News
12 March 2008 - Roy Roe takes the helm!
We are extremely happy to announce the permanent appointment of a full time Musical Director, Mr Roy Roe, who joins us with a wealth of knowledge from his colourful brass band career. We are confident that Roy will be an excellent coach and mentor for all members of the band, building and developing the team environment we have here at Wetherby. For all of you budding fans out there, you'll be able to see Roy in action, for the first time on a formal engagement at our concert for the Children's Society, at Wetherby Methodist Hall on 12th April. See the Diary page for more details. Keep your eyes peeled for updates and a biography of Roy's sparkling banding career coming soon.
04 March 2008 Thanks and goodbye (for now) to soon to be Yummy Mummy Cat Chadwick.
Many thanks go from the band to Cat Chadwick our 1st Baritone player for her years of service to the band - a career with Wetherby which has stretched across the band from Eb Bass to Euphonium, and finally to her rightful place, the top baritone seat. Cat leaves us on maternity leave, and we all wish her the best of luck. Daddy Pete (1st Trombone) will be keeping us all updated - let's just hope it doesn't arrive on a band job! Watch this space for 'It's a Boy/It's a Girl"
02 March 2008 Yorkshire Regional Contest - St George's Hall
The band were placed 8 of 11 at this weekend's regional contest in Bradford. Many thanks go to all members of the band for all your efforts over the past weeks, we put out a good performance!! Unfortunately the placing means relegation for the band in 2009, though let's use this as an opportunity to build and grow, and let's sock it to 'em next year. Many thanks go to Roy Roe, our guest conductor for the contest, who did a stirling job with building the confidence, ability and team spirit of the band, a solid set of remarks (despite the result) showed the improvement of the band over the past month or so. We hope that he won't be a stranger over the coming months.
02 March 2008 Congratulations to friend of the band Garry Hallas and Emley
Congratulations go to friend of the band and MD of Emley Brass Band, Garry Hallas, for their placing of 4th in the 3rd section of the regional contest on Saturday. We'll see you next year!
30 November 2007 Congratulations to Lucy and Rob
Congratulations go to Lucy Turner and Rob Lovatt on their recent engagement - let's hope the wedding doesn't clash with a band job!
4th November 2007 - New Player
We would like to introduce our new Soprano Cornet player, Perry O'Brien who joins Wetherby as his 'civvy' band (his day job is playing with the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band in Catterick).
8th October 2007
The Wetherby Silver Band and its conductor, Glyn Kearsley, have this week parted company after a career together reaching almost 12 years. In this time, Glyn has been an excellent conductor, leading the band to such highlights as competing at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in the year 2000, and leading the band from being a fourth section band, to the second section band of today. The band would like to thank Glyn for all his efforts over the years and wish him every success in the future.
Other News - 12th September 2007
The band would like to thank Owen Wedgewood for his continued support over the summer months as guest conductor, we are very grateful for your efforts.
The band would also like to thank, and say goodbye to our percussionist Lucy Denton, we hope you'll remain a friend of the band, and will continue to supply us with your scrumptious freshly baked bread.
SJB
Hardraw Scar Contest - 12th September 2007
Sunday 9th September saw the band compete
at the Hardraw Scar Brass Band Contest. The coach left Wetherby at 11am to
carry the hopeful band, and its trusty supporters, to Hawes to compete in the
entertainment contest set in the natural amphitheatre at Hardraw. The band
arrived at Hardraw and were promptly called to registration, which caused
much concern as our percussionist Eddie had not yet arrived. Panic ensued, and
Kathy Kearsley (friend of the band and retired percussionist of Rothwell
Temperance) was called upon to help us out in our crisis, cue shaking and
panicking from Kath - luckily for Kath, Eddie was spotted hurtling towards the
registration tent about 2 minutes before we were due to go on and play. Saved
by the bell!!
The band played draw number 8, with a programme of Cwm Rhonda (featured hymn),
Cornish Cavalier (featured March), Silver Threads Amongst the Gold (featured
Solo, played by Heather Galloway), Pastorale and Pirates of the Caribbean. The
band played excellently despite cold and windy weather conditions, and the
programme seemed to go down well with the audience, who were by this point
huddled under many layers and blankets. Special mentions go to:
Principal euph player Dan who played well, with featured parts in Cwm Rhonda, Pastorale and Pirates, who has worked really hard towards this contest after being very ill.
