OLD NEWS
2009
FIREFIGHTERS CHARITY ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT - "Another feast of entertainment" was how reviewer Graham Peters described this ever popular annual concert where the Band were joined by The Fisher Singers, The North Yorkshire Bagpipes Band, The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Band and singer soloist, Lucy Rhodes. Click here to read the review
<31/12/09>
2009 RETROSPECTIVE -
What a year 2009 has been for The Harrogate Band! We gained a new Musical Director, several new members, regained silverware and had an acclaimed run in a theatrical production! That's not to mention the wide array of other contests and concerts which have seen the band travel across Northern England to venues including Buxton, Scarborough, Selby and Durham.
New Faces - 2009 saw the appointment of the band's 6th Musical Director - Roy Waite. Roy studied music at Nottingham University and the Royal Academy of Music, going on to play with many of the top bands as solo cornet including: Crossley Carpet Works, Hammonds Sauce Works , Dalmellington and Desford Colliery as principal cornet. He has brought a wealth of conducting experience from Championship Section bands including Lindley, Boarshurst, Amoco, Barrow Vickers, Skipton and Mossley.
As a 'modern' brass band our players come from all walks of life, and this year it has been especially refreshing to see an influx of youthful enthusiasm into the band - local recruits Nathan Wake and Luke Galloway have graduated from the excellent Tewit Youth Band, whilst Paula Roberts moved to the area from 'oop north'. Bartolomeo 'Bart' Girardi also joined us on percussion from Italy - via Leeds where he working on an EU programme as a volunteer teacher.
An old face also returned, with Rob Illsley returning as Principal Cornet bringing his skill and guidance to a new look cornet section.
Contesting - The band took part in three contests during 2009 - fewer than in recent years but each with strong results. The contesting year began in Darlington at the North of England Regional Championships, where our performance of Graham Cole's 'Pentacle' gained a creditable 5th place in the First Section. Spring saw a return to the popular Buxton Brass Band Festival, where our performance of Philip Sparke's magnificent 'Year of the Dragon' secured 4th place overall. The contesting highlight then came in September at the the Hardraw Scar contest, where the band played in the wonderful amphitheatre below the Hardraw Force waterfall to win back its trophy and become champions once again. Having won the contest in 2007, we had been pipped at the post in 2008 by the Shepherd Group Band. This year, however the tables were turned and the Harrogate Band stormed past the competition to win. In addition to winning the contest, then band also gained the prize for the best contest march of the day.
New venues and ventures - The year saw many new venues and joint ventures for the band. June saw a joint performance in the fantastic St Wilfred's Church with the acclaimed Harrogate Choral Society, whilst the summer brought new opportunities for the band at Harlow Carr Music Festival and Bolton Abbey. A trip to the seaside appeared on the engagements list when the band was invited to perform for Unison at the Scarborough Spa complex - sadly it turned out to be a windy and rainy night in October, although this didn't stop some band members paddling!. A visit to Hampsthwaite saw the band play in front of a crammed memorial hall and one of the warmest welcomes of the year.
Old Favourites - Once again the band represented the village of Trimdon Grange at the Durham Miners Gala, and returned to super venues and audiences at Ripon Holy Trinity Church, Sinai Synagogue, Meanwood Methodist Church, Wetherby Riverside Bandstand, Pateley Bridge Bandstand, Starbeck Methodist Church, Roundhay Park and Pannal Golf Club before closing the year at Harrogate International Centre at the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Christmas Carol Concert.
Goodbyes - We said goodbye to 'baby' David Smith who moved on after several years with the band, latterly as our principal cornet. Prior to his departure however we were delighted to accompany David in his Final Performance as part of his music degree at University of York St John. David is now playing with the world famous Black Dyke Band and we wish him every success in the future.
Brassed Off! - The highlight of the year came in early October, when the band joined forces with Harrogate Dramatic Society to present "Brassed Off" for the first time at Harrogate Theatre. Not only was the show a fantastic experience for all involved but it was also a resounding success with audiences, playing to full houses at every show. As the Harrogate Advertiser put it: "....and it is the music of the band - those familiar tunes such as the rousing Land of Hope Glory or the jubilant Floral Dance - that lifts the spirits when nothing else can. The Harrogate Band played such tunes magnificently, and proved what talented and accomplished performers they are."
