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With over fifty young people giving up
their Easter holidays to make music, the four day residential Course of
The Cornwall Youth Brass Band culminated in a successful Concert at St
Michael’s Church in Newquay on Easter Monday. The Course, which was
based at Truro High School for Girls, involved intensive full band
rehearsals as well as detailed sectional work with individual
instrumental tutors. Directing the Course was Garry Cutt, the Conductor
of not one, but two world class brass bands, Fodens and Grimethorpe
Colliery. His testing choice of programme encompassed music from the
early part of the last century, by the legendary William Rimmer, to
present day composers, Peter Graham and Kenneth Downie.
The Band was fortunate to be joined by the
young Tuba Soloist, Leslie Neish, who flew in direct from an engagement
playing for the President of Malta. Three of his solos were first
performances of arrangements made especially for him. He also took a
Master Class during the Course working with three members of the Bass
Section, Rachel Crabb, Jacob Pritchard and Matthew Julian.
The opening march in the Concert was
dedicated to memory of the late President of the Band, Micky Hunt, who
had passed away just a week before. He had been connected with the Band
since 1959 and had given countless hours of service helping the young
players improve and enjoy their music making.
The high standard of the Cornwall Youth
Brass Band and their dedication to music was commented on by The Mayor
of Restormel, Councillor Pat Harvey, who spoke to the audience during
the Concert and praised the young musicians and their supportive
parents, saying that they were a credit to the County. The musicians,
whose ages range from eleven to nineteen, come from nineteen parent
bands throughout Cornwall and are supported at their monthly Rehearsals,
and during the Course, by a team of local Tutors, all of whom have been
members of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band in the past.
The Annual Awards of the Band were
presented by the Chairman, Leonard Adams. The Youngest Player was James
Telling, the Most Promising Player, Caitlin Strike, Most Improved
Player, Zoe Teague. The W A Hunt Cup for the Player who had made the
Most Conspicuous Contribution to the Band during the year was awarded to
Edward Thomas and the Player of the Year was Lowenna Taylor. She also
received The Eric Richards Memorial Shield from Mrs Janet Richards after
having been voted Players’ Player by her fellow musicians. The A R
Trudgian Youth Awards, which are presented at The West of England
Bandsman’s Festival in June went to Joanne Rowe and Jacob Pritchard. The
Chairman also made a Presentation to David Loukes on his retirement from
the post of Senior Tutor and Music Co-ordinator after ten Courses.
Phillip Hunt, Secretary. 01752 843919. |