Well, the Senior band have now finished for Christmas, after a busy end of the year. Since October the senior band have been oerforming either on the concert or contest stage every weekend until last weekend, the 12th of December. On 4th December was the band's first Christmas concert. Because of the snow, we had to cancel our planned rehearsal on 1st December, so we began the evening with a brief rehearsal of music for the Christmas programme. We arrived at Trinity United Reformed Church for rehearsal at 6pm, before we played to the audience from 7.30pm. As always, this was a huge success. This is a fantastic acoustic to play in, and the audience are always very receptive!
The following day, was the highlight of the Christmas season for the Pemberton organisation. At Aspull Civic Hall, all three bands shared the stage in our self-promoted concert for our friends and families. The Youth band kicked off the concert with their usual youthful spirit, as they entertained the audience with a selection of Christmas items! The B Band then took to the stage and displayed some of their own Christmas items, with highlights being a solo by Danielle Marsh and a duet from the new Euphonium team of siblings Helen and Robert Don-Duncan. After a short interval, which featured the annual raffle where numerous prizes were given out, the Senior Band took to the stage and played a selection of their Christmas programme, including solos from Joanne Johnson and Nick Birch.
For the Senior Band, the next performance was at Dean Wood Golf Club in Upholland, Wigan, where we have given a mid-week Christmas concert for a number of years now. On Wednesday 8th December we performed to a packed golf club, with their usual welcoming reception. We were treated to warm mince pies at the interval, and were very pleased to play a selection of music from our most recent concert programme as well a second half jam-packed with Christmas themed music!
Next for the bands was our inaugural Band Dinner, on Saturday 11th December. The band enjoyed an evening of food, drink, music (not provided by ourselves for a change!) and some anecdotal stories from Gilbert Symes. We also paid tribute to some of the people involved in the organisation for their hard work over year. The evening was a great success, and we must thank Carina, Joanne, Jennifer, Christine and Sue for their hardwork in making it such a wonderful evening! We also thanked some of our members who are now leaving the band, David Marsh, Lisa Thompson and Rebekah Caldwell. For a more detailed tribute please visit the News section of the band website.
The next day, Sunday 12th December, with some sore heads, the Senior Band had its final day together of 2010, with two concerts. At lunchtime, we played a concert for our sponsor David Whelan, in front of members of the Wigan Rugby team and the manager of the Wigan Football team, Mr Roberto Martinez. This was a highlight for some of the female members of the band, as well as the Wigan supporters within the band! The band thanked Mr Whelan for his continuous support with a gift from the organisation. We were treated to a fantastic hotpot after the short concert courtesy of Mr Whelan and we took full advantage of his hospitality!
A few hours later, we were at Longton Bowling Club for another short rehearsal followed by a concert at the only venue we perform at twice a year. The first half of the concert was made up of music from the Silver Screen, including Born Free, Where Eagles Dare and Concerto d'Aranjuez. The second half was our final run-out of our Christmas music, which as always, featured some audience participation, where they got the chance to show off their vocal 'talents'! The band shared one or two beverages and mice pies at the Bowling Club before going their separate ways for 2010!
After a very busy few months, the Senior Band are happy to now be on a break until Januray 5th, when we will return to rehearsals in preparation for the Preston 'Brass at the Guild' contest, the Regional Championships and a possible CD recording in March!
The B Band have also been busy with concerts, and we will hopefully be able to provide you with a report of them before the year is out! The B Band are also still rehearsing over the Christmas period in preparation for their contest assault at the Butlins Mineworkers Championships at the end fo January!
If you have been at one of our concerts this year and would like to share your own personal highlights please leave a comment here on the blog, or at our Facebook fan page. Alternatively, e-mail the band at pembertonband@hotmail.co.uk for a more private comment.
Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all our members, friends, family and supporters!
Thursday 23 December 2010
Monday 29 November 2010
On Alderley Edge
Saturday 27th November saw the senior band brave a lengthy trip to Cheshire in the cold weather. This was the band's first visit to Alderley Edge and the further trip for a concert this year. We were at Alderley Edge Methodist Church, where the church were celebrating a Christmas Tree Festival. Surprisingly, we were asked not to perform a Christmas, because we were a day too soon for the start of advent.
The band began with the Kenneth Alford march 'The Thin Red Line', which demonstrated the band's full, rich sound and poise. Following this was the first soloist of the evening. Joanne Johnson played a showcase solo written by a former conductor of the band William Rimmer, 'Hailstorm'. As always, the band's principal cornet player stepped up and played with great soloist prowess and impressed her peers in the band as much as the receptive audience.
We then moved into the German Romantic Opera repertoire of Wagner, to play the 'Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin'. It was then time for the band's second soloist of the evening and his first solo as a fully-fledged member of the band, having agreed to join after Perth last weekend. Nick Birch chose to play the Mario Lanza hit 'Be My Love' which displayed his rich sound and musicality beyond his tender years.
There was then a reprise of our novelty item from the Wychavon programme, 'Pizziwato Polka'. The band next moved into the first item, of many, that featured our vocal talents 'Turned Out Nice Again', a medley of Wigan singer, George Formby, songs. A reprise of another Wychavon item 'Jewish Wedding Dance' showcasing the bands technical and virtuosic skill led into our regular concert item 'MacArthur Park' which closed the first half.
We opened the second half with our usual item 'Tico Tico', featuring all sections of the band. Our third soloist of the band then stood up to play 'Children of Sanchez' by Chuck Mangione. Carina Halliwell played this with her usual sweet sound and cool, jazz style. The Harold Arlen number 'Get Happy' then again featured all sections of the band, before our final soloist of the evening Jason Nowell romped through 'Show me the way to go home', with added comic effect.
Our next item was another vocal showcase, 'Bohemian Rhapsody', where the band sang almost half of the song, with a large section sung a capella, i.e. unaccompanied. This is always well received. Our last item was 'Symphonic Dances from West Side Story' which is a real tour de force for the band, demonstrating not only great technical skill, but also the ability to quickly change style between the songs from the musical featured in this selection.
The Alderley Edge were very appreciative of the whole concert, and so we treated them to our usual encore 'You are my sunshine', which features the band's vocal talents yet again. The football/rugby themed scarves also add to this item when we waved them from opposite sides of the band. Our first venture to Alderley Edge was a pleasant one and we hope to return again in the future.
We are now about to begin our series of Christmas concerts, starting this weekend at Trinity United Reformed Church on Saturday and then all three bands will perform at Aspull Civic Hall on Sunday where we would love to see you all there. For more details of these, and all concerts through December, please visit the website, our Facebook Events Page or e-mail the band for more information.
The band began with the Kenneth Alford march 'The Thin Red Line', which demonstrated the band's full, rich sound and poise. Following this was the first soloist of the evening. Joanne Johnson played a showcase solo written by a former conductor of the band William Rimmer, 'Hailstorm'. As always, the band's principal cornet player stepped up and played with great soloist prowess and impressed her peers in the band as much as the receptive audience.
We then moved into the German Romantic Opera repertoire of Wagner, to play the 'Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin'. It was then time for the band's second soloist of the evening and his first solo as a fully-fledged member of the band, having agreed to join after Perth last weekend. Nick Birch chose to play the Mario Lanza hit 'Be My Love' which displayed his rich sound and musicality beyond his tender years.
There was then a reprise of our novelty item from the Wychavon programme, 'Pizziwato Polka'. The band next moved into the first item, of many, that featured our vocal talents 'Turned Out Nice Again', a medley of Wigan singer, George Formby, songs. A reprise of another Wychavon item 'Jewish Wedding Dance' showcasing the bands technical and virtuosic skill led into our regular concert item 'MacArthur Park' which closed the first half.
We opened the second half with our usual item 'Tico Tico', featuring all sections of the band. Our third soloist of the band then stood up to play 'Children of Sanchez' by Chuck Mangione. Carina Halliwell played this with her usual sweet sound and cool, jazz style. The Harold Arlen number 'Get Happy' then again featured all sections of the band, before our final soloist of the evening Jason Nowell romped through 'Show me the way to go home', with added comic effect.
Our next item was another vocal showcase, 'Bohemian Rhapsody', where the band sang almost half of the song, with a large section sung a capella, i.e. unaccompanied. This is always well received. Our last item was 'Symphonic Dances from West Side Story' which is a real tour de force for the band, demonstrating not only great technical skill, but also the ability to quickly change style between the songs from the musical featured in this selection.
The Alderley Edge were very appreciative of the whole concert, and so we treated them to our usual encore 'You are my sunshine', which features the band's vocal talents yet again. The football/rugby themed scarves also add to this item when we waved them from opposite sides of the band. Our first venture to Alderley Edge was a pleasant one and we hope to return again in the future.