We now look forward to busy 2010 - our 40th Anniversary and to seeing our supporters at the variety of concerts and some special events that we will be staging.
<31/12/2009>
B'NAI B'RITH CONCERT - SINAI SYNAGOGUE -
The annual David Clayman Memorial Concerts have become something of a landmark both in the Leeds Lodge and Leeds Jewish community's calendar. As many of you will know, David was a former popular President of the Leeds Lodge and it was decided to commemorate his untimely passing with a brass band concert some years ago. Not surprising then that the BBUK National Executive decided to go en bloc up north for a November weekend to both take the rare opportunity to socialise with our northern colleagues and to hear (and see) for themselves why brass bands are so popular in the north.
We weren't disappointed being given an especially warm welcome by Leeds joint President Derek Levy (his co-President Tony Felston was unable to attend) and the team who organized the hospitality and the concert led by Carole Clayman and Jeff Brownhut. And, of course, we got to meet many other Leeds members. Special thanks are also due to the Melnicks, Valerie and Joe of SAUL Lodge, who sparked the initiative to get the visit going in the first place.
Musically, it was a special evening for at this, the fifth concert in the series, we saw the debut of the award-winning Harrogate Band. If you don't associate the spa town of Harrogate with brass bands then you might also be surprised to learn that band membership includes estate agents, department store managers and academics. Whilst 'Nimrod' reminded us of Elgar's links with Harrogate, the band showed their versatility with arrangements of works by Ted Heath, Louis Armstrong, Ron Goodwin and Tchaikovsky
There were over 400 enthusiastic people in the audience at the Siniai Synagogue Hall with the proceeds going to BBUK charities and the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board.
<2/12/2009>
LUKE WHO'S GOT HIS HANDS FULL - It takes dexterity, concentration, skill plus plenty of practice and if done properly, entertains people of all ages. Luke Galloway is an expert juggler who combines his love of juggling with his other passion, brass banding, where he says similar attributes are required. Sixteen year old Luke runs a juggling club, The Theatre of the Absurd, and is now a fully signed up member of The Harrogate Band, North Yorkshire's finest brass band, playing the tenor horn.
The Harrogate Band players only realised Luke's other passion when he was found juggling with players' instrument stands and mutes minutes before a concert, "He's a very talented juggler," said Keith Graham, Harrogate Band Chairman, "added to that, he's a also an accomplished tenor horn player, it's great having him join the Band."
Luke's juggling prowess is brought to bear on the twenty other participants in The Circus of the Absurd, a juggling club he runs at the HYPeR Youth Club on Tuesday evenings, where he can be found helping out aspirant jugglers of all ages by passing on tips and training them. Commenting on the similarities between his two hobbies Luke said, "You wouldn't think it but many of the things you need to be a juggler are shared with playing a musical instrument; concentration; practice; awareness of your surroundings; performing in front of an audience; controlling your nerves when performing as well as basic hand eye co-ordination."
Luke also uses his juggling to focus his mind before appearing on stage with the Band. Keith Graham commented: "A lot of players have set routines they go through before going on stage to control their nerves, most people fidget and clean their instruments but whenever I look across at Luke he's usually found something to juggle and has a gang of players round him watching him go through one of his routines!".
Luke commented: "It's a great way for me to relax and release the tension before I perform on stage with the Band. You need something to distract you and stop you getting nervous so I like to juggle and the players love to watch, in fact it's got to the stage now where people are routing through their instrument cases finding stuff for me to juggle just to challenge me!".
Asked whether Luke will get to combine his two passions on stage Keith Graham said: "I'd love it if we could work Luke's juggling into one of our performances. We're always looking for opportunities to add new dimensions to our concerts to entertain audiences. I predict we'll have something for him to work on pretty soon, watch this space."
Let's hope for Luke's sake the Band won't be expecting him to play his tenor horn and juggle at the same time, then he really would have his hands full.
