The Brass Herald

Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is to retire in 2014

Professor John Wallace CBE has announced that he will retire as Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in September 2014, after 12 years in post. Lord Vallance of Tummel, Chairman of the Royal Conservatoire’s Board of Governors, said: “The entire Conservatoire community is immensely grateful to John Wallace for his outstanding leadership of the [...]

Chris Jeans to receive Masters Dedicated Service Award

Philip Biggs and Richard Franklin have announced that Chris Jeans, Artistic Music Director of the award winning Youth Brass 2000 and principal trombonist of the Virtuosi GUS Band will be the recipient of this year’s Masters Dedicated Service Award. Trombone virtuoso Matthew Gee, principal trombone of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, former student and past member [...]

Arthur Wilson Memorial Concert

The Symphonic Brass of London present a concert of virtuosic brass music in memory of Arthur Wilson at St John Smith’s Square on 15 May at 7:30pm. Tickets are £20, £16 and £12 and available from: The Box Office, St John’s Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA By telephone: 020 7222 1061 online: www.sjss.org.uk The Symphonic Brass [...]

NYBBGB Easter Course

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is currently at Taunton School in Somerset for its 2013 Easter Course. The NYBBGB will be conducted by its Artistic Director Mr Bramwell Tovey, Music Director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The Guest Soloist is Andrew McCandless, principal trumpet of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The music staff [...]

Jupiter Band Instruments Sponsors Student Melody Competition

The Colorado Music Educators Association organized a contest for students to compose a sixteen bar melody to be the inspiration for an original wind ensemble piece. Along with Jupiter, the event was sponsored by BandDirector.com. Grammy Nominated composer, Rick DeJonge, was selected as the composer for the piece which was to include the world renowned [...]

Places still up for grabs at Framlingham

Plans are well advanced for the 2013 Brass Band Summer School, which this year takes place in the beautiful Suffolk town of Framlingham, overlooking Framlingham Castle. The Summer School commences on Sunday 11th August and runs through until Saturday 17th August. There are still places left for this extra special brass band holiday week which [...]

Derek Watkins Obituary

Derek Watkins – 2 March 1945 – 22 March 2013 British Big Band Trumpet Player It is with deep regret that I report the passing of Derek Watkins, the great British trumpet player, following a lengthy illness bravely borne. Derek Watkins was widely considered to be the foremost British Big Band trumpet player ever to [...]

RCS Student Becomes First Young Developer for UK Instrument Company

SBBA is delighted to announce a new relationship it has facilitated between XO Instruments (part of Korg UK’s family of brands) and the outstanding young Scottish bass trombonist, Josiah Walters. This exciting step welcomes Josiah as the first young clinician to assist with the development of the new XO range of trombones. To officially mark [...]

Humboldt Brass Chamber Music Workshop Announces 2013 winner

John Palmer from Kingston, Ontario, Canada, won the grand prize of US$2000 for his septet “Three Shades of Blue.”  This is John’s eighth contest prize.  Zachary Smith, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, won the second prize of US$1000 for his “Zombie Apocalypso.”  Zach was last year’s grand prizewinner.  The US$500 third place prize was awarded to Casey [...]

Helen Hoy appointed new Executive Officer for BBANZ

Helen Hoy will be the new Executive Officer for the Brass Band Association, following the retirement of the current General Manager, David Dobson. She will move to Wellington in early April to take up her appointment. Helen is a member of the National Management Committee of BBANZ but will relinquish her role on this committee [...]

BBANZ National Championships

BBANZ is pleased to announce the 2013 National Brass Band Championships will be held in New Plymouth, 17 – 21 July, 2013. The announcement of the test music will take place on Friday 15th March 2013 and closing date for entries to the 2013 contest is Friday 17th May 2013 BBANZ is pleased to announce [...]

