Latest News

So. Farewell then 2009.

An interesting and very busy year for Backworth Colliery Band, and thanks to all players and friends, our guest conductors, and our travelling support for helping us through 2009 and preparing us for the challenges to come in 2010.

2009 gave us many memories … the Regionals and Easingwold contests, saying a fond farewell to our Musical Director in June, carrying out a very successful summer concert programme, enjoying the experience of our guest conductors, engaging a new Musical Director, congratulating two players who became new mothers in the Autumn, surviving the Secretary’s maternity leave, saying our goodbyes to two senior players transferring to County Durham bands, cataloguing our 1000-piece library, competing at the Borders and Durham League contests, managing a relocation at short notice in November to a new home in Burradon, wishing two younger players well who left to pursue their dreams at Championship level, and – finally – completing a very well-received Christmas programme.

A year that gave us a new home, a sense of community and belonging, improvement in our contesting and deportment, better performances since our earlier disappointments at Darlington and Easingwold. And the prospects for 2010: younger players improving and showing potential and loyalty to serve their band, financial stability in a difficult climate, a pipeline that is already looking strong to secure another year’s banding, and a fantastic test piece to enjoy at the 2010 Regionals.

So. Farewell then 2009. And best wishes to all concerned for the New Year. See you at the next rehearsal, 7.30pm on Tuesday 5th January 2010.

Members please note that there will be no rehearsal on Sunday 20th December.

The first rehearsal after Christmas will be Tuesday 5th January 2010, at Camperdown Social Club, 7.30pm.

Many thanks to all members and guests for their hard work throughout 2009; seasonal greetings to all associated with the Band - have a restful Christmas, and best wishes for the New Year.

Backworth Colliery Band have said their goodbyes to their erstwhile practice venue at Into Change, Backworth, and packed their bags for their new home in Camperdown Social Club, on Front Street, Burradon, NE23 7NL.

The first rehearsal at the Club was held on Tuesday 24th November, and the physical move of equipment and library will be completed on Saturday 28th.

The Band gratefully acknowledges the support received from Into Change over recent years, particularly Maureen and Albert, and wish the organisation well for the building’s future use.

Rehearsals now continue in Burradon, on Tuesdays evenings at 7.30pm and Sunday mornings, with Sundays reverting to the traditional start time of 10.30am.

Any brass players in the Burradon area are welcome to get in touch, as we continue to build for the concert and contest programme in the New Year.

Backworth Colliery Band won acclaim from adjudicator Chris Wormald for its confident interpretation of Philip Sparke’s “Music for a Festival", at the DCBBA League Contest, walking off with the award in Mr Wormald’s words as “best percussion section in Sections C and D". Well done Band, and congratulations to percussionists Andrew and Andy.

Other remarks from the adjudicator included:

• Good dynamics, nice Trombones
• Well played Soprano
• Percussion generally very good
• all detail has been rehearsed well
• This is such beautiful music
• .. at the Appassionato … Well played Euphonium
• Good Bass Trombone
• Overall, many nice moments

Although not amongst the cups this time, the band - with a third of the players under 18 - gave an encouraging performance, having stepped up a grade after winning last year’s Section D. A challenging piece, not easily mastered - confirmed by other bands’ uneasiness at times - provided confirmation of the band’s progress as part of their longer-term plan towards the 2010 Regionals next March.

Backworth Colliery Band would like to thank Scott Meikle and Easington Colliery Band for the use of their bandroom before the contest, and the much appreciated hospitality shown.

Please note the final week of rehearsals for the DCBBA Contest.

• Sunday, 15th, 10.45
• Tuesday, 17th, 19.30
• Friday, 20th 19.30
• Sunday, 22nd, 09.00

The penultimate rehearsal will be held on the Friday, 20th at Into Change.

The final rehearsal – at 9.00am on the morning of the contest – will be in Easington Colliery Brass Band’s bandroom, with our thanks to Easington for the use of their facilities on the Sunday morning.

Would players please note the following schedule during November for DCBBA Contest rehearsals.