We are now about to begin our series of Christmas concerts, starting this weekend at Trinity United Reformed Church on Saturday and then all three bands will perform at Aspull Civic Hall on Sunday where we would love to see you all there. For more details of these, and all concerts through December, please visit the website, our Facebook Events Page or e-mail the band for more information.
Wednesday 24 November 2010
Pemberton to Perth for the Senior Band
This weekend was the Senior Band's annual pilgrimage to Perth where we have competed in the Scottish Open Brass Band Championships for the last 3 years. This year was little different, because for the first time at a British Contest with a set Test Piece, the adjudicators were in the open and could see exactly who was playing.
The band arrived in Perth early Friday evening after a day on the road. At 7.30 we all arrived at St Ninian's Cathedral for rehearsal. What a rehearsal space! If we could move that acoustic to the bandroom, we would! Mark Bentham put the band through their paces applying the finishing touches to the already strong interpretation of Simon Dobson's new work "...and when the river told...".
A fun filled evening ensued as the contest wasn't due to begin until after lunch the next day. We had already been drawn to play 12th in the 15 band field, so didn't meet for our pre-contest rehearsal until 2.30. The very last touches and we were ready to go!
We took to the stage around 5pm, in an unusual formation. Cornets were split up, with the back row sitting where the front row usually sit, front row and sop opposite and horns in the back row's usual position. Although at first this may have seemed strange, it proved to be an effective setup as the piece went on.
1] ...and so the river flows...
The piece opened with a mixture of muted and open cornets, playing repeated patterns to resemble the sound of a flowing river, with some percussion effects (including bowing a vibraphone!). This becomes the accompaniment to a horn solo, which Lynne Campbell played stood out of the band to ensure it carried and to provide visual interest.
The piece then builds up to the second movement...
2] ...the charter is granted...and a storm rages...
This movement is much more boistrous and depicts a storm and introduces some of the themes that make up the main elements of the piece. There are solos in this section for cornet (Joanne Johnson) and euphonium (Nick Birch). This then builds up to a climax which almost immediately drops away to lead into the third movement...
3] ...and still the river flows...
The cornet and percussion material from the beginning of the piece returns, this time accompanying a melodic trombone solo, ably played by David Chapman, and then a soprano cornet solo, featuring John Atkinson. This makes way for two more melodic solos ably played by Carina Halliwell on flugel and Joanne Johnson on cornet.
4] ...the clan battle of North Inch...
The piece then takes a change of pace when the front row play a fanfare (with dissonant sounds and flutter tonguing effects) before a percussion and back row build up to a full band depiction of the battle. At this point the horns and the cornets simulate the two clans in this battle, and their positions on stage become very effective.
A chorale for the dead
The vibraphone effects are now developed further as the battle is over, and the scene is more desolate.
5] ...and the river flows...
The river themes return and new material is introduced by the cornet (Joanne Johnson) imitated by the flugel (Carina Halliwell).
6] ...from glass and dye to modern times...
This is then developed, with earlier material briefly returning as the piece builds up to a dramatic climax featuring all sections of the band.
After a long wait (the current National Champions of Great Britain, Brighouse & Rastrick Band played a Gala Concert), the results were in. In third place.......... Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band. Although we were disappointed not to have had a top spot we were still pleased to be the best English band at the contest, and were especially pleased to find out that the composer had placed us first because of the way our story was told.
For full results, go to the SBBA Website.
As is typical of the Pem spirit, we celebrate well into the night and enjoyed a leisurely journey home the next day!
The band arrived in Perth early Friday evening after a day on the road. At 7.30 we all arrived at St Ninian's Cathedral for rehearsal. What a rehearsal space! If we could move that acoustic to the bandroom, we would! Mark Bentham put the band through their paces applying the finishing touches to the already strong interpretation of Simon Dobson's new work "...and when the river told...".
A fun filled evening ensued as the contest wasn't due to begin until after lunch the next day. We had already been drawn to play 12th in the 15 band field, so didn't meet for our pre-contest rehearsal until 2.30. The very last touches and we were ready to go!
We took to the stage around 5pm, in an unusual formation. Cornets were split up, with the back row sitting where the front row usually sit, front row and sop opposite and horns in the back row's usual position. Although at first this may have seemed strange, it proved to be an effective setup as the piece went on.
1] ...and so the river flows...
The piece opened with a mixture of muted and open cornets, playing repeated patterns to resemble the sound of a flowing river, with some percussion effects (including bowing a vibraphone!). This becomes the accompaniment to a horn solo, which Lynne Campbell played stood out of the band to ensure it carried and to provide visual interest.
The piece then builds up to the second movement...
2] ...the charter is granted...and a storm rages...
This movement is much more boistrous and depicts a storm and introduces some of the themes that make up the main elements of the piece. There are solos in this section for cornet (Joanne Johnson) and euphonium (Nick Birch). This then builds up to a climax which almost immediately drops away to lead into the third movement...
3] ...and still the river flows...
The cornet and percussion material from the beginning of the piece returns, this time accompanying a melodic trombone solo, ably played by David Chapman, and then a soprano cornet solo, featuring John Atkinson. This makes way for two more melodic solos ably played by Carina Halliwell on flugel and Joanne Johnson on cornet.
4] ...the clan battle of North Inch...
The piece then takes a change of pace when the front row play a fanfare (with dissonant sounds and flutter tonguing effects) before a percussion and back row build up to a full band depiction of the battle. At this point the horns and the cornets simulate the two clans in this battle, and their positions on stage become very effective.
A chorale for the dead
The vibraphone effects are now developed further as the battle is over, and the scene is more desolate.
5] ...and the river flows...
The river themes return and new material is introduced by the cornet (Joanne Johnson) imitated by the flugel (Carina Halliwell).
6] ...from glass and dye to modern times...
This is then developed, with earlier material briefly returning as the piece builds up to a dramatic climax featuring all sections of the band.
After a long wait (the current National Champions of Great Britain, Brighouse & Rastrick Band played a Gala Concert), the results were in. In third place.......... Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band. Although we were disappointed not to have had a top spot we were still pleased to be the best English band at the contest, and were especially pleased to find out that the composer had placed us first because of the way our story was told.
For full results, go to the SBBA Website.
As is typical of the Pem spirit, we celebrate well into the night and enjoyed a leisurely journey home the next day!
Wednesday 17 November 2010
A Weekend to Remember
Last weekend was very busy for the Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band, with two concerts, a Remembrance Parade, a Trombone Sectional and a full band rehearsal in preparation for our assault on the Scottish Open.
It all began on Friday night when we played the first concert of the weekend, at our local church St Matthew's, Highfield. The concert included many of our typical concert items, such as 'The Thin Red Line', 'Largo al Factotum' (featuring Steve Parfitt on E-flat Bass), 'Prelude to Act III of Lehongrin', 'Nightfall in Camp' (a remembrance item featuring Steve Hyde on Cornet), 'Pizziwato Polka' (our novelty item from our Wychavon programme), 'Jewish Wedding Dance' (also from our Wychavon programme) and finished our first half with 'MacArthur Park'.
The second half had travelling theme, beginning in Brazil with 'Tico Tico', moving to Wales for 'Myfanwy' (featuring Euphonium player Nick Birch), then Ireland for 'Gaelforce'. At this point, we were a little lost and Jason Nowell (Bass Trombone) stood up to 'Show me the way to go home'. We then played our popular version of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' followed by the 'Syphonic Dances from West Side Story'. To finish we performed our ever-popular rendition of 'You are my Sunshine'.
On Saturday, we had our second concert, this time in Rainhill at St Ann's church. We reprised many of the items from the night before, but also included our 'Last Night of the Proms' set. The first half was exactly the same. The second half was a little different. We began with 'Symphonic Dances from West Side Story', followed by 'Show me the way to go home' (again featuring Jason Nowell on Bass Trombone), then 'Bohemian Rhapsody' before our Proms items, 'Fantasia on British Sea Songs', 'Jerusalem' and finally 'Pomp and Circumstance'.
For both of these concerts, our guest principal cornet was Iain Culross, principal of the Fairey Band, because our regular principal, Jo Johnson, was in New York to celebrate a 'fairly big' birthday, with her husband Richard. Many thanks for your help Iain.
Sunday was our busiest day. The senior band were in Hindley parading and providing hymns for the Remembrance service there and the 'B' band were in Atherton for their own duties. It is a privilege for both bands to be able to pay tribute to those people who have given their lives in previous and current conflicts, both abroad and domestic. Regardless of how cold it is, we are honoured to be able to pay our respects for these Heroes.
Immediately after we had finished in Hindley, the trombones had a sectional at the bandroom which was to then be followed by a full band rehearsal of the set test piece '...and when the river told...' by Simon Dobson, which we will be performing in Perth on Saturday to try and 'do one better' than our result last year at the Scottish Open where we were placed second.
