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2010 |
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Posted July 2010
BESSES BOYS PRESENT THEIR ANNUAL SUMMER
CONCERT |
| The evening of 17th July saw the band
presenting their annual summer musical extravaganza at St. Michael's Church
hall, Whitefield. The evening saw a great turn out of friends and family to
support both the main and training bands. The evenings events began with the
main band beginning proceeds with this year's choice for the Whit Friday
contests, the quick march Cardenden. After this rousing start the
band proceeded to entertain the masses with some of the favourites from our
programmes over recent months such as Die Felsenmuhle, as well as
outstanding contributions from Principal cornet Claire Mumford in Aye
Waukin O', Alana and Fern Evans in Peter Graham's Rainforest from
Windows of the World and the back row cornets featured in Philip
Harper's arrangement of Fat Bottomed Girls. To end the first half of
the concert the band turned to music of Philip Sparke with the piece that
has gained them three second places at contests this year including
qualification to the National Finals to be held in Harrogate later this
year. Saint Saens Variations was chosen as the 4th section area piece
this year and is based around the Saint Saens Organ Symphony, The
band were able to display the form that saw them gain qualification to
Harrogate in producing a fine account of this most tricky work. After some light refreshments the second half opened with a spot from the Besses Boys Training Band, who opened their performance with an original composition from Musical Director (and main band principal percussionist) Jonathan Taylor. Into the Temple is a very descriptive work that opened with some fine percussion work before opening into a wonderful full band sound fully demonstrating the tremendous work that has been achieved by Jonathan with this incredibly young group of musicians. Next the band turned to a friend of every training band, Jock Mckenzie, Ballad with Variations is a slow work that was able to show the bands understanding of controlled playing. The band finished their short programme with an arrangement by Jon of Alan Pring's Royal Appointment that brought their performance to an exciting end with the audience cheering for more and they were not disappointed after the band performed, once again, Into the Temple. The remainder of the performance again saw the main band return to the stage opening with Summon The Dragon by Peter Graham with some excellent fanfare work from the cornet and trombone sections. The final solo contribution of the concert saw the trombone section combined with flugels Paul Mitchell, Claire Mumford, and Adam Galloway performing the Stevie Wonder hit, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life. The band then turned to film music scored by Quincy Jones and arranged by Andrew Duncan which featured some fine Flugel Playing from Paul Mitchell. The band then changed the mood and performed the subtly beautiful arrangement of The Churches One Foundation entitled Aurelia, here the benefited from smooth control and band sound to produce some of the best playing of the evenings events. The final contribution saw the band perform the Irish classic Riverdance which allowed the band to demonstrate their ability of the traditional tour de force ending which brought proceedings to a rousing close. The band then joined forces with the training band for a massed item, music from the animated classic The Incredibles. The two bands worked well together to produce some fine playing and were asked for another encore and were able to provide with a piece that has become somewhat of a signature tune, from the Battle of Britain, Aces High. A truly wonderful evening of music making was enjoyed by all who attended. |
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Posted June 2010
BAND PERFORM AT LUKE'S CHURCH |
| The evening of the the 26th June saw Boys band
return to the concert stage after what seemed like an age since their last
outing. Playing to a capacity audience at St. Luke's church in Heywood the
band a delivered a varied programme that left all audience members
thoroughly satisfied from a great nights entertainment. The evenings proceedings started with the band revisiting their chosen march from Whit Friday, Cardenden, played with the same vigour that saw the band achieve a first place as well as awards for best cornet and bass section in the Saddleworth and Tameside contests. Next up was the well known overturn Die Felsenmuhle that featured some fantastic solo contributions from Claire Mumford, Eleanor Parkes and Alana Evans. The first soloist of the evening was principal cornet Claire Mumford who displayed beautiful tone and control in the traditional celtic tune Aye Waukin O'. Next came the Quincy Jones film score for Austin Powers, Soul Bosa Nova, played a a wonderfully relaxed lilt and featuring some excellent solo work from Flugel Horn Paul Mitchell. The next item on the programme was yet another feature this time for the back row cornet section with Adam, Catherine, Tom, Tom, and Charlotte taking to their feet for the queen classic Fat Bottomed Girls arranged by Philip Harper. This was the first time the section