This year the band competed in the "Community" section of the National Youth Band Championships and was awarded a "Silver Award" by adjudicators James Scott and Simone Rebello. Considering this was the bands first year competing in this section it was a fantastic achievement.
The band worked hard in rehearsals leading up to the contest on the set piece "Dimensions" by Peter Graham and put in a really good performance on the day which received many favourable comments from the adjudicators. Matthew Shaw also gave a supberb performance on the cornet solo "Georgia on My Mind" in the programme. The programme also featured solo passages from Phillip Valrely, Owen Hicks and Albert Gaukroger. Congratulations to all who competed.
On
Sunday 10th February the band competed in the Youth Entertainmnet Championships
of Great Britain at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Weeks of hard work went into
the programme and everyone worked really hard to d present a themed programme
on "World War II". Band members were fully costumed in authentic WWII
uniforms along with compere Gordon Eddison and conductor Samantha Harrison.
Music was carefully chosen to tell the story of a WWII soldier. Several players also acted out parts to tell the story. We even had an authentic air raid siren and sound effects of bombs dropping.
Cornetist, Matthew Shaw, was featued playing the "Last Post" in "Nightfall in Camp", along with a brass quartet featuring Owen Hicks, Megan Plant, Albert Gaukroger and Dan Eddison. The whole cornet section was also featured in "Boogy Woogy Bugle Boy".
Tom Fox and James Wilkinson played parts as paper boys and ran into the audience shouting "War declared...read all about it!". David Thomson and Anna Liddle played the moving parts of Father and Daughter writing to each during the war. Sophie Grieg, Sarah Thompson, Georgina Firth and Megan Plant danced to Boogy Woogy Bugle Boy.
We all really enjoyed ourselves and the organisers were most helpful and supportive. The audience really appreciated our programme, and it was most satisfying when we were awarded 6th Place for entertainment value. We were also placed 8th for musicality given the band an average placing of joint 7th with Enderby Youth.
An excellent amongst a line up of some of the countrys finest youth bands. Many thanks to everyone who helped with the programme.
For the first time in the bands history we embarked on a new initiative, and decided to take the whole band away to the Howarth Youth Hostel for a residential weekend of playing and team building. Arriving at 7.00pm on Friday evening the first task was for everyone to make up their bunks for the night! We had a supberb evening meal and then sat down to band rehearsal. With the band enterred in the Action Research Championships the weeked provided the opportunity to work on learning the programme which we would be playing. After band rehearsal, Samantha put everyone into teams and explained about the team games everyone would be involved in. First up was the band quiz where 50 points were up for grabs. After the quiz it was time for supper and bed time! Parents, Bernice, Sheila, Gordon, Ian and Samantha had volunteered to be chaperones for the weeked which meant they had the unfortunate responsibility for supervising bed time! Finally lights went out around 1.30am!
8.30am Saturday morning and it was time for a full english breakfast ahead of the days rehearsals and more team activities. Rehearsal began at 10.00am, followed by group tuition with members of Opera North! Murray Grieg and his colleagues Brian and Rob had kindly volunteered to tutor the groups. A final afternoon rehearsal with everyone all playing together started to show how much progress had been made with the new music.
Next on the agenda was the Grand Treasure Hunt, led by Gordon and Sheila into the streets of Howarth for some fresh air. Returning in time to relax before dinner. After a hearty evening meal and several helpings of Chocolate Mouse it was time for another rehearsal. This time the band focused on some of the choreography needed for the contest and had great fun in learning to move and play at the same time!
With everyone having lots of fun it was time to end the evening with a Disco! To everyones surprise the Dining Hall had been transformed into a Disco with flashing lights and speakers complete with our very own DJ! Not only that it was the boys who were first on the Dance floor showing off their skills in breakdancing, with James Wilkinson leading the way! Not to be out done the girls soon showed the boys how it was done!
First up with the team games - The Limbo! (Is there no end to the talents?) Followed by TV themes quiz and last up was the pass the parcel! However this was no ordinary pass the parcel with team points added for every forfeit completed, the excitement was unbearable! Even "the zimmers" (the parents team) were getting excited. Finally the evening was drawn to a close and once more it was bed time! This time lights finally went out at 2.30am!
