpe B)
3. Joshua Barber (Elland Silver Youth)


Slow Melody: 17 and under
1. Alex Crisp (Clifton & Lightcliffe)
2. Hannah Stell (Skelmanthorpe B)
3. Michael Cavanagh (Marsden Silver)


Slow Melody: Open
1. Louise Edgar (Unattached)
2. Glenn Birks (Shirebrook Unison Welfare)
3. Ben Jarvis (Eccleston Brass)


Veteran’s Slow Melody:
1. Glenn Birks (Shirebrook Unison Welfare)
2. Ian Gill (Lindley)
3. Jim Tew (VBS Poynton)


Own Choice Solo: 17 and Under
1. Michael Cavanagh (Marsden Silver)
2. Alex Crisp (Clifton & Lightcliffe)
3. Charlotte Horsfield (Hebden Bridge)


Own Choice Solo: Open
1. Michael Cavanagh (Marsden Silver)
2. Glenn Birks (Shirebrook Unison Welfare)
3. Alex Crisp (Clifton & Lightcliffe)


Duets: 17 and under
1. Michelle/Georgia Stones (Jayess Newbiggin)


Duets: Open
1. Daniel Brooks/Stephen Lomas (Leyland)
2. Louise Edgar/Stephen Lomas (Leyland)
3. Daniel Brooks/Ben Jarvis (Leyland/Eccleston)


Small Ensembles:
1. Just Brass Ensemble
2. Bone-a-fide (Trombones)
3. Fiona/Andrew & Rory Rolfe

Mike Eccles and Simon Cowen join the Loxley Band for a night of film and flag waving.

Fairey flugel player Mike Eccles and Simon Cowan, principal trombone with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra joined Loxley Silver Band recently for their opening night of the inaugural Bradfield Festival ‘Bradfest’.

Film features

Loxley was asked to perform a concert at the Bradfield Village Hall at the head of the picturesque Loxley Valley, and responded by thrilling the audience with music from blockbuster movies such as, ‘James Bond’, ‘The Mission’, ‘Benedictus’, ‘Cavatina’, ‘Born Free’, ‘Zulu’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, ‘Superman’ and many more.

Loxley’s performance also included a selection of tunes from ‘Last Night at the Proms’, and the audience were able to sing along to ‘Land of Hope and Glory, ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘Rule, Britannia!’

Bolsover success

Now in their 125th year they have recently appointed Musical Director, Lee Dunkley, and just last weekend enjoyed their first taste of contesting success under his baton at the Bolsover Festival of Brass.

The amazing life and career of the great Roy Newsome is to be celebrated next month.

The amazing musical life and career of the great Roy Newsome is to be remembered in the best way possible next month – with at concert of music in aid of the National Youth Band of Great Britain.

Finest

Hosted by the Wingates Band and featuring some of the movement’s finest soloists led by Philip McCann, Sheona White, Peter Moore, David Childs and Les Neish, the concert will take place at Victoria Hall in Bolton on 24th November.

Great night

Roy’s son Neil told 4BR: "It promises to be a great night for a great cause – and one dear to my father’s heart.

All the proceeds from this concert are being donated to the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the programme will include pieces such as ‘Resurgam’, ‘Light Cavalry’ and ‘There is a Green Hill’ arranged by my father.”

Further information:

Further information can be sought from either Wingates Band or by contacting:

Neil Newsome on 01942 790515 or Jean Brownbill on 01744 28642.

Kevin White takes up the MD baton at Cinderford.

4BR has been informed that Kevin White will be joining the Cinderford Band as Musical Director, to work with Clive Lewis with immediate effect.

Excited

Kevin told 4BR: "I’m really excited at the prospect of taking up the baton at Cinderford.

The rich heritage and roots of the band are firmly set in the town and I see this as a fantastic opportunity to help them re-establish themselves as the premier band in the Forest of Dean."

Riding high

Under the leadership of Clive Lewis and Professional Conductor Dave Lea, the band is currently riding high after the successes at the recent Wychavon Contest.

Kevin added: "I would like to say how much I appreciate the years of dedicated hard work put in by Clive, both with the band and the Academy Band, and I will work closely with him to keep the standards high and also to reflect on the devotion shown by the late Cecil Chappell.

