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Whit Friday. 1st June 2007
The weather forecast had been grim all weekend
it was looking bleak for Whit Friday - but the day dawned bright
and clear. We set off earlier than we had ever managed before,
and, after a quick rehearsal, we got first band on at Delph.
Brilliant!
Dennis Hadfield was our conductor for the night as Brett was in the US, and
his local knowledge proved invaluable during the evening. Sitting on the front
seat and urging our (rather steady) driver to go faster, he successfully navigated
us round an incredibly busy Saddleworth.
After Delph, we passed through Denshaw (18 bands waiting!) then played at Lees
and Grotton where we managed to have B & R following us both times. Sam
was delighted to see his mates from 'Briggus' but they probably didn't help
our results for the evening!
We then moved on to the great atmosphere of Greenfield, where the coach behind
us was - yes - the purple and gold brigade again! We then sped on to Lydgate
where there were several bands waiting, but no purple and gold this time -
just black, red and gold - Dyke - running down the road at full speed after
they had played! Scouthead was next, freezing as usual, as we waited impatiently
for Hepworth (brilliant as usual) to finish. Time was getting tight as we needed
to be off as soon as possible to give us a chance of getting another one in.
As soon as we finished playing we ran (yes, ran!) back to the bus where the
boss urged our driver on to Denshaw, our final destination. The driver couldn't
manage to negotiate a sharp turn, much to Dennis's disgust , so our gallant
leader leapt out of the coach and stopped the traffic with his baton, so the
driver could perform a U-turn. We reached Denshaw at just on 10.30 and our
trusty runner, Richard, shot off and managed to get us registered. That brought
the total for the night to 7 contests, a great achievement on such a busy Whit
Friday.
Although we we didn't manage any major prizes (not surprisingly as we played
without solo trom, 2nd bari and flugel) we came 3rd in the 1st section at Lees
and and a very respectable 20th overall in Saddleworth.
Well done everyone! A great night!!
Disappointment at Bradford
Unfortunately Hebden had what can only be put down
as 'a bad day at the office' at the Regional Championships on
Saturday 3rd March. Problems with nerves, poor tuning in some
sections and a faulty valve all stacked up against the band and
resulted in an 8th placing out of 12 bands. Obviously the players
were disappointed, but remained positive and are now looking
to the future.
Hebden Bridge Band hosts Pennine Brass
Festival
Halifax Parish Church resounded with the sound of fanfares and
flourishes as a showcase of regional brass talent took place
on Saturday 24th February. The concert featured all of this year’s
test pieces by bands competing in every section of the Yorkshire
Area Championships next Saturday.
As well as providing a fantastic night of entertainment, the
evening provided the bands with the opportunity to play their
Yorkshire Area test pieces in front of an audience of 300 people
only a week before the big day! The Yorkshire Area Competition
takes place over the weekend of the 3 & 4 March at the St
George’s Hall in Bradford. This is one of the biggest competitions
in the regional brass band calendar.
Listening intently at Halifax Parish Church was Adjudicator,
Conductor and Music Publisher, David Horsfield who presented
his comments on the bands’ performances, which were of
great value to each of the bands and will be invaluable in this
final week of preparation. Dr Roy Newsome provided introductions
for each band and their test piece and also adjudicated Section
2.
There were performances from Friendly Band (Section 4) who played Suite: The
Seasons by Philip Wilby, Elland Band (Section 3) performed Prelude and Jubilate
by Darrol Barry, Slaithwaite Band (Section 2) played Carnival by Helen Perkin,
Hebden Bridge Band (Section 1) performed Sinfonietta, ‘The Wayfarer’ by
Eric Ball and finally Black Dyke Band (Championship) performed Isaiah 40 by
Robert Redhead.
Vice Chairman of Hebden Bridge Band Steve Gardner said: “It was a great
night of music and it was excellent to see so many people here supporting their
local bands. The night will hopefully provide a springboard of success for
all the bands performing next weekend and I wish everyone the greatest of results
at Bradford.”
The Festival was held last year for the first time and came
about after Philip Wilby discussed the idea with the committee
of HBB. The band is hoping now to make this an annual event.
