January - June 2005
Monday 27th June - Proms In The Park Postponed
Due to a number of unforeseen circumstances, we regret to announce that the Band's 'Victorian Proms Evening' at Trevarno Gardens will be postponed until later in the summer.
Said Steve Thomas - Musical Director, 'It is a great pity that the evening, sponsored by Tuckingmill Urban Village Limited, has to be delayed for a month or so. It emerged last week, that a number of players are guests to a wedding, and rather than sell the audience short by bringing in deps, we have decided to aim for a date when the full band will be available.'
Further news will appear here as it becomes available.
Thursday 23rd June - Cornet Re-Shuffle
Just in time for the forthcoming summer season, the cornet section at Camborne has undergone a major re-shuffle.
With Rob Sandow having to relinquish his seat due to work commitments, and Ian Hooper taking a break through the summer to spend time with his wife Sharon and their new born son Matthew, a number of changes have been made.
The front row, lead by Chris Leonard on Principal, Mark Leigh returns to the second man down chair which he held with distinction over five years ago. Vicky Kellow moves from Repiano to the front row, joining with ex-St Dennis star Jessica Powell. The front row is further strengthened by our regular utility player and super dep Dave Barnes.
Turning to the back row, Jeremy Squibb continues to direct operations from the Soprano chair, now accompanied by Katie Bullock on Repiano. Chris Netherton remains the anchor man of the back row, but is now accompanied by Jessica Tredrea following her propmotion from third cornet. Completing the new look section is Jo Ryder-Pollard, returning to the band to sit along side Tracey Abbot - wife of award winning trombonist Nick.
Tuesday 21st June - New MD Announced
We are delighted to announce that Steve Thomas has today been officially appointed Musical Director of Camborne Town Band.
Presently studying under Ray Far at Durham University, Steve is a well known and highly respected euphonium player, conductor and arranger in the county.
"...This is a great opportunity for me, and one which I intend to grab with both hands. My aim is to bring a regular stream of top flight professional conductors to Cornwall to work with the band..."
Steve already has some entertaining and innovative programmes in the pipeline, the first of which can be heard at Truro's Victoria Gardens on Sunday 26th June at 2.30pm
Sunday 19th June 2005 - Historic Win At Bugle
Following a fine performance of Wilfred Heaton’s Contest Music at Bugle on Saturday, Camborne were crowned West Of England Champions for a record thirty fifth time.
Directed by Professional Conductor Frank Renton, the band equalled their greatest tally since 1953, along with both the bass section notching up four in a row for the best basses, and Jeremy Squibb on Soprano completing a hat-trick of wins, and bringing his tally to six for the best Soprano player award. Solo Trombone Nick Abbott was awarded the best player of the day for his fine solo work in the test piece.
Narrowly missing out on first place in the March, Camborne turned up the heat as they won the Test Piece by two clear points over a resurgent Bodmin Band.
The traditional short concert in the square, directed by Band Master Steve Thomas, brought the house down, as the band mixed both traditional with modern as following The Cossack, Fest Music Der Stadt Wien led into the time honoured Deep Harmony. To send the crowd home with a spring in their step (even though it was well past 10 pm, the band rounded off the evening with a brand new arrangement especially written for the evening of Amarillo – by Steve Thomas.
Chairman Reg Bennett said “… I am absolutely delighted for the band. We have not had the best of luck over the last 6 months, and to bring the contest season to a close with such a stylish performance is testament to the band who have worked so hard over the last month. I am especially thrilled for the bass section, Squibby, and of course Nick Abbott on Solo Trombone…”
You can next hear the band at Victoria Gardens in Truro next Sunday at 2.30 pm.
2nd June 2005 - Frank Is On His Way
In just over a week, professional conductor and musical adviser Frank Renton will be back in Camborne as he launches the bid for a fourth win in a row at the Bugle contest.
After last year's historic clean sweep of all awards (with the exception of the deportment section), the band will be well and truly fired up with the aim to repeat that fantastic feat.
On Sunday 12th, Frank's first rehearsal with the band on the test piece Contest Music will take place at the new bandroom - Tuckingmill Pavilion, all are welcome.
