20th June 2004 - Historic Clean Sweep at Bugle
Royal Trophy holders Camborne Town Band created a unique piece of contesting history at Bugle as they completed a record sixth hat-trick along with winning every soloist award available to them. According to record books, never, since the individual soloist awards were introduced, has one band won every individual award, let alone complete a clean sweep in the Championship Section.
Directed by our Musical Advisor – Frank Renton, the band initially performed Phillip Wilby’s arrangement of the hymn tune ‘Praise My Soul’. With the huge sound of the band drifting across Molinnis Park, adjudicator Roy Sparkes found the performance ‘well controlled and impressive’. Turning to the test piece, Peter Graham’s Essence of Time, the band really got down to business, with all soloists turning in virtuosi performances, and securing their own individual awards as well as the Royal Trophy. Upon completing the final chord, the ground erupted in appreciation of the performance. According to on lookers “half way through, Frank looked around the band, and the whole thing moved up a gear”.
All credit must go to St Austell Band, who turned in a fine rendition themselves, with all soloists again doing themselves proud. It was not to be quite enough however as Camborne hit top form just at the right time, and now sets the band up nicely for the summer, and on to London.
As champions, the band marched through the village and performed a short concert in the square consisting of The Cossack, Hine E Hine, and Punchinello. With the players forming a circle around the plethora of trophies won, the crowd had a chance to hear the band and award winning soloists once more.
Solo Awards
Best Soprano – Jeremy Squibb
Best Cornet – Chris Leonard
Best Horn – Graham Barker
Best Euphonium – Rob Jose
Best Basses – Camborne – Shaun Thomas, Timmy Joslin, Lee Trewhella, Eric Thomas
13th June 2004 - Proms in The Park in August
Camborne Town Band are to play as guests of honour for Bodmin Band at their annual 'Proms in the Park' on August 21st. An ever popular event, drawing crowds of thousands from all over the County, Proms in The Park will feature the massed bands of Camborne and Bodmin under the direction of an old boy from each band - Mr John Berryman. Tickets are available on the gate, but we advise listeners to arrive around 6pm to be sure of a good position.
10th June 2004 - President Awarded OBE
We are delighted to announce that the Band's President David Roberts has been awarded the OBE in the Queen's bithday honours list. A major figure around the town of Camborne, David is heavily involved in both the Band and the Rugby club, and our congratulations go to him.
1st June 2004 - Disappointment In Cambridge
Following the band's performance of 'Harrison's Dream' at the All England Masters in Cambridge this weekend, we were a little disappointed to be placed 16th.
With generally favourable comments from all three adjudicators, 4barsrest, David King and composer Peter Graham, unfortunately the men in the box felt it only worthy of a place lower down the pecking order. Conductor Chris Davis was pleased with the bands performance, and although the preparation the night before was not ideal (see Cambridge Diary tonight), he was delighted with the work put in by the band for the contest during the run up.
The band now have three weeks in which to turn their attention to another Peter Graham work - Essence Of Time, which is the test piece at Bugle contest on June 19th.
21st May 2004 - Franks Confirmed As MD For London
We are delighted to announce tonight that the band's musical advisor Frank Renton will be conducting us at the National Finals in October. This is the fourth consecutive year which the band has qualified for the Royal Albert Hall under the direction of Frank, however until now have missed out on the great man's expertise to the other bands he has directed.
With both Kirkintillock and Grimethorpe failing to qualify for the trip to London, the door was left open for Frank to take Camborne to the Nationals. Said Chairman Reg Bennetts from his holiday home in France, "I am over the moon that at long last we have managed to secure Frank for the Albert Hall....having the talent and expertise which Frank brings will surely lift the band further, and gives us the best possible chance at securing a great result in October..." He went on to say "....the band are presently making great strides in their preparation for the Masters next week in Cambridge, and we wish them well under the direction of Chris Davis....".
Readers will be delighted to learn that following the success of the London Diary last year, and the Cambridge Diary this year, we will be launching London Diary 2004.