<9/11/2009>
WAKEY WAKEY! -
Harrogate Band has recently signed 19 year old Nathan Wake as its new star soprano cornet player.
College student Wake started playing aged 8 and progressed through Knaresborough Silver Band and the Tewit Youth Band before trying starting out for the Harrogate Band in June. Since having been made an official member last week Wake is getting used to life in the upper tier of brass banding.
Commenting on his recent experiences since joining the Band Wake said: "I've had a fantastic time, since joining we've won an entertainment contest and taken part in Brassed Off at Harrogate Theatre, it's been amazing! I love playing the cornet and my playing has improved so much and so quickly since I've been playing with the Band."
Wake has benefited from a unique mentoring scheme set up by the Band to help new young players adjust to the higher demands of playing in a top section band. Music teacher and band associate, Delroy Broadwaite, acts as his Band mentor. He gives him tips and guidance in addition to the regular lessons he recieves from his cornet teacher. "Del's great" says Wake, "he offered me some great tips and advice before my first contest with the Band, it's great to have someone I can turn to for advice for playing at this level."
Wake's made such a good debut at Harrogate he's already been asked to perform a stand up solo in the band's upcoming concerts. The Band's Chairman, Keith Graham, commented,
"It's great having Nathan on board, he practices hard and clearly loves his banding. Most importantly to us, he's a local lad who's come to us from the Tewit Youth Band. We'd rather give a seat to a young player from a youth band than offer a position to a more experienced player from outside the area."
Wake will be appearing with the Harrogate Band in their concert 30th October in Hampsthwaite Village Hall and at the Fire Fighter's Charity Concert 20th December.
<30/10/2009>
BRASSED OFF SUCCESS -
This show could have been all about the music. Set in the mid-1990's at the time of the pit closures, it tells of one mining community's efforts to fight the sweeping changes put in place by Margaret Thatcher and continued under John Major's leadership.
It deals not just with the closure of a pit in the fictional South Yorkshire town of Grimley, but all that went with it, from the disintegration of individuals, families and the community to the loss of the colliery band.
It is the band that plays on throughout, that provides a beacon of hope for a community with nothing left. And it is the music of the band - those familiar tunes such as the rousing Land of Hope Glory or the jubilant Floral Dance - that lifts the spirits when nothing else can.
The Harrogate Band played such tunes magnificently, and proved what talented and accomplished performers they are. They could have stolen the show - but instead were matched in talent by the members of the Harrogate Dramatic Society, who gave strong, believable and emotive performances.
The whole show was a triumph which held the audience captive throughout, a feat in no small part down to the director Paul Dunstan, whose program notes reflect a passion and understanding for the play's subject which he clearly brought out in all his cast. As he says "For me, it's a fitting vehicle in which to pay tribute to Yorkshire miners and musicians during that last era when their curtain finally came down on an industry they had lived for and were prepared to die for."
<11/10/2009>
HARDRAW SCAR CHAMPIONS! -
The band returned to the wonderful amphitheatre below the Hardraw Force waterfall to win back its trophy and become the Hardraw Scar champions once again. Having won the contest in 2007, it was just pipped at the post in 2008 by the Shepherd Group Band. This year, however the tables were turned and the Harrogate Band stormed past the competition to win. In addition to winning the contest, then band also gained the prize for the best contest march of the day.
The band's conductor, Roy Waite, was delighted with the performances and the first win for the band under his baton.
The programme commenced with James Curnow's Fanfare and Flourishes, followed by a virtuoso performance of Philip Sparke's Pantomime by euphonium soloist Craig Ratcliffe. The hymn The Day Thou Gavest, arranged by Philip Wilby led into the march Roll Away Bet by J. Ord Hume.The band completed its performance with an emotional rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone, in the arrangement by Howard Snell.
For further pictures of the Band at Hardraw Scar see: www.pbase.com/harrogateband/2009
Photograph by kind permission of Wendy Binns
<14/9/2009>
CONCERT FOR CHRISTIAN AID - HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, RIPON -
"Another great night out thanks to the Harrogate Band" was how organisers described this fundraising concert which raised nearly £800 for Christian Aid to a full appreciative audience in Holy Trinity Church Ripon. Click here to read the review
<10/9/2009>
BAND TASTES A PIZZA ITALIAN DRUMMING
When a volunteer teacher came over from Italy to work in Yorkshire he hardly expected to be taking part in a great Yorkshire musical tradition. Bartolomeo Girardi has joined North Yorkshire's premier brass band, The Harrogate Band, on their talented percussion team.