Hebden Bridge Band awarded grant
The band has just received the fantastic news that
they have been awarded a grant for £7,846 from Awards for
All.
This will enable the band to purchase the necessary additional percussion instruments
to enable players to compete at a higher level. Acting Chairman Steve Gardner
said: "We are very grateful for this award. These instruments are expensive,
so we wouldn't be able to afford them without the grant."
Awards for All is the small grants scheme administered
by the Big Lottery Fund on behalf of Lottery good cause funders,
Arts Council England, Big Lottery Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund
and Sport England. The scheme makes awards of between £300
and £10,000 to grass roots community groups and voluntary
organisations.
Baker takes the baton at Hebden Bridge
Black Dyke's star trombonist takes the baton at the
Hebden Bridge Band.
The band is delighted to announce that Brett Baker has accepted the position
as Musical Director.
Brett is Black Dyke’s Principal Trombone and is one of
Europe’s leading brass players and teachers. He is also
a clinician for Michael Rath Musical Instruments Ltd.
Before the age of twenty-five Brett had won every major brass band competition,
the Nationals, the British Open and the European Championships. He is currently
the most recorded trombone soloist in the brass band movement and has been
guest artist on six CDs this year alone. Brett is a past trombone solo champion
of Great Britain and an Associate of the Royal College of Music. "He is
looking forward to sharing this role with other conductors as the need arises
due to his busy schedule in 2007 and the focus will be on preparation for next
years area contest"
Brett will be continuing is role as solo trombone with Black Dyke and as the
Trombone and Senior Tutor at the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band. He is looking
forward to sharing this role with other conductors as the need arises due to
his busy schedule in 2007 and the focus will be on preparation for next years
area contest.
Pastures new
The band's current resident conductor Professor Philip Wilby is off to pastures
new in Bristol where his wife Wendy has taken on a new role at the Cathedral.
The band would like to take this opportunity to thank Philip for his hard
work, dedication and enthusiasm over the past year. He has been an inspiration
to the band and had an instrumental role in the band’s recent achievements.
New faces
The band would also like to welcome a number of new players who have arrived
just in time for the traditional busy Christmas period. Ann Squires on first
baritone, Kate Salter on second trombone and Hebden Bridge stalwart Ian Coleman
returns to the band to play second euphonium.
Sam's been drumming up a bit of TV fame
Hebden Bridge Band's young percussionist is to star in a TV programme about
music.
Sam Gardner, 12, will play both kit and xylophone in the programme, which will
air on the BBC’s children’s channel in March 2007. The series,
called Take a Bow, is made up of 25 mini-programmes showcasing talented children
in different art forms. Sam was filmed at the National Railway Museum in York.
He was put forward for the programme by Dr Nicholas Childs who spotted Sam
playing in the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band.
Sam has been playing percussion for five years and is also a
member of Clifton and Lightcliffe Junior Band and the National
Children’s Orchestra.
Hebden welcomes back Ian Coleman
The band are pleased to announce the return of
Ian Coleman after his time in the U.S.A. Ian is the longest serving
member of the band, having been a member on and off for over
32 years. He returns on euphonium to join our other OLD stalwart
Ian Plant.
Hebden regains principal cornet
Hebden Bridge Band are delighted to welcome back Grant
Taylor as Principal Cornet. Grant has recently had a spell in
the Championship section with the famous Y.B.S. band and now
returns to Hebden to help strengthen the front line. Many thanksto
Les Smail for stepping into the 'hot seat' temporarily.
HEBDEN BRIDGE BAND ACHIEVE BEST RESULT FOR 50
YEARS
Hebden Bridge Band were celebrating this weekend after being
awarded second place in the first section at the 2006 Pontin’s
Brass Band Championships in Prestatyn, N Wales. This is the first
time for over 50 years that the Band has achieved a major prize
at a contest of this standard.
Hebden were on fine form competing against the best bands from across the country,
despite a few pre contest nerves once on stage the band delivered a fine performance.
Both the adjudicators were full of praise for the Band’s performance.
Adjudicator Roy Roe said: “This was a good musical performance with a
lot to commend, good playing from all round the band.”
Whilst adjudicator Barry Thompson added: “Overall a performance of considerable
depth.”
The success comes after an unfortunate couple of weeks for Hebden.