had stood for a feature and they tackled the task well delivering a solid account of themselves and showing that it's not just the front row cornets who can belt out a tune! The penultimate item of the first half was a new piece to the band, the beautifully descriptive Sunrise Over Blue Ridge by Dan Price. The piece was written for the Cory Band as part of their winning performance at the 2009 Brass in Concert championships and is subtle work that creates beautiful pictures with lots of percussive sounds. The band performed this new work with aplomb and, we were told later, was some of the best playing of the evening. To finish the first half the band chose music from the animated classic The Incredibles, a piece familiar to the band though it has not been played for quite some time. There were excellent contributions from our team of percussion and the first half was over with a bang. After a short break where refreshments and not one but two raffles were available the band were back on stage opening with a bit of Welsh flair in Peter Graham's arrangement of Summon The Dragon, a tricky work that starts with a fanfare on trombones and cornets through into a driving low end theme. Next the band took the audience on a journey to the Amazon with the Horn and Baritone feature Rainforest a feature for sisters Alana and Fern Evans from the suite Windows of the World. This was another pair of first time soloists who performed beautifully enough to have one audience member say "Bloody Lovely" as the piece ended! Next came a rip roar through the film music for Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines that had the whole audience tapping their feet. Following this the band turned to the music of Stevie Wonder in Goff Richards arrangement of You are the Sunshine if my Life. The piece, written as a double trio for trombones and flugels, featured Becca Hurst, Bob Matthews, Neil Matthews, Claire Mumford, Paul Mitchell, and Adam Galloway. This was a fine performance with the sextet working well together to produce a fine account of this well known piece. The final solo contribution of the evening came from percussion duo Jon Taylor and Leah Fogo playing Flying Mallets, a Czardas for Xylophone, Vibraphone and solo triangle. This technically demanding work was performed well and well received by the audience as the training band MD flexed his musical muscles. The penultimate number saw the band return to that well known hymn tune arrangement featured on the band CD The Boys are Back in Town with S.S.Wesleys arrangement of the Churches on Foundation - Aurelia. With this piece the band demonstrated their tone quality and control in a piece that reduced some members of the audience to tears - for all the right reasons. It was then time for the evenings Finale with the band performing, for the first time for them, the well known Ray Farr arrangement of Bill Whelan's Riverdance. The piece benefited from excellent solo contributions from Claire Mumford and Paul Mitchell on solo cornet and flugel respectively as well as a fantastic bit of percussion work from our four strong team for the evening. After the obligatory thanks to both audience and band it was time for the encore with the band playing what has become their signature tune Aces High which lead to a standing ovation from the audience. A great night was had by all and everyone went home thoroughly full from the evenings musical feast. |
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Posted May 2010
BOYS BAND PERFORM AT ST MARY'S FLOWER PARK |
| The band were out in the local area today performing at St. Marys Flower park in their series of concerts. Due to several members of the band being missing due to half term holidays there was some changes with the line up and the band were conducted by principal percussionist and training band MD Jon Taylor, whilst regular MD James Holt was sat on the Principal Euphonium Seat. After some uncertainty in the weather forecast there was some doubt over the chances of the band being able to perform but after the early morning downpour the sun came out and the band were able to perform for the many audience members of the parks grounds. The band performed for just under two hours performing classic band repertoire including traditional marches, show tunes, jazzy numbers and movie spectaculars. The band wishes to thank everyone who turned up to show their support to the band and you can see the band at their next job on 26/06/2010 at St. Lukes' Church Heywood, tickets are available by contacting the band through our contacts page. |
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Posted May 2010
BOYS BAND FINISH OFF MARCHING SEASON WITH
MARCH ON LITTLE HULTON |
| Today saw the band bring to an end their mini march epic that saw them complete three marches in the space of a week. After the Dukinfield marathon and the traditional Whit Friday marches through Saddleworth and Tameside the band rounded off the week with their march around Little Hulton for the whit walk. After a short service at a local residential home the band marched back to the church for some well deserved refreshments. |
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Posted May 2010
BOYS BAND COMPETE IN SADDLEWORTH AND TAMESIDE WHIT FRIDAY CONTESTS |