Bartolomeo (or Bart, as he is known) is working on an EU programme as a volunteer teacher for people with disabilities, he joined The Harrogate Band in May. He had never even heard of brass bands before coming along to his first practice but once he came he found he was hooked on the unique Yorkshire brass band sound. Commenting on his foray into brass banding Bart said: "I love playing for the Band, everyone's so friendly and welcoming at Harrogate and the standard of playing is as high as the orchestras I play in back home. I had never even heard a Yorkshire brass band before I came along and I was really curious to find out more, it's been great fun".
You might think that hailing from the country of Verdi, Puccini and Rossini would mean a slight disdain for that most traditional of Yorkshire sounds but this is where Bart has been surprised: "The Band has played pieces like The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Verdi's Nabucco, Napoli and many other classical arrangements that I've been brought up with from back home, the popular operas sound great being played by a brass band. The other great thing is that music is an international language and I can cope ok in rehearsals, in fact, it's even easier than you might think because in music all the descriptions for how the music should be played are in Italian! so actually, everyone else is speaking my language!"
Bart is the first Italian who has played for The Harrogate Band and he has proved a hit with the Band's players. Band supporter and percussion trainer Delroy Broadwaite has been especially impressed; "The Band play a lot of jazz and big band music which is new to Bart but he's coped really well and his language skills have really come on. He's an absolute delight to work with. His dedication and work ethic are fantastic especially when you consider that he uses a wheelchair and comes to rehearsals from Leeds using public transport. He says he's going to go back to Italy and tell them all about us so maybe he'll set up a fan-club up for us out there!"
The Harrogate Band will be performing with The Harrogate Dramatic Society in a live production of the hit film 'Brassed Off' in Harrogate Theatre from 30th September to 3rd October.
<1/8/2009>
CONCERT WITH HARROGATE CHORAL SOCIETY -
This was a great success, with both organisations delivering a polished performance to a packed audience at St Wilfrid's Church in Harrogate. Click here to read the review
<19/6/2009>
APPOINTMENT OF NEW MUSICAL DIRECTOR -
The Harrogate Band is delighted to announce the appointment of Roy Waite as its new Musical Director. Roy has a wealth of conducting experience and had a distinguished career playing principal cornet for a number of major brass bands.
The Harrogate Band, North Yorkshire's finest brass band, has started rehearsals under the baton of its new musical director, Roy Waite. The Band has bid a fond farewell to its musical director of 14 years, David Lancaster who led the Band from the lower leagues of the brass band world to the top flight.
Roy conducted the Band at the Buxton Contest earlier this year and is an enthusiastic and experienced brass band conductor with a wealth of musical experience with top flight bands including Lindley, Boarshurst, Amoco and Barrow Vickers (as professional conductor), Skipton and Mossley both of whom he took to the National Finals competition in the same year. Like many conductors Roy Waite started off as a player and has played with many of the UK's top brass bands on solo cornet including: Crossley Carpet Works Band, Hammonds Sauce Works Band, Dalmellington Band and Desford Colliery Band as principal cornet. He studied music at Nottingham University and then the Royal Academy of Music. Like many exceptional brass band players he has pursued a career as a highly successful professional trumpet player playing with orchestras and jazz bands around the country.
Roy Waite also writes and arranges music for brass band continuing a theme started by the Band's former musical director David Lancaster who is a highly successful composer and arranger in his own right.
On formally appointing Roy Waite as The Harrogate Band's Musical Director, The Band's chairman, Keith Graham commented, "Replacing a Musical Director of 14 years has been huge challenge for the Band but I feel we have found a Musical Director who understands the Harrogate ethos of entertaining audiences whilst introducing them to new and interesting works. Roy brings a wealth of experience to The Band and the passion he demonstrates in rehearsals is infectious."
