We asked, what was the link between a Gilbert Vinter test-piece, a computer invented by Sir Clive Sinclair and the indestructible 1960's supermarionation television series hero Captain Scarlet?

Answer

The answer of course was 'Spectrum'.

Vinter wrote his work in 1969, Sir Clive brought us his affordable home computer in 1982 (which had a rainbow logo on it) and the indestructible Captain Scarlet worked for the worldwide security service called Spectrum in the year 2068.

However, as is well known, Vinter's masterpiece contained the colour purple, whilst a number of the Captains in the television series were called Scarlet, White, Black, Ochre, Magenta and Grey — not on the spectrum either.

That said, they did have an all female airborne command of Angel Interceptors flown by pilots called Melody, Rhapsody, Harmony and Symphony.

As for Sir Clive? He went on to give the world the Sinclair C5 — a motorised death trap the less said about the better.

Winner

Our winner is Andy Collins from Herne Bay in Kent.

He will be getting the new releases from Steven Mead (Pulse), Katrina Marzella (Spotlight) and Bastien Baumet (Radiance).

What is believed to be the first ever brass band in Peru has given its debut performance in the country's capital, Lima.

It was the culmination of a dream held by Besson artist, Patricio Cosentino, who, with the support of 'Tempo' — a leading School of Music, held a workshop initiative last month as part of a ground-breaking four day course.

Patricio is an international tuba soloist and the MD of the Brass Band BlechKLANG in Germany, since 2015, and first brought the project to the attention of 4BR at the recent European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.

There he said that he was still putting the final elements in place, working hard to attract brass players to the course.

Huge success

Now though he has revealed that the project has been a huge success, with the School's Director, Rafael Reyes Acevedo telling 4BR: "No one was expecting a result like this in such a short time.

The preparation work undertaken by Patricio has been exceptional and the development of the participants in the four days was simply astonishing."

He added: "This is a musical medium that has so much potential for brass and percussion players. We are proud and happy to have the first brass band in Peru and we will keep working to develop it and perhaps others with his inspirational lead."

Explaining

Over the four days Patricio led the participants in different aspects of brass band ensemble playing, intonation, articulation, effects and quality of sound.

"Part of what I had to do was to explain just what brass bands were all about — and what musical opportunities they have to offer players," he said. "Some people knew more than others, but the appetite to understand and explore was incredible."

Part of the exploratory process was to listen each night to a number of brass band CD recordings and videos — including those from Brass in Concert and even watch the film 'Brassed Off!"

Serious and fun

"We balanced the serious and the fun," Patricio added.

"I wanted to give everyone an idea of not just what brass bands can do, but how we are sometimes portrayed. It was the same with the music we played — from 'Prismatic Light' and 'The Floral Dance' to looking at a couple of test-pieces. The players wanted to experience it all!"

One player who was an instant fan was Gustavo Ramirez Davalos, who became the band's first principal cornet. He told 4BR: "It is the first time in my life that I sit in this position.

It is a big challenge that I like to take, but also I can feel the pressure in leading the players. It is very exciting."

Concert

The four day course was rounded off with a short concert which attracted many interested people from the music school as well as members of the public intrigued to hear a traditional British style brass band perform.

Such was the success (which included two encores) that the Music School invited Patricio to become its International MD of the newly named Brass Band Tempo.

Honoured

"I feel very honoured to bring brass bands to new frontiers," he said. "Since I started conducting Brass Band BlachKLAND in 2015, I have become a huge fan of brass bands and have always wanted to make a mark in bringing its joys to other people.

I'm so happy that this connection is working and now we must try to bring brass bands to the rest of South America!"

We have a fantastic trio of low brass solo CDs for the winner of our Saturday quiz.

We have three great new releases from Steven Mead (Pulse), Katrina Marzella (Spotlight) and Bastien Baumet (Radiance) to give away to the person who can work out our little brain teaser.

Question:

What's the link between a Gilbert Vinter test-piece, a computer invented by Sir Clive Sinclair and the indestructible 1960's supermarionation television series hero Captain Scarlet?