| This Friday saw the band out on their annual assault of the Whit Friday contests. Due to several members of the band travelling a far distance the band started later than usual though still managed to fit in eight contest during the evening. The band performed the classic Thunderbirds theme tune for their march down and on the stand played the little known Cardenden. The band were pleased to recieve the award for the best bass section at their first competition at Denton Cricket club. As well as this the band were able to receive the award for best "youth" band and principal cornet and the last band to perform all at the stalybridge labour contest. The band truly enjoyed a wonderful nights playing and socialising and are already looking forward to next years event. Picture from the day will soon be available on our Gallery Page. |
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Posted May 2010
BOYS BAND INCREASE RANKS WITH SIGNING OF
TENOR HORN |
| The band are pleased to announce the signing of Josh Whittaker to the band who takes up the 1st horn seat within the band. Josh is a local boy, friends with other new signing Tom Ridgley, and made his debut with the band in their recent marches. The band wish him a long and successful career with the band. |
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Posted May 2010
BOYS BAND START MARCHING
SEASON WITH DUKINFIELD MARATHON |
| Today saw the band begin their marching period with the annual march of the moravian churches of Dukinfield. The band began at 9.15 with a march to the local residential home where the congregation sang Oh Jesus I have promised. There then followed the 7 mile round trip to march to the town hall for a service then back again. The day was well received by all who attended. The day was made extra special with the debut of new bass drummist, band equipment manager and father of 2nd cornet Catherine, Dave Fox. Photo's from the day will soon appear on our Gallery page. |
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Posted May 2010
Boys band perform for friends of Kersal Moor |
| The bank holiday weekend once again saw the band out on Kersal Moor performing for the friends of Kersal Moor society. The band performed three spots for the crowds providing entertainment whilst the onlookers looked around various shops and stalls performing favourites such as Blaze Away, Instant Concert and Fat Bottomed Girls. The band also provided a fanfare opening for a presentation made by the Lord Mayor. Photographs from the days event will soon appear on our Gallery Page. |
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Posted May 2010
Boys band perform at the Buxton Brass Festival |
| Sunday 2nd May saw the band once again making
the long trip to the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton to compete in the 47th annual
Buxton Brass Festival. After the traditional rehearsal at the band room and
the obligatory McDonalds breakfast the band were making their way into the
hills. The contest boasted a strong line up of 16 bands and with only one
withdrawal meant a fine days brass playing were in the making. The band had
received their draw the week previous and on this occasion had been drawn to
play the last band of the day so after a long wait the band were in
registration listening to the final moments of the performance given by
Hazel Grove before taking the stage to give their performance of
Lovatt-Coopers Dark Side of the Moon. Come the announcement of the
results adjudicator talked of the very high standard of playing and
congratulated the bands saying there was three outstanding performances and
the band in fourth and fifth places an count themselves very unlucky. On
this occasion the band received 5th placing bringing an end to the run of
successive second places the band has received in recent performances. After
the announcement of the results BBB.com caught up with musical director
James Holt and asked for his take on the days events: Today we have performed well, we took the decision to change the piece from the area piece and went back to a favourite of the band in Paul Lovatt Coopers Dark Side of the moon. I was very pleased with the performance we gave today and had hoped we might of been able to achieve a little higher in terms of placing. The most important thing now is to not let this result get us down, it is part and parcel of contesting and we move onto the next contest hoping to play better than we did today, the same as we would of done had we won. I would like to congratulate Hazel Grove for their win and all bands competing today, especially those in the prizes. Finally a thank you to my band and supporters etc for another fine day where we have done ourselves proud. BBB.com wishes to congratulate all bands who performed at the event and will of course be with the band at their next contest, the National Finals in Harrogate. |
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Posted Apr 2010 Boys Band
percussion section showcase composing talents |
| The evening of Wednesday 28th April saw the
showcase event for second year composers at the prestigious Royal Northern
College of Music. At this event were works written by the composing students
featuring none other than our percussion team of Jon Taylor and Leah Fogo.
