British Open 2010 Sponsored by Besson
Test Piece: 'On the Shoulders of Giants' - Professor Peter Graham
Adjudicators: Nigel Boddice MBE, William Relton, Ronald Holz
Place. Band (Conductor), Draw
1. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse), 8
2. Fairey (Geneva) (Russell Gray), 12
3. Black Dyke (Dr Nicholas Childs), 13
4. Fodens (Howard Snell), 17
5. Cory (Dr Robert Childs), 1
6. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts), 9
7. Desford Colliery (Martin Winter), 7
8. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Philip McCann), 11
9. Grimethorpe Colliery (Allan Withington), 15
10. Brighouse and Rastrick (Professor David King), 2
11. Co-operative Funeralcare (Michael Fowles), 16
12. Leyland (Philip Harper), 6
13. Virtuosi GUS (John Berryman), 14
14. Tongwynlais Temperance (Nigel Seaman), 4
15. Hepworth (Cookson Homes) (Brian Grant), 5
16. Whitburn (Frank Renton), 3
17. Kirkintilloch (Garry Cutt), 10
Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy: Stephen Sykes (Tredegar; Trombone)
Brian Evans Memorial Trophy: Paul Duffy (Black Dyke; Soprano)
Geoff Whitham Trophy: Gary Curtin (Fairey (Geneva); Euphonium
Silver for Brass
The Sounds of Brass programme broadcast on BBC Local Radio on Sunday 5th September 2010 will mark 25 years to the day that Phillip Hunt broadcast the first in the weekly series back in 1985. First broadcast on BBC Radio Devon the programme is now carried by 9 BBC Local Radio Stations in the West of England, as well as world wide on the BBC iPlayer and is still presented and produced by Phillip.
To mark the Silver Anniversary of Sounds of Brass Phillip will be joined on the lawn of Broadcasting House in Plymouth by The St Austell Band, conducted by Aaron Harvey, for a special Anniversary Broadcast, the first time that a live band has been featured on the Programme. They will be joined by vocalist Alison Harvey, whose beautiful soprano voice is already well known to Sounds of Brass’s many regular listeners.”
Speaking on behalf of St Austell, Rob Faro, the Band Manager said, “We are delighted to accept the invitation to join Phillip and the BBC in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of ‘Sounds of Brass’, it will be a great honour to support Phillip, who for the past 25 years has promoted the brass band movement in the South West with his radio show which most of the band have grown up listening to on a Sunday evening.”
The band will be conducted by their Musical Director Mr Aaron Harvey, who said “I am very excited to be taking part in this broadcast, it will be a challenging time for the band, however with such a talented group of both young and experienced musicians we are sure BBC listeners have lots to look forward to”.
As Secretary of The South West Brass Band Association Phillip was asked in 1993 to present a monthly Brass Band Diary Date spot on BBC Radio Devon. This carried on for several months before the Station decided to record some Brass Band Concerts in the County and him if he would present the resulting programmes. Several twelve week series followed which he enjoyed presenting alongside his full time job. Things went so well that in September 1995 he was asked to present a programme every week on BBC Radio Devon to be called Sounds of Brass, which went on the air on 5th September 1985. Apart from a couple of summer breaks in the early nineties it has continued every week since then, each one presented and produced by Phillip.
A major highlight came in 2004 with the composition by Cornish Composer, Kevin Ackford, of a signature tune just for the Programme, which he called not surprisingly, Sounds of Brass.
The aim has always been to appeal to a wide range of listeners, not just Brass Band enthusiasts, by playing “tuneful and familiar music” and, whilst there has naturally been room for the more serious original Brass Band compositions, lighter pieces, including plenty of solos, have formed the backbone of the Programme. The mix has been well received over the years and with the continued support of the BBC, the listeners, and the Bands, Sounds of Brass hopes to be on the air for a long time to come.
For any further information contact Phillip Hunt on 01752 843919.