18th May 2004 - 'Fanfare' due to be released by 15th June
'Fanfare' the Band's new CD is due to be launched by 15th June. Comprising of the highlights from the recent Hall for Cornwall Concert with the Band of The Royal Signals, the recording is ground-breaking as we have never before released a joint recording with a military band.
Those who were there will surely never forget the 'Grand March From Aida' complete with two teams of fanfare trumpets, the pulsating rhythm of Shine as the Light, or the ever popular big band swing of the Glenn Miller Selection. All of the massed bands section of the concert will be featured, and we can report that the rendition of Nimrod will have your hair standing up on end. £1 from the sale of every recording will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Care. Check out our merchandise page soon for an order form to ensure you have your recording as soon as it is released.
23rd April 2004 - New Principal Tuba Appointed
We are delighted to announce that Sean Thomas will be rejoining the band as the principal tuba player of Camborne Town Band. Sean has previously held the prinicpal euphonium position with Sunlife and Camborne, and now comes back to the band after 3 successful years with 2004 West Of England Champions JAG Mount Charles. Tim Joslin will be moving to second E flat tuba, with Graham Boag moving to B flat. We look forward to Sean returning to the band in time for our appearance at the All England Masters in Cambridge next month.
17th April 2004 - Bugle Contest Conductor Announced
We a pleased to announce that Frank Renton will be leading the band in their quest for a record 6th Bugle hatrick in June. This will be the third occasion which Frank has conducted the band at this unique contest, the previous two occasions resulting in victories by playing 'Land of the Long White Cloud' and Paganini Variations. The test piece this year is 'Essence Of Time' and the band will again need to be at their best to have the privilege of playing in the square as winners of the Royal Trophy.
3rd April 2004 - Youth Band Crowned National Champions
We are delighted that following the long trip to Manchester by the Camborne Youth Band, they have won the National Championship - Junior Section. Amongst a very talented line up of bands - mainly from the North and other hotbeds of brass banding, Camborne's exquisite show of dicipline and playing left the competition trailing in their wake.
Said Musical Director Alan Pope "...this is a dream come true. The band played really well, and this is the result of all the hard work put in over the last 5 years." Whilst Alan now heads off to the sun for a well deserved break, the Youth Band will be looking forward to Trevithick Day where they will join with Camborne Town Band, to lead the dances through the streets of the town.
29th March 2004 - Camborne Head FOUR London
Following their success at the West Of England Area in Torquay this weekend, Camborne Town Band will be representing the region at the National Finals in the Royal Albert Hall this October for the fourth consecutive time. The success and qualification means that the band have now hit their richest form for over 15 years, with the tally over the last four years comprising of 2 first places and 2 seconds. Said chairman Reg Bennetts “…this is another great result for the band. I am thrilled that we can now say that the band are in the finest form for almost 20 years. Never in recent years has one conductor had such success with Camborne Band at the area.”
Indeed, Frank Renton’s results of 1st, 2nd, 1st, 2nd in consecutive years eclipses the results of any modern day Camborne conductor, the previous best being a first and three seconds. The maestro himself was said to be delighted at the result as he headed off to Italy for a well deserved break after spending over a month on the road conducting at two other regions, notching up a 3rd and 5th along the way. The Championship crown was won by a jubilant JAG Mount Charles band under the direction of Nick Childs, thus ensuring Cornwall have two representatives at the finals in October.
The band will be taking bookings for their trip to London within the next week or so. We will be staying at the Novotel Euston. This 4 star hotel is the same one we have used for the last 2 years. Total cost including coach travel and a two night stay is expected to be in the region of £125 per person.
20th March 2004 - Area Contest Rehearsal Schedule Announced
In preparation of the defence of their West Of England crown in Torquay on Sunday 28th March, the band again welcome Frank Renton to lead their title bid. The band will be out and about this week, rehearsing the test piece - Tristan Encounters by Martin Ellerby. Please feel free to come and support the band at the following venues:
Camborne School - Lower Hall : Monday 22nd; Tuesday 23rd; Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th
Roskear School : Friday 26th
Bandroom : Saturday 27th
All rehearsals will commence at 7.45 pm with the exception of Saturday, which starts at 5.00 pm.
