Sunday nights rehearsal was a serious stqrt on the Area test piece 'Olympus' by Philip Harper.

Time to leave Butlins for some band members but others stayed  over until Monday to complete their weekend, enjoying the rest of the entertainment.

As the section did not start until 11am, the band did not have such an early start. There were 15 bands competing and being drawn number 11 the band was very confident when it took the stage. Happy with their performance and confident they may be in the prizes (as most bands are when they leave the stage!) members were elated when the feedback from various spectators predicting they would be in the top 3, was later  re-enforced by 4 Bars Rest who predicted Dinnington as their winners. The day was soon ruined.however,when after the results they learned they had been placed 11th. 

Another excellent rehearsal. 

Sectionals began on the Butlins test piece and all went well. Queueing to get in, the bandroom was full of players. The night was rounded off with a visit to the pub. 

After a short rehearsal the band went on to their local for Christmas drinks and 'Secret Santa'. Their was laughter all round when Santa gave 'Jude Hartley' (lead Bb Bass) a fly swat - to keep the other  basses in order.

19th December:

During the last seven days the band have been very busy playing at concerts and carolling at different venues in and around South Yorkshire.   One of the particular highlights being the Annual Christmas Concert held at The Ruddle Centre - Braithwell which, once again was a complete sell out. During the evening the band featured a Euphonium solo (Going Home - featured on their Band for Britain CD) beautifully played by Jess Marshall and by popular request '!2th Street Rag' a trio played by Sally Brookes - Joel Kirk and Penny Brookes. 

The band took part in the Bravo Annual Christmas Concert performed at RCAT in the Eastwood  Complex - Rotherham.

The band played to a full house at the Lyric Theatre, Dinnington; for the Blubellwood Children's Hospice Annual Christmas Concert. A special feature of their programme was local businessman, Mr Peter Bullock, who achieved a life-long ambition when he sang his rendition of Frank Sinatra's 'Fly me to the Moon', accompanied by the band. 

It was also a nice surprise for the band to see ex member Jan Hibberd  sitting in her old seat as Assistant Principal. Five years ago when she emigrateed to New Zealand she promised to visit firm friend Sally Bannan (Principal Cornet).  Many thanks Jan!

 

Saw the switching on of Whiston Christmas Lights followed by an appearance at the Golden Ball (Whiston) then a quick dash to Letwell where a group played at the  Annual Christmas Draw and Social Evening.

A group played Christmas Carols for the Masons at the Masonic Hall, Worksop.

Today the band took part in the Leicester Brass Band Contest.  Convinced they had not played their best when competing in the National Finals; M.D. Jonathan Beatty decided to play the same test piece, R Vaughan-Williams 'Henry Vth'. How right he was proven to be when the band was announced 4th Section Champions. Adding the icing to the cake was their Soprano player, Anthony Thompson, who received the Chris Holmes Memorial Trophy and a cheque for £50 (a new award this year, presented by his brother) awarded to the Best Player.   "Congratulations Anthony" and "Well Done" everyone.  A special thanks goes to Jonathan for all his hard work, expertise and dedication.

The band would like to welcome new members Anthony,Sam, Sue and Tim; who joined this week in time to play at the Leicester contest.

On Sunday 13th instant, the band lead Dinnington's Remembrance Parade, Service, Salute and March Past.  MD Jonathan Beatty, decided to 'pick-up his trombone' for this special event  as well as conduct for the service.

   

On Friday 11th November by invitation; the band appeared at the 2011 'Brass Factor' Competition in Holmefirth.  Their presentation was well received by a local capacity audience.  After a very good evening the audience voted Hade Edge juniors as the winners but, nevertheless, Dinnington's 11 year old Bethany Littlewood received a cheque for £25 awarded to the youngest player on stage.

On Sunday 6th November after 15 years the band took the stage in the Lyric Theatre -  Dinnington for the Royal British Legion Annual Remembrance Concert. As well as playing for the service, during the evening they also played two 20 minute concert programmes to a packed hall.  

