2nd Section beckons for "B" Band!!

Following promotion to the Second Section, and with recent players changes, Pemberton Old Wigan DW "B" Band are seeking CORNET and HORN players to complete our team (positions negotiable, including the possibility of principal seats for the correct candidate).

The band are the middle tier of the organisation, with a strong sense of family and teamwork across all three bands.  This is a fantastic, unique opportunity for players with the commitment, passion and drive to move forward with this progressive band.

Any interested players should contact:

Peter Ashley (B Band Conductor) on 07921 551159 Mob 01942 716676 Home

Kathleen Marsh (B Band Secretary) on 07511 634159

Email: pembertonoldwiganband@hotmail.co.uk

Our Youth Band are always open to new players, rehearsing on a Saturday Morning.  Please contact conductor John Don-Duncan (07746 443724) or Youth Band Secretary Kathleen Marsh (07511 634159).

Grand Shield 2012 & Farewell

On Saturday the Senior Band took part in the Grand Shield contest at the Winter Gardens at Blackpool.  After just missing out on a British Open place the last 2 years we were hoping this would be our year to finish in the top 2 qualification places and finally realise our dream of playing at the top contest in the banding calendar.


The Band played really well off a number 2 draw, but despite our best efforts finished 11th out of  20 in a strong field of "Open" hopefuls.  We will be back again next year for another try and will be in action soon at Whit Friday and the English Nationals in June.

On a sad note we were sorry to say goodbye to Dave McGlynn who played his last notes with Pemberton Band at the weekend. Dave has been more than just a valued member of the Bass section in his seven year tenure, he has been a committee member, van driver, Youth Band tutor and more recently Senior Band secretary.  His passion and enthusiasm for the band and organisation will be missed and we wish him well on his move to Fodens Band.

The youth scene in Pemberton is alive and kicking!!

The Pemberton brass and percussion workshop on Sunday 22nd April was a huge success with 21 young players turning up to take part.

The workshop started at 10.30am and the morning consisted of one on one brass lessons for some of the further advanced players lead by Joanne Johnson, John Atkinson, Becky Caldwell, Lynne Campbell, Nick Birch and Ian Bateson.  There was a group percussion session lead by David Chapman and Helen Don-Duncan and band training for the beginners was headed up by John Don-Duncan.

After lunch the youngsters that had the individual lessons came together to do some sectional work and then at 2pm all 21 players joined as a band to practice a few items for a short concert for all the parents. 

As the pictures below suggest we had a great day and both the children and the Pemberton Band players got a great deal from the experience.

Massive thanks go to all our players who gave up there time to make the day a success, John Don-Duncan, John Atkinson, Becky Caldwell, Lynne Campbell, Nick Birch, Ian Bateson, David Chapman and Richard Johnson.  Thanks to Helen Don-Duncan for tutoring the kids and providing us the Worsley Mesnes school for the day.  Also, thanks to Angela and Julian Barkley for their continued support and as usual Derek Green was on hand to over see the operation.

Finally the day would not have been possible without Joanne Johnson who planned and arranged the whole day.  Joanne staged the event as part of her community project for her MA, but was more interested in the big picture, which was recruiting new local talent for our Youth Band.

Please enjoy snaps below and feel free to make a comment at the bottom.