Our principal cornet player Andy played beautifully in Pastorale, and played consistently well throughout the programme.
Heather's rendition of Silver Threads Amongst the Gold was brilliant, and deservedly received a huge round of applause from the audience and band alike.
Our percussion section, who showed their versatility in the brilliantly rousing Pirates of the Caribbean, the atmosphere created by so much percussion was astounding.
David Horsefield was the 'man in the box', and after a long day sat in the
Wetherby band trailer (which posed as the adjudicators box), he placed Wetherby
3rd overall, with Heather winning the best Solo prize, with 48 out of 50 points,
which was an excellent result given the 2 first section, and one championship
section bands who were also competing. We also achieved 2nd place in the march,
beating both first section bands. The band are extremely pleased with this
result, and we are all very proud of Heather.
The band would like to thank Garry Hallas (friend of the band and MD for Emley
Brass Band) for stepping in at the last minute to take us to the contest, you
did a brilliant job Garry, and made us all smile on stage, which is the most
important thing as you kept telling us. Thanks also to Nathan, Sam and Owen for
your continued support.
Let this be a sign of things to come!
Congratulations to Otley Brass Band, whose Euphonium player Emma is a friend of
the band, on finishing first place in the Fourth and Unregistered section at
Hardraw Scar Contest, which was their very first contest as a band.
SJB
Newby Hall - 15th July 2007
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The afternoon after the day before - The band met at Newby Hall, nursing sore feet, aching arms and droopy shoulders, not to mention a number of red noses and faces from the unexpected heat the day before. We were all brought quickly back down to earth though when the Newby job was rained off due to torrential showers!!! by SJB |
Durham Miners Gala - 14th July 2007
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Saturday saw the band travel north to
the village of Chiltern, to take part in our very first Durham Miners Gala.
The band had the honour of being invited to represent the Chiltern village
banner at the 123rd Durham Miners Gala, in celebration and remembrance of
the history of the mining community in and around Durham. |
12.30pm The band then enjoyed a break from the marching
and playing and went off to enjoy lunch in the excellent weather. 3pm The band and procession reformed to march back up the hill out of the racecourse and (slowly but surely due to the immense crowds and banners) made our way back to the County Hotel, where we entertained the dignitaries with a lively rendition of 'The Stripper', which was accompanied by eyebrow raising choreography from the ladies and gents of the Chiltern village. The band then lead the procession up the hill and out of town where we rejoined the coaches for a well earned rest by all. 5.30 - 7pm The coaches dropped the procession at the edge of the village, where we marched to 'National Emblem', back to the Chiltern WMC. Here we were greeted by more excellent hospitality in the form of an enormous buffet, and a much needed sit down to rest our weary limbs. After a rest and feed, the band were presented with a beautiful glass plaque to commemorate the day, which was inscribed with the band logo - a piece that will hold pride of place in the band room. 7pm The band boarded the coach and waved goodbye to the friendly and welcoming people of Chiltern, promising to return to represent the village next year - we're looking forward to it already.
Roll on next year!!
