Archive News and Announcements 
 
New Welbeck B Band
(Date submitted: 31 December 2005)
Welbeck Estates Brass Band (near Worksop, Nottinghamshire) are launching a 'B' Band on Monday 9 January at 6.45pm at the band room. (Details including map on the web-site; www.welbeckestatesbrassband.org ) New learners welcome - all ages. Instrument and tuition - free! For further information please see the web-site or email the secretary: secretary@welbeckestatesbrassband.org
Brass Band Radio Programme announces CD Awards
(Date submitted: 27 December 2005)
The long running Brass Band programme "Brass Encounters" broadcast from Radio 2NUR-FM 103.7 based at The University of Newcastle, New South Wales Australia announces that it has instigated CD OF THE YEAR Awards for the following categories:

MOST REQUESTED
The Recording, following having been featured on the programme, that receives the largest number of requests, be it for replays, details/ purchasing Information or combination of such for the year.

BEST THEME CD
The Recording, following having been featured on the programme, viewed to have followed the given theme of the release from start to completion in a manner thought to do justice to such, and deemed to be the outstanding theme release/ presentation for the year.

SOLOIST CD OF THE YEAR
The Recording that has as its main feature Solo's from a recognised Brass Band solo instrument, deemed to be the outstanding solo release for that year. Taking into consideration: requests for replays or details from the listening public, Musical Content, Overall Presentation.

CD OF THE YEAR
The Recording featured on the programme considered to be an OUTSTANDING release for the year. Taking into consideration: Musical Content, Overall Presentation, Listener Response. A recording that may be considered a credit to the Brass Band Movement.

To be in the running for consideration the recording needs to:
Be featured on the programme within the calendar year of the present awards.
Satisfy the requirements for one of the listed categories.
Be a release by a "Brass Band" in the traditional sense of Brass Band instrumentation.
A CD that is available for general purchase and not an obscure release.


Criteria:
* A release by a "Band" of any playing level/ grade will be considered.
* Brass Band releases from any country can be considered.
* Recordings that satisfy more than one category will be considered for each relevant Award(s).
* A recording maybe capable of receiving more than one individual Award.

Concluding Detail:
The right not to present an award in a particular Category is reserved, if it is deemed that no release has achieved the status to warrant presentation of such for that year.

Should more than one CD warrant presentation of an Award in the same Category, a further Award may be presented but will be restricted to not more then 2 Awards in the same category for that year.

Geoff McGregor (Producer/ Presenter)
Brass Encounters 2NUR-FM 103.7

Stocksbridge Band is on the Move
(Date submitted: 12 December 2005)
Stocksbridge Band is Sheffield's premiere, championship brass band and winner of the recent Malton Entertainment Contest. They are moving their home base to The Peggy Tub Club on Manchester Road, near Stocksbridge town centre, due to the refurbishment of their previous home at the Victory Club.
Their very popular series of concerts and Band Club will be held as usual at The Peggy Tub and the Band is looking forward to welcoming everyone at this new venue.
Their Christmas Concert will be held on Sunday, 18 December 2005 at 8.00 pm, entrance £5 payable at the door and the Band Club's first concert will be on Sunday, 15 January 2006 at 8.00 pm. All are welcome and entrance to the Band Club is free. Further bands will be featured most Sunday evenings until April 2006.
Watch the press or look at the Stocksbridge Band website, www.stocksbridgeband.co.uk for further details.
Brass Band Aid at Christmas
(Date submitted: 11 December 2005)
Brass Band Aids latest initiative has a festive feel to it so get involverd please. How much money will you spend on Christmas cards and postage this year? At least £4.00, yes?

Well, instead of sending cards, why not consider donating the money to Brass Band Aid, and send a really special Christmas message to the Children in Ethiopia!

Ask your friends to do the same, if only a hundred people supported this Christmas inititative, think of the difference you could make. What difference would £400 make!
You could train buy or train a new teacher and hundreds of children would benefit.

A school is much easier if you have a classroom with furniture in it. You could stock a number of classrooms with black boards, desks chairs and stationary to help children learn and give them pride in their education, their school and their community.

Christmas, it's got to be more than sending cards to get the message out! You can make donations directly on the brass Band Aid website; www.brassbandaid.com or send a cheque made out to Brass Band Aid to Bob Thompson, please e mail for postal address; brionyt@aol.com many thanks for your support, BBA

Goliath Lends David A Helping Hand
(Date submitted: 8 December 2005)
At a time when most brass band clubs are finding problems in filling their rooms for their weekly concerts and when many bands are struggling to make ends meet without the aid of local sponsorship, it is refreshing to find that some of our senior brethren are making every effort to ensure that the 'grass roots' of the band movement are given every assistance.

Even though some of our most famous bands are themselves struggling to find sponsorship and are often in need of money which comes through performing regular concerts for realistic fees, certain of these bands are still prepared to help those who find themselves in need of fundraising events.

Two such bands (veritable Goliaths in the brass band world) have agreed to perform at the Wood Street band room of Glossop Old Band. Faireys Band are playing there on Sunday 11 th December and in the New Year - Sunday 29th January - the current National Champion Leyland Band will be appearing. Both these concerts commence at 8.00pm and have been made possible due to the generosity of the band's directors, for which Glossop Old Band and many other band clubs are deeply grateful.

It is this kind of short term commitment from our top bands which will ensure the future prosperity of the small clubs, from which come the stars of tomorrow.

Denis Jevons (Secretary - Glossop Old Band)

New Long Eaton CD
(Date submitted: 1 December 2005)
For the first time in the bands history, The Long Eaton Silver Prize band is to record a CD. This is to commemorate the bands centenary which takes place next year. It is hoped that the CD will be available in the New Year. The band conducted by Sharon Stansfield is very busy preparing for several Christmas concerts including a civic concert at Freisland sports centre Sandiacre on Monday 5th December and also a free concert at the band club on Saturday 17th December. The training band have also been busy performing locally and their future concerts include playing in Long Eaton Town centre on Friday December 9th. The band is also pleased to announce that generous donations towards their centenary celebrations have been received from the Long Eaton Rotary and Ilkeston Lions. Finally the band are on the look out for new bass players see website for details www.lespb.co.uk or email sharon@lespb.co.uk or ring 07887 907516.
New Australian Band Radio Programme
(Date submitted: 23 November 2005)
A new 3 hour radio programme, World of Bands, has commenced on 3SER, a community radio station in the suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It plays the Music of Brass Bands, Concert Bands, Service, Smaller Wind Ensembles and Quintets, from Australasia and Worldwide, plus interviews with people involved with the Band Movement.

The Programme is hosted by Russ Boon and Max Hunter. Both Russ and Max were playing members of Australia's Premier Brass Band, Hawthorn, for many. In latter years, Russ has played with the Moorabbin Band and Max with the Kew Band, both Melbourne based. Max is now the President and Principal Trumpet with the Cranbourne Lions Concert Band and Russ now devotes his time to smaller groups. 3SER is now streaming on the internet and may be heard worldwide.

The radio station web address is www.3ser.org.au and broadcasts on the internet and radio FM 97.7 from 0900 to 1200 Eastern Australian Daylight time on Wednesdays.

Bands worldwide are requested to supply CDs for playing on air. Being a community Radio Station it is of course, un-paid and non-profit.
Any CDs should be forwarded to:
Russ Boon, 47 Toirram Cres., CRANBOURNE, VICTORIA 3877, AUSTRALIA