A little bit of research and you will surely come up with the answer... unless the Mystersons get you first...

You have to tell us the answer and the connection...

Answers:

Answers to be sent to:
Closing date for answers: 12.00pm (midnight) on Saturday 27th July.

Odyssey instruments are designed by master craftsman Peter Pollard, one of the most sought after custom brass and woodwind builders in the world.

He designs Odyssey brass and woodwind without compromise, with features, attributes, specification and manufacturing techniques which place each instrument way above its class.

Order

'To Order' items are normally dispatched in 3 to 4 working day based on suppliers availability of stock — we will email a delivery date once ordered

Price: £499.00

To purchase: https:/­/­4barsrest.shop/­product/­odyssey-ocr900-bb-cornet-outfit/

Odyssey Premiere OCR900 Bb Cornet Outfit

Silver-plated with gold-plated slide
Gold-plated bottom and top caps
Nickel inner slides
Triggers on 1st and 3rd slides
Gold-plated buttons
Two water keys
Monel valves
Denis Wick Classic mouthpiece 5881-4
Bell diameter: 119mm/4.68"

Besson Artist Jamie Hood recently brought together a talented group of brass players for a special fundraising 'Brass Spectacular' concert in Basel in Switzerland

Classics

Players from the USA, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, German, UK and New Zealand came together for two days of rehearsals in preparation for a concert that feature a number of classic Salvation Army compositions, such as 'The Call of the Righteous', 'Resurgum' and 'Fire in the Blood'.

Mixed in with them were 'The Light of the World', 'Guardian of my Soul' and the march 'Celebration', whilst Black Dyke's solo euphonium, Daniel Thomas gave a stunning performance of Robert Redhead's 'Euphony'.

An appreciative audience helped to raise over 2500 Swiss Francs towards a new brass programme that will be undertaken at the Basel 1 Salvation Army Corps.

Wonderful project

He told 4BR: "My thanks go to all the great players who supported the event — such as Daniel, Martin Britt, Murray Borthwick, Paul Bennett, Lauren Chinn and Paul Woodward to name but a few.

Their response was outstanding and so was that of the audience who helped raise much needed funds for a wonderful project."

Busy

Jamie has been enjoying a busy summer, and following the initiative headed to Leeuwarden in The Netherlands to be part of the Allan Withington Brass Band Summer School, before heading to Switzerland and then back to Scotland, where his children were taking part in the annual National Youth Brass Band of Scotland course.

Tom Davoren's 'Alaw' was composed in 2015 for the debut CD release of Tom Hutchinson, principal cornet of the Cory Band.

The 4 minute piece is a lullaby inspired by Alaw Clement, the first daughter of one of the composer's oldest friends. The name Alaw itself means 'melodious' and 'flowing'.

Price: £40.00

To purchase: https:/­/­4barsrest.shop/­product/­alaw-cornet-and-brass-band/

Chapeltown Silver Prize Band has announced the death of their respected Vice-President and former player Neville Wilkinson. He passed away on Thursday 11th July following a long illness.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Neville (Nev) had a long association with the band, along with several members of his family, including his twin brother Terry and son Paul, who is still a member.

Nev played most of the instruments in the band, was a model bandsman, a great compere and worked tirelessly as both a player and official on our behalf.

He had a big heart and a very dry sense of humour and was always the life and soul at celebrations."

Keen walker

On retiring from the Fire Service Neville spent a number of years working for Conservation Practice, maintaining paths and building dry-stone walls in the countryside. He was also a keen walker and was a member of the Grenoside Walking Club.

He was also well known within the local community through his involvement with a number of organisations including Chapeltown Scouts where he was a leader for a number of years, Worrall Male Voice Choir, the Royal British Legion Club and through his work as a fireman.

Condolences

The spokesperson added: "On behalf of all the band and officials we send our most sincere condolences, love and support to all Nev's family especially his wife Marjorie, son Paul, daughters Linda and Joanne and all their families at this difficult time.

Service

Funeral Service and Cremation at the North Chapel Grenoside 30th July 2019 at 3.00pm. Family flowers only.

Donations in lieu of flowers towards Chapeltown Silver Prize Band.

