Monday 14th April - Historic Fifth Victory for Camborne Youth!
At the weekend, Camborne Youth Band made their fifth annual trip to the National Youth Brass Band Championships in Manchester. After winning the Junior Section for the first three years (2004, 2005 and 2006), this year they were competing to retain the Community Section title they won last year. Adjudicators, Simone Rebello and James Scott, placed the band at the top of the fifteen competitors from all over Great Britain, with a Gold Award, gaining them their fifth consecutive National title (a feat that hasn't been achieved by any other band); National Community Youth Champions of Great Britain 2008! Below are the full results of the Community Championships, courtesy of www.4barsrest.com.
1. Camborne Youth, Alan Pope, Gold Certificate
2. Youth Brass 2000, Chris Jeans, Gold Certificate
3. Sellers International Youth, Mark Bousie, Gold Certificate
Carnoustie & District Youth, Richard Evans, Gold Certificate
Mount Charles Youth, Simon Dobson, Gold Certificate
Dalmellington Junior Band, Ian Taylor, Silver Certificate
Elland Silver Youth, Samantha Harrison, Silver Certificate
Horbury Victoria Youth, Tom Greatorex, Silver Certificate
Lions Youth, Nigel Birch, Silver Certificate
Poynton Youth, Andy Hirst, Silver Certificate
Tewitt Youth, Craig Ratcliffe, Silver Certificate
Astley Youth, Toby Hobson, Bronze Certificate
Chalford Youth, Steve Tubb, Bronze Certificate
Enderby Youth, Trevor Hounsome, Bronze Certificate
Macclesfield Youth, Bronze Certificate
w, Aberystwyth Youth, Alan Phillips
w, Dobcross Youth, Brian Lamb
Best Instrumentalist: Yasmin Stevens, Flugel, Mount Charles
The Co-operative Community Service Award: Macclesfield Youth
The Brian Hicks Memorial Shield: Kathleen Harrison, Elland Silver
The band opened their twenty minute programme with an impressive rendition of James Curnow's "Fanfare and Flourishes" which was followed by Andrew Lloyd Webber's very emotional "Pie Jesu". This duet featured the outstanding playing of Samuel Eddy on Soprano Cornet and Rebecca Merritt on Flugelhorn who both gave truly wonderful performances. They continued with an inspired performance of the set test peice, Peter Graham's "Dimensions" before bringing their programme to a tremendous close with John Miles' "Music".
Alan, the band and the many supporters certainly had a lot to celebrate on the trip home, before arriving back in Camborne at 4:00 am this morning, and are very proud of everybody involved in this historic achievment. The result is another testament to the work of Alan Pope who only became Musical Director of Camborne Youth Band nine years ago when there were just eight members. As well as leading the Youth Band to five consecutive National titles in such a short time, he has also built up the membership of the organisation to over 100 members who all play in either the Training Band, the Adult Training Band, the Junior Contest Band, the Youth Band or the 'B' Band.
The band wishes to thank the many people who travelled up to support them and Jeremy Bond for organising their coach. A huge thanks must also go to the supervisors, Tracey Abbott, Roger & Tamsin Merritt, Steve & Amanda Uterhark and Rachael Weeks, for organising and running such a fantastic weekend. Last, but certainly not least, many thanks and congratulations must go to Alan Pope whose inspirational work and dedication has lead the band to yet another historic result!
Monday 7th April - Camborne 'Diggers' Awarded 1st Place in Truro
On Saturday, Camborne Junior Contest Band (the 'Diggers') competed in their first ever contest; the CBBA Championships in Truro. Conducted by Alan Pope, the JCB performed "Pennine Moors" by Darrol Barry in the Junior Section and were awarded 185 points by the adjudicator, Philip Harper. Being the first band of the day on stage, they also gave a fantastic performance of the National Anthem. As well as winning the title of Cornish Junior Champions, the band's soloists also picked up some prizes. The award for 'Best Soloist in the Junior Section' went to the band's flugel player, Cecilia Carlisle , and the 'Best Instrumentalist in the Junior Section' award went to the band's soprano player, Rebecca Spinks.
Last night the JCB had a lap of honour, performaing their piece at the start of the Youth Band's Pre-Contest Concert in the Penventon Park Hotel. The Music Society's Chairman, Marcus Dunstan, then congratulated the band and also presented an award to Amber Roberts for 10 years service to Camborne Youth Band. The Youth Band then performed a programme including many requested favourites as well as Rimmer's "The Cossack" and a new xylophone solo, featuring Jeremy Taylor, called "Taps in Tempo". With the National Youth Championships being next weekend, the Youth Band then performed their "Manchester Programme" which included the set test piece, "Dimensions" by Peter Graham. Over the next week the band will be working with Alan Morrison once again, as they aim to retain their fifth National title.
Tuesday 11th March - 5th Place for Camborne 'B' in Torquay
On Saturday, Camborne 'B' Band, conducted by Alan Pope, competed at the West of England Championships in Torquay. After an excellent 1st in the Third Section last year, this year they were competing in the Second Section for the first time. They gave an outstanding performance of "Three Part Invention" by Kenneth Downie and were awarded a commendable 5th place by the men in the box, Colin Hardy and Alan Hope. Below are the full results, courtesy of www.4barsrest.com.