Roy spent many years as a music teacher in Lancashire where he now lives and devotes his time to consultancy work and composing and arranging. On being appointed to the Band Roy said: "The Harrogate Band doesn't conform to the traditional stereotype of a brass band, it has a reputation for innovation, entertainment and looking forward. The standard of playing is high and the sound that the players produce is superb. In an era when quality players are hard to come by and some brass bands are disappearing this Band is capable of winning prizes and I intend to ensure we fulfil that potential."
Both Roy Waite and his predecessor David Lancaster are both from Lancashire which has caused some eyebrow raising with local supporter and proud Yorkshireman Delroy Broadwaite, "The previous conductor was from Lancashire and did his own compositions and now the new guy is from Lancashire and does his own compositions, it's taken me by surprise but it's what is best for the Band that counts."
When asked what he made of Harrogate Roy commented. "I am delighted to play my part in the cultural life of Harrogate. When you look at the culture Harrogate has to offer it's fantastic. There are choirs, youth bands, theatre companies, orchestras, jazz bands who all play their part in making the cultural life of the area richer and more varied. Next year is the Band's 40th anniversary year, very young in brass band terms, and I hope we can partner other organisations to put on joint concerts and events to entertain audiences throughout the Harrogate area."
The Harrogate Bands forthcoming concert programme includes Music for a Summer Evening at St Wilfrid's Church at 7.30 pm on Saturday, June 6th where they are joined by the excellent Harrogate Choral Society. The combination of the sound of choir and brass in architect Temple Moore's grade 1 listed masterpiece simply cannot be missed. Tickets are available on the door or telephone Gill Crowther, 01423 817885 for more information. The Band will also be taking part in a theatrical production of the hit film "Brassed Off" with Harrogate Amateur Dramatic Society in Harrogate Theatre in October.
<1/1/2009>
2008
FESTIVE CARD STRIKES A HIGH NOTE -
The Harrogate Band, will be sending a little Christmas cheer out to their friends and clients this Christmas. Long-time local supporter and artist, Christine Garrett, was commissioned by the band to design a Christmas card for the band to send to clients who have used the band's services over the last couple of years. The card depicts band members carolling outside the Royal Hall as the snow falls. The Band has performed at a number of concerts to raise money for the Hall, most recently at the "Fanfare for the Royal Hall" concert which raised £3000 for the Restoration Trust and they will be returning to the Royal Hall shortly to perform at the upcoming Fire Brigade Charity Concert.
Chairman, Keith Graham, commented, "this is a great opportunity to spread a little Christmas cheer and thank those organisations that have supported us over the last few years. I think it's fitting that Christine's shown us carolling, even though we're a top section band it's an important part of banding tradition and local people like to see their band out at Christmas playing traditional carols".
The Harrogate Band can be seen carolling in Marks and Spencers in Harrogate and Leeds over the next few weeks and in concerts in Starbeck Methodist Church and St Mark's Church Harrogate early 2009.
<4/12/2008>
THERE'S BRASS UP NORTH -
And thanks to Leeds B'nai B'rith some of it is going to help Holocaust survivors in the Ukraine, needy children in Qiryat Gat and Leeds Jewish Welfare Board.
This fifth David Clayman annual brass band concert saw the award-winning Harrogate Band make their debut B'nai B'rith appearance to a delighted audience at Sinai Synagogue. If you don't associate the spa town of Harrogate with brass bands then you might also be surprised to learn that band membership includes estate agents, department store managers and academics. Whilst 'Nimrod' reminded us of Elgar's links with Harrogate, the band showed their versatility with arrangements of works by Ted Heath, Louis Armstrong, Ron Goodwin and Tchaikovsky.
The evening was arranged by a B'nai B'rith team led by council members Carole Clayman and Jeff Brownhut. Our picture shows (Left to Right) Leeds B'nai B'rith joint Presidents Doreen Winer and Shirley Casdan face the music with BBUK administrators and 'volunteer' musicians Valerie and Joe Melnick from Shlomo Argov Unity Lodge.
