Upon our return to rehearsals after Christmas, our conductor
of four and half years announced his departure to his new Resident position
with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band. When
Mark arrived in Summer 2008, he took over a band that was a struggling
Championship Section band. We were on
the brink of relegation, depending on result at the Area (we needed to come
third to stay up) and were ready for a shake-up. His first contest, Wychavon, the band came
second and his second contest, the Scottish Open, the band came 10th. Compared to the other bands there and the
standard of Pemberton at the time, this was a fair result.
It was at the beginning of 2009 when Mark’s appointment began
to show form. We won Preston Brass at
the Guild playing “Music of the Spheres” and then came third at the North West
Area playing “Salute to Youth”, not only fighting relegation, but also
qualifying for the National Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert
Hall. This was the band’s first
appearance since 1907 and the first time since 2004 a band other than Fairey,
Leyland and, of course, Fodens, had qualified.
It was from then that the band realised just how special this
partnership had already become.
We had numerous other successes, including two top three
finishes at the Scottish Open (2009 and 2010), further Preston Brass at the
Guild success (2011 and 2012) as well as qualifying for London again in 2011
and almost qualifying for the British Open twice (2010 and 2011). Our concerts became unique and vastly
entertaining and the band’s work ethic has become that of a serious contesting
force in the Championship Section, including competing at the English Nationals
(2011 and 2012) and the All England International Masters in Cambridge (2009,
2010 and 2011).
We wish Mark every success in his new venture and thank him
for turning this struggling Championship band into an established Championship
Section band.
Currently the band is welcoming conductors down to try and
find a replacement for Mark, and the name of the conductor who is taking us to
the Area will be announced shortly.
If you wish to audition for the Musical Director position,
please contact the band’s Acting Secretary John Atkinson on 07837934213 or
email pembertonoldwiganband@hotmail.co.uk