Jon had two piece in the nights proceedings, opening the concert with
Orbs, a piece that featured ensemble, electronics and spoken voice. His
second work of the evening was called Xylem a piece for clarinet and
xylophone, two very pure instruments as stated by the composer - both made
of wood and able to do many different things. This was a very technically
demanding work that required much from two fine players and showed a great
understanding of musicality from the composer. Leah's contribution to the evening events began with a work for vocals and French horn entitled His History is a Cuckoo. This was a very evocative piece that took it's lyrics from Jane Austin's work Wuthering Heights and used the characters of Heathcliffe, Cathy and Nelly. Leah's second contribution was called Temptation and was composed for string quartet and solo soprano saxophone and reflected all the temptations of today's modern society in a very provocative way that showed a true understanding of how to write for this combination of instruments. BBB.com wishes to convey their congratulations to both our players for their fine work and is pleased to report they are both currently working on pieces for the band which we excitedly anticipate. |
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Posted Apr 2010
Boys band return to the concert stage in fine style |
| This weekend (25/04) saw the band return to
the concert platform for the first time in 2010. It was a return to the
familiar surroundings of Bolton Road Methodist Church. After the recent
contest successes the band has had concert work has had to take a backseat
due to the intense preparations for these contest and it made a nice change
for the band to be back on familiar territory with an appreciative audience
ready to be entertained. The band had compiled a varied programme containing
something for everyone including several new repertoire items. In
traditional style the evening began with a performance of Holzman's robust
march Blaze Away taken at a stately tempo and the evening was well
under way. Then followed Reseinger's overture Die Felsenmuhle (The
Mill on the Cliff) before principal cornet Claire Mumford wowed the
audience demonstrating pure tone and control in a beautifully shaped
rendition Aye Waukin O'. Film music was the theme for the next
two items firstly in the theme from the 1910 British Screen play Those
magnificent men and their Flying Machines. There was then a
feature for our newly formed trombone section of Rebecca Hurst, Adam Hirst,
and band Chairman Neil Matthews who show cased their talents in I Will
Follow Him. The concert was clearly being used to demonstrate the
strength and depth of the members of the band moving straight on to the
quartet The Irish Blessing. This was an opportunity for Flugel
Horn Paul Mitchell, Solo Horn Alana Evans, Solo Baritone Fern Evans, and
Solo Euphonium Sean Hayes to show their beautiful tone and intelligent
ensemble playing and was gratefully received by the audience. The half came
to a close with the Goff Richards tribute to Elvis Presley An American
Trilogy, following which came the opportunity for the audience to
purchase CD's, Mugs and pin badges all available in the bands new line of
merchandise. The second half began with a tribute, by the band, to Amy Williams the winner of Britain's first winter gold medal in over thirty years with Ray Farr's arrangement Winter Games. With the concert falling on the weekend of St. Georges Day the band then turned to the music of the most famous composer Sir Edward Elgar and his stunning Nimrod. In a complete change of mood the band then turned to the music of Brian May in another feature, this time for the back row cornet section, in the Queen Classic Fat Bottomed Girls. Another complete change of mood saw principal percussionist, and 2nd year RNCM composition student Jon Taylor perform the unaccompanied Marimba Solo A Little Prayer by Evelyn Glennie. This piece was dedicated to the troops currently in conflict around the world and Jon held the audience in the palm of his hand with a most emotion provoking performance. For their the finale the band ended the evening with a last night of the proms set containing the traditional Fantasia on British Sea Songs, Jerusalem, and Pomp & Circumstance Military March No. 1. This rounded the evening of in fine style with the band demonstrating their technical prowess and the audience theirs with fine voice, the evening was a true testament to the current TV show Britain's Got Talent! BBB.com will of course be at the next event the band has to keep you up to date. |
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Posted Mar 2010
Boys band achieve fifth 2nd place in 6 contests |
| Today, the 28th of March, saw the band rounding off the
local contest season at Dukinfield town hall competing, once again, in the
Tameside open. The contest is pre-drawn which meant the band knew
in advance they had been given the dreaded number one spot and, with the
clocks going forward the night before, an early start was guaranteed. As
usual the band congregated at the bandroom bleary-eyed and took part in pre-contest
preparations. Once tuning was sorted we packed up and headed to Dukinfield.