12th May 2005 - Award For Percussion Star
We are delighted to announce exclusively that this evening, percussion star Jeremy Taylor is to be presented with a special award by the Mayor Of Camborne.
The award is in recognition of Jeremy's outstanding performance at the National Youth Championships where Jeremy won the best player of the day.
This award follows hot on the heels of Jeremy's debut contest with Camborne Town Band last weekend in Blackpool.
Our congratulations go to Jeremy, and wish him every continued success.
8th May 2005 - Disappointment In Blackpool
After two full days travelling with a contest sandwiched between, Camborne Town Band return home empty handed from Blackpool as their bid to win the Senior Trophy ended in disappointment.
With over 60 bands competing at the Spring Festival, 4Barsrest had predicted a Camborne victory and to bring the Senior Trophy home to Cornwall.
Unfortunately, the combination of events which have plagued the band for this contest stacked lady luck firmly against them, and as a result, had to settle for seventh place.
1st May 2005 - Drama For The Blackpool Run Up
Had this happened a month earlier, everyone would have been calling it an April fools joke, however that is not the case. Due to family illness, our professional conductor Pete Curtis has had to return to Portsmouth for the week. After a rehearsal on Friday, and directing the Band’s midday concert at Trevithick Day, Pete was informed of a family illness, and has had to return home at very short notice. Speaking on his way home Pete said ‘… I am absolutely gutted to have to leave the band and their preparation this week. We have all be looking forward to a week of hard work, however it just means that the challenge will be a lot greater when we get to Blackpool…’
Pete plans to meet the band at the Norbreck Castle – our Blackpool hotel on Friday, when we will rehearse throughout the evening. The benefit of the section commencing at 11.30 will enable a further rehearsal to take place on Saturday morning.
With Pete away for the week, newly appointed bandmaster Steve Thomas steps into the middle to direct the band for the week, using all sorts of hi-tech communications to liase with Pete throughout the week.
Our best wishes go to Pete and his family, and we look forward to meeting up with him on Friday.
20th April 2005 - Two Promotions After 8 years of hard work
We are delighted to announce the promotion of two players from the award winning Camborne Youth Band to the senior band.
Since starting with just 8 players in 1997, Alan Pope has worked tirelessly creating and moulding a National title winning band, and producing many fine young players with great futures ahead of them.
The first two fruits of his labour this weekend gain promotion to the Senior Band in time for their debut contest performance at the Spring Festival in Blackpool next month.
Star soloist - Jeremy Taylor, who recently won the best player award at the National Youth Championships, joins the percussion section, where he will work closely with Andrew Tellam and Royal Marines star Phil Trudgeon.
Jeremy recently brought the house down in Salford, despite great technical difficulties with the vibraphone, and the band look forward to featuring him as a soloist throughout the summer.
Youth Band Principal Cornet Jessica Tredrea joins the back row on third cornet. Over the last few years, Jessica has carved a name out for herself with her calmness under pressure, and fine tone and technique.
Said Youth Band MD Alan Pope, ‘…we hope these promotions to be the first of many. With great strength throughout the Youth Band, it is only a matter of time until more and more players to make the break through into the Senior Band. The experience which Jeremy and Jessica will gain with the Senior Band will enhance their playing, and help the Youth Band to even greater successes…’
Chairman Reg Bennett went on to say, ‘…when setting our Youth section up several years ago, both Len Adams and Alan took great notice of what the other successful bands around the county had done. When we look at St Keverne, St Austell, St Dennis, and Mount Charles, they all have one thing in common – promotion from within. It is testament to Alan’s hard work that after less than eight years, the first players have achieved the promotion they richly deserve, and we hope they will be the first of many…’
Jeremy and Jessica will make their debuts with the band in Camborne on Trevithick Day – Saturday 30th at noon, with their contest debut at the Winter Gardens – Blackpool the following weekend. Both of these performances will be directed by Captain Pete Curtis, Director of Music of RMCTC Lympstone.