Musical Director Professor Philip Wilby could not take up his
usual position in front of the band due to family circumstances.
With the superb help of Duncan Beckley in the final week of rehearsals
and the expert conductorship of John Roberts on the day, the
band managed to pull together and shine.
Hebden Bridge Band’s Vice Chairman, Steve Gardner added: “The band
seemed to rise to the occasion, responding magnificently. It is a true demonstration
of the band’s quality and our ability to compete at the highest level.”
The band would like to take this opportunity to thank Duncan,
John and Philip for their support, without which this weekend’s
success would not have been possible.
Hebden Bridge Brass Band has only been competing at First Section level since
January and to achieve second place against such a strong field of bands, combined
with a difficult few weeks, is a remarkable achievement. This result should
reinstate Hebden in the world’s top 200 bands.
The band is going forward with new found confidence, and as
Professor Phillip Wilby is off to pastures new in Bristol where
his wife Wendy has taken on a new role at the Cathedral, the
band is currently seeking a new resident Musical Director.
Hebden Bridge Band Concert in Selkirk 23.9.06
Following our trip two weeks ago to Birmingham, the
Band were again on the road,
this time travelling North up to the Scottish Borders as guests of Selkirk
Silver Band.
The joint concert with Selkirk Silver took place in the Victoria
Hall and the people of Selkirk turned out in their masses to
fill the Hall.Selkirk took to the stage for the first half of
the concert and Hebden Bridge then continued after the interval.The
program from both Bands was varied and entertaining and the audience
were full
of praise.
Hebden Bridge featured six soloists on this occasion, Steve
Gardner on horn played Iona, Danny Hirst on flugel played The
Children of Sanchez and he also joined forces with Neil Robinson,
Alison Cowens and Ian Plant in a trombone feature, I will follow
him, and Les Smail on cornet played Memory from Cats. All the
soloists received a rapturous applause.
This was a very special evening for Les Smail as he is a Selkirk
lad born and bred and he was responsible for helping to organise
this event along with members of Selkirk Silver including his
sister Sylvia who is a member of the band.To conclude the concert
both bands joined forces on stage for a massed bands culminating
in a splendid finale.
Stuart Kemp, Selkirk’s Chairman then took the microphone
and in his own inimitable
style gave a closing speech which unfortunately fell on some deaf ears within
the Hebden Bridge Band as they could not understand him(!), but nevertheless
the majority of the audience did and they applauded him accordingly.Hebden
Bridge then had the pleasure of asking their President, Alan Bottomley, who
was on holiday in Scotland at the time and travelled down to be at the concert
to say a few words and also present a memento to Selkirk Silver as a token
of the thanks from all the Band and supporters for the hospitality given to
everyone during this weekend.
Article written by Colleen Smail.
BRITISH OPEN HONOUR FOR HEBDEN BRIDGE BAND
Hebden Bridge Brass Band was honoured to be invited
to preview the test piece for this year’s British Open
Brass Band Championship, which took place at the Symphony Hall
in Birmingham.
This years test piece was ‘Vienna Nights’ composed by Professor
Philip Wilby who is the Musical Director of Hebden Bridge Brass Band.
The band previewed Vienna Nights for the panel of adjudicators and answered
questions about the piece so that the adjudicators could gain a thorough insight
to the music before the competition.
The adjudicators went on to hear the piece played by the country's greatest
bands in competition the following day, with Black Dyke Band being crowned
British Open Champions.
Chairman Frances Ellis said: “Hebden Bridge Brass Band
won the British Open in 1911, and we were honoured to be once
again involved in the world's greatest Brass Band Competition.
“
This has been one of the hardest challenges the band has ever
overcome. Philip’s test piece was a magnificent arrangement
combining the music of Mozart with his kaleidoscopic array of
inspired personal ideas.”
There was also an added sense of pride as the band was invited
to play by Martin Mortimer whose family has a great tradition
of involvement with the organisation of the British Open Championships.
Martin Mortimer is the grandson of Fred Mortimer and son of the
great Harry Mortimer who have a wonderful history with Hebden
Bridge Brass Band.