• Tuesday, 3rd, 19.30
• Friday, 6th, 19.30 (with Duncan)
• Sunday, 8th, No Rehearsal - Remembrance Day Parade
• Tuesday, 10th, 19.30
• Friday, 13th, 19.30
• Sunday, 15th, 10.45
• Tuesday, 17th, 19.30
• Sunday, 22nd, 09.00

The penultimate rehearsal will be on either the Friday 20th or Saturday 21st, the date to be decided based on band availability.

The final rehearsal – at 9.00am on the morning of the contest – will be in Peterlee, nearby to the Contest venue. Details later.

Backworth Colliery Band took part in the Borders Entertainment Contest, 31st October, in Peebles. The band gave a confident performance, and although not highly placed in the results from a field that included numerous higher-section bands, the Band is showing improvement. A very enjoyable day’s banding, with a well-balanced programme including strong contributions from the Band’s younger players, and everyone entering into the spirit of “entertainment”.

The programme began with “Doyen”, by Goff Richards, written to celebrate the motor coach ‘Doyen’, describing a coach journey making its way through London. Then an arrangement by Leonard Ballantine of the American folk song “Shenandoah”, in his setting entitled “Mid all the Traffic”. The solo piece was “Buster Strikes Back”, in the arrangement by Alan Morrison, lyrically played by Callum Harrison. The band closed impressively with Goff Richards’ arrangement of three American songs in his “An American Trilogy”, popularized by Elvis Presley, with Matthew Fletcher donning an Elvis costume to bring out the true pathos of his euphonium solo.

The Leckie Memorial Church presented a quite reverberant acoustic that clearly hindered other bands, several suffering from over-blowing, muddy articulation, and lack of togetherness with their percussion. Backworth played within the dynamics of the music, allowing their phrasing to bring the music to life and clearly enjoyed their time in front of an audience. With steps forward taken in playing confidence and deportment, the Band now turns to its next challenge at the Durham League Contest in late November.

Players are reminded of the times for the remaining rehearsals for the Borders Entertainment Contest in Peebles on 31st October.

• Friday 23rd 19.30 (with Duncan, “Music for a Festival")
• Sunday 25th 10.45 (Tony, Borders)
• Tuesday 27th 19.30 (Tony, Borders)
• Friday 30th 19.30 (Tony, Borders)

Draw to be announced this weekend and then we’ll confirm departure time for the coach to Peebles, provisionally booked for leaving at 6.30am prompt.

The rehearsal schedule for November leading up to DCBBA Peterlee (22nd November) will be released soon. No rehearsal on the 1st (or 8th - Remembrance Day parade).

Players please note that the rehearsal on Sunday 18th October, originally set for the evening, will be held on Sunday morning at the usual time - 10.45am.

We may run over a little, so please try to be available until around 1.15pm.

REVISED REHEARSAL SCHEDULE FOR BORDERS CONTEST

Please note, 16th October charity concert has been postponed at the request of the organisers, and consequently the rehearsals for the Borders Contest on 16th and 23rd October are revised.

The “Lower half” sectional will now take place on Friday 16th; Duncan will take Full Band on Friday 23rd, and all Friday evenings will be 19.30 start. Thank you.

• Tuesday 6th 19.30
• Friday 9th 19.30, Sectional (Cornets, Horns)
• Sunday 11th 10.45
• Tuesday 13th, 19.30
• Friday 16th 19.30, Sectional (Euphoniums, Baritones, Trombones, Basses)
• Sunday 18th 18.00
• Tuesday 20th 19.30
• Friday 23rd 19.30 (Duncan)
• Sunday 25th 10.45
• Tuesday 27th 19.30
• Friday 30th 19.30

Transport to Peebles on the 31st will be via coach. Provisional departure time from Backworth IntoChange is 6.30am. Time to be confirmed on Tuesday 27th after the draw is known.

Would players please note the following rehearsal schedule during October for Full Band and Sectional rehearsals.

