Players from Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band enjoyed a hugely successful day at the recent Brass Band League Solo & Ensemble Competition.

Prizes

In the 'Slow Melody' category, the band had no less than four players placed in the top 5. Baritone player Brian Downey took the honours with a beautiful performance of 'A Time for Peace' to pip Nathan Thompson's cornet rendition of 'Rusalka's Song to the Moon'.

The vastly experienced sop player Mark Ruddock finished joint third with Daniel Shape of 1st Old Boys, whilst tenor horn player Fraser Ramsay came fifth.

Double

Brian then went on to complete a memorable 'Double' by claiming victory in the 'A Solo' category thanks to his superb performance of 'La Belle Americaine' — a fantastic feat as he only moved from cornet to baritone in December last year. Nathan Thompson and Mark Ruddock were placed third and fifth respectively.

Quartet finish

The band completed a great day by taking home the 'A Quartets' trophy.

Nathan Thompson, Gemma McKee (cornet), Fraser Ramsay (Horn) and Brian Downey (baritone) performed Eric Ball's 'Jewels' which led adjudicator Owen Farr to remark in his comments that it was, "...the perfect ending to a great day. How nice to sit back and listen to beautiful music played wonderfully."

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Our congratulations go to our representatives on their performances and victories and we hope there will be even more Laganvale representation at the competition next year."

The next generation of young players that will hopefully make their way through to the ranks of Tredegar Band have been given a boost to their ambitions after gaining financial support from the local Town Council.

The Welsh band has recently set up a new learner class linked to primary schools in their area, with the hope that it will kick-start a regular flow of musical talent that will be inspired to enjoy brass band music making.

Pioneer

Tredegar was a pioneer of youth band development in the late 1960s, with the Tredegar Junior Band becoming British Champions in 1974 and again in 1975, whilst a following generation went on to become European Youth Champion.

Youngsters who learnt to play with these bands included Robert and Nicholas Childs as well Nigel Weeks — all going onto become highly successful players and conductors, whilst many bands in south Wales and beyond still contain players who first came to pick up an instrument through the band room doors.

Time to do it

Chairman Alwyn Powell told 4BR: "It's always been an ambition as an organisation to once again offer musical opportunities to people of all ages and abilities, and with significant challenges for local authorities in providing peripatetic services we felt now was the time to do it."

He added: "Our community band, aimed at adults who wish to carry on enjoying playing already meets once a week and now a foundation step has been put in place to inspire the youngsters in our local community thanks to the support of the Town Council."

Thrilled

Community Band organiser Julie Rooke told 4BR: "Having come through the old Junior band ranks myself, I'm thrilled that we can now offer the chance for a new generation to be part of a great musical organisation."

The European Brass Band Association (EBBA) has announced the list of judges who will make the all important decisions at this year's event in Montreux. The festival takes place between the 25th and 28th April.

Championship Section

The Championship Section set-test and Challenge Section will be adjudicated by trombone virtuoso Ian Bousfield, the Swiss conductor and teacher Herve Grelat and Belgian conductor and former European Solo Championships finalist Bert Van Thienen.

The jury for Saturday's own-choice contest consists of composer Jan van der Roost, who composed 'From Ancient Times' as the set-work for the 2009 Championships, the renowned euphonium soloist and teacher Thomas Ruedi and respected Dutch conductor and composer Rieks van der Velde.

Composers and youth

The entrants for the European Composer Competition (25th April) will be judged by Lucy Pankhurst, John Pickard and Oliver Waespi.

The European Youth Brass Band Championship (28th April) will see Anne Crookston and Glyn Williams judging the bands in both the Premier and Development contests.

Widely admired

Paul Hindmarsh, Chair of the EBBA Music Commission, told 4BR: "The EBBA Music Commission is delighted to have been able to secure the services of some of the foremost composers, conductors, performers and educators in the international band community to sit on the judging panels in Montreux.

Their gifts and skills are widely admired and they bring with them many years of experience at the top of the banding world and beyond."

Adjudication teams:

Championship Section (set-test): Ian Bousfield (England); Herve Grelat (Switzerland); Bert Van Thienen (Belgium)

Championship Section (own-choice): Jan Van der Roost (Belgium); Thomas Ruedi (Switzerland); Rieks van der Velde (The Netherlands)

Challenge Section: Ian Bousfield (England); Herve Grelat (Switzerland); Bert Van Thienen (Belgium)

European Composer Competition: Lucy Pankhurst (England); John Pickard (England); Oliver Waespi (Switzerland)

European Youth Brass Band Championship: Anne Crookston (Scotland); Glyn Williams (Wales)

The European Brass Band Association has announced the line-up of talented players that will form the 2019 European Youth Brass Band [EYBB] in Montreux.