1. Bristol East and Kingswood, R. Curran, 8, 188
2. Shrewton Silver, M. Dunford, 5, 186
3. Soundhouse Brass, G. Pumford, 9, 185
4. Michelmersh Silver, M. White, 3, 183
5. Camborne B, A. Pope, 12, 181
6. Forest Of Dean Brass, J. Gwynne, 1, 179
7. Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne), P. Slator, 6, 177
8. Gillingham Imperial Silver, A. McRae, 10, 176
9. South Molton Town, T. Treherne, 7, 175
10. Filton Concert Brass, B. James, 11, 174
11. St. Pinnock, S. White, 2, 173
12. Solent Concert Brass, W. Garner, 4, 171
Torbay Brass, B. Cole, w
The 'B' Band wish to thank Alan Pope for his incredible hard work in the build up to Saturday as well as Alan Morrison, their Professional Musical Adviaor, who worked with them last week.
Monday 24th December - Change of Adjudicator for 2008 Solo Contest
The Camborne Youth Band Solo and Quartet Contest will be taking place on Saturday 19th January 2008 at Camborne Science and Community College.
Camborne Youth invited David Childs (principal euphonium of Cory Band) to adjudicate the contest but unfortunately he is unable to attend due to illness. However, the band is now looking forward to welcoming David Thornton to Cornwall in his place. David has been the principal euphonium of Black Dyke Band since July 2000. Please visit his website, www.davethornton.co.uk, to find out more about his musical career.
The following night (Sunday 20th January 2008), David will also be the guest soloist with Camborne Youth Band at their New Year Concert. The concert will take place at the Penventon Park Hotel in Redruth at 7:30 pm.
A contest entry form and more information is available on the Solo Contest web page.
Tuesday 6th November - Brass Bands Celebrate Gold Awards
Three triumphant Cornish brass bands will be playing at a concert to mark their recent successes. Three of the county's youth bands put in fantastic performances in the National Youth Brass Band competition and now the three will perform together in Truro in a celebration of their achievements.
Leading figures in the brass band movement say that now is a golden age for young players in the county. At the national competition held in April, youth bands from Camborne, Mount Charles and St Dennis were all rewarded with gold awards. The bands will perform both individually and together at a special performance at the Hall for Cornwall on Sunday, November 18.
Philip Hunt, secretary of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band, is an authority on the history of brass bands in the Westcountry. He said: "A lot of people are wondering what is in the water with regards to Cornwall's bands. They were up against all of the best youth bands across the UK so it's a significant achievement."
Out of 14 bands in the competition Camborne, St Dennis and Mount Charles came first, third and fifth respectively, earning gold awards. This was the first time in the competition that three bands from one county had achieved such recognition.
Mr Hunt said: "To have risen to this level has taken a great deal of commitment and dedication, not just from the players themselves, but from their musical directors, tutors, parents, guardians and all those involved in the organisation of their individual bands."
At the Hall for Cornwall, each band will play a selection of pieces on their own before combining in the second half for finale of about 120 musicians. Mr Hunt said that brass bands are flourishing in Cornwall at the moment and points to the fact that the three principal brass players in London's celebrated Philharmonia Orchestra all learned their trade in Cornish brass bands. Trumpeter Mark Harold, trombonist Byron Fulcher and tuba player Graham Sibley all went on from playing in youth bands to successful professional careers.
Alan Pope, musical director of the Camborne Youth Band, is one of those responsible for bringing through the next generation of gifted musicians. He said: "We've got some really good players at the moment and we're doing very well." The youth section at Camborne has more than 100 members aged six to 19. The band is constantly recruiting members through working closely with local schools. Mr Pope said: "We go into local schools and give children an instrument and offer tuition at very good rates."
Tickets for the concert at 7.30pm on November 18 are available from the Hall for Cornwall box office on 01872 262466.
Thursday 4th October - Percussionist is Special Guest of Youth Band
The 2007 National Community Youth Champions, Camborne Youth Band, will be in concert on Sunday with special guest, Simone Rebello, at Camborne Wesley Church starting at 7.45pm. Simone began percussion lessons at the age of 12 and played with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain before auditioning for and being accepted at every major music college in the UK. She accepted an entrance award to study at the Royal Northern College of Music and while at the college won both a scholarship prize and a concerto award.
She graduated with Distinction in 1991 (winning several awards including the Phillip Jones Award and the Gilbert Webster Prize) to embark on a solo career that has seen her recording three albums, touring extensively nationally and internationally, appearing on UK and international radio and television and winning a collection of awards and prizes including the Cosmopolitan Woman of the Year in the Performing Arts.
Simone is the founder member of the highly successful BackBeat Percussion Quartet (formed in 1995) who frequently tour and record internationally.
In addition to performing, Simone is an experienced adjudicator of both percussion events, brass and wind band contests and general music competitions.
Tickets (Gallery - £6.00, Downstairs - £5.00) are available from Trevada Music, Camborne, or by contacting R Merritt on 01209 218218. Under 16s get in free when accompanied by an adult!
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