by SJB |
Contest Preparations - 6th February 2007
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Preparations for the 2007 Yorkshire area contest are well underway. There are a number of changes throughout the band, including new recruits Rob Lovatt on Eb Bass, Liz Lancaster on 2nd Cornet and Daniel Riley on Solo Euphonium. Several members of the band have been playing musical chairs over the Christmas break too, with Lucy Turner moving along onto Bb Bass, Lucy Denton promoting herself to Percussion, Chris Bates filling the empty chair on the front row and Helen Russell allowing Pete Chadwick onto Solo Trombone! |
Christmas 2006 - 23rd December 2006
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The Wetherby Silver Band Christmas festivities started with a concert at St. Mary's Church, Boston Spa on the Saturday 9th December. A Soloist Showcase gave four of the band's soloists a chance to shine, with Andy Yeomans, Cat Chadwick, Pete Chadwick and Sarah Kearsley performing. This was Pete's first solo with the band, playing the classic trombone solo, The Acrobat. The band went on to play a selection of Christmas music, including Sandy Smith's Santa Claustrophobia, and Eb Bass solo Frosty the Snowman (played by Andrew Field). The band would like to thank Craig Ratcliffe, helping out on Euphonium. A second Christmas concert took place a week later, on Sunday the 17th at the Carnegie Stadium, Headingley, organised by the Yorkshire Cricket Club. The band played the same programme, but the Christmas solo, Frosty the Snowman was played by Kevin Hallas on Bass Trombone. The band would like to thank Daniel and Emma, both helping out on Euphonium. Wetherby is something of a Christmas town, with various public participation events in the market place. The band has played at several, including the arrival of Santa (organised by the Wetherby Lions) and an evening carol service (organised by the Wetherby Business Association). Each evening the Band has free from formal bookings, a small group take to the streets of Wetherby, playing Christmas Carols within earshot of virtually every house in Wetherby! The hardcore of this group includes John Scruton, Colin Wormald and Alan Honeyman - all three of whom have been playing with the Wetherby Band for more than 60 years! Regulars out in the cold also include Jerry Hall, Heather Galloway, Andy Yeomans, Vanessa Yeomans, Nigel Franks, Barbara Ramsbottom & Stephen Ramsbottom. |
Wetherby Band History Book - 25th October 2006
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Long time band member, Colin Wormald, has written what he describes as "a recorded history and personal memoirs of the author and colleagues". With the use of committee meeting minutes, Colin has been able to trace the band through the years, picking out significant occasions in the bands' history and some amusing anecdotes. The book is now available to purchase online via this website! The book costs £5.50 including UK P&P. |
Arts Festival Concert, St James, Wetherby - 21st October 2006
The audience flooded in for the band's contribution to the Wetherby Art Festival, with extra seating to supplement the pews at St James Church. The audience created a super atmosphere, and the band rose admirably to the occasion. It's been a while since the band played a concert in the Church, and the improvement in the band were noted by the receptive audience. Solo Euphonium player Chris Bates debuted his latest solo, Webers Last Waltz by William Rimmer (better known for his marches the band also played Rimmer's The Black Knight). The concert gave the band the opportunity to play a new work, commissioned specially for the band by past president, Colin. Colin's long time friend Alan Hawkshaw now resides in the USA, writing film scores. "A Parting of the Ways" forms part of an orchestral work, and has been reworked for brass band by Paul Sharman. Cat Chadwick played the Baritone Solo Southern Cross, with Sarah Kearsley playing Concerto d'Aranjuez and Andy Yeomans plating Wild Mountain Thyme. The band would like to thank the guest players who helped out; David (Cornet), David (Trombone), Nathan (Bass) & Drew (Timpani).
The next concert is at St Mary's church in Boston Spa on the 9th December.
Autumn Concert, St Mary's, Whitkirk - 30th September 2006
Wetherby Silver band entertained an appreciative audience at St Mary's church, Whitkirk this evening. The band opened with the successful Hardraw Scar contest programme, with the first soloist of the evening, Sarah Kearsley performing Concerto d'Aranjuez. Percussion feature Sing Sing Sing was a worthy challenge for guest percussionist Tim Sidwell, who rose ably to the challenge - Thanks Tim! Thanks also to Owen (Baritone), Sam & Simon (Cornet) and Rob (Bass) all filling in for missing players this evening. Other soloists included Heather Galloway with On My Own from Les Mis, Kevin Hallas with Wandrin' Star from Paint Your Wagon, and finally Andrew Yeomans, with Wild Mountain Thyme from the Scottish Tourist Board TV adverts! Full band music ranged from Rossini's The Thievish Magpie to Soul Bosa Nova (Austin Powers Theme) and from Breezin' Down Broadway to Denis Wright's Deep Harmony.
The next concert is at St James church in Wetherby on Saturday 21st October.
2007 Areas Test Piece Announced - 24th September 2006
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The test piece for the 2nd section of the Yorkshire Brass
Band Championships 2007 will be....
