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Astley Youth win too!

A jubilant Astley Youth Band are celebrating their first ever win at the North West Counties Brass Band Championships, held in Fleetwood, on Sunday 2^nd October! The band’s winning performance of “The Pioneers” by Philip Sparke, delighted adjudicator David Lancaster, and in his remarks he praised the band for their energy and commitment. “The Pioneers” was commissioned for the inaugural course of the National Children’s Brass Band in July 2004, in which 5 members of Astley Youth Band participated.

Musical Director Helen Minshall is absolutely delighted with the results - “Fleetwood is always a challenge for us. The contest comes around very soon after the school summer holidays, when many players are out of practice, and we only ever have about 4 rehearsals to prepare for it. I’m overjoyed at today’s result – it’s the band’s first ever title! The players have worked extremely hard, and the win is well deserved! The band has competed in the championships on an annual basis since 1997. In 2004 we were delighted to be placed for the 1^st time – we came 2^nd, but this year we went one step further to secure the prestigious title!  There was an added surprise for young cornet player, Rose Collier, age 8, a pupil of Garrett Hall School, who won the Arthur Gillon Trophy for the youngest player in the contest!  It was also a sad occasion as we said goodbye to Solo Euphonium player, Louise Harrison, who has been a band member since 1998. Louise leaves on 4^th October to study Maths at Oxford University. The look on her face as she collected the trophy on the band’s behalf, was one of sheer joy! What a note to finish on!!”

The band’s success is particularly remarkable, as it is run as a voluntary independent organisation, without the backing or financial support of a local authority. Helen and Stephen Minshall set up the band in 1994 when their own two children were aged a mere 3 and 1 years.  The band could never have prospered without support from all the parents. It takes an amazing amount of energy, dedication, fund raising and hard work to start a youth band from nothing and to have such a large, flourishing organisation nearly 12 years later. Astley Youth Band is well known and respected but only survives because so many people help each week to set up the band so the young players can concentrate on making music. Since the first rehearsal on 4^th January 1994 it has relied on Stephen Minshall’s ability to transport all the band’s equipment to every rehearsal and concert in an ever-increasing larger vehicle! However, it is getting more and more difficult to run the band without a permanent home where things like stands and the drum kit can be stored between rehearsals. If anybody out there can suggest a suitable building the band can rent (or even possibly consider purchasing) then please, please ring us on 01942 875626, or 07739 577354, or contact Helen by e mail – tubalady@blueyonder.co.uk

The band rehearses at St Stephen’s Primary School, Manchester Road, Astley, on Thursday evenings. Training Band rehearses from 6.30-7.30pm, catering for players from beginner to Grade 2 standard, and new members are always welcome. Senior Band rehearses from 7.45 – 9.15pm, and caters for players of Grade 3 standard or above.  There are currently vacancies for Trombone and Tuba players, and a Percussionist, but all other sections are pretty full (the band that won at Fleetwood comprised 44 players aged from 8 to 18, and 4 adult tutors). The band has a regular programme of concerts and events during the course of the year, and has undertaken a number of overseas tours in the last 10 years, performing in France, Holland, Luxembourg and Germany. The band’s 2^nd Isle of Man tour will take place in August 2006.

Astley Youth Band are now preparing for another important event – their first ever joint concert with the Houghton Weavers. This event will take place at Aspull Civic Hall, on Saturday 15^th October, starting at 7.30pm. There are a limited number of tickets still available for this, priced £8 for adults, and £5 for concessions. To order, please ring 01942 875626, or 07739 577354, or e mail your order to tubalady@blueyonder.co.uk