It will be the sixteenth time that the ensemble will play an integral part in the festival, with 38 players aged between 18 and 22 from 15 different countries making the trip to Switzerland.

Busy

A busy itinerary for the band has been created under the baton of Veronique Gyger with a focused schedule of rehearsals, concerts and social events, the highlight of which will be the band's participation in the Saturday evening Gala Concert where they will share the stage with 2018 European Champion Valaisia Brass Band conducted by Arsene Duc.

The band will also help close the festival with a special 'Farewell Concert' following the European Youth Brass Band Championship event the following day.

Schedule

Preliminary schedule:
Thursday 25th April: Casino Montreux — Short concert following Composers Competition
Friday 26th April: Opening Ceremony — Montreux Music & Convention Centre —
Saturday 27th April: Auditorium Stravinsky — Gala concert with Valaisia Brass Band
Sunday 28th April: Auditorium Stravinsky — Farewell Concert

2019 European Youth Band:

Soprano:
Rutger Stefanie (Netherlands)
Mollema Plank (Austria)

Cornet:
Monica Sanguedolce (Italy)
Lianne Postma (Netherlands)
Storm Robertson (Scotland)
Benjamin Mortensen (Norway)
Kristina Aase Fransson (Norway)
Owain Llestyn (Wales)
Ffion Morris (Wales)
Ward Dierick (Belgium)
Mark Sirok (Germany)
Andreas Lugosi (Germany)
Christine Lee (Denmark)
Jack Hoof (England)
Chloe Eagleson (Northern Ireland)
Indre Jonaityte (Lithuania)

Flugel:
Adline Vouillamoz (Switzerland)

Horn:
Anja Reithmayr (Austria)
Jonathan Thery (Switzerland)
Astrid Lindhardt Toft (Denmark)
Bethany Littlewood (England)

Baritone:
Albert Kvarnvik Sweden Baritone
Vito De Coster Belgium

Trombone:
Elia Nicola Pirronello (Italy)
Gabriel Chardin (France)
Augustinas Alisauskas (Lithuania)

Bass Trombone: Rose Øvretveit (Norway)

Euphonium:
Stephanie Gaspoz (Switzerland)
Stefan de Wilt (Netherlands)

EEb Tuba: Remo Siebenthal (Switzerland)
Gavin Johnson (Scotland)
Theodor Matthias Djursaa Hvidt (Denmark)

BBb Tuba:
Hoylandt van Ken (Belgium)
Josh Worman (Wales)

Percussion:
Josef Sollinger (Austria)
Arnold Stetter (Sweden)
Catherine Lynch (Northern Ireland)
Charlie Saunders (England)

The 2019 Easter Course of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will take place at Harrogate Ladies College from Saturday 13th April to Saturday 20th April.

Tovey and guests

It will be once again led by NYBBGB Artistic Director Bramwell Tovey, recently appointed Principal Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra.

He will be joined this year by guest conductor Mark David, Head of Brass at the Royal Academy of Music, former Principal Trumpet of the Philharmonia Orchestra and current Principal Trumpet of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields.

Mark will direct the course and will share the conducting with Bramwell Tovey at the end of course concerts.

The guest soloist this year is the remarkable American trumpet player Allen Vizzutti who makes a welcome return to the UK.

Concerts

A performer with a worldwide and world-class reputation as a performer, teacher and composer, he is sure to attract fans from far and wide to come to the concerts that will take place at Harrogate Ladies College on Friday 19th April (7.30pm) and Morley Town Hall on Saturday 20th April (7.30pm).

It has been confirmed to 4BR that the 20th Exmouth Brass Band Festival, promoted and organised by the South West Brass Band Association, will take place on 7th September.

The event can accommodate 15 bands from Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, with each performing a 25-minute own-choice programme in the Exmouth Pavilion. The adjudicator will be the experienced Steve Pritchard-Jones.

Throughout the day the bands will also provide entertainment to the general public with 30-minute concerts in the adjacent Pavilion Gardens.

Kick off

It all kicks-off at 10.00am and will conclude with the presentations made by the Mayor of Exmouth alongside the President of the South West Brass Band Association, Sue Richards.

A spokesperson added: "Weather permitting, we also plan a massed band performance in the gardens, where members of all bands taking part come together.