10th April 2005 - Youth Band Retain National Title
We are delighted to announce that Camborne Youth Band, under the direction of Alan Pope, have retained their National Junior Champions title in Manchester.
Following much stiffer opposition than last year, the band again shone through with a sparkling concert programme.
More details on this victory will appear in due course.
9th April 2005 - Double Victory At Truro Contest
Camborne Town Band return tonight victorious as Cornish Champions from the CBBA annual contest in Truro.
Performing a highly acclaimed reading of Rienzi - directed by Lt Col Chris Davis, the band not only collected first prize, and the title 'Cornish Champions', but also awards for the best cornet section, best bass section, best euphonium player, and player of the day (Robert Jose).
Speaking afterwards, adjudicator Brian Buckley stated that he was very impressed with both the band and the interpretation of the performance.
The band followed the afternoon's success by going on to win the entertainment section, again directed by Chris Davis.
Brian Buckley stated that he had no doubt of the winning bandand heaped further praise on Chris Davis for his "impeccable direction" of the concert.
26th March 2005 - Steve Thomas Given Full Backing Of Band
Further to confirmation of his position of Bandmaster of Camborne Town Band, Steve Thomas has been give the unanimous backing of the band for him to remain in residence as the Band's conductor for the foreseable future.
Liasing closely with his mentor Ray Farr, Steve will rehearse and direct the band in preparation for the forthcoming contests and the summer engagements.
Said Steve ' I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with such a fine band as Camborne, and also to work alongside the steady stream of top flight conductors which we have coming down to direct the band on a regular basis...'
Lt Col Chris Davis will be directing the band when they play at the Burrell Theatre - Truro School, on Sunday 3rd April at 7.30.
25th March 2005 - Band Officers For 2005 Announced
Following this weeks AGM, the following committee members and officers have been elected.
President - David Roberts
Chairman - Reg Bennett
Vice Chairman - Jeremy Squibb
Treasurer - Marcus Dunstan
Assistant Treasurer - Roy Nancarrow
Secretary - Angela Netherton
Assistant Secretary - Janet Farr
Musical Director - situation vacant
Band Manager - Jeremy Squibb
Band Master - Steve Thomas
Registration Secretary - Mark Leigh
Musical Director - Youth Band - Alan Pope
13th March 2005 – A Not So Fantastic Fifth For The Senior Band
The magnificent run comes to an end ! Sadly, the band's performance of Rienzi under the direction of Musical Advisor Frank Renton, was not sufficient to pursuade adjudicator Roy Roe the send them to London for the fifth year in a row.
Following four super years of success, during which many say the band were unlucky not to have had four consecutive victories, the omens were set when draw 'specialist' Roy Nancarrow pulled out the number one ball from the bag, and the dash to the hall was under way.
Said Chairman Reg Bennett '...It is a great shame that our fantastic run has come to an end. Frank has yet again produced a great performance from the band, but obviously the man in the box has his own ideas. If someone had offered us two firsts, two seconds and a fifth five years ago, we would have bit their hand off...'
Frank will be back with the band in June as they look to claim a 7th Bugle victory in 8 years. Meanwhile, Lt Col Chris Davis takes up the batton for the assault on the Cornish Championship in Truro, followed by Captain Peter Curtis who will be taking the band to the Spring Festival in Blackpool.
12th March 2005 – A Fantastic Fifth For The B Band
News has just come through from Torquay that Camborne B Band have been awarded 5th place for their performance of Tam O Shanters Ride in the third section at the Area competition.
In only their 4th year as a contesting band, Camborne B have already achieved promotion from the 4th Section as well as representing the West of England in Dundee at the National Finals.
Said Musical Director Alan Pope '...this is a superb result for us, and sets us in good stead for next year when we aim to qualify for the finals again, and hopefully achieve promotion to the second section...'
12th March 2005 – New Arrival For The Hoopers
We are delighted to announce hot off the press, that Ian and Sharon Hooper are the proud new parents of Matthew - their son born at 3.15 pm today.
Weighing in at 7 pounds, Matthew finally arrived after an arduous 21 hours of labour for Sharon.