SOUNDS OF BRASS –Worldwide
BROADCAST ON BBC RADIO BRISTOL, CORNWALL, DEVON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GUERNSEY, JERSEY, SOMERSET SOUND, SWINDON & WILTSHIRE EVERY SUNDAY EVENING @ 5 PAST 7
PRODUCED AND PRESENTED WEEKLY BY PHILLIP HUNT, since 1985.
AVAILABLE LIVE AND LISTEN AGAIN EVERY WEEK ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB. Live on Sundays at 19-05 British Time or at any time for 7 DAYS after the Broadcast. To hear this week’s programme instantly go to www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio scroll down to Local Radio and click on BBC Devon or click on this direct link NOW
Friday 23rd April - Brenda Wootton Paris Concert with Camborne Town Band Unearthed
A concert by Brenda Wootton in Paris during the summer of 1984 has been unearthed here in Cornwall. The late BBC Radio Cornwall presenter was a well loved star throughout France especially in Brittany. Brenda would introduce her popular songs in French for the appreciative crowd. The recently discovered tapes from the original concert have been cleaned up and will hopefully be released on CD in the near future.
John Knight worked as a sound engineer on many of Brenda's recordings. When he was packing up a recording studio he'd run for years, John took with him several boxes of tapes. Some of those featured songs by Brenda Wootton including the never before released recordings from Paris in 1984. Although the concert was recorded it wasn't for a new album at that time.
John says: "Brenda wanted to have a personal record of the concert. She never released a live album. I don't think it was intended for release. But now I think we have the potential there." John Knight hopes that in the near future the rare recordings will be released as an album. "Ideally we would love to release it on cd with some of the stories from the tour. There's 25 tracks in total. We can also produce them as downloads as well."
Although a date for an album has not been set as yet, fans of Brenda Wotton can hear sneak previews of some of the songs online. Gloria Knight, who was a friend of Brenda's runs a website called livingincornwall.com. With John's help, a taster of the concert is now available on her website. Gloria says: "The songs have been online for a couple of weeks and already I have seen very good web traffic from all over the world. We know that people are loving the songs so far. There's snippets of six songs online."
For many years Brenda was a well known voice on BBC Radio Cornwall, presenting 'Sunday Best' a weekly request programme. She was also the Honorary President of Radio Beacon, the hospital radio service for St Lawrences Hospital in Bodmin.
Monday 15th March - Success for Camborne Bands at the West of England Regional Championships
Defending West of England Champions Members of the Camborne Town Band narrowly missed out on retaining their title on Sunday evening following being awarded 2nd position out of the 10 competing Bands at the West of England Regional Championship Finals. The total bands competing at this years contest was 73 and included 15 Cornish bands. Despite losing their title the band are pleased that they will represent the West of England with winners, the Flowers Band, at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October. The result is a reversal of last years result and continues the history of no band retaining their title since the contest has been held in Torquay. Camborne Town Band will be the only Cornish Band appearing at the 2010 National Finals despite near misses by St.Austell and St. Breward in the 1st and 3rd Sections.
The Championship Test Piece “English Heritage” composed by Cornishman George Lloyd proved popular with bands and audience alike. Adjudicators were David Horsfield and Stan Lippeatt. Camborne Town Band was prepared for the contest by their Musical Director, Kevin Mackenzie, who handed over the conducting role for the contest to professional conductor Ian Porthouse – Musical Director of the Tredegar Band. The test piece of 17 minutes duration included solo features for many of the band’s soloists including Kayleigh Rowe (cornet), Les Kneebone (soprano), Andrew Mitchell (flugel), Mark Letcher (horn), Robert Jose (euphonium), Ross Buist (baritone), Barry Buist (trombone), and Lee Trewhella (Eb Bass).
The band has a busy schedule of contests and concerts to look forward to with the next contest being in the Hall for Cornwall on 10th April. This is a new entertainment contest for Cornish Championship and 1st section Bands with a£1,000 first prize at stake. On Sunday 9th May the band will appear at the Minack Theatre, Porthcurno with popular Cornish Comedian Johnny Cowling in “Showstoppers” Concert. On Thursday 2nd June the band will appear again with Johnny Cowling and with the Cornwall Boys Choir in “An evening of Music and Comedy”. Professional conductor of the famous Fodens band, Gary Cutt, will conduct the band and act as compere for this concert.