We are indebted to the Exmouth Town Council and Trevada Music for their generous support of the Festival, and to Leisure East Devon and management and staff of The Pavilion for their assistance in promoting the Festival."

Find out more

For more information go to: www.southwestbrassbandassociation.co.uk

After returning from the USA after performing as the guest soloist at James Madison University's 'Tromblow'in' festival, Black Dyke trombone star Brett Baker has released a new CD on the emerging Toccata Next label.

Renowned

Affiliated with Toccata Classics and distributed by Naxos, the CD is aimed the growing market for serious contemporary music from internationally renowned performers.

Entitled 'Outrageous Fortune'- named after one of the four major concerto works for trombone and wind bands featured on it by composer Nigel Clarke, the release also showcases the first recorded performance of Jan Van der Roost's 'Contrasts', as well as Soren Hyldgaard's 'Rapsodia Borealis', James Stephenson's 'Concerto Braziliano'.

Speaking to 4BR Brett gave an insight into the exciting repertoire featured on the CD which is released this weekend.

Outrageous Fortune

"Nigel's 'Symphony Number 2 for Trombone, Voice Actor and Wind Ensemble' really is 'Outrageous Fortune' for me," he said.

"The piece was premiered in 2017 with the Middle Tennessee Wind Ensemble and I subsequently recorded it at the end of 2017 with the RNCM Wind Ensemble in Manchester. Both performances were conducted by MTSU's Professor of Music & Conducting, Dr Reed Thomas, who was very much part of the whole CD project."

He added: "Nigel put me in touch with Reed when he finished composing his amazing 'Symphony No. 2' for me in 2016, and I visited MTSU in 2016 to record Hyldgaard's 'Rapsodia Borealis' to see if we could get the project to work."

Hit it off

Brett continued: "Reed and I hit it off and have remained firm friends ever since, and over the past two years I visited a further three times to record Nigel's piece and then Jim Stephenson's 'Concerto Braziliano'.

Jim's work is very popular and is played by trombonists all over in the USA. However, it has never received a studio recording, so I was excited to be the first to premiere the studio version of this substantial work by a leading composer.

All that and it's been great to perform Jan Van der Roost's 'Contrasts' which was recorded back in October 2018 and is a piece that has already received rave reviews from those that have listened to the brass band version."

To Purchase

To purchase the release go to: https:/­/­www.brettbaker.co.uk/­merchandise/­cds

It has been announced that Brighouse & Rastrick and euphonium virtuoso David Childs will be the solo attractions at this year's Brass in Concert Festival, with the duo combining to present a concert of 'Classic Brass' on the Saturday evening prior to the 43rd Championship.

Youth involvement

Events at Sage Gateshead on the weekend of 16th/17th November, sponsored by Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman, will kick off on the Saturday with a performance by the talented youngsters of the Elementary Band from schools in the Bedlington and Ashington area.

It will be followed by the second Youth Brass in Concert Championship, which got off to such a fantastic start in 2018.

Taster Sessions and other education events will complement the youth contest before Brighouse & Rastrick, conducted by David Thornton will team up with David Childs to provide the entertainment at the World of Brass in Concert (7.30pm).

Night of gems

Brass in Concert Chairman, John Woods told 4BR: "We're delighted that David Childs and Brighouse & Rastrick will appear at this year's Brass in Concert Festival.

Over the past two years our innovative approach to the Saturday evening concert has been very well received by the Sage Gateshead audience, but we have also kept in mind the appetite to hear great brass band music on its own.

This year's programme will be specially selected to feature classic brass band music and startling virtuosity. Everyone can expect an evening of brilliant brass band gems."

Contest line-up

John also stated that the line-up for the world's most prestigious entertainment contest will soon be confirmed.

"We are in the final stages of securing the line-up and will announce this soon. Yet again it promises to be a memorable weekend, so please make sure you get the seat you want by booking early!"

Tickets:

Please note that the box office for these events does not open until the 7th March

Tickets for Youth Brass in Concert on Saturday 16th November are available from Sage Gateshead

Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661 or online at www.sagegateshead.com

Youth Entertainment Championships — priced £12 and £6 (concessions)

World of Brass in Concert featuring Brighouse & Rastrick and David Childs — £27, £18 and £10

Brass in Concert Championship (Sunday 17th November) — £33, £25 and £15.

Booking fees will apply.

