'I Shall Rise Again'

As you may have read in the comments from the previous post, 'Resurgam' by Eric Ball has been selected as the 2nd Section test piece for the Areas 2011.

Putting my initial reaction aside, I've heard the piece (admittedly only once so far so I haven't made my mind up about liking it), but it is going to be a stern test for the band. Okay, it may not be full of semi-quaver runs, clashing chords, complicated percussion parts etc., but it, as Howard rightly said in an earlier comment, it will test warm of sound, muscianship and intonation.

I've done a bit of background searching about 'Resurgam', and, not surprisingly as it sounds very 'hymn-like' in places, it's origin seems steeped in religious undertones, allowing the listener to contemplate the fact that what may appear to be pain and loss is often gain and victory in a spiritual sense. Even from death, 'I shall rise again'.'

To give some indication of how difficult it is likely to be, it was used as the test piece for the British Open in 1950, so played by Championship Section bands of the day. Despite usually being put off brass music such as this mainly down to it's age, I'm looking forward to working on this. I can only seeing it improving the band, particularly with our intonation.

I found the picture of Eric Ball here

Something old, something new.....

After lots of speculation on some brass band forums, the 2011 area test pieces are announced later this month. Although we have no choice but to play whatever piece that is chosen by the selection panel, in an ideal world, what would you like have as the 2nd Section test? A blast from the past, a brass band classic from yesteryear? A contemporary piece written by an up-and-coming composer? Any specific composers whose music you would like to play? What style or type of music do you think suits our band?

2010 SUMMER ENGAGEMENTS - A BIG THANKYOU

Hi everyone, well thats it for another year, a summer filled with engagements, old ones new ones, it has been fun. A big thankyou goes out to everyone who has contributed through this busy time. One of the hardest jobs through the summer is trying to fill the spaces where holidays have played a disruptive part, with some running around and word of mouth deps have been available which has been a big relief, helping the band to produce quality concerts, thanks for all the help.

One thing that stands out is that the band has improved over the summer, March Park's concert was a cracking concert with the band producing a great sound, this together with Nigel's superb music choice really elevated the band, this must be good for all involved.

So that's it for another summer, I personally have had a very enjoyable time over this period, even "Serenade" has become a favourite of mine (haha) now we go into the next part of the year, an exciting time with the slow build up to the areas in March 2011.

Well done again to you all for working hard through this busy summer to make it a success, hope you all enjoyed it

Mr Chairman

Twice in one year

....we're banding at the seaside. As well as this coming Sunday's concert in Sunny Hunny, we're also making the journey to Folkstone in the Autumn for the contest.

I've heard several of us asking exactly when it is in October (myself included), so I've just checked on t'internet and it's October 16th. Mark the date on your calendars folks, because it will be a grand day out.

Punching above our weight

Blimey, I must have got my blogging mojo back! Two posts in as many days!

An enjoyable rehearsal last night, with almost a full band. With a couple of trombones, five on the front row, we did some solid work on some of the music for our remaining summer gigs. (I can't get bloomin' 'Matchmaker' out of my head today though!)

For me though, the best part of the evening was having a blow through 'Purcell Variations' by Kenneth Downie, a potential piece for Folkstone. Undoubtedly the hardest piece we've looked at (certainly since I've been in the band), I thought we had a good go at it. Think back to the first time we blew through 'Kingdom of Dragons'; a lot of us were probably thinking 'we're never going to get this contest ready in time' (I know I was). And look what we achieved at the Areas. If we do decide to play this in October (we've got 'Cross Patonce' by Goff Richards to try next week), I'm certain we'll give a good account of ourselves. It's the type of piece that suits the band, like the aforementioned 'Kingdon of Dragons' and 'The Dark Side of the Moon'. Even from this first run through, the majority seemed to be enjoying it.

I've already touched on 'Purcell Variations' relative difficulty. As Nigel said last night, it's a First Section test piece. And as he also said, there is every possibility that we can go up to the First Section after next springs Area contest. So, what are your thoughts on us playing this level music now? Should we play it (relatively) safe with music relative to our Section, or should we be ambitious and 'punch above our weight'?

If anyone wants to listen to 'Purcell Variations' do a Youtube search, there's a recording of Black Dyke playing it - superb music!

Hitting those high notes

Long time no post. I thought I'd try to get things moving again on the blog, but please, if anyone else wants to be an author on this blog, let me know. I'm sure there's many band members with interesting and valuable topics they would like to put forward and have discussed.

Anyway, I would like some help despite being able to (occasionally) hit the high notes (top D) in Donegal Bay, I am struggling big time. So, does anyone have any advice on specific practice/exercises I can do to help me get higher? Is it a mouthpiece related thing? I do a lot of lip building and flexibility exercises (I have John Ridgeon's 'How Brass Players Do It'), which help to a degree; will these help with high notes?

Any words of help and wisdom will be hugely appreciated.

Great concert, shame about the football!

Last Sunday saw the band perform it's first concert of the year, in the grounds of the wonderfully picturesque Oxburgh Hall. It was an extremely hot June afternoon under the gazebo, with no hint of a cooling breeze. Given the temperature, the band played fantastically well, giving our appreciative audience performances of music new to our reportoire, which all went down very well. The soloists all did cracking jobs (especially Steve, depping on Euphonium), the front row switching to trumpets for a ripping rendition of 'All Night Long' was a refreshing change, as were the two Queen numbers. And a big thank you to the deps who helped us out.

The band received some great feedback afterwards from the audience, and I think we can take positives from this performance and build on them throughout the series of summer concerts. And I personally would like to play at Oxburgh Hall next year, I think it's a lovely location (even though it is 'out in the sticks' a bit - said from someone who lived in Manea for years!).

Sutton Prom next, a different beast entirely though.....