Our busy schedule doesn't stop there, we're rehearsing every night this week (except Thursday!) in preparation for the weekend. We will travel up on Friday and rehearse in Perth before our performance at the contest on Saturday. 4barsrest have already previewed the contest and given their prediction. The contest is pioneering this year, with 'open adjudication' with the composer sitting watching the performances, Howard Snell, one of the most respected conductors of previous years and Hannes Buchegger, conductor of Brass Band Oberosterreich.
It all began on Friday night when we played the first concert of the weekend, at our local church St Matthew's, Highfield. The concert included many of our typical concert items, such as 'The Thin Red Line', 'Largo al Factotum' (featuring Steve Parfitt on E-flat Bass), 'Prelude to Act III of Lehongrin', 'Nightfall in Camp' (a remembrance item featuring Steve Hyde on Cornet), 'Pizziwato Polka' (our novelty item from our Wychavon programme), 'Jewish Wedding Dance' (also from our Wychavon programme) and finished our first half with 'MacArthur Park'.
The second half had travelling theme, beginning in Brazil with 'Tico Tico', moving to Wales for 'Myfanwy' (featuring Euphonium player Nick Birch), then Ireland for 'Gaelforce'. At this point, we were a little lost and Jason Nowell (Bass Trombone) stood up to 'Show me the way to go home'. We then played our popular version of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' followed by the 'Syphonic Dances from West Side Story'. To finish we performed our ever-popular rendition of 'You are my Sunshine'.
On Saturday, we had our second concert, this time in Rainhill at St Ann's church. We reprised many of the items from the night before, but also included our 'Last Night of the Proms' set. The first half was exactly the same. The second half was a little different. We began with 'Symphonic Dances from West Side Story', followed by 'Show me the way to go home' (again featuring Jason Nowell on Bass Trombone), then 'Bohemian Rhapsody' before our Proms items, 'Fantasia on British Sea Songs', 'Jerusalem' and finally 'Pomp and Circumstance'.
For both of these concerts, our guest principal cornet was Iain Culross, principal of the Fairey Band, because our regular principal, Jo Johnson, was in New York to celebrate a 'fairly big' birthday, with her husband Richard. Many thanks for your help Iain.
Sunday was our busiest day. The senior band were in Hindley parading and providing hymns for the Remembrance service there and the 'B' band were in Atherton for their own duties. It is a privilege for both bands to be able to pay tribute to those people who have given their lives in previous and current conflicts, both abroad and domestic. Regardless of how cold it is, we are honoured to be able to pay our respects for these Heroes.
Immediately after we had finished in Hindley, the trombones had a sectional at the bandroom which was to then be followed by a full band rehearsal of the set test piece '...and when the river told...' by Simon Dobson, which we will be performing in Perth on Saturday to try and 'do one better' than our result last year at the Scottish Open where we were placed second.
Our busy schedule doesn't stop there, we're rehearsing every night this week (except Thursday!) in preparation for the weekend. We will travel up on Friday and rehearse in Perth before our performance at the contest on Saturday. 4barsrest have already previewed the contest and given their prediction. The contest is pioneering this year, with 'open adjudication' with the composer sitting watching the performances, Howard Snell, one of the most respected conductors of previous years and Hannes Buchegger, conductor of Brass Band Oberosterreich.
Sunday 7 November 2010
DW Stadium with the Houghton Weavers, Friday 5th November
Last night was the Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band's second concert in our new series of concerts at the DW Stadium. This concert included special guests, The Houghton Weavers.
The concert began at 8pm with the Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band performing Gordon Langford's "Famous British Marches" which is a compilation of well-known marches from around the British Isles. This was the first piece, and was one of only three pieces originating from the Britain.
We then featured our first soloist of the evening, Carina Halliwell, who played music from the film score written by flugelhorn virtuoso Chuck Mangione "The Children of Sanchez", which is set in Mexico. Already, we have 'musically' travelled over 5500 miles! Carina handled this latin, virtuosic solo with great panache and style.
We returned to the British Isles for another British item on the Pemberton Band programme. This was a beautiful arrangement by Denzil Stephens of the Welsh hymn "Myfanwy", which featured our guest solo euphonium player Mike Fox. This stunning music was a great contrast to the other faster items on the programme. Our set ended with the "Prelude to Act III from Lohengrin", the German opera by Richard Wagner.
Before the Houghton Weavers began their set, we did a joint item. For this, we played "Any Dream Will Do" from the musical "Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat" by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The Houghton Weavers then sang two sets, either side of a short interval, where they sang many of their well-known songs, including some of the Pemberton Band's favourite's "Matchstalk Men" and especially "Uncle Joe's Mintballs". We came together for one more number "Bless This House" and then it was Pemberton Band's turn again.
We returned to the British Isles for an Irish mix of music from the pen of Peter Graham, well-known composer and arranger for the Brass Band medium. This piece was "Gaelforce" and is made up of the celtic tunes 'The Rocky Road to Dublin', 'The Minstrel Boy' and 'Tossing the Feathers'.
Following the draw for the raffle, the band's other soloist of the evening took us on an Italian journey through music from Rossini's Opera 'The Barber of Seville' featuring Steve Parfitt on E-flat Bass (Tuba), the baritone aria "Largo al Factotum". There was a suprise contribution from John Don-Duncan, which entertained the audience and band alike.
The band's last item was a return to German opera, Wagner and, in fact, 'Lohengrin'. The band conluded the evening with the beautifully lyrical and rousing "Procession to the Minster". Because of the band's wonderful playing, an encore was needed and so we performed our usual encore "You are my Sunshine", which has to be seen to be believed, as the band's vocal talents are put to good use and the local football and rugby interest even gets a mention!
We are now busy preparing for the Scottish Open on the 20th November, in Perth, as well as concerts (two next weekend, and a Remembrance Sunday parade for the Senior band and the 'B' band, as well as the Christmas season getting into full swing in only a few weeks!) For further details of upcoming concerts to make sure you don't miss us, the 'B' Band or the Youth Band in action, please visit the band website and click on 'Events'.
The concert began at 8pm with the Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band performing Gordon Langford's "Famous British Marches" which is a compilation of well-known marches from around the British Isles. This was the first piece, and was one of only three pieces originating from the Britain.
We then featured our first soloist of the evening, Carina Halliwell, who played music from the film score written by flugelhorn virtuoso Chuck Mangione "The Children of Sanchez", which is set in Mexico. Already, we have 'musically' travelled over 5500 miles! Carina handled this latin, virtuosic solo with great panache and style.
We returned to the British Isles for another British item on the Pemberton Band programme. This was a beautiful arrangement by Denzil Stephens of the Welsh hymn "Myfanwy", which featured our guest solo euphonium player Mike Fox. This stunning music was a great contrast to the other faster items on the programme. Our set ended with the "Prelude to Act III from Lohengrin", the German opera by Richard Wagner.
Before the Houghton Weavers began their set, we did a joint item. For this, we played "Any Dream Will Do" from the musical "Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat" by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The Houghton Weavers then sang two sets, either side of a short interval, where they sang many of their well-known songs, including some of the Pemberton Band's favourite's "Matchstalk Men" and especially "Uncle Joe's Mintballs". We came together for one more number "Bless This House" and then it was Pemberton Band's turn again.
We returned to the British Isles for an Irish mix of music from the pen of Peter Graham, well-known composer and arranger for the Brass Band medium. This piece was "Gaelforce" and is made up of the celtic tunes 'The Rocky Road to Dublin', 'The Minstrel Boy' and 'Tossing the Feathers'.
Following the draw for the raffle, the band's other soloist of the evening took us on an Italian journey through music from Rossini's Opera 'The Barber of Seville' featuring Steve Parfitt on E-flat Bass (Tuba), the baritone aria "Largo al Factotum". There was a suprise contribution from John Don-Duncan, which entertained the audience and band alike.
The band's last item was a return to German opera, Wagner and, in fact, 'Lohengrin'. The band conluded the evening with the beautifully lyrical and rousing "Procession to the Minster". Because of the band's wonderful playing, an encore was needed and so we performed our usual encore "You are my Sunshine", which has to be seen to be believed, as the band's vocal talents are put to good use and the local football and rugby interest even gets a mention!
We are now busy preparing for the Scottish Open on the 20th November, in Perth, as well as concerts (two next weekend, and a Remembrance Sunday parade for the Senior band and the 'B' band, as well as the Christmas season getting into full swing in only a few weeks!) For further details of upcoming concerts to make sure you don't miss us, the 'B' Band or the Youth Band in action, please visit the band website and click on 'Events'.