If I can achieve an ounce of the respect that Cecil generated both as a person and as a musician I will consider myself blessed."

Asset

Meanwhile Clive Lewis added: "I’m pleased to be welcoming Kevin on board. He will be a great asset to us and I‘m looking forward to working with him."

Fairey open the doors ahead of their Albert Hall challenge.

The Fairey Band will be giving a pre-National preview of ‘Daphnis & Chloe’ ahead of their trip to the Royal Albert Hall next weekend.

Free

The North West challengers will be holding a free open rehearsal under the baton of Russell Gray on Tuesday 16th October Priestnall School, Priestnall Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport.
SK4 3HP

It’s a 7.30pm start and all are welcome!

The sparkling march 'Birchfield' will receive its premiere this weekend - and you can gets your hands on its too for an amazing price!

The sparkling new march ‘Birchfield’ is due to receive its premiere this weekend in Lutterworth.

Premiere

The march was written by composer Iain Rayner to mark the launch of his new publishing company Birchfield Music, and will receive its first airing this Saturday, 13th October at St. Mary's Church in Lutterworth.

The concert is given by Kibworth Band under the baton of Iain himself and commences at 7.30pm.

Rayner compositions

Also included in the programme are other works by Iain; ‘Now is the Month of Maying’, a modern twist on the old English Madrigal, the cornet trio ‘Sea Breezes’, and a new bass trombone solo ‘Makin' Whoopee’, written for the band's Richard Orme.

The concert is part of a busy programme of events for the Leicestershire-based band who continue to be in demand whose highlight this year was playing for HM Queen when she visited Leicester Cathedral as part of her Jubilee Tour.

Fantastic offer

The march ‘Birchfield’ is currently on special offer at the amazing price of only £10 when bought with any other product from Birchfield Music.

For more information on this or any other music from this exciting new publisher, please visit www.birchfieldmusic.co.uk

Beaumaris has gained Nordic inspiration ahead of their London assault - and you can hear just how good it has been as they open Daphnis doors.

Seindorf Beaumaris has been gaining a little bit of Nordic help in their quest to claim the National title at the Royal Albert Hall next weekend.

Norwegian trio

With the pressure of having to qualify for the event taken off their shoulders following their outstanding fourth place finish last year, the Welsh challenger has looked east to work with three wise men of Norwegian banding in Reid Gilje, Morten E. Hansen and Yngve Nikolaisen.

MD Gwyn Evans told 4BR: "It’s been a wonderful way to prepare for the contest – and one everyone has enjoyed – me more than most! It built a great foundation for the band to work from and we head to London confident of repeating last year’s success. We all enjoyed the great music, great beer and great friends."

Open rehearsal

You can hear just what shape the band is in ahead of their appearance at Kensington Gore as they are to hold an open rehearsal on Wednesday 17th October at St Mary’s Church in Beaumaris. It’s all free, although the church would be pleased with odd donation too. Starting time in 8.00pm.

There are just a couple of Third Section and Youth/Junior Ensemble places left open for the Butlins Mineworkers Festival next year.

4BR has been informed that Butlins still has just a couple of places left to fill in the Third Section and Youth and Junior Ensemble events for its 2013 Mineworkers Festival Championship.

Contest organiser Brian Eggleshaw told 4BR: "We have had yet another wonderful response from the bands – and so we only have a couple of places to fill in the Third Section in the senior events.

If any band thinks they want to come and enjoy a very special contest, then I would welcome then getting in touch."

The Festival will be held on the weekend of the 18th - 21st January 2013, with the Third Section test piece, ‘A Gallimaufry Suite’ by Philip Harper.

Youth and Juniors

Brian is also hoping that a few more entrants fill the spots in the Youth and Junior Ensemble events too. "We could do with a couple more entrants in the Youth events so why not give it a go. It’s a great contest and there is plenty of fun and games for the mums and dads to enjoy too!"