Help! - Wigston Band in major bandroom battle
(Date submitted: 22 November 2005)
The Leicestershire based Wigston band is at the centre of a major battle surrounding its rehearsal facilities and property. The band has been stunned to receive an order giving it just four days to remove its equipment and leave its bandroom.
The band, which has been renting a room above the Grand Hotel, Wigston for over 10 years, found out late on Saturday night (19 November) that it had until midnight on Thursday 24 November to clear all of its equipment from the room as the pub is to be closed and boarded up on Friday morning (25th). The band was further informed that if any equipment is left in the room after the deadline, the band will have to pay a substantial fee for the room to be unlocked or it will lose its property forever.
The eviction notice had not been sent by post to the band but instead was left in the bandroom doorway and was found by a player unexpectedly going to pick up his instrument on Saturday night. Under normal circumstances the room would not have been used until the regular Tuesday nights rehearsal.
The band moved into its rehearsal facilities (originally a ballroom) over 10 years ago having taken it over when it was derelict and had been unused for 40 years. The band then fully refurbished the room at its own expense, which has been an ongoing process with the recent addition of a music and instrument store and a completely refitted kitchen, as well as measures to improve the acoustics for rehearsal purposes.
Despite Wigston's committee pleading with the pub's owners, Punch Taverns Ltd., to delay until the weekend, the deadline remains fixed and immovable.
Said Ian Hayto of the band: "As the majority of the band's members work during the day, this leaves very little time in the evenings for them to help recover the band's and their own equipment. This includes all the fixtures and fittings as well as instruments, percussion equipment and music. Also in the bandroom is the priceless and irreplaceable archive of memorabilia from the entirety of Wigston's 103 year history, as well as old photos of other Leicestershire bands which will also have to be removed and an appropriate place found to store them."
Understandably, the band's members and committee are disappointed and puzzled by the suddenness of this action. The band's members had previously enjoyed a good relationship with the landlord, using the bar downstairs every Tuesday and Thursday for a post rehearsal drink and celebrating its contest successes with the landlord and staff. Despite this major setback, the band has vowed to complete all its engagements for the busy Christmas period and will be competing at the Butlins Brass Band Festival and the Area Qualifying Championships in January and March respectively.
Said Ian Hayto: "The first priority is to find dry storage for as much equipment as we can retrieve in the time we have left. The band's committee is unsure as to whether it has enough time remaining to recover all of the band's property with the likelihood that some of the band's more minor assets will have to be left in the room. The band is seeking help from a number of local companies with respect to their immediate storage problem and will be seeking any appropriate rehearsal facility on a short or longer-term basis, preferably within the Wigston area."
If you can help Wigston Band's plight in any way either with retrieving its property in the next few days or with storage or rehearsal facilities, please contact the band's treasurer, Dave Spray on 07958 900914.
Donate a Pound and win a euphonium ace!
(Date submitted: 9 November 2005)
Having reached its initial target of £10,000 to help build a library in a school in Adet, Ethiopia, the pioneering project Brass Band Aid is now raising funds for stage two of the project; to help build further classrooms, toilet blocks and purchase sporting equipment for the school. Brass Band Aid has received invaluable support from bandspeople across the world in its bid to help make poverty history and give some quality of life to the children of Ethiopia and its latest fundraising campaign is guaranteed to further increase the funds whilst offering a unique opportunity for bands across the country. The latest addition to the Brass Band Aid fundraising campaign is a Donate a Pound Scheme, accessed through the BBA website at www.brassbandaid.com. In the first three months of the website being up and running it received 75,000 hits and if everyone that visited the website donated just one pound then what a difference this would make to the lives of the children in Ethiopia. When you visit the website you will now see the Donate a Pound button and BBA is inviting every visitor to donate at least £1 to the cause, or more if visitors wish. As an incentive, every visitor that donates at least £1 between now and 31 January 2006 will be entered into a prize draw. Subject to a minimum of £1500 being raised through the scheme between now and 31 January 2006, all the donors will be entered into a prize draw for the prize of euphonium virtuoso Glyn Williams performing with your band as guest soloist (within UK mainland). This prize comes courtesy of Fred Rhodes Musical Instruments and your band could get the chance to perform with one of the world's greatest euphonium players for just £1! The Donate a Pound Scheme is now up and running so don't hesitate to log on and donate your pound or more and, every visitor who donates in the next two weeks will be entered in to a prize draw for two VIP tickets to the gala concert at Brass in Concert in Gateshead's Sage Centre on Saturday 19 November. So log on to Brass Band Aid at www.brassbandaid.com now!
Euphonium ace premieres new work
(Date submitted: 1 November 2005)
A brand new and exciting work for euphonium by Richard Grantham will be premiered by the talented euphonium ace, Michael Howley at a concert later this month.
Accompanied by the United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band, Michael will perform the work, entitled Euphoria, at a concert in Ossett Town Hall on Saturday 19 November. This is the second work by Richard that the band has premiered this year and is another superb addition to the repertoire of any euphonium player.
"The music itself is another well-crafted work from the pen of Richard Grantham which tests the euphonium soloist and band in all respects and, at this concert, it forms the basis of an exciting relationship between a very forward looking band and the acclaimed talent of Michael," said the band's manager, Tabby Clegg.
A former principal euphonium player with the Rothwell Temperance Band and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, since studying euphonium under the likes of Steven Mead, Robert Childs and James Gourlay at the Royal Northern College of Music, Michael has developed a reputation as one of the country's finest young talents on the euphonium, holding principal seats in the Fairey Band and YBS and winning numerous awards including being crowned the European Euphonium Player of the Year at the Music en Picarde music festival in Northern France.
"Once again it is exciting to be bringing this kind of new music to the ears of listeners and with such an esteemed player as Michael giving the premiere of Euphoria, it will no doubt inspire many players to further develop their own repertoire," said Tabby.
Tickets priced £5 are available on the night or by e-mailing tabby.clegg@btopenworld.com
SWBBA Conductors' Workshop
(Date submitted: 24 October 2005)
Saturday/Sunday 21st-22nd January 2006 - The Assembly Rooms, Town Hall, South Molton. Tutor: David Marshall (Musical Director retired, H M Goldstream Guards) together with the South Molton Town Band.

Intended for lower section Conductors and those on the "first rung" of conducting, the workshop will give intensive tuition by a tutor experienced in training of band conductors at Kneller Hall. This will include basic stick/baton techinque; score reading/preparation; band training/coaching; rehearsal technique; harmony,theory & arranging tips; the art of public performance.

Cost of the course will be £30 inclusive of tea and coffee, excluding meals and accommodation. A pay lunch facility will be available both days Applications, together with remittance payable to SWBBA, should be sent to:
SWBBA Secretary, Brian Elliott, 1 Woodland Court, Woodland Road, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 9HG (Tel: 01752 892056) no later than 7th January 2006.

Brassed On - new magazine
(Date submitted: 22 October 2005)
The first issue of "Brassed On", reporting on the banding scene in the Manchester and Cheshire area, is due to be issued in December. A bi-annual magazine, it will focus solely on the bands in the Manchester and Cheshire areas. Its aims are:
  • To raise the profile and awareness of the brass band achievements in the local area
  • Increase exposure and publicity of local brass band events
  • Keep band members, families, friends and supporters, old and new informed of the news, views and movements in the brass band community.
    In addition one of the key objectives of this magazine is to provide direct contributions to the funds of each band. This will be achieved by donating a percentage of the overall cost of each magazine to the band responsible for the sale.

    If you would like your band to be featured in the magazine they need to know what you've been up to, what events you're planning and any other news you want to share with the Manchester and Cheshire Brass Band Community. In addition you may submit any photographs of the band that you would like to be featured with your articles.

    Submissions for the first issue are required by 31st October. You can submit details via the website Brassed On

    • Tongwynlais Temperance Silver Band - Concert & CD
    (Date submitted: 18 October 2005)
    The Tongwynlais Temperance Silver Band will be holding a concert this weekend to launch their much anticipated CD "Castell Coch".
    The Concert on the Saturday 22nd October will be held at Radyr High School Sports Hall, and will commence at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 an £4 for Concessions.
    Under the baton of Gareth Pritchard, the band will play a selection of pieces from their new CD and will feature a number of their solo artists, and band favourites.
    Featured soloists will include Martyn Patterson, twice successive winner of the Euphonium British Open Soloist prize, and Duncan Broadley, the bands principal cornet who will demonstate his wonderful sounds that has captured many a soloist prize over recent years.
    The new CD will be available at a specially discounted launch price on the evening of the concert.
    The CD which was recorded over the past year under the baton of both Gareth Pritchard and Bryn James includes classics such as Caravan,Softly Softly,Russlan & Ludmilla Overture, the test piece Dances & Arias, and featured items such as Hungarian Dance (Duncan Broadley),Endearing Young Charms (Martyn Patterson),Cute (Jason Bevan),Irish Blessing and Soave Sia il Vento.
    The evening will provide plenty of entertainment for both the brass band enthusiasts and music lovers, to anyone who likes a good tune.
    For a full listing of tracks on the CD visit www.tonband.org.uk
    For further information about the purchasing the CD or tickets for the concert visit www.tonband.org.uk or Contact Richard Killen on 029 2073 4921.
    Brighouse & Rastrick Band 125th Anniversary Composers' Competition
    (Date submitted: 12 October 2005)
    To celebrate Brighouse & Rastrick Band's 125th year, composers are invited to submit a three to four minute long concert opener piece. The winning composer will have their work premièred at the Celebration Concert in Huddersfield Town Hall on March 25th 2006, and have the work published by Kirklees Music. The piece of music will be exclusively performed by Brighouse & Rastrick Band until December 2006.

    The deadline for entries (scores and parts) is noon on 31 December 2005.
    Entries should be sent to:
    The Brighouse & Rastrick Band
    c/o Mr A.J. Wilkinson 13 Cheviot Avenue
    Meltham
    Holmfirth
    West Yorkshire
    HD9 4DW
    Groovin' for Brass Band Aid!
    (Date submitted: 2 October 2005)
    Last Saturday (1st October) heard the United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band give what is believed to have been the premiere performance of African Funk, composed by Alan Fernie. The piece, which went down a storm with audience, combines groovy and funky rhythms with tunes such as The Lion Sleeps Tonight and has been composed to help support Brass Band Aid, with all profits from sales going towards the worthwhile fund. Said the Band's Manager, Tabby Clegg: "We programmed the piece in at the last minute having obtained the music last week and it went down particularly well with audience. It's great to be supporting Briony and Bob Thompson with such a tremendous project as Brass Band Aid and we plan to play the music at our next few concerts with collections for Brass Band Aid also being organised. I just hope bands across the country will get hold of the music by purchasing it from any good retailer and performing it as much as possible." The band's next performance of African Funk will be at Formby Hall, Atherton on 23rd October, under the direction of it's new Musical Director, Kevin Wadsworth.
    MUSE 2006 - A uniquely fun and educational experience
    (Date submitted: 27 September 2005)
    AS Muse 2006 (Singapore's new and unique youth music festival designed especially for brass and wind bands) draws closer, more musical groups from around the world are keen to get involved. The Festival will take place in venues across Singapore from 13 to 19 April 2006 and groups from England, China, Singapore and Australia have expressed a keen interest to take part. With such a great response to the first festival, the organisers from Orient Explorer are again sending out an extended invitation to more brass and wind bands from around the world to come and join in the fun.
    Muse 2006 will be a uniquely fun and educational experience for everyone who takes part and performers are offered first-class concert performances, friendly yet competitive competitions, workshops with experienced and renowned musicians and the chance to share and learn about music from all countries and cultures. Musical business aside, performers will be able to share the sights and sounds of Singapore which is fast becoming one of the greatest arts hubs in the world, with visits to Sentosa Island, the Singapore River, water theme parks and world renowned places such as the Raffles Hotel and the amazing Esplanade Concert Hall, home of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. On top of all of this Orient Explorer will endeavour to help visiting groups with cheap accommodation and offer advice on funding. So don't hesitate any longer. If your groups is interested in attending Muse 2006, contact the team straight away.
    To find out more about MUSE 2006, log onto: www.orient-explorer.com/musefestival
    BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist 2006
    (Date submitted: 23 September 2005)
    BBC Radio 2 is again inviting young brass players to enter its prestigious Young Brass Soloist Competition. If you are a brass players under the age of 21, of Grade 8 or equivalent standard and play regularly with a brass band, wind band, or orchestra then this is your chance to claim the title in 2006 and to be heard on the popular Listen To The Band programme presented by Frank Renton. The winner will also get an invitation to perform as guest soloist with a top championship band. The first round will be judged by a panel of BBC experts alongside significant figures in the brass band and classical music world.
    The semi-finals take place before an invited audience on Saturday 11th March 2006 at the BBC Studios in Manchester, and the finals on Sunday 2nd April 2006 at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. For both events the competitors will be accompanied by the Black Dyke Band conducted by Nicholas Childs.