The weekend was a double success story for Camborne as their ‘B’ Band was credited with a 4th place in their first appearance in the First Section. There were fourteen other strong bands in this section and with such a young band the result is a fantastic achievement. Since making their debut in the Fourth Section in 2002, this band has consistently risen through the sections in the past 8 years under the direction of Alan Pope. Trustee Vicky Moyle commented that “the band have worked so hard with determination and commitment with the tremendous support of their musical director to achieve their current standard”. The band is looking forward to their next challenge on 10th April where they will compete in the Open Entertainment Brass Band Contest.
Chairman, Marcus Dunstan, stated that “It has been another very successful contest for the Society’s Bands and with two excellent Musical Directors and a policy of bringing on our own players I believe that we a base for continued improvement to ensure that our famous tradition continues and flourishes”.
Saturday 20th February - Senior Band Hold Annual Dinner & Dance
On Saturday the 20th of February the Camborne Town Band held their annual dinner and dance at the Cliffdene Hotel in Newquay. Players & supporters came together to celebrate the success of 2009, this also gave a chance to give commendation to individuals. 1st Horn player Wayne Brown was awarded Bandsmen of the year for his constant dedication to the Band. Bbb Bass player James Sturgess was awarded Most improved player. Euphonium player Robert Jose was awarded best solo performance for his contribution at the National Finals. Solo Horn player Mark Letcher was awarded Players player.
The Senior Band are now preparing for the Area Championships at Torquay where they hope to retain the title and qualify again for the National Finals.
Friday 8th January - New Signings for 2010
Camborne Town Band would like to announce the signing of 3 new members. Benjamin King on 2nd Baritone, Simon Kendall on 2nd Euphonium and Steven Day on Percussion.
Both Benjamin King and Simon Kendall are current members of the Camborne Youth Band under the Direction of Alan Pope which have had great success under his direction. Steven Day has had many years experience on percussion mainly with the Bodmin Town Band but has worked with bands such as Fodens & Black Dyke.
Musical Director Kevin Mackenzie says: "I am delighted to welcome these players to the band.They will certainly strengthen the ranks ready for the new year ahead. I am pleased I am able to promote players from our own Youth & B Bands, which demonstrates the hard work being undertaken by Alan Pope training young people to play brass instruments.Their first contest with the senior band will be at the Yeovil Entertainment Contest in February."
Shortly after the Yeovil Entertainment Contest, the band will being working towards defending their title at the South West Area Contest in Torquay under the direction of Ian Porthouse.
Sunday 8th November - Open Meeting For All Players and Supporters
On Tuesday 24th November 2009, Camborne Town Band Music Society will be holding an open meeting. It will be held in the Magistrates Room at the Basset Centre, Basset Road, Camborne. Topics to be covered will include the trustees and management teams roles, membership types, election of officers, the financial structure and band plans for 2010.
All players and supporters are warmly invited to attend and meet the Society Trustees, Management Teams and Musical Directors.
Saturday 31st October - Camborne Proms Night a Great Success
On Saturday, Camborne Town Band held their annual proms concert at Camborne School. In the first half, the band played pieces including 'An Untold Story', played superbly on tenor horn by Mark Letcher, 'That's A Plenty' and 'Vitae Aeturnum' by Paul Lovatt-Cooper. With the audience having consumed some wine during the interval, the band then continued in the second half with the usual prom items, which the audiece thoroughly enjoyed taking part!!
During the concert, the band's President, Mr David Roberts, presented Leonard Adams with a life members certificate of the Camborne Town Band Music Society.
Thank you must go to our compere of the evening, Paul Triggs, who once again did a sterling job. Also, a big thank you must go to our sponsors, Walters & Barbary, and to everyone who supported the evening. The band look forward to repeating this concert again next year.