Be a part

For more information, please contact Brian on:

Brian Eggleshaw,
Contest Administrator,
59, Cardale Road,
Mansfield,
Notts
NG19 7RW
e-mail:-

Tel: 01623 - 478454
Mob: 07976 521080

Bookings

A Butlins spokesperson told 4BR: "Weekend bookings are coming in fast, so anyone wishing to find out more about Butlins, to request a brochure or to discuss the wide range of accommodation available with dinner, bed and breakfast or self catering options, simply call Butlins Advisors on: 0845 070 4751."

visit www.butlins.com.

More great music from Chris Helme from the heart of Yorkshire.

Sunday Bandstand:

Broadcast on Phoenix FM 96.7 community radio in the Halifax area of West Yorkshire. This programme is also available via www.phoenixfm.co.uk

Every Sunday afternoon from 2.00pm to 4.00pm

Produced and presented by Chris Helme or further information please see: www.chrishelme-brighouse.org.uk

Yorkshire Dales

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

New Zealand

It is also available via Podcast from the Radio Phoenix website.

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.

The programme will soon be also available in the Yorkshire Dales area, details of that start will be announced later.

Requests

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

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

Sunday 14th October:

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

Amparito Roca
Jamie Texidor Arr: Aubrey Winter
Fairey Band
MD: James Gourlay - 1997

Dance of the Hours from the Ballet Suite
Ponchielli Arr: Rimmer
Brighouse & Rastrick Band
MD: Walter Hargreaves - 1969

Partita for Band
Philip Wilby
1 mvt: Towers & Chimneys 2 mvt: Lord of the Dance 3 mvt: Sunday afternoons - Pastorale 4 mvt: Coronation Day Parade
Brass Band Schoonhoven
MD: Erik Janssen - 1996

Cantabile - Paganini
Arr: Goff Richards
Euphonium soloist Riki McDonnell with the Marple Band
MD: Gary Cutt - 1998

El Capitan
J P Sousa
River City Brass Band
MD: Robert Bernat - 1992

Music for the Moving Picture
Philip Wilby
1 Mvt: Street Scene and Deluge 3 mvt: River Runs
Black Dyke Band
MD: Dr. Nicholas Childs -2006

The Flower Duet from Lakme
Delibes Arr: Philip Spark
Cornet soloists: Ian Porthouse and Erik van der Horst with Brass Band Schoonhoven
MD: Erik Janssen - 1996

Alla Hornpipe from Water Music
Handy and Harty Arr: Holt
Massed Bands of Britannia Building Society, Black Dyke Mills and William’s Fairey Band
MD: Major Peter Parkes - 1992

Hawaii 5 O
Morten Stevens Arr: Dr. Peter Ratnik
Black Dyke Band
MD: Dr. Nicholas Childs - 2006

A Devon Fantasy 4 mvts
Eric Ball - 4th Section Area test piece for 2013
Black Dyke Band
Guest MD: Dr. Robert Childs - 2012

What a Wonderful World Arr: Dr. Peter Ratnik
Whitburn Band
MD: Dr. Peter Ratnik - 2008

Postcard from Luthermuir
Kevin Birch
Flugel Soloist Helen Williams with Foden’s Band
MD: Michael Fowles - 2012

The Australian
W. Rimmer
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
MD: Gary Cutt - 2002

The Better World
Norman Bearcroft
Guest Euphonium soloist Glyn Williams with Brass Band Schoonhoven
MD: Erick Janssen - 1996

Morning Noon and Night
Suppe Arr: W. Rimmer
Brighouse & Rastrick Band
MD: Walter Hargreaves - 1969

Cortege the 2 mvt from Pageantry
Herbert Howells
Yorkshire Building Society Band
MD: David King - 1996

Calder March Drake
Rimmer
Brighouse & Rastrick Band
MD: Walter Hargreaves – 1969

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

The incredible Oliver Kemp has been honoured for his 75 years of banding commitment by the Shipston Town Band - who are just a few years older than him!

Centenary celebrating Shipston Town Band honoured its oldest member this week.

1937

Oliver Kemp began his banding career with the Fleckney Band in Leicestershire in 1937, and after military service spent many happy years with the Kibworth Band, playing baritone, horn and euphonium at various times as well as being bandmaster as they rose to the Championship Section to compete at the Royal Albert Hall.