We hopr to bring you pictures of the happy family if we can negotiate with OK and Hello Magazines - more news next week.
Ian will be returning from his short 'holiday' in time for the Cornish Championships in Truro, but it is unclear yet who will be the next to play for the band - Matthew or Sharon.
3rd March 2005 – Banding Mourns The Loss Of Euphonium Star
We are saddened to announce the sudden passing away of Shaun Thomas.
Shaun joined Camborne Town Band on euphonium as a young lad, and after many successful years, left to play with St Austell Band.
Following his move to study at The University of Wales, he played with Parc An Dare, but ultimately, his playing took him to the Sunlife Band, where he became understudy to the great Lyndon Baglin, eventually becoming the principal euphonium of this great band.
It was with Sunlife where Shaun really carved out a great name for himself, notably as a soloist. Upon returning to Cornwall, Shaun re-joined St Austell Band, before moving back to Camborne and assisting in helping the Band to the West Of England title in 2001.
Shaun then joined Mount Charles, where he continued his solo successes by winning both the Yeovil Entertainment Contest, and Spennymoor Brass In Concert soloist awards.
His final appearance on the contest stage was back with the band where he made his Championship debut – Camborne, when he played an integral part in the Band’s National Final 9th place performance in October under the direction of Frank Renton.
Our sincerest thoughts and sympathies go out to Gayle and their children, and I am sure, we along with many others will feel that a void has been left in the banding scene. He will be missed by all.
The funeral is planned to take place at St Michaels Church Newquay at 11.30pm on Friday 11th March.
Saturday 26th February - M D Steps Down
We are saddened to announce today that Musical Director, Graham Barker has resigned from the band.
Having played in the band for well over 10 years as Solo Horn, for the last 4 years Graham has also fulfilled the role of Bandmaster, and ultimately being appointed Musical Director in October 2004.
Unfortunately, external commitments have meant that Graham has now had to step down both as Musical Director and player. His final performance with the band will be at Bugle contest in June, however his conducting role will cease upon arrival of the professional conductors for the Spring – Frank Renton, Lt Col Chris Davis, and Captain Pete Curtis.
Said Graham “…. I am very disappointed to have to leave the band, and hope to return in the future. I have forged many great friendships, and enjoyed every minute of my time with the band. It has been a privilege to conduct and play in the finest band in the West Of England. My greatest honour with the band was having the privilege to conduct the band in the square at Bugle as hatrick winners in 2004. I wish the band all the very best for the future….”.
We are fortunate as a band to have a steady stream of our professional conductors taking us through until Bugle. The band will be in need of a new Musical Director after this time. Any interested parties should apply in confidence either via e.mail to enquiries@cambornetownband.com or by post to Jeremy Squibb, 15 Carnsew Close, Mabe, Falmouth Cornwall TR10 9HE.
Friday 25th February - Chris Davis to Direct 'Champion Brass' Concert
We are delighted to announce that Lt Col Chris Davis will be directing the band at the opening concert of the Cornish Champion Brass Series on Sunday 3rd April.
Chris, the mastermind of the Band's highly acclaimed performance at Yeovil last month will be in Cornwall for the week as he also prepares Camborne for our assault on the Cornish Championship title.
The concert, the first in the series of three (the others being performed by Mount Charles and St Austell Bands later in the year) is aimed to give the bands the opportunity to feature some of their more serious repetoire, as well as show-casing their soloists, whilst giving the listener the opportunity to hear the band in competition form, but for a whole evening.
Tickets priced at £5 are only available on the door, however a real bargain can be had as a season ticket for all 3 concerts is available for just £10.
The concerts are to be held in the Burrell Theatre - Truro at 7.30 pm, compere will be Philip Hunt.
Sunday 6th February - Disappointment at Yeovil
Following a superb display by the band from a number 1 draw at Yeovil, we were disappointed to be awarded 6th place by adjudicator Colin Hardy.
From the opening fanfare of Gaudette, through Chris Davis’ stunning arrangement of The Battle of Shilo, the band cooled things down with ‘Mid All The Traffic’. Described by one listener as the ‘definitive reading’, the band switched from relaxing Salvationist music to big band TV style in the shape of Softly Softly led by Timmy Joslin on tuba.
