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YBS in Durham |
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On the eve of the YBS Band concert
conducted by Ray Farr at the Gala Theatre, Durham as part of BRASS -
Durham International Festival... Strictly Press caught up with Allan
Holdsworth - YBS Band Manager and Ray Farr to find out their thoughts
about the festival and tomorrow night's concert. "Festivals like Durham [BRASS - Durham International Festival] are very important to the Brass band movement as a whole and particularly to the individual bands that take part especially for a world top ranking band as YBS," said Allan Holdsworth YBS Band Manager. The YBS Band have been very successful in major competitions and have earned a reputation for high class music performance. Allan proudly underlines that Friday's audience can expect an entertaining programme of Brass band music consisting of orchestral pieces, music from the popular shows, big band sounds and featuring some of the band's soloists - who are recognised as some of the top players within the Brass band movement. Allan was asked how the YBS Band prepares for a big show like Durham, he replied: "The band prepares in a professional manner for such a festival by rehearsing several weeks in advance with the bands resident conductor Morgan Griffiths. Two rehearsals prior to the event the guest conductor, who in this case is Ray Farr, attend our band room and adds his personal interpretations to the bands performance." Website: www.ybsband.org.uk "I think the Brass band world is going in the wrong direction. There is very little development and we need to re-think our musical aims and other ambitions. Brass bands will collapse soon if nothing is done," these are the strong but passionate thoughts of Ray Farr - Conductor in Residence at Durham University. Ray was an adjudicator at the recent BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist competition at Manchester's Royal Northern College of Music. Ray says that the management of most Brass bands in this country is very poor and does not support its members - he also underlines that there are very few bands with an education policy, Ray believes the answer would be a big injection of finance and resources to stabilise and develop. Ray comments about the Brass band scene in the North-East [County Durham] and in particular about BRASS - Durham International Festival. He said: "Bringing in Neil Hillier [Arts Development Manager for Durham County Council] and Durham County Council has been the most significant development in this area. I just hope audiences will come to the Brass Festival concerts." Ray's closing comments are about this year's BRASS - Durham International Festival and his reaction to the question if he thinks the festival will raise the profile of the region. He said: "I think the festival is fantastic! Everyone should experience and support these events." The YBS Band concert is one of many events to feature as part of the Festival Fortnight (1-15 July), which aims to provide an international showcase of Brass-based music. To purchase tickets for all of the BRASS - Durham International Festival events please call the ticket-line on (0191) 3324041 or online via www.galadurham.co.uk The YBS Band concert with guest conductor Ray Farr will take place at the Gala Theatre, Durham on Friday 6th July commencing at 20:00 - tickets are priced at £10 / £8 (conc) Another massive event on this weekend is The Durham County Brass Band Association's Brass Band Entertainment Contest "Picnic in the Park" featuring the following bands: Craghead, Durham Constabulary, Five Rivers Brass, Marske, Stanhope Silver Band, Trimdon Concert Brass, Billingham, Broughtons Brass, Easington Colliery, Felling and Westoe. The free event takes place on Sunday 8th July at the DLI Museum & Art Gallery from 10:00 - for further details about DCBBA please visit www.dcbba.org.uk For further information about all of the events taking place during "BRASS - Durham International Festival" including dates, times and ticket prices - please visit the official website: www.brassfestival.co.uk or www.myspace.com/brassdif The festival runs through to 15 July! 15 days of Brass = 15 days of quality music and entertainment! |