Vincent Bach Stradivarius 183 Flugel horn (c.1978) in lacquer — this instrument has a free blowing response and features bottom sprung valves that deliver a faster action.

Having recently been serviced, the instrument is in excellent condition for its age and is sold in its original hard case.

Price: £1,295.00

To purchase: https:/­/­4barsrest.shop/­product/­vincent-bach-stradivarius-183-flugelhorn-1978/

Following a successful event in Barnsley on the 29th June, Brass Bands England has announced the next in their series of Artistic Development events, which will be held in Southampton on Saturday 21st September.

Thanks to the support of Arts Council England, ticket prices start from just £5 (lunch and refreshments included) for a full day workshop led by Cory Band Musical Director, Philip Harper.

Cory in rehearsal

This next event has a particular pull as for part of the day participants will have the chance to see Philip rehearsing the world's number 1 ranked band ahead of their concert the same evening.

Alex Parker of BBE told 4BR: "The day should hold appeal to anyone involved in banding, and in particular those who have an input into artistic direction.

Throughout the day, attendees will learn about concert planning, engaging the audience and the practicalities involved in rehearsing a band, as well as how to maximise your artistic reach and capitalise on marketing through social media."

Time and place

Artistic Development with Philip Harper will take place at Chandler's Ford Methodist Church in Southampton on Saturday 21st September 2019.

Tickets are available to purchase from Brass Band England's website — www.bbe.org.uk/­events

Tickets including lunch cost £5 for members and £15 for non members.

Demand for Besson instruments has received a pre-Brexit boost as customers have been eager to get their hands on the full range of the manufacturer's brass band stock before the impending decision takes place.

Waiting times

It is understood that such has been the spike in demand that there may be increased short term waiting times on certain instrument lines, with Ronnie Tennant of Band Supplies telling 4BR that customers will need to plan ahead.

"We've seen a significant increase in customer demand for the most popular Besson instrument lines — and we expect that to continue over the coming months.

We have an excellent supply chain but we want to ensure that our customers have the opportunity to plan their purchases without the potential for any possible delays."

Stock levels

He added: "At present we have good stock levels stocks of the Besson Sovereign 928 and 928GT cornets and market leading Prestige models, as well as the 955 Sovereign baritone and 2052 Prestige euphonium and 982 Sovereign EEb tuba, but we want to ensure that our customers are not left disappointed.

If you are thinking of purchasing these instruments, we want to plan with our customers to ensure they get the brilliant Besson instruments they want."

Please contact:

Band Supplies
13-15 Old Dumbarton Road
Glasgow
G3 8QY

Tel: 0141 3399400

Band Supplies
7 Hunslet Road
Leeds
LS10 1JQ

Tel: 0113 245 3097

More than 170 talented young musicians have been working hard at Strathallan School in Perthshire this week on the 2019 National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) summer course.

And over the last few days they have been taking part in an action-packed programme of rehearsals, concerts and social activities as part of one of the three bands that cater for their playing development.

Edinburgh concert

On Wednesday the senior National Youth Band performed in the famous Ross Bandstand in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens — just below the iconic Castle under the baton of conductor Ian Porthouse, whilst the Reserve and Children's Bands had a chance to take part in social activities before their concert at Forgendenny Village Hall on Wednesday evening.

Incredible

Ian told 4BR: "It's been a great course to be involved in and the tutors and players have been incredible. The concert showed just how much progress has been made in such a short space of time — vibrant, fun and mature playing from start to finish."

All three bands are now working towards their end of course concerts on Saturday, which will take place at Strathallan School and Stirling's Albert Halls.

