News Archive - April 2008

Dalmellington Band

Well, after a great time in Cornwall I travelled up to Scotland to take part in a weekend with the Dalmellington Band. I must admit that it is a place I had never heard of before but after my weekend there, I sure won't forget it.

I was asked to adjudicate their Annual Slow Melody Competition, perform some solos with the band and also take a Masterclass with Dalmellington's thriving Youth Band.

I had a fantastic weekend and was amazed to see such an amazing set up. They had a new purpose built bandroom which was absolutely excellent and it was amazing to see such a community spirit in such a small place. Everybody in the area supported the band and the players themselves were 100% committed!!

I must admit that the highlight for me was working with the Youth Band. They are a great bunch and the masterclass was really good fun for all. They responded well to everything I had to say and they even managed to follow my dodgy conducting too!!

We worked on the set piece they were preparing for the National Youth Championships at the RNCM. It was the Youth Band's first visit to the competition and they walked away with a Silver Award which is a great achievement. I am really glad the band did so well and I wish them all the best fro the future!! I really do hope to be back in Dalmellington some time soon!!

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Cornish Youth Band

With over fifty members giving up their Easter holidays to make music, the four day residential Course of the Band culminated in a successful Concert at St Michael's Church in Newquay on Easter Monday. The Course, which was based at Truro High School for Girls, involved intensive full band rehearsals as well as detailed sectional work with individual instrumental tutors. Directing the Course was Garry Cutt, the Conductor of not one, but two world class brass bands, Fodens and Grimethorpe Colliery. His testing choice of programme encompassed music from the early part of the last century by the legendary William Rimmer, to present day composers, Peter Graham and Kenneth Downie.

The Band was fortunate to be joined by the young Tuba Soloist, Leslie Neish, who flew in direct from an engagement playing for the President of Malta. Three of his solos were first performances of arrangements made especially for him. He also took a Master Class during the Course working with three members of the Bass Section, Rachel Crabb, Jacob Pritchard and Matthew Julian.

The opening march in the Concert was dedicated to memory of the late President of the Band, Micky Hunt, who had passed away just a week before. He had been connected with the Band since 1959 and had given countless hours of service helping the young players improve and enjoy their music making.

The high standard of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band and their dedication to music was commented on by The Mayor of Restormel, Councillor Pat Harvey, who spoke to the audience during the Concert and praised the young musicians and their supportive parents, saying that they were a credit to the County. The musicians, whose ages ranged from eleven to nineteen, came from nineteen parent bands throughout Cornwall and are supported at their monthly Rehearsals, and during the Course, by a team of local Tutors, all of whom have been members of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band in the past.

The Annual Awards of the Band were presented by the Chairman, Leonard Adams. The Youngest Player was James Telling, the Most Promising Player, Caitlin Strike, Most Improved Player, Zoe Teague. The W A Hunt Cup for the Player who had made the Most Conspicuous Contribution to the Band during the year was awarded to Edward Thomas and the Player of the Year was Lowenna Taylor. She also received The Eric Richards Memorial Shield from Mrs Janet Richards after having been voted Players' Player by her fellow musicians. The A R Trudgian Youth Awards, which are presented at The West of England Bandsman's Festival in June went to Joanne Rowe and Jacob Pritchard. The Chairman also made a Presentation to David Loukes on his retirement from the post of Senior Tutor and Music Co-ordinator after ten Courses.

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