<30/11/2008>
DAVID LANCASTER GOES OUT WITH A BANG -
The final of the Kippax Entertainment Contest provided the platform for David Lancaster's last engagement with the band before taking up the baton with the Yorkshire Imperial Band. Against very stiff competition from EYMS Band and Drighlington Band, we won second place. Adjudicator Alan Morrison considered the performance "a well thought out and intelligently presented programme that was slickly presented and enjoyed by all .... provided entertainment in spades". The programme started with the band coming on stage to David Lancaster's arrangement of marches in Sousa & Co., followed by Ivar Torkangerspoll's Degroove. Principal cornetist, David Smith, then impressed Alan Morrison with Alan's own arrangement of Satchmo, which was followed by Bright Spark, an original composition by David Lancaster commissioned by Tewit Youth Band in memory of Tom Mansfield. Evelyn Glennie's A Little Prayer provided a quiet and beautiful interlude before the jungle erupted with our second soloist, Paul Davies on bass trombone, with I Wanna Be Like You, complete with monkeys and snakes on stage! The final piece was David's arrangement Happy Happy Happy ending the concert with streamers and party poppers.
A fantastic evening's entertainment from all the bands was enjoyed by all - and the Harrogate Band is delighted to say farewell to David Lancaster in such a splendid fashion, We wish him all the very best for his future with brass bands, conducting, composing and adjudicating, and thank him for his dedication and leadership guiding the Harrogate Band over the last 14 years.
<9/11/2008>
DEPARTURE OF DAVID LANCASTER -
We announce the forthcoming departure of our longstanding Musical Director, David Lancaster.
Since taking up the post of MD in 1994, David has led the band from the 3rd Section to the Championship Section, where the band is currently competing for the 6th consecutive year. During this time both the Band and David have grown in stature and popularity, with a series of strong contest results have gained a reputation for musical excellence and innovation.
2009 will see David and The Harrogate Band pursuing new and different challenges. David moves on to take up the post of Resident Musical Director with Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel Band and will also continue to develop his burgeoning career in Brass Band journalism. David's final engagement with the Harrogate Band will at the finals of the Kippax Band Entertainment Contest on 9th November, after which he will continue to be involved with the band on an informal basis, and of course will remain in contact with his many friends in the band. For The Harrogate Band, a busy 2009 diary beckons, along with new direction as the band works towards it's participation in the North of England Championships in March.
Chairman Keith Graham was full of praise for David who has been an integral part of successes that the Band have enjoyed: "David's contribution to the band over the past 14 years has simply been enormous. His musical leadership has taken the group in directions and to levels that we might never otherwise have reached, and he has also worked actively throughout as a band member and friend - always involved at the very heart of everything we do. His contribution will be greatly missed, and we wish him well in his new challenges."
David commented: "I have enjoyed enormously my time with Harrogate Band and am proud of the band's many achievements during those years; I will always be grateful for the opportunities the band has afforded me."
The Harrogate Band thanks David for his great work with the band, and wishes him the very best for the future.
<9/102008>
KIPPAX CONTEST WIN -
The band was in great form when it competed in the heat of the 2008 Kippax Entertainment Contest. It's programme and performance clearly impressed the adjudicator, who awarded the band first prize and a place in the final, taking place on November 9th.
<11/6/2008>
 ON ILKA MOOR WITH MYLEEN -
On Easter Saturday the Band braved the snowy weather, to record some music for the One Show on BBC1 television. Presenter Myleen Klaas, together with her film crew were putting together a series of reports on folksongs, one of which was "On Ilka Moor". The Band was asked to provide the music of the song and play it for the programme - where else but on Ilkey Moor.
<22/3/2008>
RE-OPENING OF THE ROYAL HALL -
After some years of meticulous restoration work and fund-raising from many organisations in Harrogate, including ourselves, we were delighted to be part of the celebrations at the official re-opening of the Royal Hall, on Tuesday 22nd January 2008. In the presence of H.R.H. Prince Charles, the Harrogate Band played a concert of music to the waiting crowds and welcomed him to Harrogate and the Royal Hall. The Prince of Wales opened the Royal Hall and toured the restored building while listening to music played by the Tewit Youth Band. Following the event, the our MD, David Lancaster, was pleased to receive the following thanks from the Royal Hall Restoration Trust.
