Once again the band has started its autumn 2011 season off with the annual Hardraw Scar contest. Owing to the bands success in the lower section the band was asked to compete in the "Open" section. Undettered by this challenge the band has spent the last few weekends preparing their programme. The weather on the day was awful, and just as the band was about to start their programme the heavens opened. However once again the young players were not put off and gave a fabulous performance. The results came in and the band were estatctic to hear they had won "Best March" and 2nd place. Well done everyone.
The bands was once more invited to perform at the Varley family's annual garden party in aid of Action Medical Research charity. The training also received an invite this year, and they really rose to the occasion. Special guest and mascot for the charity "Paddington Bear" was on hand to give out cuddles to our young and older members, plus he was only too pleased to be asked to conduct the training band in their encore "The Marching Saints". A cheque was presented to charity for £825 which the band raised during 2010. The event was a huge success and thanks to donations on the day a further £750 was riased for the charity. Huge thanks to Varley family.
The youth band enjoyed a fantastic social evening together at their first "Prom" night at the Rock Inn, Holywell Green. Parents and friends gathered together in evening dress for a fabulous sit down meal, live music and disco. Organised by band members Georgina Firth and Megan Plant it was a fabulous occasion. Live music was provided by Joe Marriott and Sophie Greig, both were excellent and really set the evening off. Perhaps this will be the first of many more such occasions.
The youth band made it a clean sweap at the Brighouse March Contest, taking the overall 1st place in the youth section, best youth deportment and also best youth soloist. The band performed "Rosehill" by Albert Jakeway and the hymn tune "David of the White Rock". Well done to Tom Fox on principal cornet who featured in the hymn tune and was awarded the best soloist prize.
Once again the band supported the Hebden Bridge March contest and claimed victory in the youth section. This year the performed "Rosehill" by Albert Jakeway. The band put in a really solid performance. Special thanks to those who found time to perform whilst revising for GCSE and A level exams.
On Saturday 21 May 2011, Elland Silver Youth Band held a Brass & Percussion Training Day at Rastrick High School. The workshop was organised by the youth bands Musical Director, Samantha Harrison, and part funded by a “Progressive Band Award” from the British Brass Band Federation.
Some 50 Brass Players from Elland Silver Training, Youth & Senior Band were joined with guests from other local bands joined together to form a massed band for the workshop.
Samantha developed the workshop in collaboration with Murray Greig (Musical Advisor to the Youth Band) and with the youth band members. Suggestions for music, tutors and workshops were all made by the young band members.
Tutors included - Murray Greig (Principal Trumpet from Opera North), James McCabe (Principal Cornet for Rothwell Brass Band), Sandy Smith (Resident Conductor of the Brighouse and Rastrick Band), David Thornton (International Euphonium Soloist and Tutor at the RNCM, Huddersfield University and Cheetham’s School of Music), Rob Burtenshaw (Opera North), Joe Cook (Black Dyke Band) and Mark Wagstaff (former Brighouse & Rastrick Percussionist).
A challenging programme of music was rehearsed with each section of the band which included Summon the Dragon by Peter Graham, The Saints by Goff Richards and Gaelforce also by Peter Graham. The tutors also demonstrated techniques on breathing and other key aspects of brass playing
“There was a real buzz about the day, lots of enthusiasm for music making and music enjoyment, with the tutors providing simple tips on how to become better musicians,” said Samantha Harrison.
Comments from the young people included “It was a fantastic day”, “Joe Cook is a legend”, “time well spent” and “I learnt a lot”.
The workshop also provided the opportunity for players to ask the panel for advice on aspects of playing. The panel were asked for advice on “how to improve home practice”, “how to improve sight reading”, “how to conquer nerves”, “what is vibrato”.
At the end of the workshop parents and friends were treated to a performance of the pieces which the band had worked on all day. “I was blown away by the fantastic sound of the band” commented one parent.
Elland Silver Youth Band have been invited to perform at the National Music For Youth Festival at Birmingham Symphony Hall on the 7th July.
Performing the Regional Music For Youth Festival at Heath Training Centre in March, the band are delighted to have received an invitation to represent Calderdale and perform in the National Festival at the prestigious Birmingham Symphony Hall.
“We are delighted to be invited to represent Calderdale. This is a fantastic opportunity for our young musicians to perform in such a nationally acclaimed event.” Musical Director, Miss Samantha Harrison.
The band was invited perform at the festival in 2009, however, for several young people this will be there first time performing at the festival.