On his retirement he moved to Sheringham and joined the Cromer & Sheringham Band playing euphonium and serving as librarian until the final move to Shipston in 1996 to be near his family.

Euph and library

Band Secretary David Birch told 4BR: "He became a member of our non contesting band Stour Concert Brass and remained playing the euphonium until deciding to retire and concentrate on the band library.

He carried on with this until some 12 months ago and is now a highly popular and respected social member of the band with his wife Miv."

Presentations

David Stanley, MD of Arrow Valley Band presented Oliver with a framed certificate recording his 75 years service to brass bands, whilst Shipston Chairman Charlie Cox Shipston’s and committee member and former euphonium colleague Alan Birch presented him with an engraved silver salver.

After a decade or more with the baton Chris Sharp decides to return to the Test Valley ranks.

After a decade or more of conducting the various bands within the Test Valley Brass organisation, with the last three at the head of its Senior Band, 4BR has been informed that MD Chris Sharp has announced he will be swapping his baton for a cornet.

Develop

Chris has been a member of Test Valley Brass for 19 years and has been instrumental is seeing them develop into a brass banding family boasts 50 members in the Youth Band and 25 in its senior outfit, which currently plays in the Third Section.

Enjoyed

He told 4BR: "It’s been a real privilege to conduct the various Test Valley Bands and I have thoroughly enjoyed every single minute, but I feel it’s time for a change and some fresh ideas."

"I’m going to play within the band and am really looking forward to it," he added.

"We have a great team of players and supporters and I can’t think of a better organisation to be part of. We have a thriving Youth Band and an excellent team of helpers and supporters, so the band is in great shape for a dynamic and keen Musical Director to take on."

Chris will continue until a replacement is found.

Inspiration

Peter Heslop, Chairman of Test Valley Brass added: "Chris has been a real inspiration as MD and although we will miss his conducting expertise and direction, it is going to be fantastic having him on cornet. He is a brilliant player and excels at whatever he does."

He concluded: "Chris has got the band in great shape for the next MD and we are looking forward to receiving applications and welcoming someone else to the team."

Scottish Open champion teams up with Steve Sykes for Daphnis challenge.

Scottish Open champions Tongwynlais Temperance has announced that they will be partnered by Steve Sykes for their National Finals appearance at the Royal Albert Hall next weekend.

Fortunate

Band Chairman Jason Bevan told 4BR: "We were fortunate to work with Steve over the summer where he conducted us at the Ironbridge Gorge Brass Festival and where we responded well to his style of conducting and approach to rehearsals."

Since the departure of Phil Harper in May, Tongwynlais has worked with a number of conductors before deciding to team up with the highly experienced tuba virtuoso, conductor and adjudicator on ‘Daphnis & Chloe’.

Pleasure

Steve added: "It’s a great pleasure to have been invited to conduct Tongwynlais at the National Finals and I'm looking forward to the occasion. The band has made great strides in recent years and there is real talent throughout the band. I'm sure that they are all revved up to perform!"

He added: "The band is very well organised, posses a great mix of 'young guns' and experienced players and has a good work ethic and it’s clear they’re relishing the challenge."

Fantastic opportunity

Jason Bevan concluded: "It’s a fantastic opportunity for the band to work with a conductor of Steve’s standing and heading to London for the second time in three years."

The Tullis Russell Mills Band is to help promote mental health awareness through innovative music connection.

The Tullis Russell Mills Band organisation will be helping to raise awareness of mental health issues in Fife later this month, when all three of their bands take part in the National Mental Health Arts & Film Festival.

Innovative project

The innovative project will be based at their local Woodside Community Centre where the bands will showcase music written by Scotland based writers and arrangers.

Aim

The aim is to show the powerful connection that can be made through music – especially to those people who suffer with mental health issues - highlighting much more profoundly instinctive, deep seated memories and emotions.

The two judges that will make the decisions at the forthcoming US Open have been announced.

The organisers of the forthcoming US Open Championships have announced the make-up of its adjudication panel for the contest which will be held at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, Illinois on Saturday, November 3rd.

Outstanding

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are delighted to announce two outstanding and internationally recognized brass performers and educators."

