Saturday 14th June saw the running of Besses Boys Band’s Solo Contest held at the Church Institute, Prestwich.

Members of the Boys Band and Training Band took part, each playing a solo in front of an adjudicator Carl Whiteoak, a previous Musical Director of the Boys Band, and a audience of family and friends.

New Awards

This year saw the presentation of two new awards.

The first of these was a silver cup donated by the family of Derek Hilton — The Derek Hilton Memorial Trophy. This was awarded for the Bands’ Band Member of the Year. Mr Hilton was a founder member of Besses Boys Band back in 1940’s and the Band would like to thank his family for the donation and support of this award.

The second is a Shield – The Thomas Carlyle Trophy, which was awarded to the winner of the Training Band section. This trophy is to commemorate a gentleman who passed on last year but remembered the Band in his will, enabling Besses to purchase new stage jackets, walking outs and banners. The award is a fitting way to remember him.

The days events ran very well and the band would like to thank Carl Whiteoak for adjudicating at this years event.

Before the announcement of the results Carl Whiteoak spoke of his enjoyment of the days events and how he was impressed by the talent on display from this group of young musiciansBesses

Great event

On the days events Musical Director, James Holt, told 4BR: "The solo contest is always a great event for the band it gives every single member the chance to perform a solo to the audience, which is fantastic experience.

It also enables me to recognise the efforts of particular band members with the special awards. Afterwards the Band, family and friends then get together for the post contest party which gives the band a chance to relax and socialise."

Before the announcement of the results Carl Whiteoak spoke of his enjoyment of the days events and how he was impressed by the talent on display from this group of young musicians.

Full Results:

Training Band
1. Maddie Smith (Cornet)
2. Jacob Saunders (Cornet)

Intermediate Section
1. Adam Galloway (Cornet)
2. Sean Hayes (Euphonium)

Advanced Section
1. Jon Taylor (Marimba)
2. Kirsten Broadhurst (Flugel)

Ensemble Section
1. Jon Taylor & Elise Ince (Xylophones)
2. Kirsten Broadhurst & Eleanor Parkes ( Flugel & Soprano)

Special Awards

As well as the days competition there was also a presentation of Special Awards presented by the band each year:

Training Band Most Improved Player: George Mitchell (Percussion)
Best Attendance: Eleanor Parkers (Cornet)
Most Promising New Recruit: Emma Kilpatrick (Cornet)
Most Improved Player: Adam Galloway (Cornet)
Services to the Band: Jon Taylor (Percussion)
Bands Bandsperson of the Year: Sean Hayes (Euphonium)
Bands Band member of the Year: Scott Broadhurst (Cornet)

Full results available at www.bessesboysband.com