The Gresley Youth Band recently held its annual solo contest evening at Gresley Old Hall where under the baton of Sam Wyne they provided a fine musical accompaniment to a keenly fought battle for the individual awards.
Bookend
The band opened with ‘March of the Cobblers’ and rounded off the first half with ‘El Es El Senor’, before bookending the second with ‘Love Changes Everything’ and MD Sam Wyne showing off his euphonium skills with ‘Michelangelo’ and ‘Endearing Young Charms’ before the finale of ‘Eye of the Tiger’.
Renaissance
The MD has in fact overseen something of a renaissance in the young band’s fortunes since taking up the baton a year ago, coming 5th at the Butlins Mineworkers Championships this year.
Sam graduates from Birmingham Conservatoire on euphonium next month and takes up a post as a brass teacher for Berkshire Music Service as well as transferring to solo euphonium for Wantage Silver Band.
Wowed
During the solo contest, the adjudicators were wowed by 15 year old tenor horn star, Siobhan Bates who performed ‘An Untold Story’ with exceptional maturity, to beat runner-up (and brother), 17 year old Richard with his fine soprano rendition of ‘Demelza’.
Excellent
However, the real star of the evening was Chelsea Hopkins (above) — only 13 years old, who performed an excellent rendition of ‘As If I Never Said Goodbye’ on cornet, to win the 14 years and under section of the contest.
Chelsea won the prize as ‘Best Overall Soloist’ and an invite to play a solo with the Gresley Colliery Band in their joint concert on 22nd June.
Sam told 4BR: "It was a fantastic evening of great music coming out of Gresley and an enjoyable experience for all involved."
However, the real star of the evening was Chelsea Hopkins — only 13 years old, who performed an excellent rendition of ‘As If I Never Said Goodbye’4BR
Results:
14 Years & Under:
1. Chelsea Hopkins
2. Thomas Connor
3. William Davies
15 Years & Over:
1. Siobhan Bates
2. Richard Bates
3. Chris Baldwin
Best Overall Soloist: Chelsea Hopkins
Conductors awards:
Most Improved Player: Dan Alton
Bandsperson of the Year: Grace Davies