    For further information and application forms, go to bbc.co.uk/radio2/events or call the Radio 2 audience line on 08700 100 200
    Putting Brass at Number One!
    (Date submitted: 20 September 2005)
    Not since the glory days of The Floral Dance has a brass band achieved success in the UK charts and despite every effort to promote the genre in the mainstream music market, the hit parade has been bombarded with reality TV show winners as opposed to the traditional English soul music that is brass bands.
    Well, now it's the banding fraternity's opportunity to help hear the sounds of brass in the charts as, for the first time in many years, an album and single featuring some top quality brass playing is being released into the mainstream pop charts.
    The album in question is entitled The Man with the Golden Cornet, an outstanding album featuring Alan Morrison, accompanied by the Brighouse & Rastrick. Featuring some of the most beautiful, soulful and easy listening tunes, the album has been released by Hot Records and will hit the UK market on Monday 26 September.
    On the same day a single will also be released, featuring three versions of Alan performing his own evocative adaptation of Eva Cassidy's Over the Rainbow, a stunning arrangement which earned Alan the inaugural Fodens Richardson Award.
    But how can you help? Quite simply, in order for the single Over the Rainbow to rise up the hit parade it must achieve record sales. However, high street music stores will only stock the single and album if the demand is there and it receives plenty of air play on the radio. So, in order to hear bands in the charts again, give the radio station you listen to a call and request Alan's performance of Over the Rainbow. Likewise, when walking down the street pop into your local music store and ask if they sell either the single Over the Rainbow, performed by Alan Morrison or his new album, The Man with the Golden Cornet. This is our chance as a banding community to pull together to give brass bands the exposure they deserve in the mainstream musical world.
    Tracks:
    1. San Damiano - Sal Solo
    2. Remember Me - Leigh Baker
    3. Hello - Lionel Richie
    4. April in Paris - George Gerswin
    5. Wild Mountain Thyme - Francis McPeake
    6. Domen - J.M. Forde
    7. Ave Maria
    8. Kim
    9. Over the Rainbow

    Hot Records, P.O.Box 333, Brighton, BN1 2EH. Tel: 01403 740260, Fax: 01403 740261.
    www.hotrecords.uk.com
    An epic start to 2006 as Lawrence, Yorkshire Co-op and Norfolk Wherry join forces
    (Date submitted: 19 September 2005)
    The United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band will kick-off 2006 in grand style by giving the UK premiere of Phil Lawrence's epic test-piece, Gregoritas, in a joint concert with local band Norfolk Wherry Brass in the stunning venue of St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich on Saturday 28 January. Having already premiered one of Phil's pieces this year the band was keen to take on the challenge of Gregoritas which has, until now, only been performed with great success and acclaim in Australia and New Zealand by the Hawthorn Band and Trusts Waitakere respectively.
    Said Band Manager Tabby Clegg: "Phil's music has encapsulated the band with its mix of fiendish writing, intrigue and comedy and Gregoritas presents the new challenge of sophistication and style with its clever mix of Gregorian chant versus the traditional idiom of brass bands. It will be a privilege to give the UK premiere and work with Phil and whilst we are honoured to have this opportunity and perform new music by such a reputed composer, I can't believe that no band has accepted the challenge before now."
    Said Phil Lawrence: "I'm over the moon that Yorkshire Co-op have taken on the UK premier of Gregoritas. I consider them to be one of the most forward thinking bands in the UK and not because they have chosen my work, but because of their policy to seek out new works and composers other than our established brass band composers. Tabby Clegg is undoubtedly the mastermind behind this direction and policy and takes it on with a passion and razor sharp professionalism! Gregoritas is more than a test; its symphonic proportions will stretch any band on the planet to the limits of technique, endurance, and musical interpretation. I cannot wait to be there!
    The concert is hosted by up and coming band Norfolk Wherry Brass, who make their debut appearance at the National Finals this weekend. Delighted at the opportunity to work alongside Yorkshire Co-op, Norfolk Wherry Chairman, Mike Thorn thought of no better location than the magnificent St. Andrew's Hall. The event is being promoted by a new company called Broadland Music, based in Norwich and this concert will be the first in its new concert series that brings prestigious bands and soloists to East Anglia. Tickets are available now by 'phoning the box office free on 0800 783 7682, or you can buy online at www.broadlandmusic.co.uk.
    Tabby Clegg
    Brass for Brass!
    DOES YOUR BAND NEED MORE MONEY?
    (Date submitted: 15 September 2005)
    Brass bands can now raise funds through insurance. A new company- The Totally Insured Group (TIG) - is offering to split its commission with bands. TIG is run entirely by brass band players and is dedicated to raising thousands of pounds for bands and musical groups, in addition to their extensive work with charities around the UK.

    If a client arranges their life insurance, critical illness cover or mortgage protection through TIG, they will make a generous donation to the band of the client's choice – worth up to 6 months of premiums. TIG will compare quotes from a range of leading insurance companies such as Norwich Union, Legal & General, Liverpool Victoria and Scottish Provident and secure the best deal.

    Andrew Norman, Director of Charities for TIG and former Principal Trombone with The Polysteel Flowers Band says, "Being a bandsman for nearly thirty years, I have found that the biggest problem facing bands at all levels is funding. By donating a proportion of our commission when we arrange policies, we aim to help bands raise extra money. This idea helps bands at no cost to them or their supporters. We supply all relevant artwork and marketing material free of charge - all we ask the band to do is to tell their supporters. Advertise in your concert programmes and newsletters, link us to your website, anything you can think of, because the more people that know about us, the more money we can raise for you!"

    Even if you have existing Life Insurance it will be worth contacting TIG to see if they can find the same cover but at a cheaper premium. Over the last few years, insurance companies have reduced their premiums – some by 30% - which means that you could be paying more than you need to for exactly the same policy today. If you are also one of the thousands who have given up smoking since you took out your last policy, did you know you could save a massive 50% on the premiums you are paying, or get higher cover for the same money, just by re-broking your policy?

    How many of us wish we could do more for our band? This way you can. You take out or re-broke a policy you need anyway and perha>>ps save yourself some money in the process. Because of your action, your band will receive a donation on your behalf, without it costing you a penny.

    Music to your ears? For further information, please telephone 0870 240 8891, or email Andy Norman at andrew@totallyinsuredgroup.co.uk . You can also find out more on their website www.totallyinsuredgroup.co.uk/bands.

    Totally Insured Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

    Contact: Andrew Norman
    Tel: 0870 240 8891
    Email: andrew@totallyinsuredgroup.co.uk
    Northern All Stars Brass
    (Date submitted: 15 September 2005)
    A new Brass Band is born!
    With the aim of developing brass performance in the North East, Ray Farr, Conductor in Residence at Durham University is forming a new Band comprising of top players from a variety of Bands in the Region. The "All Star" Band will be a non-competing Band and will focus on music connected to the Region with programmes that include a range of music styles. There will also be opportunities to show some local individual talent as soloists.
    The large Band (54 Musicians ) will be known as the NORTHERN "ALL STARS" BRASS and applications are invited for places within the Band.
    The launch concert of the Band will be held on the 22nd January 2006, at the Sage, Gateshead which has recently been built and is undoubtedly one of the finest Concert Halls in Europe seating over 1600 people. Approaches have already been made for the concert to be recorded by the BBC and plans are also being considered for further prestige concerts and recordings.
    The administration of the Northern "All Stars" Band will be in the hands of Ray Hutchinson, one of the most experienced Brass Band administrators in the Northern Region who will work very closely with Ray Farr the Bands conductor and architect of the project.
    Anyone interested in playing or wishing to receive further details regarding this exciting new venture should contact either Ray Farr, 07717 433613, ray.farr@durham.ac.uk, or Ray Hutchinson 0191-3882599, 0770 357 3443, rhutchinson@rhutchinson.wanadoo.co.uk
    Conduct Black Dyke!
    (Date submitted: 12 September 2005)
    Hello everyone How would you like the opportunity to play with or conduct the most famous Brass Band in the world? Yes, Black Dyke Band, to find out how, and to support Brass Band Aid, visit this EBAY page. This is truly an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity, donated by Black Dyke in support of Brass Band Aid. It doesnt even matter if you dont live in the UK, you may be coming over here on holiday, the offer is open for a 12 month period for the winner.