On Sunday 30th October the band played at the Imperial (Brass Band) Club Mexborough.  A capacity audience enjoyed the varied programme which included a Euphonium solo; a cornet/flugel trio and pieces which included some fine ensemble playing. During the evening the band was pleased to hear the whistling, shouting and cheers of approval coming from a delighted audience 

Best wishes to Sally for her forthcoming tooth implant - Hope all goes well!

Back from Cheltenham today having competed in the National Brass Band Finals against the top 19  4th Section bands in the country.

After leaving the stage and feeling that we had not put on our best performance, we were pleased with the comments from some of the spectators and those of 4 Bars Rest.  Representing Yorkshire is an achievement in itself. 

The Adjudicators Mr Stan Lippeat and Mr Barry Thompson commented on the musicality displayed by the band as well as the nice ensemble work and awarded us a very pleasing 6th place.  

No rehearsal Monday night, then its all systems go  ready for the Finals in Cheltenham.  A hard week of rehearsals for everyone.

The band had a welcome break from the Nationals test piece when they performed a concert in their local church, St. Leonards.  Although in considerable pain, M.D. Jonathan Beatty still managed to compare the evening in his usual witty manner.  Unfortunately for him, whilst on holiday in Scotland last week, he was set upon by a wild pig and severely bitten on the buttocks.

The band is currently rehearsing Henry V; the test piece for the National Finals which are to be held in Cheltenham on Saturday 24th September. Leaving Dinnington on Friday 23rd,they aim to spend  an enjoyable weekend, as well as playing in the competition.

Best wishes to Penny for her forthcoming operation.  Hope all goes well and that she will soon be back at rehearsals. 

On Saturday the band led the Aston Carnival and then a small group of players went on to the Phoenix Sports Club at Brinsworth; where they played a number of popular items to close the days activities which had been iin support of Bluebell Wood. The weather was reasonably kind at both venues.

Friday 29th saw a small group playing at a wedding in the gardens of the 'Charnwood Hotel, Blythe. As they played music by 'Abba', 'The Beatles' and other popular numbers, the sun shone down on the Bride and Groom as they welcomed their guests.  

A small group played at the Ravenfield 'Well Dressing'.  The Reverend Jane Bolton welcomed the band who have accompanied this event for a number of years.  The warm weather encouraged a good number of the residents to attend.  The ladies of the community were proud to display their collage of 'The Cavalier' which had over 1200 berries in the word 'Ravenfield ' alone, not to mention all the other  natural materials used; such as ferns,leaves and twigs etc.  Their efforts producing a truly magnificent sight to behold!

The band have enjoyed a well earned rest this weekend.

The band played at St. Peter's Church - Old Edlington.  The few spots of rain towards the end of the performance did not dampen the enthusiastic reception the band was given.

 

 

A glorious evening contributed to a record audience attending the annual Clifton Proms. Raffle tickets were a complete sell out (1000 sold) so next year there will be another book on hand for those who missed out! The programme chosen by M.D. Jonathan Beatty included two of the pieces arranged for the band by Paul Higgs for their appearance at The Yorkshire Sculpture Park; these were 'Spanish Flea' and 'Love Potion No.9'

 

A big thankyou to Malcolm and his wife for providing the venue, also to Paul Manning and everyone else who contributed, once again, to making the evening such a success. Finally, thankyou to everyone who attended.

 

"Good Luck" to all Training Band members who are taking Grade Examinations on Thursday 30th June.

 

The band was well received by a sell-out audience at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park when the New Art Club dancers, Tom Roden and Pete Shenton, performed (amongst other things) their version of the famous breakfast scene by Morecambe and Wise to the band accompaniment of a special arrangement by Paul Higgs of "The Stripper".  Paul, musical director of the evening's presentation, played  trumpet and accompanied himself on the piano.  He then continued with a piano recital in the style of the late, great Les Dawson. This was a very successful event, well received by a capacity audience reluctant to leave!