NYBBS Senior Band Principal Players:

Conductor: Emeritus Richard Evans and Musical Director: Ian Porthouse

Soprano — Hannah Oman
Cornet — Callum Robb
Flugel — Storm Robertson
Horn — Amy Paterson
Baritone — Carole Ednie
Euphonium — John Walker
Trombone — Robyn Anderson
Bass Trombone — Owen Pickering
Eb Tuba — Gavin Johnson
Bb Tuba — Henry Kay
Percussion — Ross Manning

NYBBS Reserve Band Principal Players:

Conductor: John Boax

Soprano — Gregor Koziel
Cornet — Catriona Hackwood
Fluge — Fraser McLachlan
Horn — Eilidh Court
Baritone — Siobhan Crumlish
Euphonium — Emily Bennie
Trombone — Caius Walker
Bass Trombone — Aileen Orr
Eb Tuba — Morgan Jones
Percussion — Ronan Somerville

NYBBS Childrens Band Principal Players:

Conductor: Alan Fernie

Soprano — Ethan Deane
Cornet — Angus Paton
Flugel — Rona Campbell
Horn — Liam Bennie
Baritone — Charlie Boax
Euphonium — Angus Ritchie
Trombone — Jamie Colville
Bass Trombone — Marcella Haldane Boyle
Eb Tuba — Andrew Colville

Regent Brass from London has announced a new working partnership with DLD College in Westminster.

The college, which currently has some 500 students on its roll, has an established music and music technology department, which will be partnering with Regent to introduce and promote brass music to their students and the local community.

Collaboration

As part of the collaboration, Regent Brass will be moving from their current rehearsal venue in Wembley, into a rehearsal studio in the music department of DLD College, which is based in Westminster and two minutes walk from London Waterloo station.

Regent's Musical Director, Paul Archibald told 4BR: "This opportunity to collaborate with DLD College secures the future of Regent Brass and also helps us promote high quality brass music in Central London.

The resources within the band will not only be available to students at the college, but to the wider community in Westminster and Lambeth."

Impact

He added: "Making an impact at a local level is as important to us as winning national championships, so we anticipate a bright future ahead for Regent Brass.

With a number of exciting new projects in the next few months our relationship with DLD College is a cornerstone, and will enable the band to fully achieve its ambitions".

Delighted

In response, DLD College's Director of Music, Peter Hopkins, said: "We're delighted to welcome Regent Brass to the DLD family and we are excited for what they will bring to our music in the college.

We have a number of students eager to learn brass instruments or improve their skills, and this collaboration will be a massive advantage to us."

The Deiniolen Silver Band is currently busy preparing for their appearance at the Welsh National Eisteddfod that takes place in Llanrwst next month.

It will mark the 20th time that conductor Lois Eifion has led the band in various competitions — including her debut at the event back in 2013 when they beat off strong competition to win the Championship Section.

Established

Since then the band has firmly established itself in the First Section following impressive performances at the Welsh Regional Championships in the last few years. They have qualified for the National Finals in Cheltenham on two occasions, coming third in the Second Section in 2015.

More recently Lois led the Gwynedd & Môn Junior Band to victory in the 2019 National Youth Brass Band Championships, where they won the Gold Award in the Elementary Section.

Proud

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We are very proud of Lois and her achievements with the senior band during the last six years."

The band has also congratulated four of their members on gaining places in the National Youth Band of Wales this year. Ela Williams (cornet), Morgan Williams (cornet), Lois White (horn) and Glyn Porter (euphonium) are currently enjoying being part of the band under the direction of Philip Harper.

4BR has been informed that the 12 month musical partnership between Otterbourne Brass and Phillip Littlemore has come to an amicable end.

A spokesman for the band told 4BR: "We would like to place on record our thanks to Phillip for his hard work and wish him every success with his future projects".

All the best

In response, Phillip said: "These past twelve months have been a great ride, with our fair share of highs. Things don't always work out and so I wish the band all the best for the future."

The cream of young Welsh brass banding talent has been working hard under Cory MD, Philip Harper and an ensemble of top class tutors on the National Youth Brass Band of Wales annual course.

They have also been joined by Besson tenor horn star Sheona White who will be the featured guest soloist in their concerts performances inspired by the elements of air, water, earth and fire as well as the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in Aberystwyth, Beaumaris and Cardiff this weekend.

Concerts

26th July: Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth (8.00pm)
27th July: Canolfan Beaumaris, Anglesey (7.30pm)
28th July: Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff (7.30pm)

The programme has been specially selected by Phil, and will open with his exciting 'Elemental' piece, whilst Sheona will showcase her talents with her solos 'Concerto for Tenor Horn' by Derek Bourgeois as well as works by Kenneth Downie and Philip Sparke.