Willebroek join Masters line up

Philip Biggs and Richard Franklin are delighted to announce that Brass Band Willebroek are the latest band to confirm they will be competing at the 25th All England Masters International Brass Band Championship which will take please at The Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering on Sunday 26th May. The line-up of bands who have entered the Silver [...]

The 2013 Great Northern Brass Arts Festival

Philip Biggs is delighted to announce the programme of concerts which will form this year’s Great Northern Brass Arts Festival.. The festival takes place at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 14th September and is sponsored by Yamaha and Besson. Tickets are now on sale, please call 0844 907 9000 The programme of headline concerts [...]

Dyke open up for the area

Black Dyke Band will once again present an open rehearsal at Morley Town Hall, this time for the Yorkshire Area test piece Harmony Music by Philip Sparke. The rehearsal will start at 8.00pm on Friday 1st March 2013 and, as well as the open rehearsal and a full run through the test piece, Dr Nicholas [...]

Getzen keeps it in the family

In 1939, T.J. Getzen took the bold step of starting the Getzen Company in a converted barn behind the family home in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. That year, a rich family tradition in the musical instrument business was born. A tradition that continues on to this day, nearly 75 years later. Following that heritage, Brett and Adam [...]

Raunds announces departure of principal cornet

Raunds Temperance Band have announced the departure of their Principal Cornet, Christian Overhead, after 13 years with the band. The band’s performance at the Midlands Regional Championships in March will be his final appearance. Christian joined the band on 3rd Cornet in 2000 and was a member throughout the band’s meteoric rise to the Championship [...]

The Lord of the Rings 25th anniversary

March 2013 will mark the 25th anniversary of Symphony No. 1, The Lord of the Rings, by Dutch composer Johan de Meij. For this occasion, The Royal Military Band of The Belgian Guides will organize a Gala Concert on March 14th, 2013, in collaboration with the Brussels Conservatory of Music. This same orchestra gave the [...]

Taking brass music to Africa

A consignment of 30 plastic trombones – the groundbreaking musical instrument that was conceived in Warwickshire – has been taken out to Kampala, Uganda by Warwick musician and trombone teacher Simon Hogg as part of a major programme to enable extremely disadvantaged children to participate in music. Coventry-based Warwick Music Ltd – the company behind [...]

Co-op says No to to Europe

The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has been informed that the 2012 Scottish Champions, Co-operative Funeralcare Band, have decided not to take up the invitation to compete at the European Brass Band Championships in Oslo, Norway this year. The notification followed lengthy discussions between the Co-operative Funeralcare Band’s Executive Committee and its Trustees, drawing them [...]

Five join Co-op

The Co-operative Funeralcare Band is pleased to announce a quintette of new signings to bolster it’s ranks. Firstly, Chris Davies, the highly talented former Solo Horn of Tredegar, has joined the band on the Principal Horn chair. Chris commented “ Co-op has really made a name for itself over the last few years and I’m [...]

KHS drums up support for the community

KHS America is giving back to the community today by donating 24 Mapex drum sets to the Nashville Metro School System, and Music Makes Us, the Nashville Music Education Project. “We are grateful for the gift and very excited. In our new approach to music education that includes both traditional and contemporary music genres, drum [...]

Hathern Band Charity Concert

It had looked as though Hathern Band’s Charity Concert in aid of LOROS on Saturday 19 January would be cancelled when news was received that Charnwood College, Loughborough had been closed due to the adverse weather conditions. However, Hathern Parish Church came to the rescue and offered the use of the church for the concert. [...]

Bannister returns to B&R

Brighouse and Rastrick Band are pleased to announce the return of Andy Bannister to the soprano cornet seat with immediate effect. The seat became vacant when Kevin Crockford decided to return to Grimethorpe Colliery Band 12 months after he left them to join 2010 and 2011 National Champions B&R. The soprano cornet is an incredibly [...]

Ironbridge call for young composers

A competition to encourage young musicians to compose a piece of brass band music has been launched by the organisers of the popular Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival with the support of local estate agent, Nock Deighton. The competition is open to any young person under the age of 18 and the lucky winner will be [...]