They added: "Dr. Paul Bauer holds a DM in trombone performance from Northwestern University. He is currently the director of the School of Music at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and is the past president of the Association of Illinois Music Schools.

He is an active performer, clinician, conductor, lecturer in jazz studies and author.

We also welcome Dr Eric Yates, who is currently the Professor Trumpet at the University of Alabama School Of Music, and who holds a Doctorate of Music degree in Trumpet Performance from Northwestern University.

His playing experience encompasses all genres of music, including symphony, brass bands, brass choir and period performances on historical instruments.”

Proud to welcome

They concluded: "Brass Bands International is proud to welcome these two highly experienced brass performers and adjudicators to this year’s US Open Brass Band Championships."

There is a full programme of mouthwatering concerts and talks to enjoy before the National Finals - headed by Howard Snell discussing 'Daphnis & Chloe'.

Further details have been released of this weekend’s forthcoming pre-Nationals Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival

Expressions: Thursday 18th October
7.45pm
Regent Hall Band
Featuring: Kevin Ashman and Regent Hall Songsters.

Programme to include ‘Song of Exaltation’ and ‘Happy Day’ performed by Kevin Ashman, principal cornet of the International Staff Band.

The Regent Hall Band programme to include ‘Flow Gently Sweet Afton’ and ‘Fire in the Blood’.

Friday 19th October
12.30pm
Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Programme to include ‘Under Two Flags’, ‘Symphony of Thanksgiving’ and ‘Gaelforce’.

Doyen Brass Quartet: Friday 19th October
2.30pm

Programme to include, ‘Fancy’s Knell’, ‘Alla Burleesca’, ‘Palladio’ and ‘Marriage
of Figaro’.

Test-Piece Talk: Friday 19th October
5.00pm

Howard Snell to give talk on the National Final test piece – ‘Daphnis & Chloe’.

Gala Concert: Friday 19th October
7.30pm

Fairey Band conducted by Russell Gray to include a performance of the National’s test piece - ‘Daphnis & Chloe’, ‘The Beaufighters’ march and Overture ‘Russlan and Lyudmila’.

Tickets:
Call: +44 1224 234090 or +44 7710 505689

Sponsored by Yamaha and Besson.

There is a brilliant pre-National sale on at Glyn Williams Music.

Glyn Williams Music has some very special deals on offer this month on both new and second hand instruments - and all in time for you to get you hands on before the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall.

Second Hand Sale:

Antoine Courtois 106XLRV Cornet in Lacquer: £600.00
Besson 928GS Sovereign Cornet in Silver Plate: £800.00
Yamaha 8335GS Xeno Cornet in Silver Plate: £1,400.00
Besson Sovereign Tenor Horn in Silver Plate: £1,200.00
Antoine Courtois 169 Baritone: £750.00
Besson Sovereign 4 Valve Baritone in Lacquer: £1,500.00
B&H Imperial Euphonium: £800.00
Antoine Courtois 167RV Euphonium in Lacquer: £1,200.00
Besson Sovereign 982 EEb in Lacquer: £2,800.00


Special Offer!

New Sterling Royale Tenor Horns: £1,400.00
Ex Demo Sterling Euphoniums from £3,800.00

Also Available:

New Sterling Virtuoso Tenor Horn: £2,400.00
New Sterling Virtuoso Baritone: £2,765.00
New Sterling Virtuoso Euphonium: £4,400.00

More information:

You can now also find Glyn Williams Music on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @Glynwilliamsmus

Contact him on 07976 628956 or by email at for more information or to arrange a consultation.

Stan Lippeatt resigns as Chairman of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators with Facebook statement.

Stan Lippeatt has resigned from his position as the Chairman of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators via a message posted on his personal Facebook page.

Resign

On it he stated: "I am posting this on my domain as I know this is my words and not an interpretation presented via the media.

I will not be attending a disciplinary meeting on Monday 15th October with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators as they have failed to collate any of the implied complaints made against me, which I was entitled to in writing 4 working days before the meeting.

However, to prevent to the Adjudicators association having to make a decision on “perception” or “hear-say” (which no jury in the country would undertake) and to prevent further denigration for all parties concerned I today resign from the post of Chairman of ABBA with immediate effect.