    www.brassbandaid.com. All proceeds are going to charity, please explore the website and find out who is involved, how it all started, listen to some sample audio tracks, and importantly, how you can get involved. Please leave comments on the website.
    Band Aid
    (Date submitted: 3 September 2005)
    The long awaited Brass BAnd Aid cd is now available. To order your copy please visit www.brassbandaid.com. All proceeds are going to charity, please explore the website and find out who is involved, how it all started, listen to some sample audio tracks, and importantly, how you can get involved. Please leave comments on the website.
    Long Eaton new arrivals
    (Date submitted: 23 August 2005)
    Long Eaton Silver Prize Band is delighted to announce two new arrivals to the band. The first is bass trombone player Steve Wright who joins Rob Stansfield and Helen Grimoldby to complete the trombone section and the second new arrival is William Alexander Dennis born 17th July to principal cornet James and his wife Charlotte. James mum, Sharon Stansfield, who conducts the band is on the look out for a new bass player but thinks she will have to wait a while till young William can pick up the Bass! For more information on the band please see our website at www.lespb.co.uk
    A Fanfare of Celebration
    (Date submitted: 17 August 2005)
    To celebrate its inaugural performance at the All England Show Jumping Course, Hickstead, for the British Show Jumping Derby this weekend (21st), the United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band will perform a specially commissioned Fanfare entitled A Modern Fanfare for Hickstead. The Fanfare has been composed by Stephen Tighe, who will conduct the band at the event, and will be performed at the commencement of the Parade of Riders prior to the DFS Derby. The Fanfare celebrates the band's performance at one of the most highly prestigious equine sporting events and is dedicated to the event, its organisers and all the competitors.
    Brass Band Aid
    (Date submitted: 31 July 2005)
    'Brass Band Aid' a recently formed initiative, are seeking over a hundred Brass Bands in the UK and abroad, to promote a concert for Brass Band Aid. The Recently recorded CD will hopefully be available in the next 2 weeks. The proceeds from this and the concerts will be donated to a specific project identified exclusively for Brass Band Aid. World Vision, a major International charity has identified a project in Ethiopia, where all moneys raised will be donated to the building of a school in a town called Adet.
    The project has had incredible support from the Brass Band World both in the UK and abroad, please have a look at our website for more information and follow the links: http://stanhopesb.org/pub/BrassBandAid
    If you would like to get involved please get in touch asap by email to: brassbandaid@stanhopesb.org
    Many thanks, Bob Thompson, Brass Band Aid
    Saltash 30th Birthday
    (Date submitted: 31 July 2005)
    Saltash Town Band and friends, under the baton of Mr Robert Julian, celebrated their 30th Birthday in an exciting concert at Saltash.net Community School on Friday, 29th July. The audience was kept entertained by the Town Band, Youth and Training Bands, with special guest Mr John Honywill, on Piano. Mr David Dobson, as a special guest and former Musical Director, conducted "Celtic Song", written by his well known and very talented son, Simon Dobson. One of the highlights of the evening was when Andrew Knight played "Bass in the Ballroom" and dressed up for the part - Ball Gown, Pearls, High Heels and Wig - what a trouper! Ernie Reynolds, Compere for the evening, also had everyone in stitches.
    Many friends and guests continued the celebrations the following evening at The Cecil Arms, Saltash, with a Barbecue (and yet another Raffle). Everyone was very merry and helped raise some much needed pennies towards the Band's New Uniform Appeal.
    The Pneuphoniker: World's First Self-Playing Tuba/Sousaphon-Accordion Orchestra
    (Date submitted: 27 July 2005)
    In the over 100-year history of mechanical music instruments, many instruments were brought to play automatically (piano, organ, violin, percussion and others). There was never any success, however, with mechanically blowing a sheet metal wind instrument such as the tuba or the Sousaphone. After several years work the brothers Marcus and M. Buschmann (Cologne, Germany) solved the problem, and since a tubaist or Sousaphonist can't permantly entertain all alone, the wind instrument was placed beside an accordionist. Consequently, the Pneuphonikers are the first and only mechanical Sousaphone/-Tuba-Accordion orchestra world-wide. The reactions of the public are same again and again: First mystification and then enthusiasm.
    During a 3-year development period they succeeded in producing the appropriate tones, using a very fast pneumatic valve, that match the respective tone needed when the tuba valve keys are pressed. The buttons of the tuba and those of the accordion move as by a ghostly hand. Both instruments allow a superhuman playing technique in the tempo as well as the tone duration.
    The life-size doll that plays the tuba is at the side of another mechanical accordionist. The two puppets and their heads move synchronized to the music, and at the last chorus the accordionist rises up with his instrument. The "Pneuphonikers" can play almost 250 melodies, oldies and current hits, that were specifically arranged for accordion and tuba. "Papa Joe" Buschmann himself arranged most of the songs and transferred them via keyboard to "let the music play"! With 128 volume-grading per tone, the instruments play all musical delicacies: From fortissimo until pianissimo. The life-size dolls equipped by Rita Buschmann move to the music, and the accordionist shows not only facial expression but even rises up during the performance.
    Watch yourself and hear some music, at http://www.pneuphoniker.de
    End of an era
    (Date submitted: 26 July 2005)
    After nearly nine years as Musical Director, the United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band is very sad to announce that John Roberts has stepped down from his podium after a tenure which has witnessed a fantastic relationship between band and conductor. Said the band's secretary, Tabby Clegg: "John and the band have had a wonderful relationship over the past nine years and he has been responsible for the band's success and vision, with some fantastic concerts, CDs and tours to Switzerland and latterly Singapore and New Zealand and some outstanding contest performances, including the First Section National Finals in 1999, the Grand Shield, Brass in the Park and the New Zealand Brass Band Championships." "Not only has John been a great Musical Director he is also a true friend to everyone in the band, especially myself, and he will be really missed but will always be part of our very close group of friends. It has been a pleasure to work with John musically and we wish him every success for his future and thank him for all the hard work, commitment and dedication he has put into the band over the past years." However, whilst the band is sad to say goodbye to John, it is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Musical Director, Kevin Wadsworth. Kevin comes to the band with a wealth of experience having been one of the country's top horn players and one of the finest musicians and adjudicators in the UK. Welcoming Kevin, Tabby said: "The band is very pleased that Kevin has accepted its invitation to become its new Musical Director. We worked with Kevin earlier this year and everyone was particularly taken with his style, drive and working ethos of work hard but have fun, a policy we try and uphold. There is a real buzz around the band and this will hopefully be the start of another exciting chapter in the band's history as we already have some fantastic ideas and projects in the pipeline for the next few years." "Kevin will officially commence his new post on 19 September once he has fulfilled his commitments with the West Yorkshire Police Band, which he is conducting at the Lower Section National Finals in Harrogate. Everyone at United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band wishes Kevin and West Yorkshire Police Band every success for their assault on the 2nd Section Championships."
    Another night, another premiere
    (Date submitted: 25 July 2005)
    Last Saturday (23 July) the United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band gave another world premiere when it performed Phil Lawrence's work A Long Ride in a Static Machine. Based on his late father's antics around the M25 Orbital, the intricate 'tone poem' depicts a long and frustrating journey on the M25 complete with car horns, vender benders and police cars! The work received a rapturous applause from the 600 strong audience at the concert in the grounds of English Heritage's Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire. Said Band Manager Tabby Clegg: "The music was such fun, despite the hard work that went into preparation and it is a real privilege to perform Phil's music, especially works such as this when Phil's own sense of humour and character are really depicted in the music! The band is already working on some other music by Phil who, in my opinion, is one of the finest composers around today writing for brass."
    Young Ambassadors in Canada
    (Date submitted: 8 July 2005)
    Premier Productions proudly presents the Young Ambassadors Brass Band of Great Britain, under the baton of Frank Wolff, featuring players from the top bands in the UK. Friday, August 12, 2005 at 7:30 pm. New Covenant Church, 22 Holiday Drive, Brantford, Ontario, Canada (beside Home Depot). Tickets are $10 each and are available by email: prem_webcast@mountaincable.net, by phone: 519-587-3886, by mail: c/o Ian Cooper, Box 135, Jarvis, Ontario, N0A 1J0
    Staines Brass 75th Anniversary
    (Date submitted: 3 July 2005)
    Staines Brass are celebrating their 75th Anniversary in concert with The Black Dyke Band at the Spelthorne Leisure Centre, Staines on the 10th July at 3:30pm. As well as having one of the world's best bands on stage with us we also have our guest soloist, Ben Godfrey. Ben is currently a freelance Trumpet player in London. Some of his most recent work has included a European and New York tour with the London Symphony Orchestra, and has had the privilege to sit along side his hero's Maurice Murphy, Rod Franks, Jerry Ruddock and Nigel Gomm. Ben also works with a number of other orchestra's including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, English Symphony Orchestra and Brandenburg Sinfonia amongst others. He can also be heard daily playing the theme tune to the Channel 4 News. Ben has also worked in the West End on Jerry Springer the Opera, played with the Sid Lawrence Orchestra, the London Jazz Orchestra and the Elton John Orchestra. He originates from a brass band background playing for the NYBBGB and GUS before taking the principle chair at YBS. He then joined the band of H.M. Coldstream Guards where he served for a number of years before leaving to study at The Royal Academy of Music under James Watson, Howard Snell, Paul Archibald, Rod Franks, Derek Watkins and Brian Rance.
    The Black Dyke Band has a great program for us including Jupiter, Festive Overture and solos from Roger Webster (cornet) and David Thornton (Euphonium).
    To get yourself a ticket contact Doreen Ferris on 01932 560804 or 07740244824, or email doreen@doreenferris.plus.com.
    From the proceeds of this concert a donation will be given to the Mayor of Spelthorne's following charities - Breast Cancer Unit at Ashford/St Peter's Hospitals, CREST and One-to-One