Wednesday 27 October 2010
A Weekend in Prestatyn
This weekend (23rd and 24th October) both the Senior Band and the B Band took the 64 mile trip to Prestatyn. Saturday was the B Band’s trip and Sunday it was the Senior Band’s turn. For the B Band, the set work was "Partita: Postcard from Home" by Philip Wilby and for the Senior Band, the set work was Franz Liszt's "Les Preludes" arranged by Bram Gay.
The B Band’s Postcard Home...
Saturday 23rd October saw the Pemberton B Band rehearsing round the corner from Pontins Holiday camp - in the local tennis club.
The day didn't get off to a good start as nobody brought any music stands. Making do with cornet cases on chairs, music pinned to notice boards and one handed playing, the band managed their first warm up.
Onto Pontins for yet another warm up in the launderette ( or was that a cold down? ).
Registration and time to focus on the victory ahead (told 'em we should have done the Haka!)
Registration and time to focus on the victory ahead (told 'em we should have done the Haka!)
Drawn 9th in a field of 10, the band were eager to get on with it. The first movement was energetic and showed great promise. The soloists played a solid performance with just a few splits along route. Riding high into the last movement we hit a few rocks and almost lost a wheel - pitty as we had one hand on a trophy til then.
A credible 5th was the final outcome with the adjudicator suggesting that on another day the result could have been different for the top 5 bands.
Happy with the verdict, the band retired to the bar to review the "Ifs, Buts and Maybes".
A well spirited performance by the Pemberton team. Looking forward to a busy Christnas schedule and then Butlins in the new year.
A well spirited performance by the Pemberton team. Looking forward to a busy Christnas schedule and then Butlins in the new year.
B Band report by Eddie Hill
The Senior Band’s Liszt...
On Sunday the band arrived at a Tennis Club in Prestatyn just after 9 o’clock. It was a cold start, but the skies were blue and seemed to be promising for a good day. The rehearsal was short, just enough for the band to warm themselves up from the frosty morning they left in Wigan. At 10 o’clock we headed to the Pontins campsite. We waited for our turn to play; we had been pre-drawn 5th, so not too long to wait after the 11am start!
We embarked on the ‘dressing room’, which was actually the onsite Arcade, and put on our stage uniforms. There was no where to warm-up immediately prior to the contest, there was only a curtain separating the arcade and registration areas from the main stage. We could hear band number 4 (Wakefield Metropolitan) lay down their challenge and then it was our turn, just after 12pm.
We took to the stage in our signature, professional fashion – in section order, which looks as smart as our uniforms. The delicate opening of the piece set great atmosphere, despite a few less secure moments than we had been confident of throughout the week. This led to the full volume, main theme which demonstrated the band’s full, round sound and technical prowess.
Further delicate playing ensued, which again wasn’t as secure as the band are capable of, however, things could have been worse. The middle ‘storm’ section of the piece was another chance for the band to demonstrate it’s full sound and technical capabilities. This was, as always, well-handled. Following this was a delicate ‘pastorale’ section which heavily featured the Soprano Cornet (John Atkinson), Principal Cornet (Joanne Johnson), Flugelhorn (Carina Halliwell) and Solo Horn (Lynne Campbell), with some additional contributions from Repiano Cornet (Nicola Banks), Solo Baritone (David Marsh) and guest Solo Euphonium (Brendan Wheeler). Again, this wasn’t as secure as we would have liked.
Further full band sections ensued, with some all-round controlled playing, full sounds, technical virtuosity and tight, ensemble playing from every seat of the band. This continued with short contrasting sections which again called upon the band’s soloists. When the band reached the reprise of the earlier main theme, the quality of the band’s sound shone through to an enormous finale.
After leaving the stage, many of the band were unhappy with the overall performance, however some were still hopeful of the judges finding favour with our good sound and technical skill. However, after a long wait we found out that Dr Roy Newsome and Major Peter Parkes didn’t like our interpretation as much as we would have hoped. We were placed 9th in a field of 15 bands. This was obviously not the result we had wanted, although after we had played we knew that the top spot had fallen out of our grasp.
A recording of the Senior Band’s performance can be found at Mark Bentham’s website through the following link:
http://markbentham.webs.com/audiomp3recordings2.htm
http://markbentham.webs.com/audiomp3recordings2.htm
With typical ‘Pem Spirit’ the band had an enjoyable, alcohol-filled journey home and will begin rehearsals on the set test piece for this year’s Scottish Open (‘...and when the river told...’ by Simon Dobson) as well as prepare for a busy November of concerts across the North West.
Monday 18 October 2010
A Busy Weekend for the Senior Band
Friday Night is Music Night
On Friday 15th October, Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band performed their inaugural concert in the new series of concerts at the DW Stadium in Wigan. With support from the band's sponsor DW Sports and Fitness the band performed its usually varied programme in the Marquee at the Stadium.
The evening began at 7.30pm with the Youth Band performing a 20-minute programme with pieces from their concert at Ashton Music Festival. As always this was well received by the audience and members of the Senior Band alike.
Following the Youth band was the Senior band's programme which started with a rousing rendition of the Kenneth Alford march "The Thin Red Line". This was followed by the beautifully lyrical Soprano Cornet Solo "La Califfa" played by John Atkinson. This gorgeous melody is from the score to the unsuccessful film "Lady Califf". Following this was the band's tribute to George Formby "Turned Out Nice Again". This was put together for the band for former Eb Bass player, Andrew Myers, and features the songs "Blackpool Rock", "Leaning on a Lamp Post" and "When I'm Cleaning Windows", including lots of singing from the band, and some solo singing from Alec Banks, Dave McGlynn, John Don-Duncan and David Marsh.
The band's second soloist then performed a piece written by a former conductor of the band, William Rimmer, in the difficult cornet solo "Hailstorm" ably performed by the band's principal cornet Joanne Johnson. Following this was a reprise of the "Pizziwato Polka" that the band played at the Wychavon Contest almost a month ago. A change of pace and style then led to another Wychavon item, "Jewish Wedding Dance", displaying the band's technical virtuosity. The first half then concluded with "MacArthur Park", which has become one of the staple items on the band's concert programmes.
After a short interval, the band kicked off the second half with a lively romp through the latin number "Tico Tico", which featured various sections of the band. Following this was the Agustin Lara work "Granada", in which the band's bass trombonist kept interrupting and was eventually kicked off stage! At the end of the piece the conductor, Mark Bentham, decided that he was a bit harsh on Jason Nowell and so let him play a solo - even with a pint of lager on stage! Jason played "Show Me the Way to Go Home" and with many comedic moments the piece was a huge hit with the audience (and the band!)
Following this was "Bohemian Rhapsody" which again featured the band's vocal skills, opening with unaccompanied lady voices which are joined by the men, singing in harmony. After over a minute of singing, the band then begins playing through the Darrol Barry arrangment, with some additional sung moments in the middle and at the end of the piece. The band followed this with the lively, cheerful Harold Arlen number "Get Happy", before concluding the concert with "Symphonic Dances from West Side Story". This substantial work is a real test for the band, but especially at the end of a concert programme. The band coped very well and were encouraged by the audience to do an encore and chose "You Are My Sunshine" which is a song sung by Wigan Football and Rigby fans, and again included some singing from the band.
St Michael's Church, Swinley
The following evening the band were in concert action again, at our annual Swinley concert, in front of one the most appreciative audiences we perform to. We began in the same manner as the night before with the march "The Thin Red Line" followed by the Soprano Cornet Solo "La Califfa", featuring John Atkinson. Following this was the "Introduction to Act III of Lohengrin" by Wagner, a rousing work which displayed the band's sound and technical skill. Joanne Johnson then reprised her version of "Hailstorm" by William Rimmer, before another performance of "Pizziwato Polka" and "Jewish Wedding Dance" from the Wychavin programme. This first half then finished again with "MacArthur Park".
This time there was a thirty minute interval while members of the audience enjoyed some cheese and wine before the band returned to play the "Symphonic Dances from West Side Story" which was even better than the night before! The final soloist of the evening was Carina Halliwell in a superb rendition of the Chuck Mangione latin solo "Children of Sanchez" from the film of the same name. The Latin American theme continued with another rendition of "Tico Tico". The band then reprised "Bohemian Rhapsody" with the same vocal skills as the evening before.
To conclude the band then played through the "Last Night of the Proms" set as is typical for many concerts at this time of year. First, "Fantasia on British Sea Songs" by Sir Henry Wood, followed by Hubert Parry's "Jerusalem". The final item of the night was "Pomp and Circumstance No. 1" by Edward Elgar, which ofcourse features the song 'Land of Hope and Glory'. The audience sang their hearts out through all of these pieces, and so we finished with a blow through the 'Land of Hope and Glory' section of "Pomp and Circumstance No. 1".