• Sunday 4th, 10.45
• Tuesday 6th 19.30
• Friday 9th 19.00 – 21.00, Sectional – Cornets, Horns
• Sunday 11th 10.45
• Tuesday 13th, 19.30
• Sunday 18th 18.00 – 21.00
• Tuesday 20th 19.30
• Friday 23rd 19.00 – 21.00, Sectional – Euphoniums, Baritones, Trombones, Basses
• Sunday 25th 10.45
• Tuesday 27th 19.30
• Friday 30th 19.00 – 21.00

Transport to Peebles on the 31st will be via coach. Provisional departure time from Backworth IntoChange is 6.30am. Time to be confirmed on Tuesday 27th after the draw is known.

We’re very happy to announce that two ladies of the Band are taking some time off on maternity leave.

Mary MacNamara on trombone, and Natalie McLean on front row cornet (recently Principal Cornet), are standing down from September, and the Band wishes them good health and successful deliveries.

As well as taking a break from playing, Natalie also takes a well-earned rest from her duties as Concert Secretary and we thank her for the work put in during an intensive summer programme schedule. In the meantime, contact with the Band can be made via email or by telephone at Contacts.

Backworth Colliery Band is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Griffiths as Resident Musical Director.

Tony has been a frequent guest conductor with the band over recent years, and we know he will continue the band’s tradition of development and take us forward from the successes we achieved at DCBBA and Butlins in 2008/9.

Tony offers extensive experience as a player, band trainer, and conductor, and we look forward to a rewarding and enjoyable partnership.

We can also confirm that Duncan Beckley has been engaged as Professional Conductor for 2010 Butlins contest and 2010 Area contests. Tony will conduct the Borders Entertainment Contest and Durham League this autumn, and work with Duncan to prepare for 2010.

The Band completed a very busy few days with 3 concerts in 4 days – 6th August at Dalston Summer Fayre, 8th August on the Road March for Hartlepool Headland Carnival, and yesterday the 9th August at Saltwell Park in front of several hundred keen picnickers and brass band afficionados.

The Band gave a very polished evening performance at Dalston, its second year at the Fayre, this time under the expert baton of guest conductor Graeme Tindall. Graeme, resident conductor of Championship section Felling Band, very kindly took the band in rehearsal and for the Dalston concert and was measurably pleased with the results achieved, notably the band’s evident improvement and the development of the younger players. The evening also featured legendary guest percussionist and memory man Bob Stephenson - the band’s very own Gene Kelly – thrilling audience and band alike in his unique interpretation of “Singing in the Rain”. Our thanks to Graeme and Bob.

Saturday saw the Band take part in the Hartlepool Carnival procession, playing on the march over the Headland’s one and half mile route. A testing engagement, given the distance and localised heatwave, but the Band lived up to its “any weather, any distance” reputation and the roar of the cheering crowds more than made up for blisters and sore shoulders as the Band blew through the march pad.

We’re now looking forward to our next engagements – at Hexham Bandstand on 15th, Walkworth Show on 22nd, and back to Saltwell Park Bandstand on Sunday 23rd August.

Well done to those who marched at Durham Gala on Saturday.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable day with many positive comments - from those associated with the band, and also from the general public who came up to us to remark how well we played and how good we looked in our “purple and gold”. Thanks also go to our friends at the Lodge who were especially pleased.

A bracing road march around Hetton – and what seemed like several other villages too – and then competent playing and marching through Durham. Playing at every opportunity this year added to the enjoyment and, coupled with near-telepathic footwork in its marching, the Band did a great job in baking heat.

Our rendition of “Sing” went down very well outside the County, as did the mixture of traditional marches and a few jazzers thrown in elsewhere - “Reet Petite” and “The Muppets” introduced some swing as Sadler Street turned into downtown New Orleans.

Special thanks to “our director” or “officer of the day” Stephen for his batonwork, Nicola for keeping us in order, and Catherine and her team behind the scenes in the library.

Thanks to all concerned.

With seventeen bands entering and one withdrawing, Backworth’s results suggest an excellent night at Easingwold.

Coming joint 11th in the Deportment March, placed 10th in the Concert March, and 13th overall, the latter from both sets of marks totalled.

In Deportment, Backworth (4th section) came joint 11th from the 16 bands; joint with Frickley South Emsall (2nd section) and Knottingley Silver (1st section); and ahead of Broughtons (1st section), Emley (3rd) and Northumbrian Water (1st section).