    Music for Everyone 2006 (MUSE)
    (Date submitted: 29 June 2005)
    The most exciting and innovative new Music Festival of recent years is set to take place in one of the most cosmopolitan countries in the world, Singapore, in April 2006. Music for Everyone 2006 (MUSE) is a pioneering and unique opportunity for youth concert and brass bands from all over the world to meet up and experience the delights of Singapore and participate in the MUSE Festival which will take place from 13 – 19 April 2006.
    The event is being organised by destination management company Orient Explorer, and is supported by Empress Place Attractions Association and the Singapore Band Directors Association. Participating ensembles will perform in concerts, workshops and fringe events across Singapore, compete against each other in a day of competition and get the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of one of the world's most beautiful and bustling countries. MUSE is also a platform and opportunity for young performers and band directors to mingle, interact and share cross-cultural experiences with friends from around the world and already there has been great interest from bands in Singapore, England, Australia and New Zealand. The competition judges will also be drawn from around the world.
    The Festival is aimed at concert and brass bands with an age range of 12 to 18 years-old and the Festival organisers are taking every available action to make the Festival as accessible, both musically and financially, to all youth bands across the globe. With the first Festival still very much in the preparation stages, the organisers are still keen to hear from as many bands as possible who may be interested in taking part as they hope to make the first event a dazzling showcase of youth talent from around the globe and consolidate MUSE's status as one of the world's finest.
    If any bands are interested in finding out more about taking part in MUSE 2006 then e-mail mail@orient-explorer.com. Any bands interested will be asked to take part in a submission procedure which will include submitting an unedited performance piece on CD and completing an application form. So come on, contact us and find out more about the most exciting Festival of 2006, after all, music is for everyone!
    For all press and media enquiries contact Tabby Clegg at: tabby.clegg@btopenworld.com
    Spit Valve forum for Australia and New Zealand
    (Date submitted: 26 June 2005)
    A new brass band discussion forum is online. Spitvalve.com.au provides a place for discussions on all topics related to brass banding in Australia and New Zealand, from contests to concerts, bands to people, news and rumour!
    Battle of the bands!
    (Date submitted: 26 June 2005)
    Following the success of the 2004 event, the United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band is running a second 5 a-side football tournament, due to take place on 31 July 2005 at Stanley Rodillians Rugby Club, Manley Park, Rothwell.
    Last year's event saw around 20 teams compete and bands from the top flight including YBS, Faireys and Sellers International locked horns with teams from the lower sections, including Emley Brass, Meltham & Meltham Mills and Ireland Colliery Chesterfield.
    However, the only team entered that was not from a brass band won the tournament, taking home the prize money!
    Prize money of £75 will be up for grabs for the winning team and the tournament organisers are hoping that even more teams will enter this year and come and join the fun which will also include a bar, barbeque and raffle.
    For an entry form e-mail Tabby Clegg at tabby.clegg@btopenworld.com
    The following month on Saturday 27 August, the band will also be holding another black tie ball and more information can be obtained from Tabby Clegg.
    Premières in Brighouse
    (Date submitted: 23 June 2005)
    The United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band is continuing with its ethos of stretching the boundaries and performing new music, with the world premiere of two new works at its forthcoming concert in Central Methodists Church, Brighouse on 2 July, a concert that forms part of the weekend of music-making that incorporates Brighouse March and Hymn Tune Contest.
    The two new works are from the pens of Andrew Cook and Richard Grantham and the band has previously premiered other works by the composers in the last 12 months. Midwinter 1610 by Andrew Cook is a charming piece depicting the great winter that struck the country in 1610, a winter alleged to have been one of the worst ever.
    The second work receiving its world premiere is Veni Creator (Thomas Tallis) by Richard Grantham. The band recently recorded Richard's work Gothic and Veni Creator is a totally different style of work based on the wonderful, melodic tunes of the great Tallis. Describing the piece Richard Grantham said: "Veni Creator is a fantasy on a theme attributed to the English musician Thomas Tallis (1510-1585). The title in Latin literally means 'Come, O creator Spirit' and the work certainly is imbued with the spirit of the first verse: "Come, O creator Spirit, come, And make within our hearts thy home: To us thy grace celestial give, Who of thy breathing move and live!" The work begins with a full-band statement of the hymn tune as would be sung by a choir. From then onwards the melody and harmony are subject to variation and metamorphosis until the work ends in sombre mode with a simple statement of the opening phase by a solo cornet and tierce de picardy closing chord from a much reduced ensemble. The work should certainly be full of life!" Veni Creator is just one of the pieces that is in the catalogue for Richard's newly created publishing company Innovo Music, a company dedicated to promoting Richard's music and hopefully the music of other up and coming composers.
    You can visit the website for Innovo Music at www.innovomusic.co.uk
    For all enquiries contact Tabby Clegg at tabby.clegg@btopenworld.com
    Trombones World Record?
    (Date submitted: 18 June 2005)
    Calling all trombone players to come and beat the Guinness World Record for the most trombonists playing at once. This will take place at Dobcross band Club, Saddleworth on Saturday 2nd July. We need 300 trombonists (preferably about grade 4 up but if you can read a few notes, we'll find a part for you!). Registration: 11.30am - 1pm (all participants have to register to validate the record); Rehearsal: 1pm – 2pm; World record attempt: c2.15pm. If you want to join in, please send your name and a contact number or email to Helen@stepuponline.org.uk
    The real Groundforce?
    (Date submitted: 27 May 2005)
    To coincide with National Volunteers Week, the Brighouse based United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band is turning its back on musical matters next week and downing instruments and picking-up gardening tools as it leads the way in the regeneration of the Hanson Lane Memorial Garden in Halifax. The Garden, which is a memorial to the Halifax Bomb Blast in 1940, 50 years of independence of Pakistanis in Halifax and a memorial to Diana Princess of Wales is in need of desperate regeneration and thanks to the band's sponsors United Co-operatives, the band itself, Voluntary Action Calderdale and a Better Neighbourhood Grant from B&Q, the garden will receive the groundforce treatment from the band, with a full makeover taking place on Saturday 4 June. The band's sponsors, United Co-operatives, is renowned for becoming involved with community projects and members of the band also decided they would like to be involved with a non-musical community project. Said the band's secretary Tabby Clegg: "The band will be heading the work on the garden and, once the whole area is cleaned up and dug over, it will be re-planted and developed into a peaceful area which can be appreciated and used as a place of reflection. Members of the band will be undertaking the work along with some of our sponsors and hopefully members of the local area in Hanson Lane and Pellon Lane in Halifax will come and join in." The band has also been supporting other local causes by donating books to its local branch of Lloyds TSB where they are being sold to raise money for cancer charities.
    Littleborough welcome
    (Date submitted: 10 May 2005)
    Littleborough Public Brass Band would like to publicly welcome Georgina and Michelle to the band, who joined us recently. Georgina, formally with Shaw, and Michelle, formally with Wardle take up the 1st and 2nd Baritone seats respectively. The girls played their first concert last Sunday night at Dobcross Band Club. The band is currently recruiting for the following players: Eb/Bb Bass, Soprano and Solo Cornet.
    Treorchy VE Day 60th Anniversary Tribute
    (Date submitted: 28 April 2005)
    On Saturday May 7th 2005 the Parc & Dare Band will present a tribute to VE Day based at the Parc and Dare Theatre, Treorchy, on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. The event, which is organised in conjunction with the Parc and Dare Theatre and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, will feature the Parc & Dare Band alongside The Band of the Grenadier Guards and other guest artists, in a series of activities throughout the day on Saturday May 7th 2005 which will culminate in a special evening concert at the Parc and Dare Theatre.
    The official celebrations will commence around 4:00pm with a parade led by the Band of the Grenadier Guards from the Baglan Fields, Treherbert to the Parc and Dare Theatre, Treorchy. In addition to the Band of the Grenadier Guards the parade will also include the South Wales Police Band, Rhondda Sea Cadets Band, mounted police and local World War veterans.
    This parade, which has the support of the Royal British Legion and Treorchy Town Centre Forum, who have pledged to assist in dressing the town in a manner befitting the event, will conclude at the Parc and Dare Theatre, where it will be met with a fanfare performed by the Parc & Dare Band and a short memorial service, complete with hymn tunes and the traditional last post.
    7:30pm will then see the main event commence: An Evening of Military Splendour featuring the Parc & Dare Band alongside The Band of the Grenadier Guards, Rhondda Cynon Taf Youth Chorus and other special guests in a concert featuring everybody's favourite wartime melodies and movie themes, and culminating in a grand Tattoo style finale of Sunset, Evening Hymn and Last Post. The event will also feature and be presented by BBC Wales' Beverley Humphreys.
    Tickets for this event are available from the Parc and Dare Theatre on 01443 773 112
    In addition to the parade a number of other events will also be taking places at various locations around the town including a series of performances of "Hits from the Blitz" by Colstars Theatre Group, a selection of performance by various youth ensembles from Rhondda Cynon Taf Music Service, an exhibition on events taking place within Rhondda Cynon Taf during the war years, plus a tea for senior citizens organised by the local branch of the Women's Institute.
    Further information on all these events is available from Judi Hughes, Venue Development Manager of the Parc & Dare Theatre on 01443 775 654
    It is belief of the organisers that this will be a fitting tribute on the 60th Anniversary of such a monumental event in our history, locally, nationally and internationally; a spectacular tribute to the veterans on behalf of Treorchy, Rhondda Cynon Taf and of Wales.
    They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old:
    Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
    At the going down of the sun and in the morning
    We will remember them.
    For further information contact:

    Craig Roberts
    Musical Director, Parc & Dare Band
    07901 991 013
    CRoberts100@tiscali.co.uk

    Judi Hughes
    Venue Development, Parc and Dare Theatre
    01443 775 654
    Judi.Y.Hughes@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk

    Malcolm Pickin
    Chairman, Parc & Dare Band
    01443 776 195
    Reunion! South Yorks Police Band
    (Date submitted: 26 April 2005)
    Calling all former members of the South Yorkshire Police Band! Please get in touch ... reunion coming soon ...... celebrating 25 years. Contact Andy Schofield 0800 387830, or email b.scofield33@ntlworld.com
    Half Price Places for Brass Players
    (Date submitted: 23 April 2005)
    Jazz From the Source is a recently formed cooperative venture formed by highly regarded musicians in their own traditions, Omar Puente from Cuba and Lucky Ranku from South Africa, both based in the north of England. The aim is to develop a series of musical workshops, "Jazz from the Source", emphasising the development of performances inspired by world music rhythms and participants' own imagination and creativity. With deliberately small group sizes and both percussion and instrumental tutors, the aim is to involve both professional and amateur musicians in a celebration of the source of Jazz, and a fusion of styles.
    Based at Manchester's new venue, 'Mint Lounge', the first of these workshops, CubaJazz will take place over the Mayday Bank Holiday weekend, 30 April to 2 May, finishing with a performance by participants and tutors on Monday 2 May - including both traditional and new material.
    Omar Puente will be performing at the Royal Festival Hall in May, and has recently performed with Courtney Pine on BBC 4's Jazz Britannia, is a member of Dennis Baptiste's 'Let Freedom Ring Tour and has recorded with a number of both Cuban and UK Jazz and World Music Stars. He currently teaches at both Trinity and Leeds Colleges of Music.
    Contact 07981 090831, or email cuba.jazz@virgin.net
    Haverhill Sinfonia Soloist Competition
    (Date submitted: 18 April 2005)
    The 16th Haverhill Sinfonia Soloist Competition takes place on Saturday 24 September 2005. Categories are Woodwind, Brass, Strings, Piano, Singers, Marimba and Vibraphone. Competitors may be of any age and nationality but, should be of diploma standard or have attained the minimum standard of ABRSM Grade 8 distinction. There are prizes and engagements to the value of more than £4,000, including solo performances with Haverhill Sinfonia, Lambeth Orchestra and City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra; also solo recitals in Haverhill, Southend, Leighton Buzzard, London, Louth, Lyndhurst, Steyning, Colchester and Glasgow. Rules, brochure and entry form available (send SAE) to Haverhill Sinfonia, 8 Templars Court, Haverhill, Suffolk. CB9 9AJ or see the website: played.by/orchestra. Closing date for entries - 25 August, 2005
    Mining Bands Information Wanted
    (Date submitted: 14 April 2005)
    Do you have archive film footage (or know of any) illustrating the early years of brass banding in England, Wales & Scotland? Might you consider loaning it for inclusion in an educational film aimed at schools and young people?
    The working title for this project is, Banding & Mining Heritage. To give you an idea of what we¹re looking for, the perfect clip might show men straight from the shaft cage - miners back up in the light and air from a shift below ground. They're meeting up to rehearse with their workmates in the brass band taking its name from the place where they work. Anything which connects miners and bandsmen.
    If you have this or something similar or know where we can look, we¹d love to hear from you. Perhaps you would be able to loan the project: -
  • Photographic Images dating back to the early 20th Century (or earlier)
  • Concert and event ephemera: programmes; advertising; newspaper articles Prize collections in Miners' Welfare Clubs & Institute Band Rooms
  • Anything else connected
    After the successful 6 part series THE REAL BRASSED OFF, for Carlton Central, Television (ITV1) in Spring 2002, Hotbed Media Limited are producing another film in the world of brass banding. Many people in the Brass Band World will know about Desford Colliery Band and their sister band, Snibston and Desford Colliery Band and may have seen the series for ITV1 broadcast on Sunday afternoons back in early 2002. The Real Brassed Off saw the successes (and failures) of the two sister brass bands based in what was once the Wages Office of Desford Pit now re-erected in Coalville, Leicestershire and renamed the Brasshouse. It's the players who make it all happen - the A-band taking the Boosey & Hawkes Midlands Regional Championships, at Burton-upon-Trent Town Hall and the B-band taking the Mineworkers Championship at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.
    This time it's about heritage & history, providing a window on the past before it disappears from memory and before all the physical reminders are all gone. The working title for this project is, Banding & Mining Heritage. The company want to look back in time away from the financial pressures of today, back to the origins of brass bands in this country and, in particular, the close connections with the mining industry and mining communities.
    We will be working with Desford Colliery, Carlton Main Frickley & Newstead WelfareBands and others - to produce a 45-minute programme aimed primarily for schools to educate (and entertain) young people about the connections between early brass banding traditions and our shared mining heritage. The project is working to a low budget and is being supported by Hotbed Media Ltd., the producing company and Aquila Television in Birmingham, providing post production facilities and we would be looking to loan material from owners for possible inclusion in the completed film without charge for its use. Hotbed Media are based in Birmingham, but for practical reasons the programme will concentrate on the former Leicestershire/Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire Coalfields. Travelling and content from further areas is very possible.
    Where it would be welcomed we would look at making a credit on the finished DVD to acknowledge individuals and organisations making a contribution. We would also like to provide contributors with a copy of the completed DVD, which should be available towards the end of summer 2005. We will, of course, take great care with your precious material and, by arrangement, would be able to visit to view material.
    Amongst the many questions they want to ask and find out about are:
  • Why were there so many brass bands in and around the pits and mining villages?
  • Where did the money come from to run these bands in the early years?
  • Why were miners so keen to make music?
  • How did national and regional competitions begin and develop?
  • What were the special synergies between extracting coal and creating musical magic?
  • How did the Brass Banding world get to where it is today and why?
    For further information, or to send details of the items in your possession, please contact: Michael G. Dyer, Producer/Director, Banding & Mining Heritage, Hotbed Media Limited, 16 Regent Place, The Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, B1 3NJ. Email: michael.dyer@hotbedmedia.co.uk
    • Aldershot Old Boys Reunite
    (Date submitted: 23 March 2005)
    On 13th. March at London's Maida Vale Studio 1, a meeting took place of two former members of Alder Valley Aldershot Brass who last performed with the band back in 1990. Musical Director Terry Treherne conducted the band to the runner-up position (for only the second time in the band's history) at the area contest of 1990 on Eric Ball's Journey Into Freedom at Watford Town Hall. That was Charley Brighton's last engagement on solo euphonium with the band, before venturing off to help restart the famous Hanwell Band in West London.
    Terry had contacted Charley (following his sponsorship deal with Willson Band Instruments of Switzerland) a few months before the date, with a new euphonium solo, written with the past friendship very much in mind, called 'Recollections'. Originally for brass band, it was quickly transcribed for wind band for a premier performance with the BBC Elstree Concert Band, to be recorded live at the studios.