Carnival, by Helen Perkin. |
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Helen Perkin |
"Helen Perkin (1909-86) a pupil of John Ireland, whose piano concerto she premiered at the Henry Wood Proms in 1930, also composed many lightish piano solos like Four Preludes and The Village Fair; her Carnival, for brass band, was the test piece for the Open Championship of 1957." (from www.musicweb-international.com) "Perkin is a fascinating and currently elusive figure. Though clearly a significant musician, nothing has been written on Perkin to date, and her work is largely unknown. As a performer, she was a leading soloist and accompanist in Britain, Europe and Australia, performing regularly at the Promenade Concerts, and in venues such as the Wigmore Hall. She was involved with the Macnaghten-Lemare and Robert Mayer concerts, and later with the Australian Broadcasting Commission. As a composer, she was prolific. Her surviving output includes songs, chamber music, orchestral and brass band works, pieces for solo piano, and ballet and film music. These works were performed by leading chamber musicians such as André Navarra, Florence Hooton and Antonio Brosa. The surviving archive material is extensive, and includes much information on Perkin's long and busy broadcasting career and a large collection of recordings of her performances." (& picture from www.open.ac.uk) |
| The Yorkshire contest will take place in the afternoon on Sunday the 4th March 2007, at St. George's Hall, Bradford. | |
Best Soloist & Best 2nd Section at Hardraw Scar - 10th September 2006
Wetherby Silver band are celebrating this evening, having taken the prize for Best Soloist (Sarah Kearsley, Flugel) and finishing 5th overall, top of the second section bands at the Hardraw Scar contest.
The outdoor contest was blessed with sunshine throughout the day, and a massive audience turned out to enjoy it. The Yorkshire Dales beauty spot is a natural amphitheatre, and makes a super location for the entertainment contest. A bumper entry of 12 bands, from across the sections, and across the north of England. The top three places were taken by Milnrow Co-Op Band, Shepherd's Building Group (York) & Broughton's Brass. Fourth place went to Harrogate with Wetherby hot on their heels in fifth place.
The Band opened the programme with James Curnow's Fanfare & Flourishes, followed by an arrangement of the hymn tune Gresford, William Rimmers' The Black Knight, Sarah's solo - Concerto d'Aranjuez and closed with the percussion feature Sing Sing Sing.
Buy Wetherby CD Online - 11th August 2006
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With the migration of the website to a new host, it has been possible to introduce online payment for the Band's CDs. The payment is taken via Paypal's secure server, offering all the reassurance of the world's largest online payment company. Payments can be made by debit or credit card and orders will be dispatched quickly. Click here to go to the CD page. |
Bb Bass required - 7th August 2006
Wetherby Silver band are seeking a new Bb bass player to team up with Stephen for the forthcoming contest season and beyond. Due to increasing difficulties caused by arthritis, Gerry is having to reduce his activities with the band after many years dedicated service. Gerry has asked us to seek a replacement, and as we have a spare Bb bass, Gerry will continue to play as much as possible. If you're interested in filling the vacancy, please have a look at the recruitment page for full details of rehearsals etc.
Collection for Stuart Strange Vasculitis Trust - 30th April 2006
Wetherby Silver Band played to a large audience for the first concert in the Wetherby Riverside Bandstand season. The collection taken during the performance usually supplements the Band's fee, but on this occasion, the collection was for the Stuart Strange Vasculitis Trust. A close friend of the band is suffering from a rare blood condition known as Wegener's Granulomatosis. The Stuart Strange Vasculitis Trust supports sufferers, and funds research into this rare condition, which is thought to affect only 1500 people in the UK. For further information, visit www.vasculitis-uk.org.uk
Second Section grading confirmed for 2007 - 29th April 2006
Following the 2006 regional contest, it was necessary for the Band to appeal to the grading committee to remain in the Second Section. The grading system uses the results from the last three years to decide the promotion and relegation. Our results for the last two years have been much better than the first year in the second section, showing the band has made significant improvements. We will now start the regional contest in 2007 with the 4th lowest points in Yorkshire...