The band will need to find some £3000 towards accommodation and travel
to enable our 35 young musicians to fully experience the festival. We would
like to appeal to the public and local businesses to sponsor the costs of taking
part. You can contact our band secretary, Kathleen Harrison on 01484 71726 or
email ellandband@hotmail.co.uk to ask for further information.
As 2010 National Youth Intermediate Brass Band Champions the youth band was invited by the British Brass Band Federation to nominate two representatives to perform with the European Youth Brass Band in Switzerland this April. Our Musical Director, Miss Samantha Harrison nominated Phil Varley (Principal Cornet player with the band until September 2010) and Dan Eddison (our Solo Trombone player). Both players were accepted into the band and will travel to Switzerland to join representatives from across Europe on a weeks intensive brass course. The highlight of the trip will be performances at the European Brass Band Championships.
We all hope Phil and Dan have a memorable trip and can't wait to see their pictures.
The band are grateful to receive a £100 Progressive Band Award from the British Brass Band Federation. The award will go towards funding the Brass Training and Percussion workshop which will be held at Rastrick High School on Saturday 21st May. Members of the youth and senior bands are invited to the workshop which will be led by some of the countries finest brass educationalists. Students from Rastrick High School are also invited to join the workshop.
Its 1st place in entertainment at Action Research - Feb 2011
The band were crowned winners of the 4th and Ungraded Section for the second year running. They were also awarded “Best March” for their performance of Mephistopheles by Shipley Douglas. 16 year old trombonist Daniel Eddison impressed with his rendition of “DL Blues” and scooped the “Best Soloist”.
The band presented a varied programme of music featuring several of the bands younger players in “La Mourisque”, followed by the trombone solo “La Mourisque”, continuing with the march “Mephistopheles” and the hymn tune “I know thou art mine”. Their finale “The Old Rugged Cross” was the icing on the cake, once more featuring the Trombone section and Eb Bass.
The band has certainly had a momentous year, taking 5 first places in 5 contests, plus numerous other sections and best soloist awards. Taking their trophy haul to 11 trophies since January 2010!
The contest also marked the last official engagement for long serving members Philip Varley (Principal Cornet) and Owen Hicks (Flugal Horn). Phil and Owen have both been members of the band for the last 10 years and have been instrumental in the bands success. Owen departs to Cambridge University to study Medicine and Phil is to study Engineering at Huddersfield University. The band wishes them every success with their future studies.
The band will now start to make preparations for its appearance at Brass In
Concert in November.
Inspired
by music from Bizet’s Opera “Carmen”, Elland Silver Youth
Band collected seven trophies and were crowned Action Medical Research Entertainment
Champions of Great Britain 2010 for the first time in their history.
Performing in the Blackpool Opera House, the bands production included music from Bizets Opera “Carmen” arranged specially for the performance by Murray Greig (Principal Trumpet with Opera North). The performance featured members of the becoming the “opera cast” with percussionist Sophie Greig taking the lead as “Carmen”, Trombonist Dan Eddison as “Escamillio” the fearless Torreador and Owen Hicks as Don Jose a soldier. Other musicians also portrayed soldiers, street urchins and factory workers and a pantomime cow.
With a five point lead over last years winners (Youth Brass 2000) the band was crowned champions, taking 1st place in the music and entertainment categories. The band also received awards for the Best Bass Section, best soloist; “most entertaining item” and the “Finderman Award” for the winning conductor presented to Samantha Harrison the bands musical director.
The band has also received an invitation to perform at the “Brass In Concert Championships” held at the Sage, Gateshead in November.
Musical Director, Samantha Harrison told us "this is a dream come true for us and it hasn’t quite sunk in just what we have achieved. Having said that, I was thrilled with the performance they gave, it couldn’t have been any better. Weeks of preparation, with the young people rehearsing every weekend since Christmas really paid off”.
Competing in the Fourth and Ungraded Band Section, the band was awarded 1st place by top adjudicator Mr Kevin Wadsworth. Mr Wadsworth described the performance as a “top show” and was stunned by the capability of the young musicians.
The band performed a 20 minute programme, which featured two of the bands talented young soloists. Principal cornet player, Phillip Varley, aged 17 played the “Adirondacks Polka” and the bands solo trombone player, Daniel Eddison, aged 14 performed “Every Time We Say Goodbye”.
Four new players made their debut with the band having been recently promoted
from the Elland Silver Training Band and were delighted to collect the silverware.
This success completes a hat trick of wins for the band in the past year having
been awarded first place in the entertainment division of the Action Youth Entertainment
Championships in February and also first place in the Brighouse March Contest
in July.
