Backworth Colliery Band News

Five Rivers Brass are starring at the Theatre Royal this week, performing as the marching band in the WEOS’ production of “Hello Dolly".

The band are performing two pieces from the musical, marching on stage to “Yonker’s March” and then bringing the Act I finale to a close with “Before the Parade Passes By".

It is a fantastic opportunity for the band to perform in front of a wide and varied audience. As an aside, the band look very fetching in their sashes and feathered hats.

The band had a very successful weekend attending the various competitions held as part of the Wansbeck Brass Festival/NBBA Contest.

On Saturday 28th April, various members of the band and junior band performed in the morning solos competition; Callum Harrison, Chris Travis, Rebecca Brannan and Christina Campbell all played very difficult solos. Chris gained the best remarks and a 3rd position for his rendition of Tuba Smarties.

In the afternoon, Colin Harris gained first place in the open solos competition playing Fantasia on Jenny Jones on Tuba (although the 31-year-old was described as a ‘daft old bugger’ by adjudicator Alan Fernie) and the junior band finished off the day with a very impressive mini-concert. The band were awarded a trophy and special credit was passed to the conductor Teresa Harris for choice and style of music played. A big thank you to Emma Todd, who accompanied many of our players today.

Sunday 29th April saw the senior band perform at the open own-choice test piece, with the band laying a few ghosts to rest with a creditable performance of “Prelude and Jubilate", gaining first place. The band must thank Lynda Brown, who traveled from the Midlands to help us out.

The band has enjoyed a very successful weekend and the awards and progress for the junior members was a great reward.