New Percussionist Makes Debut - 23rd April 2006
The Wetherby Silver Band would like to welcome Richard Wappett to the Percussion section of the band. Richard lives nearby, and found out we needed a drummer via this website!! Richard is already working hard getting up to speed with the band, and made his debut on the St George's Day parade at Boston Spa.
Palm Sunday - 9th April 2006
The Wetherby Silver Band took part in the Palm Sunday service at St Mary's Church, Boston Spa. A procession through the village was followed by a traditional service at St Mary's. During communion, the band took the opportunity to debut Erik Satie's Gymnopedie No 1, much to the delight of the organist. The congregation were played out to Kenneth Alford's Army of the Nile.
The band return to Boston Spa in two weeks for the St. George's Day parade and service...
Recruitment Drive - 1st April 2006
The Wetherby Silver Band is looking to recruit a few players:
Solo Euphonium - Eb Bass (Tuba) - Solo Cornet - Percussion (Tuned and/or Kit)
Wetherby is a friendly town band in West Yorkshire. We have well attended rehearsals, undertake a variety of engagements in the area and the odd contest! The band is well set up, with our own bandroom and a well organised committee made up of active members.
As you can see from the Diary page, we're opening the Wetherby Bandstand season on the 30th April. Easingwold March contest on the 24th June is an excellent "night out" as well as band contest. It is organised in the style of Saddleworth's Whit Friday Marches, but in a single location, so you only have to March once!! The summer season tends to be spent in the open, enjoying the glorious Yorkshire sunshine, and is rounded off by the Hardraw Scar entertainment contest near Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales.
Click HERE to view the recruitment page for further details (location, times, etc)...
Tykes Silver Band Recruitment Drive - 16th March 2006
The Tykes Silver Band is the junior / learning band belonging to the much enjoyed Wetherby Silver Band. We are currently seeking both adults and juniors who are interested in playing a brass or percussion instrument.
Individual instrument tuition is not provided but all levels of skill, including beginners, are welcomed into the band, with members being encouraged and guided to play as a brass ensemble.
The membership fee is £12 per term which includes the use of an instrument.
Practice sessions are every Wednesday night during school terms between 7 and 8 pm,
If you are interested or would like further details please ring Mick on 01937 582280
or make contact by email through the senior band
Area Contest - 5th March 2006
Wetherby Silver Band performed Howard Snell's Images of the Millennium at St George's Hall, Bradford. The piece proved to be a worthy challenge for the second section, with few bands finishing unscathed. Grange Moor won the section and will be accompanied at the Nationals by 2nd placed Meltham & Meltham Mills band. Wetherby are content to have finished 7th, playing a very tough piece against equally tough opposition!
Congratulations to our friends at Grange Moor, who will reach the heady heights of the 1st section next year!
Solo Cornet Signed - 21st February 2006
Wetherby Silver Band are very pleased to announce that we have signed Melissa Maddison on Solo Cornet.
Melissa has joined the band to compete in her first Yorkshire Area contest, having previously contested in the North East region. Melissa has enjoyed being back in a Brass Band after a couple of years away.
Bargain Hunt Screened - 1st February 2006
The Wetherby Silver Band edition of Bargain Hunt was screened at lunch time today.
Well done to the Girls, beating the guys with a smaller loss!
Bargain Hunt in TV Listings - 25th January 2006
BBC1 Wed 1 Feb, 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm 45mins
Members of the Wetherby and District Silver Band compete against each other for the best bargains. Tim Wonnacott presents with experts David Barby and Charles Hanson. [S]
Solo Euphonium Signed - 3rd December 2005
Wetherby Silver Band are very pleased to announce that we have signed Chris Bates on Solo Euphonium.
Chris made his debut with the band this evening, with an excellent performance of Grandfathers Clock at the annual Christmas concert in Wetherby. Chris brings a wealth of banding experience to this crucial position in the band.
Most Improved Player - 3rd December 2005
Having moved from 3rd Cornet to Soprano Cornet a couple of months ago, the band have voted Claire Short the most improved player of the year, an annual award presented at the Christmas concert. Claire is working hard to make the transition to a very difficult instrument and the band are right behind her.
