An overview of the Year 2004

The musical directors view

As 2004 comes to a close I thought I would just look back at the highlights of what has possibly been the finest year in the bands short life, and look forward to an exiting 2005.
The organisation, as you know is not just about the Youth Band, but we have a thriving Junior Band and possibly our strongest beginners band to date.

Over the past twelve months many players have come to the beginners section without the knowledge of being able to read music, or even have an instrument to play, but we have been able to supply instruments and the tuition these young people need. They have played at a number of events over the year and we are hoping that we will increase their exposure to the public next year. Vicky Gardener and her father Derek have been training these youngsters and have carried out a superb job, but in the new year we will change our tuition policy. The beginners section meets at 7.00p.m.and starting in the new year they will be given small group or one to one tuition by a new team of tutors. These tutors are Andrew Cooper, Andrew Felton, Hayley Scott and Christopher Thompson, and these sessions will run for about half an hour. Following that the young players will be brought together to learn the skills of playing together as a small group and Andrew, Andrew and Hayley will each week conduct the beginners band on a rotational basis. Our aim is not just to train players but also conductors. We see this as a positive step and one, which should enhance our tuition base considerably.

The junior band has gone through a transitional period recently as long serving conductor Stewart Thompson decided it was time to move on.
Stewart has led the band to a number of contest successes, particularly at The Newcastle Festival and has also helped to extend the bands repertoire with some of his own fine arrangements. The band wishes to thank Stewart for his hard work and dedication and wish him the best of luck in the future.
Taking over from Stewart is Vicky Gardener and again Derek Gardener will assist her.

The Youth band has had a really hectic but rewarding twelve months.
On the contest stage the band has gained two third places, one-second place and three first places. Ironically perhaps our two best performances have been the two third places at the National Contest, and the recent contest at Torquay, and in all the competitions we have been by high quality opposition, such as Smithills, Mount Charles and St Helens.

We have had a very successful workshop with The Fodens Richardson Band, led by Mark Wilkinson and these sessions really do the band the world of good. Also we have welcomed some top class conductors to the band, Malcolm Brownbill, Graham O’Connor, Richard Evans and Dr. Nicholas Childs.

One of the highlights of this year was our trip to The Czech Republic, where we took part in The Fijo Festival In Cheb. An exhausting five-day trip, which saw the band take on the difficulties of marching for the very first time and as usual, came up trumps.

On the concert stage the band celebrated its fifteen-year birthday in fine style with players and conductors past and present coming together with guest soloist Ian Porthouse in a great reunion concert.

The organisation has also taken on a new initiative this year by appointing a composer in residence. This is some one who writes music specifically for Lions Youth Brass. Ian Raisbeck is our composer in Residence. Ian is a former principal cornet player with band and is now studying at The Birmingham Conservatoire.

So 2004 has been a great year for The Youth Band and we have many exciting events to look forward to in 2005, with a workshop with Players from Black Dyke our usual contest dates, a tour in August and also in May the production of our next compact disc.

As for the organisation our focus is to improve The Beginners Band and The Junior Band and for the Youth Band to continue the fine work of this year.

Many thanks to all who have supported the organisation over the last 12 months, Parents, conductors, tutors and players, and in particular to our hard working committee led by Jane Stubbs.

Nigel Birch
Musical Director
Lions Youth Brass

Awards 2004

Bandsman of the year: Stephanie Hughes

Most improved player: Neil Raisbeck (horn), Alex Holsgrove (euphonium)

Band Achievements 2003

3rd place at National Youth Championships of Great Britain

winners at Rhyl Festival of Brass

winners at Huddersfield contest, sarah raisbeck wins best soloist

2nd place at Preston contest

3rd place at Torquay contest

2nd place at Newcastle Music Festival

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