Several members taking their "traditional" diversion
to McDonalds on the way to the contest. On arrival the band
were informed that due to some withdrawals the contest would start late
so around 9.50 am the band took to the stage and had the luxury of warming
up, performing through the national anthem
before moving on to the test piece. Due to the close proximity of this contest to the area,
we chose to play the regional test piece Saint Saens Variations by
Philip Sparke. What followed was a great performance with
the soloists performing to a very high standard. The
band left the stage having done all they can to impact on the rest of the
contest from the 'dead mans' draw. Then followed the long wait through the
4th and 3rd Sections until it
was time for results. The adjudicator for the day, Thomas Wyss, spoke of how
impressed he was with the standard of the playing within the section saying
that there was a clear winner but the chasing pack was not far behind. Onto
the
announcement of the results and once again Besses Boys were rewarded for their efforts with
another second place yet again finishing second to Darwen Brass. The same result
as at each of the four local contests this "season".
BBB.com sends their congratulations to all at Darwen Brass. But even more so
we and everyone associated with Besses Boys Band heartily congratulate 'THE
BOYS' for another terrific result but more importantly a fantastic
season which has seen the band qualify for the Nationals later in the year. Following the announcement of the results BBB.com caught up with Band
Chairman and bass trombonist Neil Matthews and got his thoughts on the days
events and the last contesting year:
"It's been an amazing year for Besses Boys. In my fourteen years of involvement, watching both my children go through the band and more recently taking up playing again myself, the band has not had such a long, consistent period of contesting success but qualifying for the Nationals is without doubt the greatest achievement since I first became involved. The band are definitely on a high and are playing so well that I'm sure we are going to have a great experience later in the year at Harrogate. I must particularly thank James who has worked so hard over the last few years to bring the band this great success". |
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Posted Mar 2010
Who's going to Harrogate????? WE ARE!!!!!!! |
| This weekend saw the band once again venture to the winter
gardens, Blackpool in the pursuit of a place at the National Brass Band
championship fourth section finals. The day began with a change of routine
for the band as, for the first time, the band had a rehearsal room booked in
Blackpool meaning the traditional EARLY start was not as early as normal.
The band formed and waited for MD James Holt who started the day playing
solo trombone for Besses O' Th' Barn. After a short warm up the draw was
announced and we had drawn 6th in the order of play. A short walk to the
winter gardens and soon enough the band were in registration listening to
the end of the set test for the day, Philip Sparke's Saint Saens
Variations, as band 5 were rounding up their performance. The band then
took the stage to try to make their mark and a performance of true merit
followed, at the conclusion of the performance their was an almighty cheer
from the audience containing supporters and parents as well as many brass
band enthusiasts unknown to the band. Then followed the worst part of the
day........the wait. After several sticks of rock, goes on the arcade games,
and walks on the seafront the results were upon us and the band had taken
their usual seat in the auditorium. The adjudicator of the day, Steve
Pritchard-Jones, spoke of the high standard of the performances that day,
with three stand out performances obtaining the qualification places. After
the contest organiser, Peter Bates, had announced 6th, 5th, and 4th the
serious end of the table was to be announced. Everyone sat with baited
breath as third place was awarded to the band drew to play number
six......teen! Several members of the band including MD James Holt
celebrated for the short time between the two syllables. Then came 2nd place
which came to massive screams from everyone at boys band as the band were
awarded 2nd place which came with an invite to represent the North West at
the national finals in Harrogate! The band finished runners up to local
rivals Hazel Grove who took home the title. After the presentation of awards
BBB.com managed to catch up with MD James Holt who had the following
comments: I am absolutely over the moon, this result is the culmination of several years hard work and dedication from everyone associated with the band. We were able to qualify for the national finals for the first time in over 30 years which is absolutely wonderful! This year the band has been able to obtain a level of consistency on the contest platform which is absolutely fantastic and this result helps solidify that. I would like to congratulate Hazel Grove for winning and fellow qualifiers Eaton's Farnworth and Walkden. We are all just so excited to get the opportunity to represent the North West at the National finals which is just an amazing statement to be able to make. The work doesn't stop for the band now though with Tameside contest just around the corner where the band will be hoping to go just that one step further from the runners up spot gained last year. Once again BBB.com would like to congratulate all the qualifiers for the finals and wish the band all the best for the National finals in Harrogate. |
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Posted Feb 2010