15th March 2004 - Tickets Now On Sale For Macmillan Massed Bands Concert
We are pleased to announce that the Band's showpiece concert at the Hall For Cornwall on 5th April are now on sale. The evening will comprise of not just one concert but three, as the massed bands of Camborne Town and the Corps of the Royal Signals combine in aid of Macmillan.
The show will commence with a massed opening item before the Royal Signals take centre stage for their set. After a short interval, it is the turn of Camborne, under the direction of Major Paul Murrell, to pull out all the stops and set the hall alight (quite literally we are led to believe). Time to re-set the stage, and we present the Massed Bands under the control of Major Paul Murrell, with a band of over 60 strong filling the Hall For Cornwall Stage. Music for this section will range from classical Elgar, Emerson Lake & Palmer, and a host of special items added to the mix.
We expect tickets to sell quickly for this event, and advise you to contact the Hall For Cornwall as soon as possible. If you miss this concert, there may be an opportunity of a repeat show in the future, however this is likely to be held in Poole - Dorset.
6th March - Band Bring The House Down at CPR Launch
Camborne Band gave Dr Tim Williams and co the perfect send off at the official launch of the CPR (Camborne, Pool and Redruth) Regeneration Company Structure Plan. Following a hugely successful day where thousands of people visited the displays and presentations at Carn Brea Leisure centre, the Band took centre stage in the form of the evening's entertainment.
Directed by Major Paul Murrell, the band launched the show with their Yeovil contest opener - Eve Of War, before thrilling the crowd with a huge range of music, including 'Beddau' - music written and conducted by Dr Tim Williams' father. Mr Williams, now aged 80 took the baton and directed the band with great gusto and enthusiasm through the piece he originally wrote for his son's wedding day.
The finale was Bach's Tocatta in D Minor, given a rock feel, and leaving the crowd baying for more. The ever favourite Floral Dance sent the audience away delighted, and looking forward to the major £146 million development which will soon commence.
11th February 2004 - Camborne Go All Nautical for The Masters
Following the announcement that Harrison's Dream will be the test piece for the All England Masters at Cambridge in May, Camborne Town Band are delighted to announce that they have appointed Lt Col Chris Davis, Principal Director of HM Royal Marines Band Service to take them to the contest.
The test piece represents a quest to find an accurate form of navigation at sea, so who better could the band find than the top man of the Royal Marines. This will be the first time Lt Col Davis has worked with Camborne, however he has already had great insight into the band through the work carried out by WO2 Pete Curtis in January, and of course by our own Phil Trudgeon, who will be playing kit at the Mountbatten Festival of Music next week.
'I am delighted to have been invited to work with the band' said Lt Col Davis tonight, and Chairman Reg Bennett was said to be over the moon at the news.'...This underlines the band's determination to progress and perform well at the major contests.......we have seen how talented the Royal Marines musicians are, and to have their Principal Director of Music conducting Camborne is a delight...'
Lt Col Davis will be working with the band extensively throughout May, and can be seen conducting the 12 noon concert on Trevithick Day in the Town Square.
8th February 2004 - Band Thrills at Yeovil Contest
After leaving Camborne at 4.30am on Saturday morning, the band took the stage at 9.30. Opening the show with a thundercrash and Jeff Wayne's Eve of the War, the band set the audience up for what was in store. Soprano Cornet Jeremy Squibb thrilled the crowd with Ray Farr's arrangement of Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar. Covering the extreme range of his instrument from low G to top D he left the audience spellbound. An Irish Blessing calmed things down dramatically, and as the band built towards the climax, all in the hall must have had the hairs on the back of their necks standing proud.