The band will join in with colourful items such as 'Fireball XL5' and 'Riverdance', although the players have been tested to the limit with the inclusion of the major test-pieces, 'Spectrum' and 'Music of the Spheres'.

Amazing talent

Phil told 4BR: "We hope as many people can come along and support these wonderful young musicians. Wales really does produce amazing brass banding talent and this is the chance to hear them first hand."

One of those is principal cornet player Owain Llestyn who was also the principal cornet of the 2019 European Youth Brass Band and has recently joined Cory Band.

Sit In & Play

In addition to the musical attractions at the concerts, the band will be holding some special 'Sit In & Play' workshops on the afternoon of each concert, with participants have the opportunity to play with the band in the concert itself on the piece they have been rehearsing.

It costs just £5.00 and includes a free child ticket to the evening performance. Participants should be Grade 3 standard and aged between 10 and 18.

To book a place, please email: or ring 02920 105807

Principals Players:

Soprano — Sacheus Holloway-Jones
Cornet — Owain Llestyn
Flugel — Cerys Hughes
Horn — Rhys Meredith-Barrett
Baritone — Ioan Rees
Euphonium — Peter McDonough
Trombone — Bethan Cooke
Eb bass — Rhys Michael
Bb bass — Joshua Worman
Percussion — Alex Evans

4BR has been informed that the musical partnership between Gordon Higginbottom and The Band of The King's Division has come to an end.

Relocation

The renowned tenor horn virtuoso told 4BR: "Due to the band's relocation, my tenure with The Band of The King's Division is coming to an end.

I wish to thank every single member present and past for their friendship and kindness during our time together and wish them wish all the very best of success and happiness in the future. I am proud to have been associated with such a fine team."

Presentation

Gordon was received an official letter of thanks and presentation for the years in which he has played an integral part in the mentoring and tuition of various musicians in the band based at Weeton Barracks near Preston."

National Champion Foden's will appear in concert in Peterborough on Saturday 14th September, performing at the Cresset with the city's award-winning choirs Peterborough Male Voice Choir, Peterborough Voices and Peterborough Youth Choir.

It will be the band's first appearance in the Cambridgeshire city which has hosted brass band concerts over many years.

Directed by Russell Gray, the programme will include a number of the band's soloists as well as easy listening music to suit all tastes.

Tickets:

Tickets from £18.50 at the Cresset box office, by phone on 01733 265705, or at www.peterboroughsings.org.uk

Three cornet players from the Bolsover International Brass Band Summer School get in a bit of last minute rehearsal time in the gardens of Hardwick Hall, the National Trust administered Elizabethan country house in Derbyshire.

The 55 strong band performed an afternoon concert in the gardens for visitors to enjoy under Course Director Steven Mead.

Image: Copyright — Lorne Campbell

The organisers of the 2020 Australian National Championships have already started preparations for the event which takes place in Perth next year.

The event, which returns to the city for the first time since 2013, will run from Friday 10th April to Monday April 13th, and will incorporate the usual series of band contests as well as the popular Parade of Bands and keenly fought solo and ensemble events.

Interest

The main competitions will be based at Scotch College, Swanbourne, using its impressive Dickinson Centre and Memorial Hall facilities.

Bands and individuals wishing to register their interest in competing should go to: www.nationalbandchampionships.com.au for more information.

Roger Webster has told 4BR that he has taken the decision to step down from his playing role with Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

"I've officially stopped playing with the band and will only be at the British Open and Nationals as an audience member," he said.

"I just haven't the time necessary to be a playing member anymore, so have decided to step aside."

Plenty of power

He added: "It's an exciting time for the band with the appointment of David Thornton, and with Iain Culross leading the solo cornet bench alongside Claire Taylor and recent signings Tom Smith and Darren Hendy, there is plenty of power and class to do the job required week in week out."

Carry on

The decision brings to an end the latest playing tenure of the Besson artist with the Yorkshire band.