I thank all the musicians that have worked with me and supported me over the years.

A final word from me is that certain people within the movement I have had tireless passion for over 52 years have eventually killed the passion in me."

Decision

The decision comes after the flugel player admitted to wearing a golliwog type mask and dancing during a performance of ‘Hello Dolly’, with the Hatfield Band conducted by Graham O’Connor at the recent Bolsover Festival of Brass entertainment contest.

It was reported that at its conclusion he retorted that, ‘If I‘ve offended anyone then I’m not bothered’.

Apologies

After being contacted by 4BR, both Stan Lippeatt and Graham O’Connor issued unreserved public apologies for their part in the incident.

Subsequent reports appeared on national on-line news outlets and media publications including the BBC and the Independent newspaper.

Political correctness gone too far

However, in a subsequent statement to British Bandsman magazine, Stan Lippeatt was quoted directly as saying: "I admit that I may have got it wrong this time, but why should I be castigated to the level I have? It was a small part of a self deprecating routine between myself and the conductor, while there was also verbal interplay with the adjudicator.

I can’t undo what I did, but what I would say to many of those who have criticised is ‘were you there and did you see it?’

People are making a mountain out of a molehill and it is another case of political correctness gone too far."

Suspended

Following the publication of the initial news story, Stan Lippeatt was suspended from his position as ABBA Chairman by its Secretary, C Brian Buckley, pending an investigation into the matter by a disciplinary sub-committee which was to have taken place on Monday 15th October.

Panel to meet

Despite the resignation, 4BR understands that the group consisting of Kevin Wadsworth, John Roberts, Mike Kilroy and Simone Rebello, will still meet on Monday to consider appropriate disciplinary recommendations.

These, which it is understood will include scrutiny of the continued membership status of both Stan Lippeatt and Graham O’Connor, will be given to the full ABBA Executive later the same day for consideration for their formal decision.

The first batch of entry packs have been sent out for the National Youth Championships.

The entry packs for the 2013 National Youth Championships of Great Britain have been posted by Brass Bands England to their list of potential competitors.

High demand

Demand is always high for places at the RNCM event, which takes place on April 14th, and which will see bands compete in the Beginners, Junior, Intermediate and Championship Sections.

Contact

Those who do wish to take part but have not received a pack, should contact the Youth Championships Administrator, Arnold Tattersfield as soon as possible.

Arnold Tattersfield
Youth Championships Administrator
01924629109

The experienced David Holling is the new man at the helm of Silk Brass.

Silk Brass has announced the appointment of David Holling as their new professional Musical Director, with Jim Cant working alongside him as Associate Conductor.

Multi faceted

The multi faceted musician has enjoyed considerable success in his musical career after gaining his first class honours in contemporary music at Huddersfield University, leading a number of bands to high level contesting success.

Highly motivated

Band Chairman Andrew Snelson, told 4BR: "David is a highly motivated musician and has strong leadership skills which will take Silk Brass into a new chapter. With his experience and knowledge we're hoping to see the band secure its First Section status and progress and broaden the bands musical repertoire."

Thrilled

David himself added: "I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to seal my commitment to the band and I look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration!"

Long service and annual awards a plenty at St Sebastian Wokingham.

The St Sebastian Wokingham Band recently handed out their annual awards at a highly entertaining presentation evening.

Awards

The ‘Musician of the Year’ award voted by MD Lee Woodward, went to principal euphonium player Humphrey Haynes in recognition of his outstanding performances, whilst the ‘Bandsman of the Year’ award, voted on by all members, went to solo trombonist Paul MacNeill for his faultless running of the band over the last 12 months.

Long Service

Long Service awards were presented to principal cornet Kevin Raines and percussionist Lisa Hubble, for notching up 10 years of commitment, whilst baritone player Cameron Lake received a presentation pocket watch for his amazing 65 years of stalwart service.

Farewells

Sadly, the band had to say goodbye to two members, with Lisa Hubble leaving due to work commitments and Graham McKillop seeking a new championship challenge with Sandhurst Silver.

MD, Lee Woodward told 4BR: "Both members will be sorely missed and I thank them for what they have done for the band in the past. Everyone in the band wish you the best of luck for the future."