Wetherby Tyke Graduates - 3rd December 2005
The first graduate from the Wetherby Tykes training band has made her debut with the senior band at the annual Christmas concert, in Wetherby on the 3rd December. Sarah completes the back row and we hope she enjoys the challenge!
Bargain Hunt Screening Announced - 25th November 2005
The Wetherby Silver Band edition of "Bargain Hunt" has been
scheduled for the 1st February 2006 at 12.15.
Set your video recorder NOW!!
Good Result at Malton Brass Contest - 7th November 2005
The annual Malton Brass contest was well supported with ten bands in "Class A" which is for Championship (Champ), 1st and 2nd section bands. The Band opened with the march Ravenswood, followed by Priere a Notre Dame (from Sweet Gothique), the Trombone trio Magic Slides, Cute, Cornet solo Georgia on My Mind (Andrew Yeomans) and American Trilogy. The provisional contest results are as follows:
1. Stocksbridge (Champ)
2. Lockwood (2nd)
3. Harrogate (Champ)
4. Chapeltown (Champ)
5. Shepherd's Building Group (Champ)
5. Strata (2nd)
7. Wetherby Silver Band (2nd)
The band would like to thank Craig Ratcliff (Euphonium), Carolyn Ramsbottom (Cornet), Owen Wedgewood (Soprano Cornet) and James Robinson (Percussion) for helping out. The band is currently seeking a Solo Euphonium, Solo Cornet and a Percussionist (see vacancies).
Full House at Festival Concert - 24th October 2005
The annual Wetherby arts festival is in full swing, and the band were pleased to welcome a full house to the High School an Saturday evening for their festival concert. The band opened with the planned programme for the forthcoming Malton entertainment contest (6th November) and then moved into a varied concert programme ending with Philip Sparke's new arrangement of Jerusalem. After the interval the band played a selection of songs, with everything from the Carpenters' hit Rainy Days and Mondays (played by Heather Galloway) through to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.
The band would like to thank Craig Ratcliff (Euphonium), Carolyn Ramsbottom (Cornet), Owen Wedgewood (Soprano Cornet) and Garry Hallas (Percussion) for expertly filling our empty seats. The band is currently seeking a Solo Euphonium, Solo Cornet and a Percussionist (see vacancies).
The Christmas Concert is in the Town Hall, on Saturday the 3rd December. See you there!
Bargain Hunt Screening Postponed - 15th October 2005
The Wetherby Silver Band edition of "Bargain Hunt" has been postponed
until the new year. It is likely to be screened in January or February. Further news will be posted when date and time are confirmed!!
Bargain Hunt Screening Announced - 6th October 2005
The Wetherby Silver Band edition of "Bargain Hunt" has been provisionally scheduled for the 2nd November 2005.
Further news will be posted when date and time are confirmed!!
2006 Test Piece - 6th August 2005 Regional test pieces get early release as Scots publish the tests ahead of the rest. Following an early news release on the Scottish Amateur Brass Band Association website, it has been confirmed that the choices for the 2006 Regional Championships have been released to Regional Secretaries by the organisers. The embarrassing situation meant that SABBA placed the details on their website ahead of the date that initially proposed for publication, although it has been confirmed that the choices that have been published are correct.
Second Section: Images of the Millennium – Howard Snell
The Second Section sees an interesting choice in the form of Howard Snell’s colourful ‘Images of the Millennium’ which was written for a double band, but which can also be used for single ensemble. It was also featured on the 2004 National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain course as well as being performed at the 2001 Welsh Brass Arts Festival and performed by the Eikanger Band in 2002 in the first performance in Norway.
News from 4barsrest.com Bargain Hunt Auction - 14th July 2005 The BBC approached the band to provide a team for the TV game show Bargain Hunt, the "Hunt" was filmed at Wetherby race course (see below). The auction has also taken place, so we know the outcome, but I'm not going to share it with you! You'll have to watch in October!
Watch this space for the exact date and time of screening!