Results:

First Section:

Test Piece: Symphony of Marches (Gilbert Vinter)
Adjudicators: Gary Davies and Howard J Evans

1. Hatfield & Askern Colliery (Stanley Lippeatt)*
2. Old Silkstone (John Hopkinson)*
3. Crofton Silver (Dean Jones)
4. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Simon Gresswell)
5. Drighlington (Neil Robinson)
6. Lindley (Robert Westacott)
7. Stannington (Derek Renshaw)
8. Prospect Brass Skelmanthorpe (Duncan Beckley)
9. Hebden Bridge (David Hamilton)
10. Wakefield Metropolitan (Peter Kench)
11. Knottingley Silver (Kevin Belcher)

*Top two bands qualify for National Final

Best Soloist: Neil Wright (Eb tuba) Hatfield & Askern Colliery
Best Soprano: Sam Fisher (Crofton Silver)
Best Euphonium: Mick Tyler (Drighlington)
Youngest Player: Max Creese (Hebden Bridge) aged 11

Third Section:

Test Piece: First Suite in Eb (Gustav Holst arr. Sydney Herbert)
Adjudicators: Sheona Wade and Dr David Thornton

1. Kippax (Stephen Tighe)*
2. Wetherby Silver (Derek Wharley)*
3. Rockingham (Adam Whittle)
4. Dinnington (Lee Dunkley)
5. Emley (Garry Hallas)
6. Gawthorpe Brass 85 (John Edward)
7. Huddersfield & Ripponden (Adam Bell)
8. Lofthouse 2000 (Andrew Whitaker)
9. Oughtibridge (Gavin Somerset)
10. Armthorpe Elmfield (R. Kilcoyne)
11. Clifton & Lightcliffe B (John Clay)
12. Deepcar (Cathryn Rogers)

*Top two bands qualify for National Final

Best Soloist: Fay Thompson (soprano) Kippax
Youngest Player: Thomas Musgrave (Huddersfield & Ripponden) aged 10

Fourth Section:

Test Piece: Stantonbury Festival (Ray Steadman-Allen)
Adjudicators: Alan Duguid and Sandy Smith

1. Maltby Miners (Terry Clifford)*
2. Barnsley Metropolitan (Alex Francis)*
3. Garforth (John Thompson)
4. Dodworth Colliery M.W. (Eliot Darwin)
5. Linthwaite (Paul Kershaw)
6. Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge) (James Beecham)
7. Loxley Silver (Richard Windle)
8. Thurcroft Welfare (Matthew Wright)

*Top two bands qualify for National Final

Best Soloist: Dave Chambers (euphonium) Maltby Miners
Best Percussion: Maltby Miners
Youngest Player: Sam Thompson (Garforth Brass) aged 8

It has been reported in the Business Manchester on-line publication that IBB Media Limited (IBB), owners of British Bandsman magazine and BrassPass TV has been supported by a £100,000 loan to fund the growth of its digital platform.

The Greater Manchester Export Loan Fund is delivered by GC Business Finance, who have also introduced IBB to the Department for International Trade (DIT), part of The Growth Company.

The release states that BrassPass TV currently has over 1200 subscribers and draws 75% of its audience from overseas.

Equipment and jobs

It was reported that the loan would be used to buy cameras and recording equipment, as well as to generate unique content and to start production of a virtual reality 'on stage experience' project.

The loan will also help create full time jobs alongside IBB's freelance talent of producer Simon Powell and former Listen to the Band BBC presenters and producers Frank Renton and Terry Carter.

Global audience

IBB owner Martin Gernon is reported as stating: "The audience for brass band music is growing every year, with musicians and enthusiasts alike keen to come together to share events and expertise.

This investment from the Export Fund means that we are now able to deliver a really exciting programme of new content and collaborations, designed to keep our global audience entertained, engaged and expanding."

Foremost figures

In response, Andrew Nichols, Senior Loans Manager at GC Business Finance, stated: "IBB is powered by some of the UK's foremost figures in music and broadcasting, all of whom are passionate about building a truly connected brass band community.

The GM Export Loan Fund was developed to support exactly this type of innovative and ambitious business and we're proud to be working closely with Martin and his collaborators to develop this unique platform and to reach new territories across the globe."

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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:

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

Sunday 17th March 2019:

The ton up conductors.