The Band's Busy Schedule Continues
On Sunday 17th October, the band were back in the band room to begin its week-long rehearsal schedule for the 'Pontin's Brass Band Championships' at Pontins, Prestatyn next Sunday (24th October). The band will be rehearsing every night, except Thursday, on the set test piece "Les Preludes" by Franz Liszt arranged by Bram Gay, which was the test piece at the British Open in 2001. The piece is a real test for the band's soloists, particular for Soprano, Cornet, Flugel and Horn, with some very exposed sections for the soloists.
At the same time the 'B' Band are rehearsing for the third section of the same contest, which will take place on the Saturday (23rd October), where the band will be playing Philip Wilby's "Partita for Band - Postcards from Home". This piece is a depiction of Wilby's childhood memories of growing up in Yorkshire, which comes in four movements, 'Towers and Chimneys'; 'Churches: Lord of the Dance'; 'Pastorale: Sunday Afternoon'; 'Coronation Day Parade'.
The next blog update will be after the contest next week, where hopefully we will be reporting on a sucessful weekend on the contest platform!
On Friday 15th October, Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band performed their inaugural concert in the new series of concerts at the DW Stadium in Wigan. With support from the band's sponsor DW Sports and Fitness the band performed its usually varied programme in the Marquee at the Stadium.
The evening began at 7.30pm with the Youth Band performing a 20-minute programme with pieces from their concert at Ashton Music Festival. As always this was well received by the audience and members of the Senior Band alike.
Following the Youth band was the Senior band's programme which started with a rousing rendition of the Kenneth Alford march "The Thin Red Line". This was followed by the beautifully lyrical Soprano Cornet Solo "La Califfa" played by John Atkinson. This gorgeous melody is from the score to the unsuccessful film "Lady Califf". Following this was the band's tribute to George Formby "Turned Out Nice Again". This was put together for the band for former Eb Bass player, Andrew Myers, and features the songs "Blackpool Rock", "Leaning on a Lamp Post" and "When I'm Cleaning Windows", including lots of singing from the band, and some solo singing from Alec Banks, Dave McGlynn, John Don-Duncan and David Marsh.
The band's second soloist then performed a piece written by a former conductor of the band, William Rimmer, in the difficult cornet solo "Hailstorm" ably performed by the band's principal cornet Joanne Johnson. Following this was a reprise of the "Pizziwato Polka" that the band played at the Wychavon Contest almost a month ago. A change of pace and style then led to another Wychavon item, "Jewish Wedding Dance", displaying the band's technical virtuosity. The first half then concluded with "MacArthur Park", which has become one of the staple items on the band's concert programmes.
After a short interval, the band kicked off the second half with a lively romp through the latin number "Tico Tico", which featured various sections of the band. Following this was the Agustin Lara work "Granada", in which the band's bass trombonist kept interrupting and was eventually kicked off stage! At the end of the piece the conductor, Mark Bentham, decided that he was a bit harsh on Jason Nowell and so let him play a solo - even with a pint of lager on stage! Jason played "Show Me the Way to Go Home" and with many comedic moments the piece was a huge hit with the audience (and the band!)
Following this was "Bohemian Rhapsody" which again featured the band's vocal skills, opening with unaccompanied lady voices which are joined by the men, singing in harmony. After over a minute of singing, the band then begins playing through the Darrol Barry arrangment, with some additional sung moments in the middle and at the end of the piece. The band followed this with the lively, cheerful Harold Arlen number "Get Happy", before concluding the concert with "Symphonic Dances from West Side Story". This substantial work is a real test for the band, but especially at the end of a concert programme. The band coped very well and were encouraged by the audience to do an encore and chose "You Are My Sunshine" which is a song sung by Wigan Football and Rigby fans, and again included some singing from the band.
St Michael's Church, Swinley
The following evening the band were in concert action again, at our annual Swinley concert, in front of one the most appreciative audiences we perform to. We began in the same manner as the night before with the march "The Thin Red Line" followed by the Soprano Cornet Solo "La Califfa", featuring John Atkinson. Following this was the "Introduction to Act III of Lohengrin" by Wagner, a rousing work which displayed the band's sound and technical skill. Joanne Johnson then reprised her version of "Hailstorm" by William Rimmer, before another performance of "Pizziwato Polka" and "Jewish Wedding Dance" from the Wychavin programme. This first half then finished again with "MacArthur Park".
This time there was a thirty minute interval while members of the audience enjoyed some cheese and wine before the band returned to play the "Symphonic Dances from West Side Story" which was even better than the night before! The final soloist of the evening was Carina Halliwell in a superb rendition of the Chuck Mangione latin solo "Children of Sanchez" from the film of the same name. The Latin American theme continued with another rendition of "Tico Tico". The band then reprised "Bohemian Rhapsody" with the same vocal skills as the evening before.
To conclude the band then played through the "Last Night of the Proms" set as is typical for many concerts at this time of year. First, "Fantasia on British Sea Songs" by Sir Henry Wood, followed by Hubert Parry's "Jerusalem". The final item of the night was "Pomp and Circumstance No. 1" by Edward Elgar, which ofcourse features the song 'Land of Hope and Glory'. The audience sang their hearts out through all of these pieces, and so we finished with a blow through the 'Land of Hope and Glory' section of "Pomp and Circumstance No. 1".
The Band's Busy Schedule Continues
On Sunday 17th October, the band were back in the band room to begin its week-long rehearsal schedule for the 'Pontin's Brass Band Championships' at Pontins, Prestatyn next Sunday (24th October). The band will be rehearsing every night, except Thursday, on the set test piece "Les Preludes" by Franz Liszt arranged by Bram Gay, which was the test piece at the British Open in 2001. The piece is a real test for the band's soloists, particular for Soprano, Cornet, Flugel and Horn, with some very exposed sections for the soloists.
At the same time the 'B' Band are rehearsing for the third section of the same contest, which will take place on the Saturday (23rd October), where the band will be playing Philip Wilby's "Partita for Band - Postcards from Home". This piece is a depiction of Wilby's childhood memories of growing up in Yorkshire, which comes in four movements, 'Towers and Chimneys'; 'Churches: Lord of the Dance'; 'Pastorale: Sunday Afternoon'; 'Coronation Day Parade'.
The next blog update will be after the contest next week, where hopefully we will be reporting on a sucessful weekend on the contest platform!
Thursday 7 October 2010
New Facebook Fan Page
We have just launched a new Facebook Page to run along side the Website, Facebook Group and ofcourse the Blog. Through the Fan Page, you will be kept up-to-date with the latest news and every time a new post is added to the Blog we will announce it on the Facebook Fan Page.
To visit the Fan Page, go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pemberton-Old-Wigan-DW-Band/123551494365628 and then click "Like" so that you can be kept up-to-date.
To visit the band's Facebook group, go to http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=189051550298 and click "Join Group" if you haven't already.
For help, or for further information leave a comment here, on one of the above Facebook links or you can e-mail the band at pembertonband@hotmail.co.uk and we will do our best to help you!
To visit the Fan Page, go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pemberton-Old-Wigan-DW-Band/123551494365628 and then click "Like" so that you can be kept up-to-date.
To visit the band's Facebook group, go to http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=189051550298 and click "Join Group" if you haven't already.
For help, or for further information leave a comment here, on one of the above Facebook links or you can e-mail the band at pembertonband@hotmail.co.uk and we will do our best to help you!
Monday 4 October 2010
Fleetwood Contest 2010
Sunday began with typically autumnal weather when both bands embarked on the hour-long coach trip to the seaside town of Fleetwood to participate in the North West Counties Brass Band Association contest at the Marine Hall (pictured below).
Marine Hall and Gardens (photo: Wikipedia) - the sun wasn't shining on Sunday!
Following the Fourth and Third sections, the Youth section began just after lunch. With only three bands in the section the draw of little consequence, however, Pemberton Youth were pleased to be drawn second behind Astley Youth and in front of Fred Longworth High School.
Astley Youth conducted by Helen Minshall kicked off the section with "Music from Cantara" by Kenneth Downie, which was used at the National Youth Brass Band Championships Schools Contest in 2008. Astley displayed some fine soloists and some good ensemble playing from this confident young band.
Pemberton Youth, conducted by John Don-Duncan, then took to the stage. Mr Don-Duncan chose to play "Summer Fantasy" by Kees Schoonenbeek , which was the fourth section Regionals Test Piece back in 1990. The Youth band played a confident opening and a bold first movement. The second movement displayed the band's more controlled, quiet side, with some excellent solo contributions from Euphonium, Flugel and Cornet. The final movement opened with a strong Trombone, Bass and Euphonium/Baritone lead followed by excellent full band playing. Further solo contributions from Trombone, Cornet, Euphonium and Horn led to full band sounds finishing this fresh performance.
