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.Disappointment at Butlins Another trip to Butlins, but this year didn't get woop and cheer at the results ceremony. Drawing first out of 15 we were always going to be struggling to make the places but were hoping to be towards the top. Following the withdrawal of Martin from the bass section last year through illness, this year we found Becky, our top cornet was ill on the day. Alex was practising the solo parts with just 90 minutes to go and really stepped up to the mark and did himself and the band proud. Highlight of the day for me was seeing his parents' faces after the performance - beaming from ear to ear, quite rightly very proud of their boy. Everyone seemed happy with the performance, particularly Bob P who was cheered on by some positive comments from Stan Lippeatt who was in the audience - and praised the intonation. Unfortunately appears the judges in the box were listening to different performances - one commending the "making music" and lack of intonation problems .... the other NOT. Anyway, onwards and upwards to Derby for a try out of the test piece for the Regionals A belated New Year greeting to our reader (s). Sorry to those of you who were looking forward to the Christmas Concert - nobody wanted to cancel but the weather conditions really gave us no choice as half the band live deep in the Fens. Tickets going fast for the Christmas concert (well I don't actually know but that sort of comment is bound to sell a few extras) We're just adding the finishing touches to what promises to be a cracking Christmas concert. The first half has a Big Band feel then you can get right into the Christmas spirit with all the second half festive tunes. There'll be singing, glamour and even a half time raffle .... if Santa could only choose one place to be this Christmas there's no doubt he'd be at the Corn Exchange on the 19th. 4th at Loughborough A slightly disappointing result at the Leicestershire open Contest thought the judge's comments would suggest we aren't too far off where we want to be ... and it's all stuff we can work on in preparation for the big weekend at Butlins. Elaine, standing in on flugal in Tony's absence, received some positive comments for her solo - well done ... and much deserved. Our percussionist Simon sadly had his last rehearsal with us on the 3rd September before heading up north to Salford to start a 3 year brass band course. What on earth the northerners are going to make of Simon we can only guess. Unfortunately his send off was somewhat dampened by a poor turn out due to holidays etc. I've no doubt he will guest with us in the future and hopefully we can do something a bit better to give him a proper send off. Good luck Simon - we hope it all goes well !
Delayed Congratulations to Tim and Polly Our B flat bass player Tim got himself hitched to girlfriend and big band supporter Polly on the 22nd August. Weather was great so they managed a big outdoor reception at the Bluebell in Easton on the Hill - including "stuff your face" pig roast. The band played and Tim even played a few pieces (so so dedicated) and Polly conducted for a while (stiff competition for Bob). A honeymoon in the Scilly Isles followed. We all wish them well. (might even get some photos to attach - watch this space) Disappointment at the areas We went off to Bedworth in a positive frame of mind after our success at Butlins - and a trip to Harrogate later in the year was a definite possibility. Unfortunately it was not to be. We drew last which allowed plenty of time for a warm up and sorting out last minute hitches ... then a bit of hanging around ... warming up ... hitches .. hanging around. It did drag and people just wanted to get on with it. I think it's fair to say the band put on a decent showing but too many silly slips and tuning problems let us down - we've done better! On the positive side it was a much better outing than 2008, a much improved position ..... and we did come ahead of John Fletcher's Rushden. Nigel on Baritone got a special mention on 4barsrest for his fantastic sound - so well done for that! Retired to the local Con' Club for afters where we met Fletch and his band. 2 bands plus followers, 40 minutes before the coaches left and one barman trying his best - not the best party venue ! ! A few of us hit the bright lights of Stamford for a debrief in the Vaults - all in all a decent day out. Roll on the next contest! 4barsrest verdict: The last of the top six spots went to Stamford Brass who started the first movement with purpose but took real liberties with the music in terms of tempo. The second movement was a little insecure to start but the band began to show its true quality with superb bass sounds, solid soprano, trombone and cornet playing and an interesting take on the balance of the chords from MD Rob Prew that were different, well thought out and very pleasant on the ear. The third movement was quite good; just the odd spit and spot here and there but the icing on the cake was the fantastic sounding Baritone that made the trip worth while, bravo that player, real quality.
............................................................................................................................................................... Success at Butlins Despite being unable to field a full band we went to Butlins - hoping to gain some extra experience for the forthcoming Regionals in March. Further problems were created by losing some key players at short notice, and I think it's fair to say not everyone was full of confidence for the day. Bob Prew however, is a clever chap and had quiet Bass trombone parts covered on muted Euphonium and Maurice on 3rd cornet covering the bells. From within a black box you wouldn't have known the difference. Steve on horn played a blinder for his solo, Neil on E flat was promoted to top man (only man in fact) and covered the part admirably, whilst Becky and Paul shared the solos between them to great effect. All in all the band peaked at exactly the right time and came away with 2nd place. Bob's direction received praise in all the reports (judges and 4barsrest) so a big well done and thanks for the time he put in and having the ability to make the most of what was available. We even cut Mondays practice short for a few drinks and nibbles to celebrate ..... just as well as some of us had had enough of the area test piece already, after one run through. I'm sure it'll grow on us 4barsrest report: Lack of numbers didn’t seem to be a problem with Stamford Brass though. To 4BR it looked like they were short in the top end, percussion, trombone and bass department, but despite the lack of bodies MD Robert Prew managed to coax out of them a tremendously well balanced band sound. It was also very musical too, with a distinct feeling of flow, even in the slowest of sections, enhanced by a principal cornet and bumper up duo who shared solo responsibilities to fine effect. Even the 3rd cornet player did his bit and more by playing the tubular bells in what was an intelligently planned and executed performance well worth its eventual podium place.
A particular mention for Martin on E flat who had to withdraw due to illness at short notice. We all wish him well for a speedy recovery and hopefully have him back helping us out very soon ................................................................................................................................................................ If that wasn't exciting enough, some of the band were on parade on Tuesday for Prince Charles' visit to Stamford. Needed security photos and everything .... how very "inner circle". I've heard there was a lot of pushing and shoving amongst the crowd and photographers trying to get pictures - though I suppose when you've come 2nd at Butlins you have to learn to live with that sort of media attention. Just getting a bit sickening around the band room for those who couldn't make it with the select group calling themselves "The Royal Band" ................................................................................................................................................................
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