NATIONAL EMBLEM (Edwin Eugene Bagley)
Black Dyke Band
Conductor: Dr Nicholas Childs

OVERTURE to NABUCCO (Giuseppi Verdi arr. Howard Lorriman)
Sellers International Band
Conductor: Major Peter Parkes

CHICAGO (John Kander arr. Barry Forgie)
Soloists: Helen Fox and Jonathon Webster

SINGING IN THE RAIN (Nacio Herb Brown arr. Alan Fernie)
Foden's Courtois Band
Conductor: Nicholas Childs

THE NORWEGIAN ARTIST'S CARNIVAL (Johan Svendsen arr. Peter Parkes)

THE WOTH VALLEY RAILWAY (Gordon Langford)
John Foster Black Dyke Mills Band
Conductor: Major Peter Parkes

DOUBLE BRASS (Ray Woodfield)
Soloist: Nicholas & Robert Childs

ADAGIO from CONCERTO DE ARANJUEZ (Joaquin Rodrigo arr. Kevin Bolton)
Soloist: Mark Walters
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
Conductor: Major Peter Parkes

PRIERE A NOTRE-DAME & TOCCATA from SUITE GOTHIQUE (Leon Boellmann arr. Eric Ball)
Black Dyke Band
Conductor: Dr Nicholas Childs

THE ROSE (McMurray arr. Alan Fernie)
Soloist: Hamish McRitchie
Jedforest Instrumental Band
Conductor: Alan Fernie

The Shepherd Group Youth Band has just returned from a fantastic tour to Paris.

The trip included performances at the stunning bandstand in the famous Luxemburg Gardens and the equally impressive Videopolis Stage in the heart of Disneyland.

Fireworks

The band embarked on the 12 hour journey early on 23rd February to reach their destination — a lovely hotel outside the Disneyland theme park where they were greeted by a sneak peek of the nightly fireworks show.

Conductor, Craig Brown told 4BR: "The band has worked exceptionally hard to fundraise through concerts and events over the past year, and I'm incredibly proud of all they continue to achieve."

Busy

The band is now working towards their busy concert and contest season which includes performances at Selby Abbey, York Barbican, and Ripon Cathedral.

The Youth Band is part of the five band organisation located in York and have appeared at several contests over the past few years, claiming silverware on every occasion.

The Shepherd banding organisation is led by Musical Director Richard Wilton who established his Academy Brass to cater for learners of all ages, feeding into bands and investing in the brass roots of banding.

There is still time for bands wishing to compete in the 25th French Open Championships.

The 2019 event has already attracted a healthy entry of competitors, but there is still space for others to join them for what is regarded as one of the most popular European contests in the banding calendar.

Amboise

Organised by the Association des Amis Du Brass Band, ably led by Jacques Gaudet, the setting for this contest is the wonderful town of Amboise in the Loire Valley.

Local sights include the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, the troglodyte houses which are carved into the limestone banks of the River Loire, the amazing gardens at Villandry, and of course the fabulous vineyards.

The setting of the chateau overlooking the Loire is one of the most iconic images in the whole of France, whilst the town itself has an abundance of bars and restaurants.

Time and place

The five section contest will take place on the weekend of 7th to 9th June. The closing date for entries is 17th March 2019.

Those wishing to compete should contact:
Jacques Gaudet:
Chris Jeans:

Competing bands are invited to perform varied programmes which include a test-piece, whilst there is also a popular Whit Friday styled march competition on the Saturday morning, followed by a 20- minute entertainment programme in an outside setting.

Competition test-pieces:

Championship Section: Ascension (Philip Wilby)
First Section: Brass Metamorphosis (James Curnow)
Second Section: Rhapsody in Brass (Dean Goffin)
Third Section: A Cambrian Suite (Michael Ball)
Fourth Section: Prelude, Song & Dance (John Golland)

This year the Gala Concert will be provided by Flowers Band conducted by Paul Holland.

The adjudication teams will consist of Chris Jeans (President), Luc Vertommen, Norbert Pfammatter, Philip Wilby, Peter Collins (march contest), Michel Dubois (entertainment contest)

Further information:

Further information and entry forms can be downloaded from:
www.openamboise.com

English translations are under French text and easy to use tabs above

During February, the AllBrass Radio playlist has once again been transformed.

New CDs such as 'Recital' horn player Chris Davies with Tredegar Band, 'Bliss & Howells' featuring Brighouse & Rastrick, and The International Staff Band's 'My Journey' featuring Derick Kane have come our way, as has 'A Search for Peace' by Carlton Main Frickley featuring one of the station's most popular artists, Kirsty Abbotts.

The addition of these wonderful CDs has made an impact on this month's Top 20, with Kirsty again in the podium positions — but this time with a new piece.