 

On Saturday 11th instant the band performed at a charity event at the Ivanhoe Centre, Conisborough.  A large audience enjoyed listening to a varied programme including a euphonium solo (So Deep is the Night - Ian White) a cornet and flugel horn duet (Duet for Two Cats - Sally Bannan and Penny Brookes) and a trio featuring two cornets and flugel horn (12th Street Rag - Sally Bannan, Joel Kirk & Penny Brookes).  In the audience the band were pleased to see Anne and Ken Venamore with their grandaughter; three of their 'Band for Britain' supporters, residents of the the Flotta Isle.

 

The band extend a warm welcome to Bethany and Mark who have joined  on the cornet section.

 

 

On Wednesday 18th the band had another visit from Mr Paul Higgs with his arrangement of  'Love Potion No. 9', another piece to be featured at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

 

 

There was no rehearsal yesterday, the band having earned a day off for all their recent hard work.

 

The Band shared in the celebrations to commemorate Laughton Junior and Infants School Centenary which, to the date, is tomorrow the 29th instant.

The day's activities ended with the band playing a concert attended by  a very appreciative audience.  The programme included 'Colors of the Wind' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean', specially chosen for  the children in the audience.  Euphonium Soloist Ian White delighted them with his rendition of the Air and Variations 'Grandfather's Clock'; a very old and well known piece throughout the world of brass bands.  However, the highlight of the evening was the duet 'All I Ask of You', played by Euphonium Soloist Jess Marshall and 14 year old Cornet Soloist Joel  Kirk. Jess took great pride in guiding Joel and giving him the confidence it required for his first soloistic performance.   

 

Come along and help Laughton Junior and Infants School celebrate its Centenary on Thursday 28th April. Celebrations commence at 2pm and the Band is playing at 7pm - EVERYONE WELCOME!

 

Yesterday saw a change in the band. Due to personal circumstances which mean he cannot commit his usual 110%; Jess Marshall, after 30 years as the band's principal euphonium player;announced that he would be exchanging seats and handing the position to Ian White. A big "Thank You" to Jess who, over the years, has been complemented at every contest for his beautiful sound.  A hard reputation to follow but, along with Jess, we have every confidence that Ian will carry on where he leaves off.  It is a very fortunate position for the band to be in; having not one, but two euphonium players who are soloists in their own right, especially with the National Finals coming up in September and the band's promotion to the 3rd section in 2012.

 

The band played at the Imperial Band Club Mexborough. A very receptive audience enjoyed the evening's entertainment, which included Toccatta in D - Irish Blessing - Avatar,  Euphonium soloist Ian Whites' rendition of 'So Deep is the Night' was one of the highlights of the evening.

 

 

Yesterday, the band played at the Holmfirth Contest, taking part in Section B, open to both 3rd and 4th section bands and, once again, came away victorious having been awarded the prize for the BEST TROMBONE SECTION along with 2nd PRIZE in the March and 2nd PRIZE OVERALL.  WELL DONE EVERYONE - KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

 

Congratulations to the Training Band who. on Friday 18th March. took part in the Don Valley Music Festival, entering a quintet in the under 12's, a teenage quartet and the full band WINNING THREE 1ST prizes. WELL DONE!

 

The band extend a warm welcome to Amy who has joined on the cornet section.

 

On Saturday 5th March the band took part in the Yorkshire Area Brass Band Championships, held at The St. Georges' Hall Bradford; where they gained 1st place in the 4th section playing John Gollands 'Prelude, Song and Dance'. Joanne Brookes-Wright  received a trophy and cheque on behalf of the band along with an invitation to the National Finals to be held at Cheltenham on 24th September. M.D. Jonathan Beatty received the Steve Platten memorial trophy as conductor of the winning band.