Fred Longworth High School's ensemble, of what appeared to be 50 musicians, conducted by Miss H Robinson, then played "Adventures in Brass" by Ray Farr. The work plays on themes such as Carmina Burina and America, with the middle movement loosely based on Ravel's Pavane and the last movement quoting ,material from the opening movement. This was a performance of good ensemble and solo playing.
After a lengthy results ceremony for the Fourth, Third and finally Youth section, the Youth band were disappointed to have been placed last by adjudicator Colin Hardy. However, the two bands that were above them in the section were predominently teenagers whereas there were a number of players in Pemberton Youth that were new to the instrument and were much younger then their higher placed counterparts. There was one prize for the Youth band, however, when 8 year old Lauren Barkley was announced as the youngest performer in the section.
After a long wait, following the Youth Band's results, it was time for the second section, in which the 'B' band were performing in due to their local grading. The 'B' band were drawn third following Flixton and before Lostock Hall Memorial in this seven-band section.
The 'B' Band, conducted by Peter Ashley, played the descriptive work "Oceans" by Goff Richards. This was performance of some merit, with some well-shaped phrases, tight ensemble playing and some moments of excellent direction. There was also some notable solo work from Alex Nesmejanow (Horn), Bob Grant (Euphonium), Barbara Grant (Baritone) and Peter Zingle (Bass Trombone). A special mention must go to Danielle Marsh whose solo efforts were commendable and especially considering this is the 21-year-old's first contest as the band's principal cornet - well done Danielle!
After a long wait for the results, which followed the joint Championship and First Section, for the second time in one day, a Pemberton Band was holding up the bottom of the results table. The other bands in the section, Besses o'th' Barn, Greenall's, Lostock Hall, Flixton, Co-op 2000 and Blackpool are all well-seasoned in this section, so the 'B' Band need not feel disheartened by this result. A valiant effort and a good day had by all members of the two bands ensured that the 'Pemberton Spirit' was alive and kicking in Fleetwood!
The next outing for the any of the bands is next Friday (October 15th) when the Senior Band will be performing an exciting concert in the first of a new series at the DW Stadium. This first concert is entitled 'Friday Night is Music Night'. The next night the Senior Band are again in action, this time at St Michael's Church, Swinley. For more details please visit the band's website or e-mail the band at pembertonband@hotmail.co.uk
Marine Hall and Gardens (photo: Wikipedia) - the sun wasn't shining on Sunday!
Following the Fourth and Third sections, the Youth section began just after lunch. With only three bands in the section the draw of little consequence, however, Pemberton Youth were pleased to be drawn second behind Astley Youth and in front of Fred Longworth High School.
Astley Youth conducted by Helen Minshall kicked off the section with "Music from Cantara" by Kenneth Downie, which was used at the National Youth Brass Band Championships Schools Contest in 2008. Astley displayed some fine soloists and some good ensemble playing from this confident young band.
Pemberton Youth, conducted by John Don-Duncan, then took to the stage. Mr Don-Duncan chose to play "Summer Fantasy" by Kees Schoonenbeek , which was the fourth section Regionals Test Piece back in 1990. The Youth band played a confident opening and a bold first movement. The second movement displayed the band's more controlled, quiet side, with some excellent solo contributions from Euphonium, Flugel and Cornet. The final movement opened with a strong Trombone, Bass and Euphonium/Baritone lead followed by excellent full band playing. Further solo contributions from Trombone, Cornet, Euphonium and Horn led to full band sounds finishing this fresh performance.
Fred Longworth High School's ensemble, of what appeared to be 50 musicians, conducted by Miss H Robinson, then played "Adventures in Brass" by Ray Farr. The work plays on themes such as Carmina Burina and America, with the middle movement loosely based on Ravel's Pavane and the last movement quoting ,material from the opening movement. This was a performance of good ensemble and solo playing.
After a lengthy results ceremony for the Fourth, Third and finally Youth section, the Youth band were disappointed to have been placed last by adjudicator Colin Hardy. However, the two bands that were above them in the section were predominently teenagers whereas there were a number of players in Pemberton Youth that were new to the instrument and were much younger then their higher placed counterparts. There was one prize for the Youth band, however, when 8 year old Lauren Barkley was announced as the youngest performer in the section.
After a long wait, following the Youth Band's results, it was time for the second section, in which the 'B' band were performing in due to their local grading. The 'B' band were drawn third following Flixton and before Lostock Hall Memorial in this seven-band section.
The 'B' Band, conducted by Peter Ashley, played the descriptive work "Oceans" by Goff Richards. This was performance of some merit, with some well-shaped phrases, tight ensemble playing and some moments of excellent direction. There was also some notable solo work from Alex Nesmejanow (Horn), Bob Grant (Euphonium), Barbara Grant (Baritone) and Peter Zingle (Bass Trombone). A special mention must go to Danielle Marsh whose solo efforts were commendable and especially considering this is the 21-year-old's first contest as the band's principal cornet - well done Danielle!
After a long wait for the results, which followed the joint Championship and First Section, for the second time in one day, a Pemberton Band was holding up the bottom of the results table. The other bands in the section, Besses o'th' Barn, Greenall's, Lostock Hall, Flixton, Co-op 2000 and Blackpool are all well-seasoned in this section, so the 'B' Band need not feel disheartened by this result. A valiant effort and a good day had by all members of the two bands ensured that the 'Pemberton Spirit' was alive and kicking in Fleetwood!
The next outing for the any of the bands is next Friday (October 15th) when the Senior Band will be performing an exciting concert in the first of a new series at the DW Stadium. This first concert is entitled 'Friday Night is Music Night'. The next night the Senior Band are again in action, this time at St Michael's Church, Swinley. For more details please visit the band's website or e-mail the band at pembertonband@hotmail.co.uk
Thursday 30 September 2010
Posting Comments and Following the Blog
Have you read one or more posts on the Blog and wondered how to comment? Here is a step-by-step guide to doing just that.
Posting Comment on the Blog
Click on the title of the post you want to Comment on:
Entering your name
Choose the name or username you will leave your comment under. You can choose to enter your name (with an optional URL, such as website):
Using your Google Account
Or you can use your existing 'Google Account', which will be your e-mail address and password that you have previously set up, or you can set it up now.
This is the page you will then be sent to where you must enter your Account details:
Once you have signed in you will see your comment as it will appear on the Blog and then you need to click Post Comment to complete the comment process.
Following the Blog
If you would like to know about Following the Pemberton Bugle, there is a Google Blogger Article here that tells you all about Following, including what it is and how to do it.
Posting Comment on the Blog
Click on the title of the post you want to Comment on:
Scroll to the bottom of the page and then insert your comment in the box, as shown below:
Choose the name or username you will leave your comment under. You can choose to enter your name (with an optional URL, such as website):
Then click on post comment:
Or you can use your existing 'Google Account', which will be your e-mail address and password that you have previously set up, or you can set it up now.
N.B. Comments will not be instantly posted as they will have to be verified by the band for content, but this should not take too long.
Hopefully, this has been made clear, but of you would like anymore help please refer to this Google Blogger article or e-mail the band at pembertonband@hotmail.co.uk and we will do our best to help!
Following the Blog
If you would like to know about Following the Pemberton Bugle, there is a Google Blogger Article here that tells you all about Following, including what it is and how to do it.
Photos from Ashton Music Festival
These are some images taken during the Senior Band's spot at the Ashton Music Festival concert last Wednesday, 22nd September. Apologies to the 'B' Band and Youth Band that there are no pictures available of their performances. If you took some and are happy for them to be included here, please e-mail the band at pembertonband@hotmail.co.uk so that we can include them.
First are pictures from our opening number, the piece that began our Wychavon Programme "Jewish Wedding Dance":
The following were taken during Joanne Johnson's reprised performance of "Dark-Haired Marie":
These next photos were taken during the band's performance of "Dreaded Groove and Hook" by Simon Dobson and show some of the featured soloists, starting with Tom buckley on Euphonium:
Then came the 'novelty item', "Pizziwato Polka" featuring muted cornets...
We then finished the programme with excerpts from "On the Shoulders of Giants":
As you can see, the audience really enjoyed our performance:
The audience appreciated our performance so much, that we had to give them more, and "MacArthur Park" has become a regular in our concerts recently:
Further appluase...
For information on the concert read the recent blog post "Ashton Music Festival, Wednesday 22nd Sept 2010"
Please feel free to leave comments on the photos.
Thursday 23 September 2010
Ashton Music Festival, Wed 22nd Sept 2010
Last night saw one of the highlights of the band's concert season when all three bands performed during the course of one music-filled evening. This was part of Ashton Music Festival and the concert was held at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School. It is a great opportunity for members of all three bands to hear the other bands in concert.