First spot

First spot though goes to Derrick Kane, the wonderful euphonium player at the International Staff Band for the past 40 years. His has just retired from his position and you can hear his talents on, 'The Flower Duet' alongside his son, Stephen.

Kirsty Abbot once again proves so popular with our listeners, this time with 'Down by the Sally Gardens', whilst Kirkintilloch Band comes in third with the hauntingly beautiful main theme from the 1998 movie 'Saving Private Ryan.'.

Listen out for

Other tracks to listen out for are Chris Davies with his brilliant rendition of 'Jenny Jones', 'Tossing the Feathers' from the recent CD from the Flowers Band and a new track from Carlton Main Frickley and Kirsty Abbots with 'Mid All Traffic'.

All Brass Radio plays brass bands and brass band music 24/7/365 commercial-free.

The station is run on funds donated by generosity from donors. We hope some listeners will become donors.

All Brass Radio is currently having a funding campaign to raise money to make top-line iOS and Android apps. You can listen to the station on various carriers, on iTunes, and by visiting www.AllBrassRadio.com

February 2019:

1. The Flower Duet (International Staff Band)
Duet: Derrick Kane & Stephen Kane
2. Down by the Sally Gardens (Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band)
Soloist: Kirsty Abbotts (cornet)
3. Hymn to the Fallen from 'Saving Private Ryan' (Kirkintilloch Band)
4. Country Roads (Las Vegas Brass Band)
5. Jenny Jones (Tredegar Town Band)
Soloist: Chris Davies (horn)
6. Buglers Dream and Olympic Fanfare (Froschl Hall Brass Band)
7. Aspects of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Desford Colliery Caterpillar Band)
8. Let it Shine (Cory Band)
9. Memory (Burbage Band (Buxton))
10. Fire in the Blood (International Staff Band)

11. Activate (Tredegar Town Band)
12. Thoughts of Love (Black Dyke Band)
Soloist: Brett Baker (trombone)
13. Liberty Fanfare (Kirkintilloch Band)
14. Procession of Nobles (Atlantic Brass Band)
15. Shine as the Light (Pikes Peak Brass Band)
16. Mars, The Bringer of War (Black Dyke Mills Band)
17. Tossing the Feathers (Flowers Band)
18. Toccata in D Minor (All Star Girls of Brass)
19. People Need The Lord (Hendon Salvation Army Band)
20. Mid All The Traffic (Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band)
Soloist: Kirsty Abbots (cornet)

A school brass band from Bournemouth that has in its history performed in front of The Pope, King Olav of Norway, on television and radio, as well as entertaining AFC Bournemouth football fans, will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in March.

Leading youth bands

The Oakmead School Brass Band was formed in 1959 at the Oakmead School for Boys in West Howe, Bournemouth, by its then Head of Music, Courtney Bosanko.

It went on to become one of the UKs leading school bands winning its class at the 1974 World Music Festival in Kerkrade.

Initially a male only band, girls were welcomed following a school merger with the Oakmead School for Girls in the 1980's.

Unfortunately, the band did not continue when the school became an academy in the 2000's, and so it is now only fondly remembered by an older generation, many of who went on to enjoy successful professional musical careers as well as playing in brass bands around the UK.

Reunion

A reunion is now taking place on the 30th/31st March in Bournemouth.

One of the reunion organisers, John Grinnell told 4BR: "The great thing about brass bands is that they provide an opportunity to continue playing whatever standard, whatever age and where ever someone ends ups.

Strong friendships are formed and competitions and contests are fabulous for meeting up with old acquaintances.

The Oakmead School Brass Band was the reason why a significant number of its players have continued with their passion."

Opportunity

They added: "It only seemed right to celebrate the 60th anniversary with a reunion. It will not only be a social occasion but an opportunity for those that want to play, to perform a concert of familiar pieces played back in the day.

We would therefore love as many ex-Oakmead School Brass Band players as possible to come along and join us for the social and/or concert in what will be a fabulous reunion."

Facebook

If anyone is interested in this event further details can be found on the Oakmead School Brass Band Facebook page.

The National Association of Brass Band Conductors (NABBC) has announced that it is to hold its 4th National Conducting Competition.

The final will take place on 8th June at Eccles Town Hall following the Association's annual general meeting.

First round

The first round will see application by CV and video performance. 12 semi-finalists will then be selected to perform a movement from either 'Symphony of Marches' by Gilbert Vinter or 'Fraternity' by Thierry Deleruyelle with the Rainford Band.

