Ten years ago, Louise Renshaw and Liz Hudson set out on their quest to launch a youth brass band in Macclesfield. 

A decade on, and now with a flourishing Youth, Junior and Training Band along with a Corps of Drums, the organisation celebrated in style with a super concert at the RNCM.

It was no surprise with over a hundred performers on stage, that they relished the opportunity to showcase their talents to the full.

With the hall packed with proud relatives, the Council dignitaries from Macclesfield and the local MP, David Rutley, the majority of the music was personal favourites of the players and conductors. 

Excellent account

Following the quartet cornet fanfare 'Reigate' up on the hall's balcony, the Youth Band delivered an excellent account of Alan Fernie's 'Countryside and Common People'.

Next came the Training Band under Liz Hudson (with players aged 7 upwards) who delivered a quartet of pieces that more than gave an indication of their bright musical futures.

'Beetle Drive', 'The North Wind' and 'Rock Around the Clock' were delivered with commitment, enthusiasm and exuberance, whilst 9 year old euphonium soloist, James Walton was an absolute trooper on his début solo, 'Cavantina'.

The Youth Band under Louise Renshaw then featured principal cornet, George Wright on trumpet in Kenny Baker's 'Virtuosity' - and what a virtuosic display it was. 

Pankhurst quality

On a night of high quality playing, the audience was also treated to Lucy Pankhurst’s latest work.

Lucy has been working with the Macclesfield organisation throughout the last academic year, and to celebrate the anniversary she composed 'Brass Roots - Musical Wings' - a 20 minute composition that showcased individual and collective ensemble playing linked together by percussion sequences.

Although Lucy had composed it, it was the players in the bands that had guided her with how they would like the music to evolve - with the various musical styles linking together to stunning effect. The standing ovation for the players, conductors and composer said it all.

Precise display

The second half opened with a precise display from the Corps of Drums, before the Juniors under Tim Gridney revelled in their trio of pieces. An excellent 'Slaidburn' march was supplemented by 'One Moment in Time' and a cracking 'James Bond' set.

The planned guest soloist was Les Neish, but due to unforeseen circumstances he was unable to appear. However, the well known euphonium player and member of 'Tubilate', Paul Walton (who has two children in the organisation) stepped in to deliver a polished delivery of 'The Carioca'.

Presentations

With presentations to the trustees, conductors and farewell acknowledgements given to the leavers, the youth band produced some lovely sounds in 'The Prayer', before the penultimate segment of the evening saw former players team up with the youth band for a couple of items.

William Rimmer's march, 'Cross of Honour', which earned the band the Tameside Whit Friday Youth Champion crown in May was followed by Jacob De Haan's 'Ross Roy'.

The finale of 'Happy' and 'Thank You for the Music' summed up things perfectly. 

It was a night for everyone connected with Macclesfield Youth Brass Band to be proud of. The 20th anniversary should be something to look forward to.

Malcolm Wood