Regents Hall Brass Festival

BBANZ announces new Musical Director

The Brass Band Association of New Zealand is pleased, and proud, to announce the appointment of Dr Robert Childs as Musical Director of the 2013 National Brass Band of New Zealand. The Band was first formed in 1953 and has been formed periodically ever since under the direction of noted conductors who have conducted New [...]

Brooks and Gledhill strengthen Leyland team

Leyland is pleased to announce that Danny Brooks, former principal trombone has re-joined the band. Danny spent some time at Brighouse and Rastrick band but due to his ever expanding conducting and teaching roles in the North West, he felt it was time to ‘come home’ to Leyland. Danny commented, “I had a fantastic time [...]

Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival

Philip Biggs is delighted to announce an exciting programme of events for this year’s Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival. The festival will include four headline concerts, the 2012 National Finals Test-Piece Masterclass and the Fairey Band as the featured band at this year’s Gala Evening Concert. The Festival schedule is as follows:- Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival 2012 [...]

Black Dyke and Amanda Roocroft

Black Dyke Band conducted by Robert Childs and the famous British Soprano, Amanda Roocroft will perform the second half of this year’s Great Northern Brass Arts Festival Gala Concert at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester this coming Saturday. Amanda will sing such popular classics such as Russalk’s Song to the Moon, Bobby Shaftoe and Soldier Soldier. [...]

Open Champions announce Bridgewater Programme

British Open Champions announce Bridgewater Hall programme The new crowned British Open Champions, the Foden’s Band has now released its programme for the Great Northern Brass Arts Festival Gala Evening Concert on Saturday at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. Foden’s will be conducted on Saturday by Richard Evans. The programme of music is as follows:- [...]

Co-operative Funeralcare take honours at Land O’Burns

Dalmellington Band hosted the 18th annual Land O’Burns – Brass in Concert Event in Troon Concert Hall on Saturday 25th August at 9.45am. 16 good brass bands competed for over £6,000.00 in prize money and a fantastic array of individual trophies and awards. This is the best entry of bands we have ever had at [...]

Carlton Main announce Bridgewater programme

The Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band conducted by Phillip McCann has now annonced its programme for the opening concert at this years Great Northern Brass Arts Festival at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 8th September. The concert commences at 12 noon and the full programme of music is as follows:- Let Everything Praise – [...]

Brass in Concert celebrate NYBBGB Diamond Anniversary

The organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship, which will be held at The Sage Gateshead on Sunday 18 November in association with Yamaha and British Bandsman, have revealed more details of the World of Brass in Concert event, to be held the previous evening. Conducted by its Artistic Director, Bramwell Tovey, the National Youth [...]

Bob Childs becomes Principal Guest Conductor at Black Dyke

Bob Childs has accepted the invitation to become Principal Guest Conductor at Black Dyke Band. He will remain in Wales for the time being but will travel to Yorkshire to rehearse the Band for several concerts and help with imminent contest preparations. Bob said, “I am delighted with the invitation. The prospect of working with [...]

International orchestra school and festival OrkesterkamP 2012

OrkesterkamP 2012 for windband will take place in Portorož, Slovenija between 19th and 25th August 2012. OrkesterkamP Music Festival & School offers an intensive professional performance experience in the marvellous mediterranean environment. OrkesterkamP is open to dedicated musicians of any age. Students perform orchestra repertorie side-by-side with their teacher from professional institutions or orchestras form Italy, Germany, [...]

Durnovaria hunt for new home

After 76 years in Dorchester, the Durnovaria Silver Band looks set to leave the county town in November if a new practise hall cannot be found. The band has practised at the Fordington Methodist Church Hall, but the church is closing its doors, and the premises are due to be sold at auction. According to [...]

Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival

The popular Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival takes place over the weekend of 14th and 15th July. Now in its eighth year, this free family event showcases some of the finest brass bands from Shropshire and the surrounding counties and is the largest, non-competitive brass band festival in the country. This year, a conductor’s baton [...]