Boys Band announce several changes in line up
for area and beyond |
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With the band soon to set upon Blackpool for their annual challenge on the North West Area fourth section title, several changes in the personal has been announced. There have been several changes within the band with Rebecca Hurst swapping solo baritone for solo trombone and Fern Evans replacing Becca on baritone having previously been on 2nd trombone. Paul Mitchell has swapped fourth man down for the Flugel horn seat vacated by Eleanor Parkes who has now taken the soprano cornet seat. The band have bid farewell to Kirsty Mason who was the bands first horn seat, and are also pleased to welcome Thomas Ridgley to the band on 2nd cornet. This means the cornet section is now full and the band only has a handful of vacancies to fill. Anyone interested can visit the bands vacancies page. BBB.com wishes all new/former. and players new to seats well in their new positions. |
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Posted Feb 2010
First Contest of the year returns runner up spot |
| Boys Band today got the 2010 contesting year off to a great
start obtaining second place at the Preston Contest. Performing at the
Charter theatre for the first time the band drew number 5 out of 8 and
performed the piece selected as this years Regional 4th section test,
Saint-Saens Variations. In a strong field the band were able to maintain
their consistent start to this years contesting season and for the third
local contest in a row came 2nd to local rivals Darwen Brass, who performed
another Philip Sparke piece Music for a Festival. Speaking after the
announcement of the results MD James Holt had the following to say Today has been a great day for the band we had some new faces around the stand and some players in new seats for the first time and it all came together very well. I'm really pleased with the consistency the band have found over recent months and hope that this can continue. We are a solid unit and are starting to produce the goods on stage which is very pleasing for both myself and the band. I must congratulate Darwen Brass for recording their third consecutive win they are a friendly bunch and I've had some really nice comments from their members. We look forward now to the area and hope we can maintain this recent run of form we have hit. I am really proud of the band from the players through to committee and parents and it is an honour to lead them. Boys band are now only five weeks away from their regional test if you can make it to support them, great, for those who can't you can rely on BBB.com to give a full account of the day and follow the progress during the event via our twitter page. |
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Posted Jan 2010
Band start year in social style |
| The band began the new year with the holding of their
annual solo contest, this year returning to the Unsworth Cricket Club. The
adjudicator for this years event was Chris Wormald who, in his remarks,
talked of his affection for the band with which he started his playing
career. He spoke of his pleasure at being asked to adjudicate at the event
and of how impressive the standard on show was. The day got under way with the training band section boasting 10 entries, the highest for several years. The quality of solo playing was clear for all to see with excellent performances from all the honours this time were taken by Courtney Moses who displayed a beautiful tone in her performance of the infamous On My Own. 2nd place was awarded to George Mitchell who performed Cum Ba Ya on trombone, his instrument for only a few months. The final podium place was given to Luke Vindice one of the training bands percussionists. Once again it must be said the standard on display from all the participants was superb and they are a credit to training band MD Jon Taylor and his team of tutors from the main band. Then came the first of three sections the main band are split into, the preliminary section. Due to some unavoidable late withdrawals there were only two competitors in the shape of percussion Leah Fogo and cornet player Tom Leach. On this occasion Tom came away with the first prize with his performance of The Prince of Denmark's March though both players gave highly commendable performances. Next up came the Intermediate section containing many brass players for the band, as commented by adjudicator Chris Wormald at the conclusion of the day this was the hardest section of the day to judge with every player having a case for a podium finish. On this occasion pole position was taken by Cornetist Catherine Fox who showed maturity beyond her years and a great degree of control playing On My Own (as played by Training Band winner Courtney Moses). Runner up was multi-instrumentalist Fern Evans who on this occasion showed her euphonium abilities playing Party Piece with aplomb. The final prize went, on this occasion, to newly appointed Flugel player Paul Mitchell playing the lovely Softly Awakes My Heart beautifully. The advanced section was the penultimate section of the day showcasing the elder members of the bands talents. The standard of playing, as has been said about the whole day, was sublime showing just what a good state the band is currently in. For the third successive year band percussionist and Training Band MD Jon Taylor took the top prize playing Czardas on xylophone displaying a great sense of musicality in his performance. Runner up on the day was the bands repiano player Adam Galloway playing the infamous Concerto De Aranjuez from Rodrigo's Guitar concerto. In third place was band soprano player Eleanor Parkes playing