8.30am - Another early start - would everyone make it! The boys were up first and ate all of the bacon, with the girls finally making it up for 9.30am! One more rehearsal to finish the weekend off and the improvement was unbelievable, hard to believe everyone had only received the music on Friday evening.
Finally, it was time to congratulate everyone on the success and achievments and to thank the parents, tutors and staff for making the weekend so successful. Awards were presented to the wining teams from team games, and individual awards were made to James Wilkinson, Sophie Grieg, Bethan Plant and Jacob Lusk!
Pictures to follow soon.
For the first time in a number of years the band competed in the Tameside Youth Contest. Unsure of what to expect we prepared a programme of varied concert music which hoped we show the adjudicator what the band is capable of. Again the band put in a good solid musical performance. The bands cornet soloist Matthew Shaw gave a fantastic performance of "Georgia on Mind" and we all thought he'd be in with a chance of the soloist prize. Unfortuantely this year the band didn't feature in the prizes, but did receive some encouraging remarks from the adjudicator.
The band narrowly missed out on first prize at the Annual Huddersfield Youth Contest, coming 2nd place against a line up of some 10 youth bands. Performing Senator, Deep Harmony and Music the band gave a supberb account of themselves confidently performing their programming and impressing the audience. Another excellent achievement and huge improvement on last years result.
CD Recording - Sept 07
Along with the senior band we are in the process of producing a new CD in time for christmas. Hot on the heals of our success at Hardraw Scar, we have recorded our winning programme and feature two of the bands young soloists. To make the recording the band spent 4 hours patiently recording each piece in turn followed by edits to produce our best performances.
The band worked really hard and under the guidance of producer Murray Greig and conductor Sam Harrison each piece was perfected.
The CD will be released in time for christmas and will feature a popular selection of music from the senior and youth band. Copies can be ordered in advance from Kathleen Harrison.
Hardraw
Scar 4th Section Runners Up and Best Hymn! - September 2007
Against a large field of 4th section and unregistered bands the band were awarded "Best Hymn Tune" and overall second place in the 4th and unregistered bands division of the Hardraw Scar Contest.
Perfoming a selection of music which featured a solo from the bands flugel horn player Owen Hicks, the band received much praise and admiration from the audience and other bands persons. The bands performance was almost faultless, with comments from the adjudicators being very positive and encouraging, favouring the hymn tune, "Deep Harmony in particular.
Congratulations to Otley Band who took first prize on their deubut contest performance.
Presentations and Awards for achievement at summer concert - June 2007
On Friday 29th June the youth and training band joined forces to present their annual summer concert at Brighouse Civic Hall. Special guests for the evening included, the Deputy Mayoress of Calderdale, Mrs Geraldine Carter and Mrs Peggy Tomlinson, Secretary for the Regional Brass Band Championships. The concert began with the training band performing several popular TV theme tunes and folk tunes, which included the Floral Dance, The Muppets and the Can Can, providing the perfect introduction to the annual awards ceremony.
Each year, members are presented with awards in recognition of attendence, improvement and overall contribution. This year Certificates of attendance were presented to Philip Varley and also to Training Band members David Thomson and James Thompson. Bethan Plant was awarded "Most improved learner" and Anna Liddel and Liam Whiting were presented with the "Most improved player" in the training band. The award for "Outstanding contribution" was presented to Albert Gaukroger.
All members of the youth band were then presented with a commorative trophy for winning their win at the national brass championships in February.
The youth band then took to the stage and presented a superb concert showcasing some of their reportoire, featuring three solo items. Philip Varley performed "Sugar Blues", Oliver Cambell was featured in "L'il Darlin" and Owen Hicks played "Concerto D'Aranjuez". At the end of the concert Mrs Pegg Tomlinson led a standing ovation and congratulated the band on their performance and high standard of playing. The Deputy Mayoress of Calderdale also made a short speech and thanked the band for inviting her.
More
Success at Golcar Youth Band Contest! - May 2007
The Youth Band was awarded first place at the Golcar Youth Band Contest on Sunday 19th May. Philip Varley was also awarded "Best Soloist" for his performance of Sugar Blues. The band gave an excellent performance otheir chosen programme which was full of confidence and quality, despite being without a couple pf key players who had other commitments on this occasion.