German ensemble visit Clive, Iowa

Come hear the world-famous Altenmedingen Posaunenchor brass ensemble perform as part of the worship services at Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University Avenue, Clive, Iowa, USA, at 5 p.m. central daylight time August 4, and 8:30 and 10 a.m. central daylight time, August 5.   No polka dancing will be allowed, but the ensemble plans to [...]

Black Dyke record breaking Euro win

Black Dyke Band was declared European Champion in Rotterdam on Saturday 5th May 2012 after their performances of Vita Aeterna Variations by Alexander Comitas and their own choice test piece Revelations by Philip Wilby. Despite an early number 2 draw on Saturday, the band managed a four point victory overall. The band last won the [...]

More stars for Bridgewater Hall

Philip Biggs is delighted to announce that yet more stars have agreed to appear at The Bridgewater Hall for The Great Northern Spring Brass Arts Festival which takes place on Sunday 13th May. The Opening Concert (12noon) which features Marsden Band conducted by Glyn Williams will see Tenor Horn Star Lesley Howie take centre stage as Guest [...]

White takes Cory euphonium hot seat

Cory Band are very pleased to announce that Matthew White is their new Principal Euphonium player. Matthew has an impressive pedigree; he attended the Chetham’s School of Music from the age of 10 and was also a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, serving as Principal Euphonium for three years, winning [...]

Alex Kerwin leaves Dyke

After 4 years, Alex Kerwin has reluctantly resigned from the Black Dyke Band due to family commitments. Alex commented ‘It is with great regret that I have to leave. The band are and always will be my greatest friends and I thank Dr Childs for his guidance, support and friendship. I wish the band all [...]

Timaru 2012

BBANZ is pleased to announce the 2012 National Brass Band Championships will be held in Timaru, 4 – 8 July 2012. The association also recognises the good-will of the host association in taking over from the original appointee, Christchurch, at relatively short notice. The announcement of the test music will be made on 5th March 2012 and the [...]

Purcell School celebrates 50 years

World renowned music school, the Purcell School of Music, is to hold a celebration event- Holst The Planets, Beethoven Triple Concerto a new concertante work by Joseph Phibbs – at the Royal Festival Hall on 19 March 2012 at 7.30pm – to celebrate 50 years of excellence. Directed by internationally acclaimed conductor, Paul Daniel, the [...]

Youth Brass 2000 at Masters

Philip Biggs and Richard Franklin are delighted to announce that the highly acclaimed Youth Brass 2000 have agreed to appear at the 2012 All England Masters International Championship which takes place at The Lighthouse Theatre on Sunday 27th May. Youth Brass 2000 are no strangers to the Masters Championship having appeared at Cambridge on a [...]

Dyke announce Great Northern Gala Concert Programme

Black Dyke Band and Dr Nicholas Childs have released their programme for the Gala Evening Concert of the Great Northern Spring Brass Arts Festival which takes place at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Sunday 13 May.  There is bound to be particular interest surrounding the performance of Pure Gold A 4 x 4 Relay by [...]

Childs leaves Cory

Following a highly acclaimed performance at this year’s RNCM Festival of Brass it is with regret the Cory Band has accepted the resignation of euphonium virtuoso David Childs. David has been a valued member of Cory for 10 years helping them win major championships and consistently delivering world class solo and concerto performances. However, juggling [...]

Eminent new recruit at Black Dyke Band

Gifted young composer, Dan Price has been invited to join the creative team of Black Dyke Band. Dan’s portfolio includes “American Tale” and “Sunrise over Blue Ridge”, as well as a whole host of major works and upcoming commissions. He will fill the position of Arranger in Association, and has already started work on some [...]