He returned in 2015 and over the years has enjoyed three as principal cornet and as a player — although he told 4BR that he will continue to carry on with his busy schedule of solo engagements, lecturing and instrument development.

"I'm still enjoying my playing and have busy list of solo jobs to look forward to, but I just cannot commit to the twice a week rehearsals and a weekend concerts with Grimethorpe they deserve."

The Shirley Band, from Solihull near Birmingham, recently performed in concert with a new choir for children with additional educational needs, alongside professional singers from Longborough Festival Opera.

Choir and singers

The new 40 strong choir called Anima Voices, was drawn from children from Welcombe Hills School (Stratford-upon-Avon) and Exhall Grange Specialist School (near Coventry), and was supported by professional singers, Maria Jagusz (soprano) and Peter Edge (bass).

The Midsummer Proms concert featured a range of music for band and singers, including 'Zadok the Priest', 'Torreador' and 'Land of Hope and Glory'. Shirley Band's contribution to a wonderful concert saw them showcase repertoire that included 'Salsa Tres' Prado', 'Jurassic Park' and 'Symphonic Highlights' from 'Frozen' under guest conductor Mark Higham.

Great experience

Alan Smith, the choir's founder, who plays soprano cornet with Shirley Band, told 4BR: "The concert was a great experience for the band and for all those who took part.

It was fabulous to have the two world-class professional singers training the choir, and I was delighted to get the band to provide music for the event."

The London-based Connaught Brass quintet won the inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition at the RNCM in Manchester on the weekend.

Formed in 2016 and comprising five final year students from the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, they claimed the £10,000 Philip Jones Prize by the narrowest of margins according to the international panel of jurors, after a titanic three-hour showcase of performances by a trio of outstanding finalists.

RET Chamber Brass from Austria eventually came runner-up to secure the £7,500 Marah Mahlowe Prize, with London Metropolitan Brass taking the £5,000 Founder's Prize.

Extremely difficult

The panel of Jury Chairman Reinhold Friedrich, Barbara Butler, Roger Harvey, Oren Marshall and Froydis Ree Wekre, as well as the knowledgeable audience in the RNCM Concert Hall were certainly treated to ensemble playing of the highest quality.

The Chairman later told 4BR that the decision had been "extremely difficult" in not just in picking a winner, as the trio of 40-minute programmes demonstrated a wide variety of style, technique and artistic maturity.

Connaught Brass, comprising trumpets, Aaron Akugbo and Harry Plant, horn, Robyn Blair, trombone, Chris Brewster and tuba, Aled Meredith-Barrett, opened their set with the bubbling liquidity of Sven-David Sandstrom's 'Heavy Metal'.

It was followed by James Macmillan's three-part 'Adam's Rib', inspired by the reflective wonderment of creativity found within the Biblical text, before closing with a 'pick & mix' selection from 'Porgy & Bess', played with polished precision and a fair amount of Gershwin inspired panache.

Incredible feeling

Speaking to 4BR following a heady night of celebration, trumpeter Harry Plant said that winning such a prestigious award had been "an incredible feeling".

"We originally formed the ensemble in 2016, but the current line-up has been together now for just over a year and a half.

We are all about to enter our final year of study at either the Royal Academy or Guildhall and we entered the competition because we wanted to challenge ourselves on demanding repertoire against the best in the world.

We thoroughly enjoyed this experience and had one mindset throughout to make music in every performance — which is harder to do under the pressure of competition."

Brass band experience

Harry also revealed that both he and tuba player Aled Meredith-Barrett have brass band experience through their connections to Eastbourne Brass and Goodwick Brass respectively.

"We have, so it came in handy," he added. "To win this competition is an incredible feeling for us all though, and one that will bring us even closer as a group and take us forward as a chamber ensemble."

And as for how the prize money will be spent, Harry laughed. "We've not really thought about it yet but we will be looking to invest it into the development of the group. We may have spent a bit of it last night in celebration though!"

Connaught Brass will now enjoy a busy summer with a performance spot at the Ferrandou Music Festival in France to look forward to, whilst the individual members are booked to play at the BBC Proms, various session work and a number of music courses across Europe.

