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