Salford-BASBWE RAF Composers Contest Finalists

The finalists for the Salford-BASBWE Composers Contest have been announced as Franner Otter, Karl Wheelan, and Stephen Richardson The three composers have been invited to a workshop with the Central Band of the RAF and will also have their works premiered at a special concert on the 15th of February hosted at the University of [...]

Caffull returns to ISB

The International Staff Band is delighted to announce that Trevor Caffull has been re-appointed to the band on BBb Bass. Trevor first joined the ISB in October 1989 and gave excellent service to the band for some 15 1/2 years. He has continued to maintain a strong connection with the band through his work as [...]

24th All England Masters

Philip Biggs and Richard Franklin are delighted to announce arrangements for the 24th All England Masters International Brass Band Championship which will bring 20 of the world’s top bands to the The Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering on Sunday 27th May. The test-piece is one of the classic works written for brass band: Comedy Overture by John [...]

Cornwall Youth Brass Band Christmas Course

The sixty seven young musicians of The Cornwall Youth Brass Band left behind their Christmas festivities to spend four days making music on their Residential Course at Truro High School for Girls. Under the direction of Guest Conductor Michael Fowles, the days were spent in intensive rehearsals working on a range of challenging music, including [...]

Awards in the world of brass

The Queen’s New Years Honours list has just been announced and there are two awards for people connected to the world of brass music. Dr Tim Thirst, Director of Music for Stalham Brass Band has been awarded an OBE for services to the Stalham Brass Band, youth music and to the community in Stalham. Dr [...]

Test Valley’s Christmas present from the Co-op

The young players from Test Valley Brass Youth Band and the beginner band Frosty’s are a step closer to achieving their target of £10,000 for the purchase of some much needed new instruments. Last night saw the band put on a wonderful Christmas performance to a sell-out audience at the Lights Theatre in Andover. There [...]

Exciting 2012 for British Trombone Society

The British Trombone Society would like to announce some exciting events taking place featuring some of the world’s finest trombonists. On the 29th January 2012 the BTS event will be hosted by Huddersfield University featuring Davur Juul Magnussen Principal trombone of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Brett Baker, Adrian Hirst and the Black Dyke Trombone [...]

Chris Martin at Brass Herald booth in Chicago

Philip Biggs is delighted to announce that trumpet star, Chris Martin, principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be joining Philip at Booth 308 at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Chris will be at The Brass Herald booth on Thursday 15th December at 1.30pm to personally sign copies of issue 41.

Marzella moves to Dyke

Following the news of Gareth Brindle’s departure Black Dyke are delighted to welcome Katrina Marzella as their new Solo Baritone. Nicholas Childs said “Katrina is a terrific player with an international reputation and its with real anticipation we look forward to the future.” Katrina commented “I’m delighted to be joining Black Dyke. It’s a real [...]

Brindle Farewell

Gareth Brindle Black Dyke’s Solo Baritone has reluctantly called time with the Band, due to his work commitments expanding in these challenging times. “Gareth is a fantastic bandsman, his lyrical and dynamic qualities were simply outstanding” said Nick Childs. Gareth himself said “Being at Black Dyke has been a great experience and one that I [...]

Lucy Pankhurst wins 2011 British Composer Award

The Music Company (UK) Ltd takes immense pleasure in announcing that one of their key writers, Lucy Pankhurst, has won the 2011 British Composer Award for her evocative composition ‘In Pitch Black’. This prestigious national award, organised by BASCA (The British Association of Songwriters, Composers and Authors) and supported by PRS for Music and BBC [...]

Stewart takes Cory soprano seat

Cory Band are delighted to announce the signing of Steve Stewart on Soprano Cornet. Steve was a stalwart of the Kirkintilloch Band for many years and has taken the decision to move full time to Wales. Steve has been playing Soprano for Tredegar recently and performed with them at the National Championships at the RAH. [...]

65th Midwest Band and Orchestral Clinic

The Brass Herald will be attending the 65th Midwest Band and Orchestral Clinic which takes place at McCormick Place West in Chicago from December 14 to 17. The Brass Herald will be exhibiting at booth 308 in the Exhibits Hall. The Midwest Band and Orchestral Clinic is one of the largest and most diverse band [...]