    Musical Director Mike Crisp was very keen 'air' the new music in a programme of contrasting styles, including Strike Up The Band, Chicago, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and Hamish Mc.Cunn's Land of The Mountain and The Flood. The concert was sponsored by the Voice of The Listener Trust, which has promoted two concerts annually for more than 14 years. Previous recordings have been in Broadcasting House.
    Terry now resides in Exeter and has penned many works for brass band. His first venture into wind band scoring was so successful that further works are planned for Charley to perform with the BBC Band. A version for Euphonium & Organ is to be premiered in a recital on May 14th 2005, at St. Mary's, Slough with Malcolm Stowell. Details, contact Charley Brighton, email: charley@euph9.freeserve.co.uk
    Walking out uniforms wanted
    (Date submitted: 19 March 2005)
    Pillowell Silver Band are seeking walking out uniforms - if any Band is considering renewing their Off Stage uniform and wish theirs to go to a good home please contact Hayley, email: h.j.n@btinternet.com
    NABBC Lending Library
    (Date submitted: 3 March 2005)
    The National Association of Brass Band Conductors (NABBC) lending library is now available on line and available to members. To access the library click on "Member's Area" on the site http://www.nabbc.org.uk then on Lending Library. There are currently well over 200 items in the library including scores and parts.
    Durham's Free Range Music
    (Date submitted: 27 February 2005)
    Free Range Music is a new brass-based scheme for young people in County Durham. The Durham Brass Initiative has secured funding from the Youth Music Foundation for this project, and it starts in the spring with a series of innovative and inspiring activities in Derwentside and Easington. Free Range Music is designed build upon the success of the existing Durham Brass Festival over the last five years by encouraging young people to become involved in and inspired by brass music, and to experience brass music from both the north east and around the world. Young people will also benefit from the unique opportunities to work and play alongside experienced professional musicians.
    Further details from the Project Co-ordinator, Rob Guest, Tel: 0191 3018245 or email robert_guest1982@yahoo.co.uk
    Normans' Bursary Prize Beer Draw
    (Date submitted: 23 February 2005)
    The Normans Bursary is a fund raising initiative by Normans Musical Instruments to provide financial assistance to promising young musicians throughout the UK. A prize draw is being held, with all proceeds being donated to the Awards for Young Musicians Charity to set up a Bursary to support talented young brass players from the brass band movement.
    Prize: a "years worth" of beer for just £1! That is actually 2005 cans of either Carling, Worthington or Caffrey's, the choice is yours. Tickets will be sold from Saturday 26th February until Sunday 20th March 2005. They will be available at all 8 Regional brass band contests in February/March from the Normans Trade Stand. Bridget Sime, Director of Awards for Young Musicians, will make the draw on Thursday 14th April 2005.
    Duncan's One Breath premiere
    (Date submitted: 20 February 2005)
    Tuba virtuoso and award-winning composer Andy Duncan conducted the world premiere of his music from One Breath, a millennium community drama, in a concert by the Sellers International Band on February 12. Sellers music director Phillip McCann played principal cornet in the performance in the Emmanuel Methodist Church, Barnsley. Among the audience of 250 people were Sylvia le Breton, author of the play about the history of the South Yorkshire village of Cawthorne, and Stephen Byrne, composer of original music for the drama. Andy arranged two suites of Stephen's music to which works were added by former Cawthorne Brass Band conductors Eric Jessop and Nigel Horne. Eric's contribution included an arrangement of a hymn tune, Cannon Hall, named after a stately home in the Cawthorne area and composed in the early 20th Century by another former Cawthorne conductor, Ken Wood. The whole performance of 45 minutes filled the first half of the concert. Cawthorne Band promoted the concert and their property steward, Helen Hardcastle, reported the audience reaction was "very complimentary". Many people in the audience had heard the music on a Sellers CD recorded under Phillip's baton before the live premiere and in the Millennium performance of the play at Cannon Hall by the Roots Theatre Company. Nigel, Eric and Jackie Rowlands, music director at the millennium performance were among those attending. Cawthorne's BBb bass Richard Northern had been so captivated by music for the play that he worked with Sellers chairman David Armitage for a band arrangement and recording. Grants for the project were obtained from Awards for All and Barnsley Forum Community Support Fund. Sellers completed the February 12 concert with solos by Leah Williams (tenor horn) and Mark Bousie (euphonium) plus Andy Duncan's arrangements of film music from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Braveheart, Titanic and Gettysburg. Cawthorne Band are now rehearsing One Breath under conductor Gareth King for another concert performance. The non-contesting band, founded in 1873, are also working for funds to build a storage room at their Village Hall, which has limited accommodation, and return home from their current temporary base in a chapel schoolroom at Silkstone Common. (Contact: Helen Hardcastle, cawthorneband@hunters18.plus.com
    Brass Band Podcasting
    (Date submitted: 18 February 2005)
    Podcasting, the latest Internet buzzword has joined hands with one the the oldest of British traditions; the Brass Band. Peter Ryan is the compare of this new broadcasting medium that can't be heard on the usual radio. Instead it is a podcast, nicknamed because it is delivered from the Internet directly to iPods and other listening devices. Podcasts began 6 months ago when software called iPodder was developed to instantaneously download radio type programs. That spawned a plethora of podcasts and now there are thousands of free podcasts out there now on the Internet. Topics range from fine wines to horse whispering and music varies from covers to rock and roll. Like TiVo for radio, podcasting could be just another fad but two of radio's biggest powerhouses aren't banking on it. Both National Public Radio and the BBC are experimenting with podcasts so BBC's "Listen to the Band" could soon be joining the ranks of amateur podcasters. Some think that the marriage of brass band tradition and technology is akin to sacrilege and it is true that there is no better way of hearing a band than down at the local band rotunda on a Sunday afternoon. But with the popularity of ipods and mp3 players, the audience is growing every day. Remember that blogs didn't exist 3 years ago and now there are 4 million out there. Basically podcasting makes it easier for listeners. They can start their podcast when they want, fast forward through any uninteresting parts and this can be while they are commuting, walking or just hanging out. Brass band music is good entertainment and this gives the listener freedom to hear their music when and where they feel like it. See the Brass Band Podcasting website. (Contact: Peter Ryan, pryan@brasscast.com. BrassCast, 4604 Wickford Circle, Roswell, Ga 30075, USA
    Bestwood Black Diamonds Success
    (Date submitted: 14 February 2005)
    Bestwood Black Diamonds acheived a marvellous second place in the 4th section at the North East Midlands Brass Band Association Contest at Rolls Royce Derby on Sunday the 13th of February.The band were drawn number four, and played the forthcoming area test piece Divertimento.The band only returned to contesting in July last year, so this is a major step forward.The band are now looking forward to playing at the Midland areas on March the 13th at Burton-On-Trent. (Contact: Richard Greenwood, richard.greenwood70@ntlworld.com
    Get involved in "Brass Alive 2005"
    (Date submitted: 4 February 2005)
    National Brass Band Week, "Brass Alive 2005", runs from 20th May to 29th May. Aiming to increase the public profiles of brass banding, increase audiences and achieve an appreciation of brass bands and their role in society, art and culture. This is something that every band across the country, whatever its status, size or standard, can and should be involved in.