Six will then go through to the final consisting of an open public rehearsal and evening concert with the Eccles Borough Band, where they will present and perform their piece.

The prize for the winner will be to work with National Champion Foden's and the British Open champion, Cory, who will generously provide rehearsal and performance opportunities.

Opportunities

NABBC President, Russell Gray told 4BR: "I feel it's important to create opportunities for conductors to gain valuable experiences by working with such bands.

Last year we received entries from around the world making it a truly international event. Over the last two years we have also been supported by the likes of Fairey, Carlton Main, Flowers, GUS, Reg Vardy, Tredegar and Whitburn, so this is a wonderful opportunity for those who wish to enter."

Personal advice

He added: "All the finalists receive personal advice on their conducting techniques from our experienced adjudicators. I wish all of our aspiring conductors the very best of luck and I look forward to meeting them all on the 8th of June."

Applicants must be over 18. It should be noted that there is no stipulation or requirement that their entry ensemble should be a brass band.

Interested

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

The 12 successful applicants invited to the semi final must travel to the venue and provide their own scores for the first round of the competition.

The closing date for entries is Friday April 26th with the 12 semi-finalists notified by 10th May.

Besson artist Steven Mead returns to Japan this week for the second time in just four months, to perform in concert with the renowned Ars Nova Wind Orchestra in Kawasaki city near Tokyo.

He will be also giving masterclasses in Tokyo and Osaka, as well as being interviewed by the popular 'Pipers' magazine, and recording a promotional video for Buffet Crampon Japan.

Busy

This is just the beginning of a very busy couple of months for the euph star, who on his return will head to Feldkirch in Austria and then onto Amsterdam for a masterclass at the Conservatory and a recital with Rodin Rosendahl and Perry Hoogendijk.

Then it's off to Brescia in Italy, where he will give a two-day masterclass and concert with a wind orchestra, a trip to Milan to perform and teach at its prestigious Conservatory, before making a guest appearance at the Augsburg University in Germany.

There will be just enough time for a break at home before it's a long haul flight to Australia for a two-week tour, which includes undertaking the chief adjudicator duties at the Australian Championships in Brisbane, as well as concerts in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.

Passport ready

"The passport is ready and waiting to worked hard again," he joked when speaking to 4BR. "I love Japan and the hunger for brass bands and brass tuition is insatiable.

There is also a growing interest in the euphonium in the major music conservatoires and universities of Europe, who are seeing it as such an important solo instrument."

He added: "I'm also looking forward to Australia and the warm welcome I always get there. The championships are a great event and I'm honoured to be invited to be the chief adjudicator."

After his performance which was featured on 4BR at the recent Yorkshire Regional Championships, the remarkable Frank Mathison will be gaining a legion of new fans today thanks to his appearance in the Daily Express newspaper.

The 90 year old former bass trombone player with the London Symphony Orchestra from 1963 to 1993 took to the stage in Huddersfield to play baritone with the Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge) in the Fourth Section — and loved every minute of it.

Conductors and players

And given that there cannot be too many brass band players who can say they used to do a day job working with Andre Previn, Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Monteux, Claudio Abbado, Herbert von Karajan and Bernard Haitink amongst others, no wonder he still enjoys himself.

All that of course and he used to turn up to work next to the likes of Denis Wick, John Fletcher, Howard Snell and the one and only Maurice Murphy, playing on everything from Mahler to 'Star Wars'.

As he said to 4BR on the weekend after he came off stage: "It's a bit tricky on baritone, but I can manage it. I still play my trombone though."

Debut

Frank made his brass band debut at the age of 12 on cornet, and took up the trombone when he was 19 during his Army National Service. His son plays with him in the Friendly Band.

Thanks to Lorne Campbell his story has now reached a much wider audience, with Frank saying in the article: "I had a ball playing with London Symphony Orchestra and I thought retirement would be boring — but I was wrong."

Picture: Copyright Lorne Campbell

The list of bands, adjudicators and the split draw segment details for the 99th British Open Spring Festival has been announced.

Under auspices of the British Open Championships, the event will take place at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Saturday 18th May, with the adjudication team comprising Ryan Breen, Garry Cutt, Dave Lea, Steve Sykes, Mark Wilkinson and Thomas Wyss.

The test piece to be performed in the Grand Shield will be 'Fraternity' by Thierry Deleruyelle, whilst Paul Huber's 'Symphonic Music for Brass Band' will face the competitors in the Senior Cup. Gilbert Vinter's classic 'Triumphant Rhapsody' will be the set-work in the Senior Trophy.