Clifton and Lightcliffe Band, last years winners finished in second place and were awarded the "best hymn tune" prize. After the contest, everyone headed back to the bandroom for a celebration buffet with parents and friends.
We are the National Youth Junior Champions of Great Britain 2007! - April 2007
After
weeks of hard work and preparation the Youth Band was awarded first place and
a Gold Certificate in the Junior Section of the National Youth Brass Band Championships,
plus we were also awarded the "Band with Most Potential Award".
The bands programme featured The Spirit of Youth by Goff Richards, the cornet solo "Sugar Blues" performed by Phillip Varley, "Singing in the Rain" and finsished with the final movement from "A Malvern Suite".
This is the first time the band has taken part in the National Championships and to be awarded first place is a fantastic achievement. Congratulations to all those who took part and to Phillip McCann and Murray Grieg for their expert advice and coaching to the youngsters.
Youth Opportunity Grant - Feb 2007
The youth band have been awarded a gtant of £820 from the Calderdale Youth Opportunity Fund. The grant will help towards cost associated with competing in the National Youth Brass Championships on Sunday 29th April.
Action Research Youth Entertainment Championships - Jan 2007
After a gap of four years the band has accepted an invitation to compete in one of the most pretigious Youth Brass Contests, held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The contest is organised by the charity Action Research and is only open to the countries top youth brass bands. We are really honoured to be taking part and will be working hard to put on our very best performance.
Our programme will be based on an American theme, and will feature music associated with New York. The programme will include a cornet solo performed by our principal cornet player Philip Varley. Philip will play Alan Morrisons arrangement of Sugar Blues. The band will also perform Alan Fernies arrangement of "Singin in the Rain" which will feature Zara Jones performing a tap dance. We will also feature our fine trombone section led by Kate Salter in Goff Richards excellent arrangement of New York, New York.
The band will be rehearsing hard over the next few weeks, and we are very grateful to Mr Fox, Headmaster of Longroyd Junior School, Rastrick for allowing us to practice in the school Hall. The band will also benefit from expert tuitiom from Murray Grieg, Hayley and Steve Walsh and Graham Bates.
Phil Varley wins Best Soloist at Huddersfield Youth Contest - October 2006
Congratulations to Phil Varley, the bands recently appointed Principal Cornet Player who was presented with the Best Soloist Award at the Huddersfield and District Youth Contest. Phil played "Sugar Blues" and wowed the audience with his supberb technique using the "Wow-wow" effect Harmon Mute. The band played extremely well and finished just out of the main prizes in fifth place.
Summer Concert and Presentation Night - July 2006
Once more the band held its annual summer concert at Brighouse Civic Hall for parents and friends. This year the concert was attended by the Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Colin Stout and his wife. This year thanks to a donation from one of the organisations Trustees we were able to present several awards to members in recognition of the achievements and commitment.
The band was invitied to compete at the Gocar Youth Contest hosted by the Golcar Band, which is aimed at Youth and Training Bands in the local area. The band gave a good solid performance and was awarded 2nd prize, just behind Clifton and Lightcliffe Junior Band. The best news was that our Euphonium player, Albert Gaukroger was awarded "Best Soloist" for his performance of Darryl Barry's "Romance and Rondo".
On Sunday 11th September the band took part in the Hardraw Scar Contest. The band gave an excellent performance featuring "Death or Glory", "12 Street Rag" and "Breezin Down Broadway" which was really enjoyed by the crowd.
A total of six bands took part ranging from 4th to Championship section from across Yorkshire. This year the contest was adjudicated by Chris Wormald. The band was placed 5th and awarded best Hymn Tune in the 4th section.
Congratulations to James Wilkinson, Thomas and Josh Fox, who have recently been promoted from training band to the Youth Band. We wish them evey success and hope they continue to enjoy their playing.
The Youth band once again enterred the Hardraw Scar Contest and was awarded Frist Place for the second year running in the "Unregistered Band" category! This year the band performed a short programme which included the March Slaidburn and also the bands favourite "Ticket to Ride". The audience was thrilled with the bands performance, and we thoroughly deserved the first place.