High bar

As the Chairman of the Jury, Reinhold Friedrich admitted, the quality of the playing on show meant that it had been a very difficult decision to make.

RET Chamber Brass certainly provided a high-bar marker with a programme that included Victor Ewald's 'Brass Quintet No. 3 in D-flat Major Op. 7' performed on cornets and euphonium instead of trumpets and horn alongside the trombone and tuba, as well as Eino Tamberg's 'Music for five: Irrequieto e dolce' and Anders Hillborg's 'Brass Quintet'.

London Metropolitan Brass also included 'Adam's Rib' and Hillborg's 'Brass Quintet' in their set, alongside Bo Nilsson's 'Wendepunkt' and Eugene Bozza's 'Sonatine'.

The inaugural competition had attracted worldwide interest, with 13 ensembles making it through to the RNCM, where they were whittled down to six semi-finalists and then three finalists.

Throughout the week the ensembles had also benefited from a series of masterclasses, guidance and tuition from members of the jury — part of the inclusive concept inspired by Ursula Jones in memory of her husband.

Result:

1. Connaught Brass
2. RET Chamber Brass
3. London Metropolitan Brass

Black Dyke's principal cornet player Richard Marshall recently spent a full day tutoring the cornet players from The Band of the King's Division.

It proved to be a hugely beneficial visit, with Richard telling 4BR that he was deeply impressed not just by the players themselves, but also by the support that is available to be utilised and explored.

Quality

"It's great to be able to work with cornet playing musicians of this quality," he said.

"The standard of playing is as good as anything you get in top level brass bands, but with an extra level of support that is targeted on enhancing musical skill sets and professional opportunities.

He added: "The King's Division gives musicians exceptional opportunities and I'm delighted to be part of that working with players."

Rewarding

In response the players themselves found the experience very rewarding, with Musn Andrew Ashworth telling 4BR: "Even in the hour I had with Richard I wouldn't have imagined to cover so much.

He structured everything to make focused points — ones that I know I can now work on successfully."

It was the same for Musn Margret Pattie, who added: "Obviously I've only ever heard amazing things about Richard so was really nervous about having a lesson with him. He was a fabulous teacher and really gave me motivation to keep pushing my musical boundaries."

This visit is part of a continued collaboration, with Richard making further visits later this year.

A charity concert celebrating the musical career of David Read MBE has raised well over £1,000 for 'The Friends of Hinchingbrooke Hospital' near Huntingdon.

Hosted by East London Brass under conductor Jayne Murrill at the Church of St Mary the Virgin in the historic village of Godmanchester in Cambridgeshire, it featured a programme of works that had great significance to David in his playing, teaching and conducting career.

Entertaining afternoon

Friends, family, former pupils and players enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining afternoon — especially as David was also able to talk about the pieces — ones that ranged from Gilbert Vinter's 'James Cook — Circumnavigator' to 'The Gold and Silver Waltz', 'Sunset Rhapsody' and 'Variations for Brass Band', 'Oklahoma!' and 'The Medallion' march.

David also talked about some of the iconic figures he played with and met, whilst he also showed that he has not lost any of his cornet playing skills (ones that had made him Champion Soloist of Great Britain) as he joined East London Brass principal cornet Rob Horrocks and his former City of Cambridge Band principal cornet Andy Callard for a rousing rendition of 'Bugler's Holiday'.

Grateful

"I'm very grateful for everyone who came to the concert and to the thousands (over 5,700 people have now viewed it) who have since enjoyed the concert on-line through the Facebook page of East London Brass," he said.

"It was a wonderful afternoon and I'm particularly thrilled by the generosity shown in supporting a wonderful organisation."

David received messages from well wishers, contest organisers and fellow judges from all corners of the banding world, as well as from many conductors who have been the recipients of prize winning adjudications over the years — including Prof Nicholas Childs of Black Dyke who sent a personal video message of congratulations.

Honoured

Speaking about the event, Martin Dawe of East London Brass told 4BR; "We were honoured to be able to put on this concert — although David ensured that he picked a programme that tested us to the full — with three major test-pieces!