Thank you so much for making such a wonderful contribution to the success of Tuesday's visit by the Prince of Wales. You and the Band have been so supportive of the Trust and the Royal Hall over many years, and I am hugely grateful. Please pass on my sincere thanks to all members of the band who took so much trouble to turn out on a cold January afternoon to play such an important part of what was truly a memorable and historic occasion.
<25/01/2008>
2007
CONCERT WITH LAUDAMUS CHOIR - 17th NOVEMBER -
This was the first concert appearance for The Harrogate Band since their triumph at the recent Hardraw Scar contest where they were crowned overall winners. The recently renovated Holy Trinity Church in Ripon provided the venue for a evening of Brass and Voices featuring solo and group performances of the highest standard.
The Laudamus Youth Choir are based in Wigan, having formed in 1992 and performed at such venues as the Royal Albert Hall, Bridgewater Hall and Festival Hall. They have established a reputation for their fine performances, also having found time to host 2 national choral festivals at the Royal Northern College of Music and to record 2 successful CDs. This season has seen a significant change for the group, it being the first season to feature boys in the choir - having previously been girls only. Their firm commitment to the development of youth vocal talent remains, with over 40 members having progressed to perform with the National Youth Choir.
Musical Director of The Laudamus Youth Choir, Deborah Catterall is a professional singer of the highest standard, and a Director of Music for the National Youth Choir. During the concert Deborah will be featured in some new song arrangements accompanied by The Harrogate Band.
<18/11/2007>
WIN AT HARDRAW - In the impressive natural amphitheatre at Hardraw Scar, just downstream from the Hardraw Force waterfall, is held the annual contest organised by the YHBBA. Harrogate Band, having drawn last, produced a winning performance for its entertainment programme and collected the top prizes for the march, hymn and overall placing.
<9/9/2007>
More new players! - The Harrogate Band's tenor horn section has been augmented with the arrival of Lisa Dunkley, formerly of Redbridge Brass, who has recently moved to Harrogate in connection with her work. Lisa has played alongside Harrogate's MD David Lancaster before, since they were both members of Alder Valley Aldershot Brass during that band's highly successful spell in the early 1990s (which included a performance at the Royal Albert Hall for the National Championships of 1991). Lisa's first contest with Harrogate was the Regional Championships at Darlington when she gave a terrific performance of Isaiah 40's notoriously difficult horn solo - some debut!
<12/4/2007>
Belgium - 'a fantastic weekend, what a great bunch of people...' that was the reaction of one of our guest players to a highly successful overseas tour which the Harrogate Band made over the Easter weekend. The musical highlights were a joint concert with Brass Band Smeermaas, celebrating their fifth anniversary, and a concert in Holland organised by the excellent St Geertrudis Fanfare Band in their magnificent band hall. Both of our host bands had organised meals for the English visitors and provided fine venues and attracted enthusiastic audiences. Soloists included principal cornet David Smith and the irrepressible Nick Garrett (soprano cornet) who brought the houses down with his 'Spanish Eyes'. Other memorable events included a river trip and tour of Maastricht and a sunny day for sightseeing - and the biggest ever bar bill - in Brussels. Night life in Leuven where we stayed (our hotel was across the road from the titanic Stella Artois brewery) was so good that several players only arrived back at the hotel in time for breakfast on departure day: a good time was certainly had by all!
<10/4/2007>
Fanfare for the Royal Hall - Restoration work on Harrogate's famous Royal Hall continues apace, and the Harrogate Band contributed to the fundraising efforts by contributing to a 'Fanfare for the Royal Hall' in which five of Harrogate's bands took part, alongside St Andrews Players' Choral Ensemble. The audience at the International Centre was large and enthusiastic, and clearly appreciated the wide range of musical styles on offer. Harrogate Band concluded the evening with a rousing performance which included David Lancaster's 'Rich Heritage' march, Kevin Norbury's 'Hallelujah Parade' and a recreation of the famous Two Ronnies' 'Bandsmen' sketch, with percussionists Steve Morland and Andrew Whitaker singing and playing the lead roles!