Tameside Open to continue in 2012

Lancashire Contests Supported by Tameside MBC. are pleased to announce that the Tameside Open Brass Band Championships will take place on Sunday 25 March 2012 at Dukinfield Town Hall.   The contest will consist of four sections, Championship & First, Second, Third and Fourth ,national gradings to apply. Adjudicators:- Gordon Higginbottom and Andrew Warriner.   [...]

Northern Open Brass Band Championships

The Northern Open Brass Band Championships will take place next Sunday 20th November at St.Helens Theatre Royal Corporation Street, St.Helens, Merseyside WA10 1LQ. Commencing at 9.00am. Tickets available at the door at £6 and £4 for concessions. Championship & First Section Adjudicator –Ian Brownbill Draw 4.00 Pm. Prompt. Start 5.00 Pm. Approximately.   Drighlington (Jim [...]

2012 Wind Band Composers Competition

A publishing contract and £500 are some of the fantastic prizes on offer in the 2012 Wind Band Composers Competition. The Wind Band Composers Competition is an exciting, new project that sees the University of Salford and the British Association of Symphonic Bands (BASBWE) collaborating with the RAF Music Services Charitable Trust (RAFMSCT). The competition [...]

Spring Festival Challenges announced

The British Open Brass Band Championship presents the 92nd Spring Brass Band Festival at The Winter Gardens Blackpool on Saturday 12th May 2012 from 9.00am The Grand Shield qualifying contest for the 2012 British Open will take place in the Opera House with the test piece “On The Shoulders of Giants” by Peter Graham. In the [...]

NYBB join forces with Confluence

Dazzling percussive beats… Gorgeous new melodies… the return of the incredible National Indian Music Youth Orchestra. Confluence is a coming together of some of the country’s most talented young musicians, in Samyo, with two unique collaborations with the supremely talented National Youth Jazz Collective and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Featuring a wide [...]

Jaguar Name Change

The Jaguar (Coventry) Band would like to announce that with immediate effect the band will now be known as The Jaguar Land Rover Band. The Jaguar Band has now been associated with Jaguar Cars for the last 10 years and during this time built a close working relationship with their sponsor, supporting numerous promotional and [...]

Childs take chair at NYBBGB

The Council of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is delighted to announce that it has appointed Dr Robert Childs as its new Chairman. Robert replaces John Gillam, who had been Chairman of the NYBBGB since 1999 and during his tenure has overseen great change and development within the organisation. The Council wish [...]

PLC hangs up his sticks

After 16 years of playing percussion at the highest level Paul Lovatt-Cooper has decided to retire due to his developing music career as a teacher, composer and conductor. Paul has enjoyed playing at the highest level. He joined Black Dyke in 2003 after playing with the Fairey band for nine years. He has been featured [...]

Whitburn pay tribute to The Major

Everyone at Exchange Communications Whitburn Band is deeply saddened to learn of the death of the band’s Honorary President Major Peter Parkes at the age of 81. ‘The Major’ was the most successful conductor at Whitburn ever, leading the band to a record eight wins at the Scottish Championships in 1980-83, 86, 87, 92 and [...]

NY Staff Band to visit Ireland

The New York Staff Band (Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris), which is regarded as one of the foremost brass bands in The Salvation Army across the world, will be making a six -day visit to Ireland this May and June (2011). Tickets are now on sale for three public concerts as follows: Belfast: Saturday 28th May, Carnmoney [...]

Hathern Band Charity Concert

Hathern Band’s first concert in 2011 was a Charity event in aid of LOROS, the Leicestershire & Rutland Hospice, and the capacity audience at Burleigh Community College, Loughborough thoroughly enjoyed the evening’s entertainment. This is the bands 10th concert in support of LOROS and as in previous years, the concert has also benefited from support [...]