Better still, in the Contest March, Backworth’s 10th place came ahead of Garforth, Broughtons, Houghton, both Shepherd Group and Shepherd Group Concert, and Northumbrian Water.

In the 4th section class, Backworth lost out to Shepherd Group Concert by 1 point – 261 to 262, being the totalled points from the two march classes. Backworth were 7 points ahead of Shepherds in the Contest March, but 8 points adrift in Deportment.

It’s probably quite easy to make significant improvements in Deportment; it’s harder to make equivalent improvements in a Contest performance. Suppose we had been just 2% better in Deportment: we’d have made up the shortfall on Shepherds and won our section. Makes you think.

So well done this year – a great result on the Stand.

Results are online at http://www.yhbba.org.uk/easingwold5.htm

Saturday evening at the Easingwold Deportment Contest saw the Band parade around the village square to “National Emblem” followed up with a stirring performance on the stand of “Ravensworth”.

In a strong field that included several Championship and 1st section bands, Backworth came 10th out of 17, losing out narrowly out in the 4th section category. Our 10th place put the Band above Northumbrian Water Ellington Colliery and Broughtons, amongst others.

The evening represented a fitting send-off for Colin Harris who stands down as Musical Director, having served the Band as MD, contest secretary, arranger, player, and in numerous other capacities. Colin’s decision pass the baton on comes after several successful and enjoyable years, leaving the Band stronger after his recent 5 years as MD.

We sincerely wish Colin every future happiness and warmly acknowledge his significant contribution to Backworth Colliery Band.

Bus leaves Into Change Backworth 16:00.

Runners and Riders from
http://www.yhbba.org.uk/easingwold1.htm:

Backworth Colliery 4th C. Harris
Broughtons Brass 1st N. Davies
Emley Brass 3rd G. Hallas
Fishburn Ch TBA
Frickley South Elmsall Brass 2nd David Nichols
Garforth Brass 3rd S. Bailey
GT Group Peterlee 1st S. Malcolm
Houghton Brass 2nd H. Smith
Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Ch J Woodward
Knottingley Silver 1st O. Wedgwood
Shepherd Group Brass 1st T. Oldroyd
Shepherd Group Concert Brass U/G M. Pratt
South Yorkshire Police 2nd Leigh Baker
Stape Silver 3rd M. Breckon
Wakefield Metropolitan Brass 1st N. Law
Wetherby Silver 3rd G. Hallas

The line up for the small bands required for the two Walkerville concerts are as follows:

Tony (M.D.)

Teresa
Nicole
Callum
Stephen
Michael
Norman

Catherine
Nicola

Terry
Matthew (Friday only)
Aubrey

Mary (Thursday only)
Christina
Michael (Friday only)

Chris T

Colin

Thursday and Friday, 1930 start, Pinewood Close, Walkerville

The band took part in the 2009 Whit Friday marches in East Manchester on 5th June, and despite the worst weather in living memory, the band played at 4 venues, excelling to two of them.

At Denshaw, the band won a prize for being 2nd out of the 4th section bands, and at Dobcross the band finished a lofty 22nd out of 59 bands.

Diggle and Scouthead saw the band take the worse of the weather, although results there were not bad for a 4th section band.

A big thank you to Peter, Rob, Dionne and Gareth who helped us out and too all the band for performing in the face of wet, wind, hail and cold.

Several members of the senior band, and the full junior band, took part in yesterday’s Wansbeck Music Festival, held at Morpeth Reform Church.

The most impressive result was cornet player Callum Harrison, winning the prestigious James Shepherd contest, along with a useful bursary of £150, against 7 of the most promising brass players in the area. Bass player Chris Travis also gained third place in the same section.

