News from the World of Brass Bands

Martlesham Brass Bandperson of the Year

Martlesham Brass recently celebrated its 13^th birthday with a concert featuring music from all four sections of the band, and awards to its most improved players. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Bandsperson of the Year shield to its oldest player and president, Bill Bell age 96.

Adam Cable, conductor of the band, presented the award and spoke of Bill’s enthusiasm, dedication and good humour as well as his contribution to the life of the band. He told us Bill is an "all round musician who provides a wonderful example to all the other band members."

Liz Benyon

13/10/09

"Mr Trumpet" Comes to Town

The world renowned trumpet player Crispian Steele-Perkins will be sharing the stage on Friday 16 October with the BAE Systems Band in Canterbury, Kent, UK, at Christ Church University’s Anselm Hall at 7.45 pm.

Crispian Steele-Perkins – you may not have heard the name but you will certainly have heard the man. He plays the haunting high note trumpet in the theme tune to the BBC’s ‘Antiques Roadshow’ as well as featuring in film scores including many of the Bond films. Crispian Steele-Perkins is a trumpet soloist who is world-renowned for the quality of his performances and wide-ranging musical experience.

On graduating from the Guildhall School of Music, Crispian spent his early career playing with English National Opera and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He then spent 15 years working in recording, TV and film studios, developing a body of work that is universally recognisable today, from Handel to James Bond themes and pop classics.

His interest in collecting and restoring antique trumpets led him to begin performing on them. His unique performances and recordings on genuine historic instruments led Continuo Magazine to describe him as “the world’s leading player of the Baroque trumpet”. Crispian's purity of tone and artistic subtlety have received critical acclaim for more than three decades and during this time he has accompanied some of the world’s greatest singers. Recordings of Handel's “Let the Bright Seraphim” with Dame Kiri te Kanawa and “Eternal Source of Light Divine” with James Bowman are familiar to many. More recently, his performances with Emma Kirkby, Lynn Dawson, Carolyn Sampson, Bryn Terfel and Lesley Garrett have strengthened his reputation as a modern icon.

His work in the studios has included more than 80 film and TV scores, appearing alongside Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Bob Geldof, Kate Bush, Elaine Page, Chris Rea and Lulu. He is celebrated for his skill as a communicator, his recitals and amusing demonstrations highlight the development of brass instruments over the past 500 years. These presentations have entertained and enlightened audiences throughout Europe, the US and Australia. His infectious enthusiasm to share the sounds, mysteries and anecdotes of previous centuries is an inspiration to all age groups.

Sian Lanceley

17/8/09

Call for Bands to Perform in Gettysburg

The Gettysburg Brass Festival in historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, US, is starting to plan its 2010 festival which will be held on the weekend of 18-20 June 2010. Bands interested in performing as part of the festival are encouraged to contact the director of brass, Ben Jones.

Applications should be sent with a biography and recording of the band.

Ben Jones

13/8/09

News from Burghclere School Band

Children starting from just six years old, most of whom have never picked up a brass instrument before, are led into the wonderful world of music by Mr Ferrier through his clever combination of encouragement, cajoling and discipline. Not only do the children learn how to play a brass instrument to a high level of competence, with the aim of achieving national music grade exams in their chosen instrument, but also many social skills that will stand them well for later life. Playing in a dedicated brass band generates immense life skills for music and work - being able to work together, to listen to others and adapt your input accordingly and, ultimately, the confidence to stand on a platform and perform in front of an audience. Mr Ferrier unfortunately will be leaving at the end of the Summer term due to relocation and the Band is currently looking for a replacement. If you are interested in the position (the role is paid) please send your CV with covering letter to the Band Secretary - Alison Stanton c/o Burghclere Primary School, Burghclere, Hampshire RG20 9HT. For further information please telephone Mark Forson on 01635 253092 or 07944 855979.

The Band are next performing 'A Summer Brass Extravaganza' concert on Saturday 13th June, at The Clere School Burghclere with a performance from the Hampshire County Training Band. Hampshire Music Service funds and provides a pyramid of three brass bands at county level (County Band, Training Band and Junior Band) for brass and percussion students resident in Hampshire. The concert starts @ 7.00 pm Bar & Barbeque from 6.30pm. Tickets will be available at the door at £6 per person- schoolchildren free.

Mark Forson

13/5/09

They're in the Army Now

During a sell-out Viennese Concert at the Regent Centre Christchurch, Jonathan Camps, Conductor of Bournemouth Concert Brass, announced that two long-term members would be joining the Army.

Jenny Maddocks, who played 1st horn for the band for 5 years, will be training as a Captain at Sandhurst specialising in Legal Services.

Dan Shave, who played bumper-up and latterly principal cornet the band for 3years, will be signing up as a musician in the Army Air Corp Band, based at Middle Wallop on Salisbury Plain.

However, all is not sadness at Bournemouth because, in recent weeks, the band has made a number of important signings. They officially welcome Paul Sycamore on Baritone; Lloyd Bartlett, Phil Biles and Tomek Sowinski-Brown on Trombone; Matty Sowinski-Brown, Lois Kidby and Peter Croucher on Cornet; and finally Katy Lush and Alfie Hughes on 1st and Solo horn.

Band Chairman, Ken Taken told us, "Although it is always sad to see players leave, we are absolutely delighted with the new influx of players to fill their seats and help us prepare for the new contest season."

Stephen Didcott

15/1/09