Next to take centre stage was Phil Trudgeon, with his vast array of percussion instruments. Phils rendition of Czardas left the crowd breathless at the speed and agility he played the various instruments, culminating with a 20 ft glissando across the stage. To conclude the programme, the band turned to traditional brass band music with Peter Graham's composition of Shine as the Light, culminating in a tremendous climax, and no doubt leaving their mark on the audience. In the closely fought contest, Flowers band proved victors, with Cornish rivals Bodmin pulling out all the stops to come third.
Chairman Reg Bennett said ' ...the band have worked hard towards this weekend, and bearing in mind they played off number one, we are pleased with the result. The soloists were superb and Paul has again produced a fine performance from the band.
This however is just the start of the hard work for the band this year as they travel to Torquay to defend their West Of England title, and have a number of high profile concerts lined up for this spring.
1st February 2004 - Battle Plans Being Drawn Up
With the arrival of Major Paul Murrell this weekend, then band have set about their final preparations for the forthcoming Yeovil Entertainment Contest. It has been a number of years since the band last appeared at Yeovil, however in the past, Camborne had been regularly in the top three.
Unfortunately, we are unable to reveal the band's programme for the competition, but it will of course feature some of our soloists, as well as show the full range of the band's capabilities. The band will be rehearsing at the Bandroom on Tuesday and Wednesday, then at Pool School - Upper Hall on Thursday and Friday of this week.
Chris Buckland of Yeovil Town Band was thrilled to tell us that all tickets had been sold in November, so the best chance of hearing the complete performance could be at Pool School. For a full report on the competition, log in on Sunday.
12th January 2004 - Royal Marine Thrills The Crowd
Last night's concert by the Camborne Town Band and Youth Band at the Penventon Hotel served up a musical delight. Initially, the Youth Band conducted by Alan Pope played a number of popular numbers, including the first movement of Lydian Pictures, which was directed by guest soloist Alan Morrison. Euphonium player Peter Harvey also featured as a soloist playing Kevin Ackfords Cornish Sunset which thrilled the audience.
After the interval, Camborne Town Band took the stage to a mighty thunder crash, and mightier applause as they launched into Eve Of the War, directed by WO2 Pete Curtis of H M Royal Marines Portsmouth. The ever popular Bergenhouse March and Irish Blessing were followed by a virtuoso performance of Czardas by Phil Trudgeon on the Marimba, Vibraphone, Glock, and Xylophone. The Theme from Harry Potter concluded the band's first session before Alan Morrison took the stage to perform four of his own solos.
The band resumed again with a Ray Farr arrangement of the Ted Heath classic Alabamy Bound, featuring virtually all of the band as soloists. Morning in Cornwall, a Taste of Honey, and Norwegian Woods helped to quieten down proceedings before the band climaxed the performance with Peter Graham's Shine as the Light. The packed hall errupted into a standing ovation, encouraging the band to give a shortened version of Alabamy as the encore.
2nd January 2004 - Starting The Year With Military Precision
In preparation for the early contests for 2004, the Band have enlisted a number of military trained musicians. First on the rostrum is WO2 Pete Curtis from HM Royal Marines Portsmouth. Pete is presently involved with the Bandmaster's course in Portsmouth and aswell as being the Royal Marines lead fanfare trumpeter, conducts the highly successful Ocean Brass. Pete will be joining the band for the weekend of 9th - 11th January where he will commence work for the Yeovil Entertainment contest and direct the band in a joint concert with Alan Morrison at the Penventon Hotel Redruth on the 11th.
In late January, the Band's principal conductor Major Paul Murrell travels to the band to put the finishing touches in place for the Yeovil Contest which he will direct on 7th February. Paul will be returning with his own band - The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Signals, for a joint concert with Camborne on Monday 5th April at the Hall For Cornwall.
Finally, as spring approaches, so does the Band's musical advisor - Frank Renton directing the band in a bid to be the first band to retain the West Of England title since the Sunlife Band. Frank will be working with the band throughout March, and details of open rehearsals will appear here.
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