    The idea of the National Brass Band Week is extremely simple. Every band throughout the country is requested to arrange at least one public event to take place at some point between 20 and 29 May. The event could be a concert, a performance in a public place such as a shopping centre or a park, a Songs of Praise evening in a local church, an open rehearsal, a workshop or a school visit. The event could involve just one band or could see two or more bands joining forces. Static displays or small exhibitions in local libraries or even a shop window in a local high street could also form part of the overall programme. The choice of what to do is entirely a matter for each individual band.

    When you know what your event(s) will be, then be sure to submit them to the free IBEW Brass Bands Events Diary, and also to 4BarsRest.com (who, for this one week only, will drop their normal charges for adverts and accept them free).

    For the full proposal for Brass Alive in 2005, see the following 4BarsRest.com article
    Plea for instruments for Kenyan schoolchildren
    (Date submitted: 4 February 2005)
    The Starehe School in Nairobi, Kenya, educates some 2,000 underpriviledged pupils. They are keen to start a brass band. The Martyn Donaldson Trust and Bollington Brass Band are hoping to collect any unwanted or donated brass instruments from UK bands or players and will send them on to the school. Instruments are accepted in any condition – anyone with any they are willing to donate, please contact Matt Berry 01298 811739, or Andy Donaldson 01625 433187.
    How Not To Make It In The Pop World
    (Date submitted: 4 February 2005)
    Tenor sax man John Barrow has played and recorded with world name artists. This book is the tale of his stroll through the labyrinth of dreams that is the pop industry. ISBN 1412014131, £12.99. Details from http://www.trafford.com/robots/03-1791.html
    Rhyl Festival of Brass cancelled for 2005
    (Date submitted: 31 January 2005)
    It has been announced today with great regret and sadness that the long established Rhyl Festival of Brass will not take place this year. It has been decided, for various reasons, not least because of a Youth contest being held on the same day at Pontins, to suspend the contest for 2005. The contest has been a popular date in the calendar for many bands and has been at the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre for the past 13 years. Established in 1992 by Mr Giles Ballisat and the late Mr Gwynfor Davies it has become a permanent fixture on the Brass Band calendar and has attracted 100s of bandsmen and women from all over the country over the years. A Solo, Duet & Quartets competition was held in conjunction with the Senior band contests which attracted entrants from as young as 5 years of age. Current Director Del Thomas said, "it is a great shame for the town of Rhyl and indeed Denbighshire as a whole to have lost this contest but we hope that after a break of 12 months, it will return in 2006. As a bandsman myself, I have been competing at Rhyl for many years and it has always been a date that we looked forward to as a team-building day for the band". Del Thomas:- 0782 104 8716, email: scooteriow@aol.com - 13, Victoria Avenue Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6AS
    New players for Long Eaton
    (Date submitted: 31 January 2005)
    Long Eaton Silver Prize Band would like to announce three new arrivals to the band. The first is young Alfie Grimoldby who entered this world on New Years Eve!! His proud parents are Helen and Chris, both trombone players with the band and his proud brothers Jacob and Joe also play in the band!! On Eb bass we welcome Pete McCormick who has come out of retirement and on Bb bass Tony Perry from Thornton's Brass. Also stepping in on flugel for the area is Dave Hill from NCT. The band are looking forward to the NEMBBA contest on 13th Feb at Derby and then 5 days later the band will play at principal Cornet James Dennis wedding! James is delaying his honeymoon till after the Midland area contest! Mum Sharon Stansfield is the conductor! Luckily wife to be and ardent supporter of the band Charlotte, doesn't mind too much!!
    Help wanted for Northern Regional Brass Band Trust
    (Date submitted: 28 January 2005)
    The Northern Regional Brass Band Trust would like to hear from anyone interested in getting involved or helping in any way. It was originally set up in 1974 to help improve the standing and standards of brass bands in the Northern Region. It is supported by the Arts Council and currently hopes to achieve its aims by arranging workshops for all player young and old, led by the very best instrumentalists. Further details, from the secretary, Len Old - tel: 0191 5816552 (or 37 Queens Avenue, Seaham, Co. Durham, SR7 8EX)
    Brass Band Radio Producer receives "Citizen Of The Year" Award
    (Date submitted: 26 January 2005)
    Popular Producer / Presenter Geoffrey McGregor of the long running Radio Programme Brass Encounters from Radio Station 2NUR-FM 103.7 at The University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia has been named The Lake Macquarie City, Australia Day Citizen of The Year. The Award was announced at a Gala Dinner on Saturday 22nd January 2005 and presented by the Mayor of Lake Macquarie City Mr Greg Piper at the Australia Day Community Festivities on the 26th January 2005. Lake Macquarie City is an area approximately 1.5 hours north of Sydney covering some 748 square Kilometres and is home to the Largest Coastal Salt Water Lake in The Southern Hemisphere with an area of 110 square Kilometres. The population is over 188,000 with a mix of ages and races from young to senior. It is also home to a number of "Good" Brass Bands and is associated with Australia's Number One Brass Band "WARATAH BRASS" located in the adjourning City, Newcastle. Many of the Players reside in Lake Macquarie. "Citizen of The Year" is a prestigious award presented on "Australia Day" after having been adjudicated by the "Lake Macquarie Australia Day Committee" headed by Chair Ms Nancy Adams,OAM following months of consideration and research of all nominations received with the nomination process lasting for 2 months. Geoffrey received this Award for amongst other activities: 25 years as a Radio Producer/ Presenter, 37 years Brass Band Player, 24 years Band Librarian and Band Administration Board with The Salvation Army. All this despite carrying several major illnesses. Mr Greg Piper, Mayor presented Geoffrey with 2 framed Certificates (Citizen of The Year and Nomination Recognition) and an engraved Bronze Medallion all bearing The Australia Day Council Logo.
    Yorkshire Co-op pledges Olympic support
    (Date submitted: 26 January 2005)
    The United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band is very proud to support to the London 2012 bid to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Not only has the band pledged its support to the bid but, in conjunction with its forthcoming tour to Singapore and New Zealand when the band will be representing Great Britain in the 125th New Zealand Brass Band Championships (the first ever band to do so), the band will proudly wear clothing branded with the London 2012 Olympic bid in the hope of gaining more support worldwide to bring the world's largest sporting event to this country. Said Tabby Clegg of the band: "It is a great honour for the band to be representing Great Britain at the New Zealand Brass Band Championships but it is an even greater honour to be associated with such a global project as London 2012. We are proud to be able to draw together the worlds of the arts and sport in such a way and hope it gains London 2012 more valuable support." You can pledge your support for London 2012 by logging on to: www.london2012.com
    Young Ambassadors seek players for tours
    (Date submitted: 20 January 2005)
    The Young Ambassadors Brass Band of Great Britain invites brass and percussion players to take part in the 2005 tours, at Easter (26-29 March, Luxembourg) and to the USA and Canada (5-20 August). Players should be of Championship Section standard. Details from Frank Wolf - 01865 326271 (01865 735890 evenings) or Neil Samuel on - 07887 920861
    Valentines Bash for United Co-op Band
    (Date submitted: 20 January 2005)
    Love is in the air! Following the success of the United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band's black tie Singapore Summer Ball held in July, the band is getting all romantic and hosting a Valentines Ball on Friday 4 February, 2005. The Party will be held at Brighouse Sports Centre, Brighouse, at 7.30pm and as well as food and drink and music, we will also be holding a huge race night! Tickets cost £20 per person and can be obtained by e-mailing Tabby Clegg at tabby.clegg@btopenworld.com or by visiting the band's website. The funds raised will go towards the band's forthcoming trip to New Zealand to compete in the 125th New Zealand Brass Band Championships.
    2005 a big year for Rushden
    (Date submitted: 30 December 2004)
    2005 is an important date in the Rushden Windmill Band's history. The Windmill name was adopted 30 years ago and it's predecessor The Rushden Temperance Band will be 130 years old - they look good for their age we think!
    Contact Julia Crask, rushdenwindmill@netscape.net
    Cyrn y Diafol - new book on Welsh Brass Bands History
    (Date submitted: 10 December 2004)
    The battle of the bands. Brass bands have a long and glorious history in the industrial heartlands of Wales, none more so than during the golden age of brass in North Wales between 1830 and 1920, the history of which is documented for the first time in 'Cyrn y Diafol' by Geraint Jones, a band leader for over 35 years with Seindorf Trefor.
    The title of the book – 'Cyrn y Diafol' (The Devil's Horns) – refers to the name given to brass bands by deacons of chapels during the nineteenth century when players were renowned for their rowdy behaviour and constant brawling during competitions – mostly due to excessive beer drinking!
    The author undertook a great deal of his own research in archives and libraries but he had access to an unique oral history dating back to the late 1950s, collected himself through speaking to older generations of brass band players. The men he interviewed fifty years ago were already in their 80's and 90's and could provide Geraint with a living testimony of the very early days of brass band history in the area.
    Geraint Jones said, 'There are fewer brass bands around today, but standards are much higher now than they were then, and we continue to attract a great deal of young people. In contrast to male voice choirs, where only about 2% of their members are under 30 years of age, brass bands can boast that 60% of their members are under 30. I think this is partly because the bands have always moved with the times and play every type of music, from rock to hymns. 'Playing in a brass band could never be said to be boring, and as I say in the book, I have had great pleasure myself in being involved with bands throughout all my life!'
    Unfortunately the book is only available in the Welsh language, but it does include some 20 pictures, for example of Corris Brass Band from 1880, and Beddgelert Brass Band in 1897.
    For further information please contact Rhodri Ellis Owen or Gwen Griffiths at Cambrensis PR on 029 20 257075, or email: rhodri@cambrensis.uk.com

    Cyrn y Diafol, by Geraint Jones - published by Gwasg Gwynedd at £7.95. ISBN: 0-86074-210-5.
    Available from your local Welsh bookshop.
    North Eastern Composition Competition
    (Date submitted: 25 November 2004)
    Run by the Northern Regional Brass Band Trust, the competition is open to anyone resident in the North of England Region who has not had a work published by a recognised publishing house. Works submitted must be no longer than five minutes duration, preferably with a Northern theme. Entry Forms by January 31st 2005, Scores by 31st March 2005. It is hoped to have a special Gala Concert in Summer 2005 in which the first three places will be awarded. Prizes totalling £500 are on offer together with a possible publishing contract and a trophy to the winner, kindly donated by Kirklees Music. Any entrant may submit two works. Further details and entry forms from the Competition Secretary, Alan Hope, Tel/Fax 0191 4161008, email: ahope.brass@tiscali.co.uk
    Stanshawe Band - exclusive bandwear
    (Date submitted: 12 November 2004)
    The Trustees of the Stanshawe Band announce that they are currently producing exclusive band wear for ex-players and associates of this sadly missed band. Since its demise in mid-1997 the trustees of the band's estate have undertaken several projects, including the critically acclaimed LEGACY CD, with a number of others in the planning stages. As always, this is a not-for-profit venture and ex-players will, in fact, be able to purchase Stanshawe wear substantially below cost. So, the next time they attend local concerts and contests they can, again, be seen to associate themselves with a truly great band. Further details: stanshawe@hotmail.com
    New Music Award
    (Date submitted: 1 November 2004)
    The New Music Award from the PRS Foundation is offering £50,000 to inspire and stimulate the creation of an imaginative and original piece of new British music. Allowing total creative freedom, the Award is open to absolutely anyone, working in any genre and artistic context, individually or as a group. For further details see: www.prsfoundation.co.uk/thenewmusicaward/index.htm. The deadline for initial proposals is 25th February 2005.
    Composers Competition
    (Date submitted: 9 October 2004)
    SWBBA 60th Anniversary Composers Competition - open to any resident of Great Britain, of any age, who has not had an original composition published commercially. Entrants to submit a 10/12 minute test piece for 4th Section Bands, in no more than four movements and include a maximum of two percussionists. The title must reflect either the South West or the Association's Diamond anniversary. Registration to enter to be completed by 31 December 2004, and the finished works to be sent by 30 June 2005. Registrations to be be sent to Brian Elliot, 1 Woodland Court, Woodland Road, Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9HQ
    Walking Out Uniforms Wanted
    (Date submitted: 5 October 2004)
    Pillowell Silver Band seeking walking out uniforms - if any Band is considering renewing their Off Stage uniform and wish theirs to go to a good home please contact h.j.n@btinternet.com
    Bristolive! 2005
    (Date submitted: 21 June 2004)
    Bristolive! 2005 - the international festival for amateur ensembles. The festival will run from the 9th-13th June 2005 with excellent musical and social opportunities for all groups involved. Bristolive! 2004 took place in April and was a great success both for participants and supporters alike. The weekend featured a series of concerts, master classes and workshops in leading venues throughout the historic City of Bristol, England. The standard of the festival was extremely high with the Royal Wind Band Eendracht, Kortrijk, Aalbeke, Belgium, The Jugendblasorchester, Hannover, Germany and the City of Bristol Brass Band. All Bristolive! participants had the wonderful opportunity of working with the bristolive! Artistic Director, Dr Matthew George, and the versatile UK trumpeter and acclaimed Yamaha guest artist,Tony Fisher.

    Bristolive! - The international festival for amateur musicians. If you know of a choir, wind band, brass band, orchestra or any other music group that would like to get involved, please do not hesitate to contact one of the JAC "live" team members on: +44 (0) 207 870 8461 or by email: bristolive@jactravel.co.uk
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