"Open Rehearsal" - Sat 15th May
On Saturday 15th May, the youth band is holding an "Open Rehearsal", where all members of the current training band have been invited to attend. The rehearsal will provide these players with an opportunity to sit and play in with the main band.
Holmfirth Contest - Sunday 9th May 2004
On Sunday 9th May, the band performed at the Holmfirth Contest for the first time. Giving a superb performance of Indian Summer and Onward Christian Soldiers earned many favourable comments from the audience and adjudicator. However, on this occastion the band did not feature in the main prizes. First place was awarded to the Uppermill Band who are currently National Finalists. The bands next appearence will be at Easingwold Marches on the 26th June.
Success at Hardraw Scar - 3 Trophies in one day!
On Sunday 9th September, the Youth band took part at Hardraw Scar Contest for the first time. The band gave a suberb performances of Eric Ball's, "Indian Summer", "Abide with me" and "Slaidburn" and were awarded a total of 3 trophies and a total of £175.00. In total the band was awarded Best Overall Ungraded Band for the Hymn Tune and Selection and to everyones delight were placed 4th overall.
Congtatulations to all who took part.
Promotion
Congratulations to James Hemings, Zoe Ward, Jessica Bunyard and Ross Ward who have all recently been promoted to the Youth band from the Training group.
Debut Performance
The Training Band and Beginners group presented their first concert on Saturday 13th July at Wainright Hall, Elland. Over 70 parents and friends attended the concert which included the Mayor and Mayoress of Calderdale, Joyce and Geoffry Whitham and the band's Chairman Peter Greenleaf. The concert concluded with an excellent demonstration of the Youth Band's current reportoire. The evening was a huge success and raised over £60.00 towards band funds in donations. It is hoped that this will become an annual event in the Youth and Training bands calender.
Congratulations!
Several of our members have been out and about competing in local competitions and music festivals and have done the band proud with their achievements. These include
Fliss Ward - Brass Finalist in the Rastrick High School Musician of the Year
Kathryn Walker - Runner up in the Yorkshire Co-operatives Solo Competition (14 and Under)
Graham Harrison - Percussion Finalist in the Rastrick High School Musician of the Year
Quartet runners up!
Congratulations to the Youth Band Quartet featuring Hannah, Alex, Heather and kathryn who came a much deserved 2nd place in the Youth Section of the Quartets and the Slow Melody Contest.
TV Stars in the making...
Five members of the youth band are to be featured in the ITV drama "Where the Heart Is". The youth band were asked a very short notice if a quintet to include a trombone player could perform three items "badly" as part of a storyline involving a rugby match. A strange request, but non the less interesting. The music and players was rehearsed to include "wrong notes" and the team set off at 7.00am to go to the film set (a rugby club in Holmfirth!) On arrival the children were shuttled around on several mini buses before arriving in the right place! Once on set, all became clear, the band (our quintet), had to act the part of an under rehearsed band who could not play in tune or play the right notes together (does this sound familiar) non the less, the children tried their hardest and eventually on the third take got it absolutely perfect! In fact, the whole cast including Phillip Middlemiss and Lesley Ash (aka Des from "Corrie" and Debs from "Men Behaving Badly") burst into histerics of laughter it was so awful! The director was most impressed and praised the youngsters for their suberb acting skills and professionalism (was this just normal - I hope not?). An excellent time was had by all and we can't wait to watch the series starting in Spring to see how "poor" we sounded!
Leading the way at Action Research.......
On Sunday 10th February, the youth band performed in the Action Research Youth Entertainment Contest, Winter Gardens Blackpool. Performing off the unfortunate number 1 draw, the band gave an excellent account of their chosen programme, which featured pieces by Gloria Estefan, Stephen Foster and Kander and Ebb. The ambitious programme, involved players moving around the stage in a special choreographed routine performing without music, impressed the adjudicators and the bands soloist Miss Kathryn Walker played beautifully receiving many complements. After a long day of enjoying the sights of Blackpool the results were given and we were awarded a commendable 7th place, improving on last years result. Congratulation's to all....