Jennifer Rush's The Power of Love. The final section of the day was the ensemble section was a chance for groups of any size to perform, winners on the day were Eleanor Parkes and Adam Galloway playing Andrew Lloyd Webber's Pie Jesu, closely followed by percussion duo Jon Taylor and Leah Fogo playing Jon's own arrangement featuring many famous film themes Jozza Wozza. Also appearing in the section were Paul Mitchell and Catherine Fox performing In The Mood and also very pleasing for audience and adjudicator alike was the combination of main band and training band Bradley Hirst, Daisy and Courtney Moses and Jennifer Garrett playing their own arrangement entitled Variations on Saint Saens Variations, that sounded very much like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, when questioned about the title of the piece Bradley told BBB.com it classed as a variation as he took the notes he wanted from different bars and put them in the order he wanted them :-) After the presentation of the results there was a new section providing some light entertainment aptly entitled the open entertainment section, containing 3 performers. The section was open to anyone wanting to do something "a little different". First up was duo Tom Leach and Paul Mitchell dressed as the blues brothers playing Everybody Needs Somebody on Trumpets including choreography! Next up came a musical interlude with Training band percussionist showing he is a boy with quite literally many strings to his bow performing violin! Finally came something that certainly was VERY different. Alana Evans, Fern Evans, Catherine Fox, and Eleanor Parkes performed a mini version of The Sound of Music. This included costumes, chorography, lines, and of course playing, this truly was an entertaining section with a difference. After everyone had been served with refreshments and the party was well and truly underway it then came time for the special awards to be presented. Firstly came the Training band most improved player this year awarded, by training band MD Jon Taylor, to Jennifer Garrett. The main band awards started with the attendance prize described, by MD James Holt, as one of his two favourite awards as he didn't have to pick anyone for it! This year the prize was taken by Catherine Fox. Next up came the award for the most promising new recruit to the band that was this year awarded to new back row cornet player Tom Leach to go with his 1st prize from the intermediate section. Next up came the Frank Johnson Memorial trophy awarded to the player deemed to be the most improved player from the band. James explained that it was never easy to single out players for any of these awards though this year has seen the rise, to solo horn, of Alana Evans. Alana, a French horn player by trade, has been with the band a little over a year starting out on 2nd horn and progressing through the ranks in under a year culminating in a fantastic performance of the tenor solo in the second movement of the Pontins test piece A Bournemouth Suite, for these reasons Alana found herself a very deserving winner. The next award was the award for services to the band, this award goes to the player who is deemed to have given a great service to the band over the past 12 months. The recipient of the award, chosen by band chairman Neil Matthews, was principal cornet Claire Mumford. Neil explained that he had chosen Claire for her great efforts as band and section leader including giving many sectionals over the past 12 months. The penultimate award was the second of MD James' favourites, another one he did not have to pick, the Derek Hilton Memorial Cup presented by the members of the band who vote for their band member of the year, this year going to the ever deserving Paul Mitchell. The final presentation of the day was that of the Sandra Powell Memorial trophy presented by MD James Holt to his Bandsperson of the year. James explained that this year was undoubtedly the hardest year to pick this award as there were so many members of the band that would be deserving of this award and that he has changed his mind no less than 7 times that day! This year the award was presented to Catherine Fox, capping off a good day for her after taking the spoils of the Intermediate section. James explained his decision was down to the hard work and dedication Catherine has shown over the last twelve months and all agreed she was a most deserving winner of this prestigious award. All that was left was for band contest percussionist Warren Tuite to DJ for the remainder of the evening as the band let their hair down for a well deserved party. Speaking after the presentation of the awards BBB.com caught up with MD James Holt The solo contest is always a great day for the band and a fantastic way to start the year. I have been so very impressed by every single members performance today, it shows the strength and depth we have as a unit both inside and outside of the bandroom and can only be a good thing for this wonderful band. After today, preparations continue for our first contest of the year at Preston next week and we are a stronger band unit after this event. A selection of pictures from the day will shortly be appearing on the bands Gallery Page |
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HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL ASSOCIATED WITH BESSES BOYS BAND. The band have many exciting plans for the year ahead and BBB.com will be here to provide coverage of them all, so make sure you keep checking the site for updates on how the band are getting on. Good luck to the band from all at BBB.com for the upcoming year. |
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