It was wonderful day and thanks to the work of James Parkinson and his colleagues it has been recorded for everyone to enjoy."

Enjoy a repeat

To enjoy the concert yourself go to: https:/­/­www.facebook.com/­EastLondonBrass/

The overture to Mozart's opera 'The Marriage of Figaro' is probably recognised by almost everyone, not least because if its regular airing on Classic fm.

Phillip Littlemore of Timbercroft Publishing has produced a new arrangement and it is ideal for any concert whether inside or out!

Price: £30.00

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There have already been a number of different musical treats for the delegates on the Bolsover International Brass Band Summer School to enjoy so far this week — and not just with the weather either.

Sparkling in the sunshine at the Heritage High School in Clowne was an incredible collection of brass band silverware — with delegates having the unique opportunity to have their pictures taken with them

Generosity

Thanks to the generosity of Foden's and Cory, delegates were able to pose next to the European, National Championship, British Open, Brass in Concert and UK Band of the Year trophies and perhaps dream that one day they could be part of a band that wins them too.

Course Director Steven Mead told 4BR: "Our thanks go to Foden's and Cory for such a wonderful act of generosity and insurance faith!

It's quite a collection — and the delegates were thrilled to be able to get up close to these iconic trophies and get their picture taken with them."

Added extra

He added: "It's another little added extra we have brought to the course this year — one that has already proved that it has worldwide appeal with players coming from as far afield as Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden and Australia.

Everyone has been working hard towards our joint goals with the free Gala Concert already on the horizon on Friday."

Concerts:

Tutors Concert:
Clowne Community Centre,
Wednesday 24th July
Recreation Close
Clowne, Derbyshire
7.00pm (free entry)
Bar available.

Course Concert:
Heritage High School
Boughton Lane
Clowne
7.00pm (free entry)

No better time to add to your concert programme a work that celebrates the incredible Apollo 11 mission that sent men to the Moon in 1969.

Drew's work is a programmatic depiction of NASA's launch, three day journey and historic landing in a celebration of the American spirit.

Man on the Moon

The piece begins with a musical statement depicting President Kennedy's words "…before the decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth" before we witness the countdown and the violent and fiery launch of the Saturn V rocket.

The incredible experience of the peaceful weightlessness of space segues into the conclusion as Neil Armstrong descends the ladder from the lunar module to the Moon's surface.

Duration: approx 11 minutes

Price: £75.00

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The 30 year musical association between conductor Dave Lea and the Jaguar Land Rover Band will be celebrated later this year with a special joint concert featuring Brighouse & Rastrick Band.

During his tenure with Jaguar, Dave led them to considerable success, with this concert celebrating not just those achievements, but the friendships that were forged during his tenure.

Time and place

The event will take place on 28th September at the Albany Theatre in Coventry (CV5 6JQ) at 7.30pm.

"It has always been our wish to acknowledge Dave's contribution to the success of the JLR Band and this concert with Brighouse & Rastrick is a most fitting way to celebrate it," JLR Band Manager Simon Archer told 4BR.

"It will be lovely to see as many former friends and players to join us in what will be an amazing event, and especially all past and present band members who played for him over those 30 years at a special informal reception directly after the concert."

More information

Those wishing to attend the reception should contact:

Concert tickets can be obtained at: http:/­/­albanytheatre.co.uk/­brighouse-and-rastrick

The Wessex Band Summer School has announced that composer Paul Saggers has written a new commission for its 50th Anniversary course entitle, 'Wessex Gold'.

Paul has been enjoying a great deal of critical as well as competitive acclaim in recent months, with his work, 'Ironbright' coming runner-up at the 7th European Composer Competition in Montreux in May.

50th anniversary

Funds from that prize enabled him to write this commission work for the course — one that marks the 50th anniversary.

The first performance will take place at the end of course concert on Saturday afternoon 3rd August at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton.

Ex Demo large bore Sterling Virtuoso Bb Cornet in silver plate finish with options on 1st & 3rd or 3rd & main slide trigger set up. Supplied in a hard case.

Price: £1,495.00

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