Fred started his musical career as a cornet player in Hebden, eventually becoming
a 'playing' conductor. During his tenure as bandmaster, Hebden Bridge Band
enjoyed unrivalled contest success, including winning the British Open Contest
in 1911 under the baton of William Halliwell. Fred had three children - Alex,
Harry and Rex. Harry also played and conducted Hebden Bridge and went on to
become the most famous cornet and trumpet player of his generation, as well
as a well-respected conductor, receiving an OBE and a CBE in the Queens Honours
list for his contribution to music.
HEBDEN BRIDGE BAND HOST CALIFORNIA STATE
UNIVERSITY WINDS
The celebrated wind orchestra from California State
University visited Halifax Parish Church as special guests of
HBB to give an afternoon's concert on Sunday, 25 June.
The American band, which is on a national tour of concerts, including London,
York, and Oxford, teamed up with HBB to play several pieces, as well as both
bands playing their own "mini concert". Everyone seemed to have a
great time - even when the borrowed American trumpet players had a look of
horror when they realised that they had to play Shostakovich's "Festive
Overture" with us! However, they got their own back when ,in one of their
pieces, we all had to sing and whistle!!
Matty plays with Dyke!
Our very own Matty Shaw had a night to remember on Friday
23rd June, when he played "My Old Kentucky Home" as
a cornet solo accompanied by the mighty Black Dyke Band at the
Victoria Theatre in Halifax. Matty is a member of the N.O.E.L. "Future
Heroes" project which recognises and helps talented young
musicians achieve their dreams.
Whit Friday 2006
The sun was shining, the coach was full of players and
supporters, and the band was heading for Lancashire. This could
only mean one thing… it was Whit Friday!! With a vague
idea of how to stop and start marching, Hebden Bridge was once
again lined up and raring to go at the first contest of the afternoon – Stalybridge.
After a great warm up thanks to the expert leadership of Nick
Childs and some encouraging words from Philip Wilby the band
was ready go.
Mr Plant was in charge of the drumming, the band wore a worried look but we
were off and marching to Kenneth J. Alford’s ‘Army of the Nile’.
With no casualties on the march the band successfully made their way to Philip
Wilby at the bandstand to play Rimmer's Viva Birkinshaw.
The band played well, with a tight ensemble feel and excellent solo work. The
hard work and rehearsals had paid off and the night was yet young. After everyone
was rounded up and back onboard, the coach wound its way through the streets
of Tameside and Saddleworth competing at Ashton and Broadoak (where Planty
once again had an incident with the bass drum!).
The band was very honoured to be conducted by Nicholas Childs at Greenfield
and Delph. With Philip Wilby and Nicholas Childs leading the band though the
streets, the band marched with a great sense of pride.
This was a fantastic Whit Friday, with excellent music, a brilliant
atmosphere, some great results for the band, and really good
adjudicators' remarks.
Results of the 2006 Whit Friday Brass Band Contest:
Stalybridge - 10th overall
Ashton - 11th overall
Broadoak - 20th overall
Greenfield - 9th overall
Delph - 29th= overall
26/05/06 Concert with Black Dyke.
Probably for the first time in its history, Hebden Bridge shared the stage
with the mighty Black Dyke Band in a Gala Concert at Leeds Town Hall. Along
with Delph Band, Wardle High School Band and the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band
they joined with Nicholas Childs and Dyke in the two finale pieces of 1812
Overture arranged by Robert Childs and the Saint-Saens Finale from the Organ
Symphony arranged by Philip Wilby, and also the well known
march 'Slaidburn'. The Town Hall was filled to capacity and it was a great
atmosphere and a tremendous experience. The concert was also recorded for
Radio 2!!
15/05/06 Hebden Bridge to participate in
the 2006 British Open Contest in Birmingham.
With their new director, Philip Wilby, Hebden Bridge Brass Band will renew
an old relationship with the British Open Championships. At the invitation
of Martin Mortimer, they will give a premiere performance of Prof. Wilby's
Vienna Nights in Symphony Hall on Friday September 8th. This preview performance
will be attended by the panel of adjudicators who are to hear the country's
greatest bands in competition on the following day. Hebden Bridge Brass Band
won the British Open in 1911, and are keenly looking forward to returning to
the world's greatest Brass Band Competition.