York Dragon Boat Races - 10th July 2005 The Rotary Club of York organises an annual Dragon Boat Race on the River Ouse, from Lendal Bridge to Scarborough Bridge. The Band were invited to play on the north bank of the river, where masses of spectators had gathered. Fortunatley we were provided with a giant gazebo to keep the baking hot sun off while we played! The crowd were entertained by both the racing our our selection of popular music, from Star Lake, Slaidburn and Clog Dance through to Ground Force, Alladin and Rock Around The Clock!
Easingwold March Contest - 25th June 2005 Easingwold was blessed with sunshine for the annual march contest in 2005 - a welcome change from our debut in the rain last year! Fifteen bands competed, marching around the town square and then taking to the stage with a contest march. We played a nice simple march on the road - Avanti - and a "challenging" contest march - Brilliant.
Both the deportment on the march and the playing on the stand are judged. We came 7th in the deportment, and 10th in the playing, giving us an overall placing of 10th - the same as last year!! Lets hope the sun shines again next year...
Bargain Hunt - 17th June 2005 The BBC approached the band to provide a team for the TV game show Bargain Hunt, to be filmed at Wetherby race course. Several members of the band volunteered and went for a screen test with the researchers. Four were selected, giving the band its own programme! It was decided that the band would also appear in the show, with various bits of music and marching!
The buying has now taken place, the auction will be filmed soon and the screening will be in October! Watch this space!
Bramham Horse Trials - 11th & 12th June 2005 Three day eventing is something of an endurance event for the horses and riders, and it's no different for the band! Starting at 10.30 on the Saturday morning, the band plays throughout the day until 4.30 in the afternoon, and the same again on Sunday! The weather was reasonably kind this year, with only a few heavy showers on Sunday afternoon - always a good time to play Singing in the Rain! Playing for three and a half hours per day, two days running does wonders for the bands stamina!
Oh, and for those of you interested in the horse event, William Fox-Pitt came first and second in the main event! Hmm, maybe we could enter contests twice...
Wetherby Bandstand - 1st May 2005 Wetherby are a very busy band at this time of year going here and there to play for all kinds of people so we like it when we get an opportunity to play quite locally, particularly the Wetherby Band Stand. This venue was set up by the
Riverside Band Stand Trust and the band featured there on Sunday 1st May from 2:30 till 4:30. The Weather was quite kind to us and I am sure we provided an entertaining programme for the 200+ people we attracted.
The Band played a whole array of pieces from the march Standard of St George, arranged by Kenneth J Alford, to Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. We even played a piece called The Swinging Safari, by Bert Kaempfert and arranged by Edrich Siebert, which is played in the background in the TV advert for ING Direct! The band also featured four very talented soloists. They were our 1st Baritone player Cat Chadwick who played the traditional Irish tune Carrickfergus, our principal cornet player Andrew Yeomans who played Share my Yoke by Joy Webb, our Soprano cornet player Billy Parkinson who played Gershwin's Summertime from Porgy and Bess and finally our Eb Bass player Andrew Field who played the humorous Mein Bass.
The performance also had its funny moments! For a start our percussion player Edwin Sparrow could not make it for the start of the concert as his car broke down on the way so helplessly we drafted in an unsuspecting audience member, a.k.a. my mother Katherine Kearsley who used to play percussion for Rothwell Temperance Band, to play the first half. She was an absolute star and she played brilliantly having had no rehearsals and not playing for a long time so we are all very grateful to her. The Band is not only popular with its audiences as was proved during the soprano solo Summertime when, out of the blue, a duck from the river came to the front of the band stand and spontaneously joined in with the piece.
Surprisingly it was pretty much in time for a duck but I cannot say the same for its tuning!!!!!!
All in all it made for a great day out with an entertaining performance, funny mishaps and even a tiny crisis to whet your appetite. We hope to see all of our audience at our next engagement which is at Bramham Horse Trials on the 11th and the 12th of June where I can promise another brilliant programme but no singing ducks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Article by Sarah Kearsley, Flugel Horn Website Returns in 2005! The Wetherby Silver Band website is back. With
a new found burst of enthusiasm, the website has been completely refurbished!!!
Apologies to all those frustrated by top news story not having changed for 3
years! We'll strive to keep this as up to date as possible from now on...