Full results:

B2 under 16 (min grade3)
Callum, Christina, Matthew entered
Mathew came second

B2a under 16 (min grade 4)
Callum, Christina, Mathew, Stuart entered
Mathew came second

B4b over 16yrs
Sam and Chris entered getting joint 3rd

B6 under 16 duet
Callum and Mathew won

B4a under 21 James Shepherd special performance class
Callum, Christina, Sam and Chris entered
CALLUM WON, Chris 3rd place

B15 under 18 brass band
Backworth junior band won

Get the very latest news, comments and updates about the band, by following us on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Our link is http://twitter.com/backworthband

For the second time in a month, the band were visited and filmed performing. Our visitor last night was Chris Howell from Northumbria University, who is currently working on a documentary about the history of the West End of Newcastle.

The band were filmed peforming “Blaydon Races” from the popular selection “Songs of the Tyne” arrange by Jack Carr.

The band are breaking for Easter, and when they return next week we will be preparing our 2009 concert programme, ready for our busy Summer Concert season, starting with St. Georges Day celebration concert at Backworth Hall on April 25th.

Despite a strong performance, the band came 4th out of 9 bands at this year’s Area Qualification Contest at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

Criticism of tempos were the main point allocated by the adjudicator Barry Thompson in placing the band lower than was predicted.

A big thank you to Duncan Beckley for all his hard work. We also thank Cath McAllister who now leaves the band after 2 years brilliant service, and having stepped up to Solo Trombone after Robin Nixon stood down in September 2008. Her infectious personality and enthusiasm will be sorely missed.

Full results:

http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=9615

Section 4
Saturday 21 March

Draw: 1.30pm
Commences: Approximately 3.30pm, after Section 1 awards
Adjudicator: Barry Thompson

Results

1. Kirkby Lonsdale (A. Greenwood), 4
2. Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes (S. Askew), 2
3. Swinton and District Excelsior (N. Sutherland), 9
4. Backworth Colliery (D. Beckley), 6
5. Bearpark and Esh Colliery (V. Eckerman), 3
6. Lanchester (J. Fenwick), 8
7. NASUWT Riverside Youth (J. Bell), 1
8. Trimdon Concert (B. Wright), 5
9. Craghead Colliery (J. Robson), 7

Top 2 Qualify

Best Principal Cornet: Kingsway Printers
Best Euphonium: Kirkny Lonsdale

Last night, the Newcastle Evening Chronicle visted the Backworth Colliery Band rehearsal, as part of a series on the effects of the Mineworkers strike and subsequent closure of the collieries.

The band has a video posted on the website of us rehearsing Ravenswood at:

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/videos-pictures/picture-gallerires/2009/03/04/colliery-band-strikes-a-chord-72703-23062639/

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2009/03/04/mining-heritage-strikes-a-chord-with-colliery-band-72703-23062033/

and is also featured on page 20 of today’s Evening Chronicle.

Schedule up to the 21st March as follows:

Tuesday 24th Feb, 19:30: Full Band
Saturday 28th Feb, 16:00: Full Band

Tuesday 3rd March, 19:30: Full Band
Sunday 8th March, 10:30: Full Band

Tuesday 10th March, 19:30: Full Band
Sunday 15th March, 10:30: Full Band

Tuesday 17th March, 19:30: Full Band
Wednesday 18th March, 19:30: Full Band
Friday 20th March, 20:00: Full Band
Saturday 21st March, 12:30: Darlington Practice, Contest Follows

The band gained a very impressive 3rd place in the Butlins Mineworkers contest, held today at Skegness.

The band performed “Four Noble Truths” by Philip Sparke of draw number 11, competing against 18 other bands.

The judges were impressed with the band’s sound and phrases such as “exciting playing” and “sonorous opening” were amongst the judges remarks.

The contest was the first contest back for three old members, Penny on cornet and Peter and Craig on bass, and the band are grateful to Duncan Beckley for the amount of patience shown and work put in with the band to get us to the required standard to compete in such a fierce national contest.

Next contest is the Brass at the Guild contest in Preston, on the 8th February, followed by the National Areas at Darlington in March.

This weekend’s rehearsal schedule:

Friday 8pm-10pm: Full Band
Saturday 10am-12pm: Baris, Euphs, Trombs, Basses, 12-1pm: Horns, 2-4pm: Cornets and Flugel
Sunday 10am-12pm: Full Band.

No percussion sectional as Christine is unavailable on Saturday.