The evening started with John Don-Duncan's youngsters, who were in fine form as usual. The Pemberton Youth Band began with the classic march "True and Trusty" which was played with great confidence and joie de vivre! Then the band featured a star-of-the-future, trombonist Gemma Riley, who ably and confidently performed "Kid Shifter". Gemma won the British Open Solo and Quartet Junior Slow Melody Championship in November 2009 and is a great asset to the Pemberton Family.
Mr Don-Duncan then chose a German work entitled "Schniedizer" before giving us a wonderfully controlled and confident rendition of part of the test piece the band will perform at Fleetwood contest on 3rd October "Summer Fantasy". The band finished their segment with a rousing rendition of the superb "Slaidburn" which was again confidently played.
Next to take to the stage was the Pemberton 'B' Band led by the band's regular Soprano player, Ediie Hill, who also chose to play a march, this time "Bramwyn" an exciting march which demonstrated the band's control and dynamic contrasts. Following this the band played a more reflective item, "The Irish Blessing" which was well played. Particular mention must go to the four players who started the piece David Lunt (on Flugel), Alex Nesmejanow (Solo Horn), Barbara Grant (Solo Baritone) and Bob Grant (Solo Euphonium).
The band then accompanied a soloist in the shape of Helen Don-Duncan, John's daughter, who chose to play "Weber's Last Waltz" a theme and variation solo that demonstrated Helen's technical skill as well as some wonderfully lyrical Euphonium playing. A special guest then joined the band in the form Eddie's son, Peter Hill, who sang the Michael Buble hit "Haven't Met You Yet". This was well received by audience and players alike. Finishing the first half of the concert was a lively performance of 'Valero' which featured standing sections of the band and even some dancing from the cornet section
After the interval the Senior band took to the stage and relived their Wychavon programme, beginning again with "Jewish Wedding Dance" demonstrating some assured technical skill from all sections of the band. This was again followed by Joanne Johnson's beautiful cornet solo "Dark-Haired Marie" which somehow was played even better than on Sunday! "The Dreaded Groove and Hook" then followed again with featured excellent solo playing from Tom Buckley (Euphonium), David Chapman (Trombone) and Carina Halliwell (Flugelhorn).
With a healthy-sized, appreciative audience this was a perfect opportunity to also replay the 'novelty item' from Sunday and so "Pizziwato Polka" again featured the cornet and trombone sections. The audience really seemed to enjoy the humorous twist on this classic! This was then followed by the closing number from Sunday "On the Shoulders of Giants", again, the shorter version. The band were once again in fine form demonstrating exceptional technique as well as wonderfully rich, full sounds and fine solo work from all sections of the band.
With huge applause from the audience and Mr Bumble-esque calls for 'more!' the band concluded the evening with a spectuclar performance of the Richard Harris popular 1968 song, which has also had big-band jazz versions performed by Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton and Woody Herman - "MacArthur Park" as arranged for the Grimethorpe Band by Alan Catherall.
Another fine evening of music making from the Pemberton organisation, which was described by one of the spokesmen of the Festival as 'truly the highlight of the whole festival!'.
If you missed this concert, the Senior Band will next be performing at the DW Stadium in the first of a series of concerts which will be running over the coming season showcasing the band's versatility on the concert stage. This concert on the 15th of October is entitled "Friday Night is Music Night". The same weekend we will be performing at St Michael's Church, Swinley on Saturday 16th October.
Both the 'B' Band and the Youth Band will be competing at Fleetwood Contest on Sunday 3rd October at Fleetwood's Marine Hall.
The evening started with John Don-Duncan's youngsters, who were in fine form as usual. The Pemberton Youth Band began with the classic march "True and Trusty" which was played with great confidence and joie de vivre! Then the band featured a star-of-the-future, trombonist Gemma Riley, who ably and confidently performed "Kid Shifter". Gemma won the British Open Solo and Quartet Junior Slow Melody Championship in November 2009 and is a great asset to the Pemberton Family.
Mr Don-Duncan then chose a German work entitled "Schniedizer" before giving us a wonderfully controlled and confident rendition of part of the test piece the band will perform at Fleetwood contest on 3rd October "Summer Fantasy". The band finished their segment with a rousing rendition of the superb "Slaidburn" which was again confidently played.
Next to take to the stage was the Pemberton 'B' Band led by the band's regular Soprano player, Ediie Hill, who also chose to play a march, this time "Bramwyn" an exciting march which demonstrated the band's control and dynamic contrasts. Following this the band played a more reflective item, "The Irish Blessing" which was well played. Particular mention must go to the four players who started the piece David Lunt (on Flugel), Alex Nesmejanow (Solo Horn), Barbara Grant (Solo Baritone) and Bob Grant (Solo Euphonium).
The band then accompanied a soloist in the shape of Helen Don-Duncan, John's daughter, who chose to play "Weber's Last Waltz" a theme and variation solo that demonstrated Helen's technical skill as well as some wonderfully lyrical Euphonium playing. A special guest then joined the band in the form Eddie's son, Peter Hill, who sang the Michael Buble hit "Haven't Met You Yet". This was well received by audience and players alike. Finishing the first half of the concert was a lively performance of 'Valero' which featured standing sections of the band and even some dancing from the cornet section
After the interval the Senior band took to the stage and relived their Wychavon programme, beginning again with "Jewish Wedding Dance" demonstrating some assured technical skill from all sections of the band. This was again followed by Joanne Johnson's beautiful cornet solo "Dark-Haired Marie" which somehow was played even better than on Sunday! "The Dreaded Groove and Hook" then followed again with featured excellent solo playing from Tom Buckley (Euphonium), David Chapman (Trombone) and Carina Halliwell (Flugelhorn).
With a healthy-sized, appreciative audience this was a perfect opportunity to also replay the 'novelty item' from Sunday and so "Pizziwato Polka" again featured the cornet and trombone sections. The audience really seemed to enjoy the humorous twist on this classic! This was then followed by the closing number from Sunday "On the Shoulders of Giants", again, the shorter version. The band were once again in fine form demonstrating exceptional technique as well as wonderfully rich, full sounds and fine solo work from all sections of the band.
With huge applause from the audience and Mr Bumble-esque calls for 'more!' the band concluded the evening with a spectuclar performance of the Richard Harris popular 1968 song, which has also had big-band jazz versions performed by Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton and Woody Herman - "MacArthur Park" as arranged for the Grimethorpe Band by Alan Catherall.
Another fine evening of music making from the Pemberton organisation, which was described by one of the spokesmen of the Festival as 'truly the highlight of the whole festival!'.
If you missed this concert, the Senior Band will next be performing at the DW Stadium in the first of a series of concerts which will be running over the coming season showcasing the band's versatility on the concert stage. This concert on the 15th of October is entitled "Friday Night is Music Night". The same weekend we will be performing at St Michael's Church, Swinley on Saturday 16th October.
Both the 'B' Band and the Youth Band will be competing at Fleetwood Contest on Sunday 3rd October at Fleetwood's Marine Hall.
Monday 20 September 2010
Wychavon Festival of Brass 2010
On Sunday 19th September 2010, the Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band travelled to Evesham in order to take part in the Wychavon Festival of Brass, a contest the band has had a number of previous successes at, winning the contest in 2007, coming 2nd in 2008 and 3rd in 2009, picking up numerous individual awards along the way, including Best Percussion last year.
Conductor Mark Bentham chose a varied, challenging programme for the band, that showed a variety of playing styles and displayed the bands technique, ensemble playing, dynamic range and showcasing many of the band's soloists. We had run the programme out at a concert/open rehearsal on Thursday to an audience made up of parents from the local primary school where our 2nd Trombonist and conductor of the Youth Band, Mr John Don-Duncan teaches. This was well received by the audience and so the band were full of confidence that this could be a winning year.
The Championship Section bands entered this year was on the low side, only 5, however in the mix were the recently crowned British Open Champions Tredegar Town Band (Ranked 4th in the World of Brass Rankings) and the BTM Band (Ranked 18th), both from Wales. Pemberton World of Brass Ranking of 25 and so beating either of these bands would be a rankings boost and a great start to the new contest season.
BTM started the contest, followed by Milton Keynes Brass and then the British Open Champions Tredegar Town Band.
Pemberton then began they're assault on the Wychavon title with Mark Bentham's own arrangement of "The Jewish Wedding Dance" by Jacques Press, which is a technical showcase for the entire band, with a particular feature for Xylophone, ably played by Nicola Marsh. Although this wasn't played with as much control and accuracy as we would have hoped the performance was still strong and we were certain it would find favour with Adjudicator John Berryman.