Hot on the heals of our recent success the band is delighted to have been invited to perform at the National Music For Youth festival at Birmingham Symphony Hall on the 9th July.
It is a great honour for the band to have been chosen to represent Calderdale at the festival, and we are all excited to be taking part. Birmingham Symphony Hall is one of the finest concert halls in the country so its an excellent opportunity for the band to perform and will be a memorable experience.
We are now appealing to local businesses and charitable organisations to contribute towards our expenses involved.
Performing in the Intermediate section of the National Youth Band Championships at the Royal Northern College of Music the band was awarded fourth place and a Silver award.
After weeks of hard work and rehearsal the band delivered some of their best playing to date. Their programme carefully chosen by Musical Director, Samantha Harrison, featured some difficult choices which would show the bands strength and musicality and would contrast with the set music "The Pioneers".
Our performance was much admired by the adjudicators who praised the band for their rhythmic playing, good ensemble work and contrasting dynamics.
Principal Cornet Player, Phil Varley was awarded the "Best Soloist" prize for his performance of "The Adirondacks Polka". Phil gave a faultless performance of his solo and wowed the audience and adjudicators. Mr David Horsfield described his playing as the "champagne moment of the contest"! It certainly was, we were all so proud of him as we cheered and shouted for him as he went on stage to collect his award.
The band received was highly praised for its performance of "Bound for Sea" at the Regional Music For Youth Festial at Ryburn School.
The was the first time the band had performed in the festival and received a warm welcome from the organisers. Performing alongside other local groups, it was a very enjoyable experience. The bands performance received much praise and admiration from local peripetetic teachers and members of the audience.
The festival is part of the Music for Youth series where similar festivals are held across the country. The band is hoping to be selected to perform at the National Festival which is held at Birmingham Symphony Hall in July.
Elland Silver Youth Band are delighted with their achievements at the Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championships. In a line up of 14 of the UKs top youth brass bands, the band were awarded "Most Entertaining Item", 1st place for Entertainment and 5th place for Music, resulting in the band taking the runners up spot just behind Youth Brass 2000 from Leicester.
Inspiration for the bands production came from the 1935 classic film “Mutiny on the Bounty”. Murray Greig, the bands composer in residence arranged music to depict the musical journey and adventures of the crew, from setting sail, life on board ship, discovering new lands, a pirate encounter, an enchanting Moari Princess and finally the mutiny! The whole band was dressed as Pirates, Naval officers, Sailors, Wenches and the Captain from the era of Lord Nelson. The bands compere, Mr Gordon Eddison was also instrumental in the performance as the dreaded Captain!
Dan Eddison, the bands solo trombonist was featured in “What shall we do with the drunken trombonist!”, Philip Varley, principal cornet, was featured in "Tico Tico" and Sophie Greig, percussionist, was featured as Soprano Vocalist in "Hine e Hine".
"This is a fantastic achievement for such a young band with limited resources. It’s a real credit to the young people and parents who over the past four weeks have put in some 30 hours of extra rehearsals at weekends. Their enthusiasm and team spirit was fantastic. Its been hard work but it was worth it, we’ve had so much fun" Samantha Harrison, Musical Director.
Congratulations to all the other competing bands. This is a fantastic contest and one which we hope will continue for another 25 years and more.
Elland Silver Youth Band has received a grant of £1500 from Calderdale community grants scheme towards some new instruments.
Over the past few months membership of the youth and training band has increased and instruments have been in short supply. Thanks to this funding the band has purchased seven new instruments which will replace those being used by members of the youth band. We can now offer more places to children who would like to learn to play who don’t have their own instrument.
“This funding is just what we needed and a real boost to us. We can now offer more young people the opportunity to come and learn an instrument”, Samantha Harrison, youth band conductor and teacher.
For the second year running the band competed at the Tameside Youth Contest. This year the band was pre drawn 1st band. Taking to the stage first is not easy, however, this did not put our young band off and they gace an excellent performance setting a high standard for the other bands to follow.
Although the band didn't feature in the main prizes we did improve on our position last year and were placed 7th overall. Best of all our solo trombone player, Dan Eddison was awarded the best trombone prize for his rendition of "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye".
Well done everyone.
The was delighted to be awarded 1st place in the youth section of the Brighouse March Contest, plus our Flugal Horn player, Owen Hicks was also awarded best youth soloist.
The band performed the march "Contester", by T J Powell and the hymn tune "Hine e Hine" arranged by Peter Graham.
Later in the afternoon the senior band was crowned "Best 3rd Section Band" and was placed 3rd overall. A great result for both bands.
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.
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.
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.
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....