Wednesday 28th October - Camborne Make Their Way Up the Rankings
After Camborne Town Band's excellent Result at the 2009 National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, they have moved up 16 places in the World Brass Band Rankings to number 31 - their highest placing for some time! Camborne 'B' Band have also made an appearance in the rankings for the first time, entering at number 176! Camborne Town Band Music Society congratulates both bands on this excellent achievement!
Sunday 18th October - Excellent 8th Place for Camborne in London!
Yesterday, Camborne Town Band competed in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the famous Royal Albert Hall in London. Conducted by Richard Evans, they were placed 8th out of 20 by adjudicators David King, Derek Broadbent and David Read.
Competing amongst some of the best brass bands in the World, let alone the Country, Camborne drew to play number 12, between Carlton Main and Fairey, taking to the stage of the magnificent hall at about 2pm. After a successful performance of Peter Graham's 'The Torchbearer', the band were delighted to be awarded 8th - Camborne's highest placing at the contest since 1990! The full results of the contest are below, courtesy of 4barsrest.com.
Result. Band, Conductor, Draw
1. Black Dyke, Dr. Nicholas Childs, 5
2. Fodens, Garry Cutt, 9
3. Cory, Dr. Robert Childs, 6
4. Rothwell Temperance, David Roberts, 19
5. Reg Vardy, Stephen Roberts, 3
6. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Russell Gray, 11
7. Flowers, Paul Holland, 14
8. Camborne Town, Richard Evans, 12
9. Co-operative Funeralcare, Michael Fowles, 1
10. Newstead Brass, Duncan Beckley, 20
11. Fairey, Philip Chalk, 13
12. Zone One, Richard Ward, 18
13. Hepworth (Cookson Homes), Frank Renton, 10
14. Tredegar, Ian Porthouse, 17
15. Redbridge Brass, Jeremy Wise, 4
16. Desford Colliery, James Gourlay, 7
17. Kirkintilloch, Selmer Simonsen, 8
18. Northop, Thomas Wyss, 2
19. Pemberton Old Wigan DW, Mark Bentham, 16
20. East Yorkshire Motor Services, Jason Katsikaris, 15
Best instrumentalist:Glyn Williams, Foden's
Camborne Town Band Music Society wishes to congratulate the band and Richard on such a fantastic result and the band wish to thank Richard and their Musical Director, Kevin Mackenzie, for all their hard work in the lead up to the contest. The band had a fantastic time in Richard's company and look forward to welcoming him to back Cornwall again in the future. Camborne also send their congratulations to the other West of England representatives, Flowers, for their excellent 7th placing - a great pair of results for the South West!
Thursday 8th October - Camborne Prepare for London Appearance
Camborne Town Band are midst their preparations for their appearance at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain to be held in the Royal Albert Hall in London next Saturday. The set test piece for the contest is a new commission entitled 'The Torchbearer - Symphonic Variations on a Theme by Eric Ball' by Peter Graham.
The band have been very busy rehearsing the piece under Muscial Director, Kevin Mackenzie, however, at the weekend they were fortunate to welcome professional conductor, Richard Evans, back to Cornwall as he will be leading their performance in London.
Richard ran rehearsals last Saturday and Sunday and will be returning next Monday for the contest week. If you are unable to make the trip to London next weekend but would like an opportunity to hear the band and Richard's performance as well as see them rehearse, there will be an open rehearsal next Wednesday (14th October). This will take place at Camborne Wesley Methodist Chapel at 8:00 pm and your support will be greatly appreciated!
Sunday 27th September - Excellent 3rd Place for Camborne 'B'!
Camborne 'B' Band returned home late last night after competing in the Second Section of the National Championships of Great Britain. Under the baton of Alan Pope, the band were awarded an excellent 3rd place by adjudicators Ray Farr and Dr. Robert Childs. The 'B' Band gave a fine performance of Alan Fernie’s excellent’ A Scot’s Miscellany' off an early number 4 draw, following the eventual winners, City of Cardiff. Below are the full results, courtesy of www.4barsrest.com.
1. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith), Gareth Ritter, Wales, 3
2. Oldham (Lees), John Collins, North West, 6
3. Camborne ‘B’, Alan Pope, West of England, 4
4. Frickley/South Elmsall, David Nichols, Yorkshire, 16
5. East London Brass, Jayne Murrill, London and SC, 15
6. Holme Silver, Duncan Beckley, Yorkshire, 5
7. Flookburgh John Iveson North of England, 13
8. Silk Brass (Macclesfield) James Cant North West, 17
9. Verwood Concert Brass David Johnson West of England, 11
10. Arbroath Instrumental Michael Robertson Scotland, 7
11. Annan Town (Magnox North) David Shanks Scotland, 1
12. Yiewsley & West Drayton, Christopher Cole, London and SC, 10
13. Shirland Welfare Andrew Dennis Midlands, 2
14. Deiniolen Gavin Saynor Wales, 14
15. Houghton Brass Howard Smith North of England, 12
16. Fairlop Brass Kevin Jordan London and SC, 9
17. Wellington (Telford), Steve Curtis, Midlands, 8
Best instrumentalist: Solo cornet, Oldham (Lees)
The band would like to thank Alan for his hard work leading up to the contest and also like to thank their Musical Advisor, Alan Morrison for his invaluable input. The 'B' also wish to send their congratulations to another local band, St Breward Silver, who yesterday claimed victory in the 4th Section under the baton of Camborne Town Band's MD, Kevin Mackenzie. The 'B' Band will now be in preparation for their promotion to the First Section next year!
Sunday 27th September - Kevin Leads Cornish Band to National Victory
Camborne Town Band wish to congratulate their Musical Director, Kevin Mackenzie, on leading the St Breward Silver Band to victory at 4th Section National Finals in Harrogate yesterday afternoon.
An outstanding performance by West of England Area champion St Breward gave the Cornish band the Fourth Section title on Saturday in Harrogate. Conducted by Kevin, they delivered a superbly secure and very musical account of Bruce Fraser demanding ‘Alta Vista’ test piece to take the title back across the Tamar River – and become the fourth ‘Saint’ Band to take a National title in the last few years. The reults of the contest are below, courtesy of 4barsrest.com.
1. St. Breward Silver, Kevin MacKenzie, West of England, 17
2. Dronfield CMW, John Davis, Midlands, 7
3. Rivington and Adlington, Malcolm Wilson, North West, 6
4. Wantage Silver ‘B’, Danny Dullforce, London and Southern Counties, 13
5. Fairfield (Buxton), Charles Kitchen, Midlands, 8
6. Cheshire Constabulary, David Woollam, North West, 9
7. Kirkby Lonsdale Allan Greenwood North of England, 5
8. Pontypool Brass Patrick O’Leary Wales, 1
9. Eccles Borough Les Webb North West, 10
10. Maltby Miners Welfare Terry Clifford Yorkshire, 18
11. Ebbw Vale Town Ceri Thomas Wales, 4
12. Battle Town Jon Penton London and Southern Counties, 11
13. Test Valley Brass Steve Large West of England, 2
14. Brass Sounds Inverclyde Gareth Bowman Scotland 19
15. Downton Roland Wright West of England, 16
16. Whitwell David Fretwell Midlands, 3
17. Thurcroft Welfare Ken Vernon Yorkshire, 15
18. Peebles Burgh Silver Alan Fernie Scotland, 12
19. Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes Steven Askew North of England, 14
Kevin was something of a last minute replacement for the champion, as regular MD Derek Greenwood had to pull out of leading the band to the contest due to other commitments. Kevin was able to lead the band through 10 rehearsals prior to the day, but the last minute work clearly paid off in fine fashion. An interview with Kevin can be seen at http://4barsrest.com/vision/play.asp?id=193.
Camborne's congratulations also extend to Camborne 'B' Band and Alan Pope, who yesterday gained an excellent 3rd place in the Second Section! Kevin will be making the long trip back to Cornwall today to lead Camborne in a concert tonight at Camborne Wesley Chapel.
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