Promotion and relegation

Two bands will be promoted to the British Open from the Grand Shield. The usual promotion and relegation processes will occur throughout the sections.

Tickets for the event can be purchased on the day or from Ticketmaster on 0844 856 11 11 at £12.00 and £8.00

(F) First half of contest draw
(S) Second half of contest draw

2019 Grand Shield:

Camborne Town (Kevin Mackenzie) (F)
cooperation band (Mike Fowles) (S)
East Yorkshire Motor Services (Stig Maersk) (F)
Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren) (F)
Friary Guildford (Chris King) (S)
GUS Band (Chris Jeans) (F)
Jaguar Land Rover (Brad Turnbull) (S)
Milnrow (Dennis Hadfield) (F)
NASUWT Riverside (Prof Nicholas Childs) (S)
Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins) (S)
Pemberton Old Wigan (Ben Dixon) (S)
Rainford (Gareth Brindle) (F)
Redbridge (Jeremy Wise) (S)
Reg Vardy (Russell Gray) (S)
Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts) (F)
Skelmanthorpe (Martin Heartfield) (S)
St Dennis (Darren R Hawken) (S)
Thoresby Colliery (Ian McElligott) (F)
Tongwynlais Temperance (Gareth Hann) (F)
Woodfalls (Dr Robert Childs) (F)

2019 Senior Cup:

Ashton under Lyne (Philip Chalk) (S)
Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid) (S)
Blackburn & Darwen (Daniel Thomas) (F)
City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Christopher Bond) (S)
Dalmellington (Nigel Boddice) (F)
Derwent Brass (Jack Capstaff) (F)
Elland Silver (Daniel Brooks) (F)
Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins) (F)
Hatfield & Askern Colliery (Stan Lippeatt) (F)
Hepworth (Dr David Thornton) (F)
Kingdom Brass (Ian Porthouse) (S)
Kirkintilloch (TBA) (S)
Llwydcoed (Chris Turner) (S)
Lydbrook (Glyn Williams) (F)
Newtongrnge Silver (Andrew Duncan) (F)
Northop Silver (John Doyle) (F)
Ratby Co-operative (Dave Purkiss) (S)
Roche Brass (David Johnson) (S)
TCTC Group Band (Jeff Sparkes) (S)
Wantage Silver (Paul Holland) (S)
Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Simon Greswell) (S)

2019 Senior Trophy:

Burry Port (Ceri John) (F)
City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey) (S)
Drighlington (Neil Robinson) (S)
Easington Colliery Brass (Jonathan Fenwick) (S)
East London Brass (Jayne Murrill) (F)
Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter) (F)
Eccles Borough Brass (Mareika Gray) (F)
Jackfield Brass (David Maplestone) (F)
Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Keith Anderson) (S)
Marsden Silver Prize (Andrew Lofthouse) (S)
Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton) (F)
SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones) (F)
Staffordshire (Craig William) (F)
Strata Brass (Jonathan Bates) (F)
Thundersley Brass (Melvin White) (S)
Tylorstown (Gary Davies) (S)
UNISON Kinneil (Raymond Tennant) (S)
Unite the Union (John Roberts) (F)
Vernon Building Society Poynton (Ryan Watkins) (S)
Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith) (S)

In the lead up to the publication of her new book entitled, 'The Three Ps' which is based on a strategy of using possibility, productivity and performance to balance happiness and mental wellbeing it author Tabby Kerwin has launched a survey to specifically look at the connection between brass bands and mental health.

Overview

Tabby told 4BR: "The survey is designed to give an overview of the effect that being in brass bands may have on mental wellbeing. The research has stemmed from my own personal experiences — coaching work surrounding performance techniques and anxiety that is linked to mental health issues."

In a survey of over 2,000 musicians undertaken by University of Westminster and MusicTank in 2016, results showed that just over 70% believed they have experienced anxiety and panic attacks and 65% reported they had suffered from depression.

Honest conversations

Tabby added: "I've been fortunate to have many honest conversations with musicians about mental health. Anxiety, panic attacks and depression are prevalent in musicians from dealing with nerves on stage to pressures of time and balancing home and musical life."

I want to research more fully into the matter to see if these statistics correlate into brass bands, and if there is a need for more support for our musicians in the banding movement and if so, how that can be achieved."

Tabby confirmed that the short survey is completely confidential and that no personal data is collected.

Find out more

It can be found at: https:/­/­goo.gl/­forms/­dBI22zfnMKmD4MGa2

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