The programme then changed pace with the Cornet solo "Dark-Haired Marie" by Goff Richards, which is based on a traditional New Zealand song, and beautifully played by Principal Cornet Joanne Johnson. This not only demonstrated Joanne's stylish, velvet-toned, lyrical playing, but also the band's control and skill in accompanying a delicate solo.
Another change of pace took the band into the realm of 'Acid Jazz' through a piece written by Simon Dobson titled "The Dreaded Groove and Hook". The piece is not only a break from the standard repertoire of today's brass bands, but also features a number of the band's soloists. It starts with a lengthy, Euphonium solo, which featured guest Tom Buckley from the Hepworth band who was on fine form and then moves into a full band break. Solos from Trombonist David Chapman and Flugel player Carina Halliwell followed and were both handled tastefully and demonstrated strong playing. The piece continues to demonstrate the band's 'Acid Jazz' ability and full, heavy sound and closes with enormous chords from all sections of the band.
Following this was our 'novelty item' which is twist on a classic. Johann Strauss II's popular "Pizzicato Polka" was re-vamped by our conductor to feature muted cornets and trombones, playing 'wah'wah' effects throughout the piece and a solo 'duck-call' from Soprano player and Honorary-Percussionist John Atkinson. This was met with great appreciation from the audience.
The band then finished their 20-minute entertainment programme with excerpts from the recent British Open test piece "On the Shoulders of Giants" by Peter Graham. This opened with the fanfare quotations from Bruckner's Eighth Symphony, and then moved into sections from the third movement which featured quick, virtuosic semiquaver passages throughout the band. Later in the movement Graham then quotes the legends of the late 19th Century Brass Virtuoso scene with Arthur Prior's "Bluebells of Scotland" being quoted by the trombones, snippets from Herbert L Clarke's "Southern Cross" featuring Repiano Cornet "The Debutante" featuring Principal Cornet and then Simone Mantia's "Believe Me if All Those Endearing Young Charms" featuring Euphonium, all exceptionally played. The work then builds to a climatic, Peter Graham trademark finish with full band sounds taking quotes from the spiritual "Steal Away" and Arthur Bliss' "Chess".
The band felt happy with it's performance, but knew that unless Tredegar had had a bad day we would be destined to finish no higher than second. It came as a shock, however, to find that we were placed 3rd by Virtuosi GUS conductor Berryman after such a long day of travelling and a month of hard work. The margin of Tredegar's win demonstrates their current form and the rankings would have placed us 3rd behind the other Welsh contenders BTM.
Although disappointed, the band look forward to many more opportunities to challenge these two bands further in the coming season, BTM at the Grand Shield next May, and Tredegar at the Masters next May and hopefully also at the British Open next September, should we qualify!
Top Level banding never stops....
On Wednesday 22nd September 2010 all three bands will be performing at the Ashton Music Festival at St Edmund Arrowsmith High School, where the Senior Band will relive the Wychavin programme with a selection of other concert items.
Conductor Mark Bentham chose a varied, challenging programme for the band, that showed a variety of playing styles and displayed the bands technique, ensemble playing, dynamic range and showcasing many of the band's soloists. We had run the programme out at a concert/open rehearsal on Thursday to an audience made up of parents from the local primary school where our 2nd Trombonist and conductor of the Youth Band, Mr John Don-Duncan teaches. This was well received by the audience and so the band were full of confidence that this could be a winning year.
The Championship Section bands entered this year was on the low side, only 5, however in the mix were the recently crowned British Open Champions Tredegar Town Band (Ranked 4th in the World of Brass Rankings) and the BTM Band (Ranked 18th), both from Wales. Pemberton World of Brass Ranking of 25 and so beating either of these bands would be a rankings boost and a great start to the new contest season.
BTM started the contest, followed by Milton Keynes Brass and then the British Open Champions Tredegar Town Band.
Pemberton then began they're assault on the Wychavon title with Mark Bentham's own arrangement of "The Jewish Wedding Dance" by Jacques Press, which is a technical showcase for the entire band, with a particular feature for Xylophone, ably played by Nicola Marsh. Although this wasn't played with as much control and accuracy as we would have hoped the performance was still strong and we were certain it would find favour with Adjudicator John Berryman.
The programme then changed pace with the Cornet solo "Dark-Haired Marie" by Goff Richards, which is based on a traditional New Zealand song, and beautifully played by Principal Cornet Joanne Johnson. This not only demonstrated Joanne's stylish, velvet-toned, lyrical playing, but also the band's control and skill in accompanying a delicate solo.
Another change of pace took the band into the realm of 'Acid Jazz' through a piece written by Simon Dobson titled "The Dreaded Groove and Hook". The piece is not only a break from the standard repertoire of today's brass bands, but also features a number of the band's soloists. It starts with a lengthy, Euphonium solo, which featured guest Tom Buckley from the Hepworth band who was on fine form and then moves into a full band break. Solos from Trombonist David Chapman and Flugel player Carina Halliwell followed and were both handled tastefully and demonstrated strong playing. The piece continues to demonstrate the band's 'Acid Jazz' ability and full, heavy sound and closes with enormous chords from all sections of the band.
Following this was our 'novelty item' which is twist on a classic. Johann Strauss II's popular "Pizzicato Polka" was re-vamped by our conductor to feature muted cornets and trombones, playing 'wah'wah' effects throughout the piece and a solo 'duck-call' from Soprano player and Honorary-Percussionist John Atkinson. This was met with great appreciation from the audience.
The band then finished their 20-minute entertainment programme with excerpts from the recent British Open test piece "On the Shoulders of Giants" by Peter Graham. This opened with the fanfare quotations from Bruckner's Eighth Symphony, and then moved into sections from the third movement which featured quick, virtuosic semiquaver passages throughout the band. Later in the movement Graham then quotes the legends of the late 19th Century Brass Virtuoso scene with Arthur Prior's "Bluebells of Scotland" being quoted by the trombones, snippets from Herbert L Clarke's "Southern Cross" featuring Repiano Cornet "The Debutante" featuring Principal Cornet and then Simone Mantia's "Believe Me if All Those Endearing Young Charms" featuring Euphonium, all exceptionally played. The work then builds to a climatic, Peter Graham trademark finish with full band sounds taking quotes from the spiritual "Steal Away" and Arthur Bliss' "Chess".
The band felt happy with it's performance, but knew that unless Tredegar had had a bad day we would be destined to finish no higher than second. It came as a shock, however, to find that we were placed 3rd by Virtuosi GUS conductor Berryman after such a long day of travelling and a month of hard work. The margin of Tredegar's win demonstrates their current form and the rankings would have placed us 3rd behind the other Welsh contenders BTM.
Although disappointed, the band look forward to many more opportunities to challenge these two bands further in the coming season, BTM at the Grand Shield next May, and Tredegar at the Masters next May and hopefully also at the British Open next September, should we qualify!
Top Level banding never stops....
On Wednesday 22nd September 2010 all three bands will be performing at the Ashton Music Festival at St Edmund Arrowsmith High School, where the Senior Band will relive the Wychavin programme with a selection of other concert items.
Saturday 18 September 2010
Welcome to the Pemberton Bugle
The Pemberton Bugle is now online!!
We will keep you up-to-date with the latest news and reviews from the Pemberton Bands with regular blog posts discussing the latest happenings at the bandroom, the latest contest results and a unique perspective of the concerts we provide.
It is an exciting time at Pemberton, with the concert and contest season 2010-2011 now getting in to full swing, after our month-long summer break. Since both bands returned to rehearsals mid-August, we have performed a number of concerts and the Senior Band are already into the contest season, competing at the Wychavon Brass Festival this weekend, September 19th 2010. The 'B' Band are also getting into full swing preparing for Fleetwood contest at the beginning of October.
Our next update will provide a retrospective of the Wychavon Contest and a preview of the upcoming concerts and contest for all of the bands!
For more information, visit our website: http://www.pembertonoldwiganband.co.uk/
Or our facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=189051550298&ref=ts
We will keep you up-to-date with the latest news and reviews from the Pemberton Bands with regular blog posts discussing the latest happenings at the bandroom, the latest contest results and a unique perspective of the concerts we provide.
It is an exciting time at Pemberton, with the concert and contest season 2010-2011 now getting in to full swing, after our month-long summer break. Since both bands returned to rehearsals mid-August, we have performed a number of concerts and the Senior Band are already into the contest season, competing at the Wychavon Brass Festival this weekend, September 19th 2010. The 'B' Band are also getting into full swing preparing for Fleetwood contest at the beginning of October.
Our next update will provide a retrospective of the Wychavon Contest and a preview of the upcoming concerts and contest for all of the bands!
For more information, visit our website: http://www.pembertonoldwiganband.co.uk/
Or our facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=189051550298&ref=ts
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