Cooling things down again, the band featured new recruit Mark Letcher in the horn solo ‘Evergreen’. After the spellbinding playing by Letch, the band opened the throttle for a full blooded finale in the shape of Dundonnell.
Throughout the day, the 9.30 am performance by the band was the talk of Yeovil, even drawing rave reviews from 4 Bars Rest :
"....Camborne, who we thought were well worth second place on the day with a very robust performance off the number 1 draw for the second year running. Perhaps it was because the hall was not full, or because Colin Hardy perhaps forgotten their contribution come the end of a long day, but 6th place was certainly not deserved for us.
It was a strong and powerfully constructed programme that featured perhaps the one outstanding soloist of the day in the form of Mark Letcher on tenor horn performing fabulously well the old Barbara Striesand thumper, "Evergreen." It was an immensely classy performance, although the soloist should have faced the audience rather than play shoulder to shoulder with the solo cornet. Presentation counts in this game, and on this occasion it certainly didn't match some flawless playing. He was unlucky not to have won the soloist award though. That was the centrepiece of a very good account from the band, which perhaps only lacked a real piece of quiet playing for us to have pushed them to our top spot. Coin Hardy stated that he felt that many bands didn't have enough dynamic contrast for him, but even with that in mind, we couldn't quite see how they came so low."
Said professional conductor Lt Col Chris Davis (on his way to the Royal Albert Hall to direct the massed bands of H M Royal Marines), “…I was absolutely thrilled with the way the band played. I could not have asked for any more, and we did ourselves proud…”
Testament to the fine comments can be heard on the recording kindly prepared by PM Sound.
Unfortunately, the recording is not for general release, however during the next few weeks, we hope to run a competition where the prize will be this exclusive recording.
For those who were unable to make the trip to Yeovil, the band will be performing most of the pieces at their forthcoming concert in Truro’s Burrell Theatre on Sunday 3rd April. Tickets will be available on the door, and the concert launches the ‘Cornish Champion Brass’ series. Other concerts in the series will be performed by Mount Charles in July, and St Austell in November.
16th January 2005 - Lt Col Davis Prepares For Battle
This weekend saw Lt Col Chris Davis - Principal Director of Music - HM Royal Marines commence work with the band in preparation for the forthcoming Yeovil Entertainment Contest.
After three hard-working days, the band capped the weekend off with a scintilating performance of their Yeovil programme at a concert with Camborne Youth Band in the Penventon Hotel this evening.
Unfortunately, it would not be proper of us to disclose the content of the band's Yeovil programme, however all those present were left spellbound with some of the playing.
Said Chairman Reg Bennett "...... I had the hair on my head standing up on end with some of the playing this evening...with preparation such as this, I fully expect the band to do very well in February.".
Shortly after the concert, Chris had to dash off to Torpoint, where he commences a recording with the Royal Marines 'All Star Band' this week.
Chris will be back in the bandroom on Tuesday 1st February, when further preparations will continue.
14th January 2005 - Tuckingmill Here We Come
After many months of speculation, delays, negotiations and hard work, tonight, the band had their first rehearsal in the new bandroom - the Tuckingmill Pavilion.
The new home for the band for at least the next three years, Tuckingmill Pavilion comprises of all the essentials required for a modern bandroom.
Within the parkland surrounded hall, the bandroom boasts : disabled access, separate toilet facilities, a library, kitchen, instrument store, as well as a safe and secure home for all three bands of the society.
The official opening of the new bandroom will take place on Saturday 19th February at 7pm. All ex-players, conductors and supporters are welcome.
4th January 2005 - Stan Lippeat To Deputise For Pete Roberts
Following a sudden family illness, we regret to announce that Soprano legend Peter Roberts will be unable to perform at the Penventon Hotel concert on Sunday 16th January.
As a deputy, we are delighted to announce that old Grimethorpe chum and flugel legend Stan Lippeat will be both playing at the concert and adjudicating at the solo contest the previous day.