<25/3/2007>
Darlington - Robert Redhead's 'Isaiah 40' proved a stern but very enjoyable test for the Championship Section bands in this year's round of Regional Championships. Harrogate's team were delighted with their performance at Darlington, particularly in the light of the many personnel changes in recent months. However the 'new-look' band was impressive on its first contest outing and did enough to retain Harrogate's position in the Championship Section in 2008. MD David Lancaster said that 'the players all gave 100 per cent today and apart from one or two slips towards the close, the performance was exactly as we had prepared it. I was particularly pleased with the input of our new members, some of whom had not contested at this level previously but without exception they have risen to the challenge'.
<19/3/2007>
 Fanfare for the Royal Hall - The restoration of Harrogate's Royal Hall at a cost of some eight and a half million pounds is now well under way, but fundraising continues in order that the renovation can include authentic decoration of the Hall and the re-opening of the upper gallery. The this end The Harrogate Band is joining forces with several other musical groups for the Harrogate District to present a 'Fanfare for the Royal Hall' which will take place in the Harrogate International Centre on Sunday 25th March at 7.30 pm. Other groups taking part are Knaresborough Silver Band, Tewit Youth Band, Harrogate and Skipton Music Centre Area Band, White Rose Concert Band and singers from St Andrews' Players who will each present a 20-minute programme. Since the Hall is scheduled to re-open in December 2007 this could be one of the last major opportunities to contribute to the fundraising; Tickets £10, Children under 16, £5, from 01423 537230. A rich and varied programme of entertaining music is guaranteed!
<19/1/2007>
New Faces - Over the last month the band has seen a number of changes of personnel with many new players making their debut with the band over the Christmas period. Mark Beardsell and Helen Kendall have joined the band on cornets and Vincent Ashby-Smith has joined the band's busy percussion section! Craig Ratcliffe has filled the solo euphonium position, whilst two current players have moved within the band: Nick Garrett to soprano cornet and David Smith has moved up one place into the principal cornet seat. Other new signings are expected shortly as the band gears up for a busy year ahead which will include a European tour and a new CD recording in addition to the usual round of concerts and contests.
<17/1/2007>
 Starbeck Concert - The Harrogate Band played to a packed house at Starbeck Methodist Church on Saturday 13 January in a concert which marked the re-opening of the church following extensive renovation. In their first concert of the year the band featured David Smith and Lynne Stockdale as soloists and Keith Graham and Catherine Morland delighted the audience with their baritone duet Me and My Shadow. Unusually the concert also included a percussion quartet: Howard Snell's arrangement of The Clock and Dresden Figures by Albert Ketelby. During the concert Chairman Keith presented a bouquet to Liz Lancaster to mark her 'retirement' after serving as the band's General Secretary for several years. The large and enthusiastic audience was fulsome in it's appreciation of the band's performance and we look forward to a return to Starbeck in the not-too-distant future.
<15/1/2007>
 Daniel and Georgina - The Harrogate Band has played at a number of band members' weddings in recent years and was delighted to play for the occasion of solo trombonist Dan Dickinson's marriage to Georgina in Osmotherley in December. The bride entered to the sound of 'Elsa's Procession to the Minster' and during the signing of the register the band accompanied Dan's cousin Victoria who gave a sensitive rendition of 'Over the Rainbow'. The music the couple had chosen to accompany their leaving the church had been a closely-guarded secret but everyone seemed to enjoy the moment as the band broke into an upbeat performance of 'Sing, Sing, Sing' sending everyone out with a smile on their faces! The band members send their very best wishes to Dan and Georgina for the years ahead.
<31/12/2006>
2006
 CENTRE STAGE WITH ALAN MORRISON - It isn't often that The Harrogate Band has the opportunity to perform on the stage of the town's impressive Victorian theatre, so when the chance arose the band was keen to make the most of it! Joining forces with cornet virtuoso Alan Morrison - the band presented a varied programme of popular classics alongside original band music, with a contrast in the second half where both band and soloist used the space and resources of the theatre to present a specially selected programme. Click here to read a review of the concert.
<23/6/2006>
WHIT FRIDAY - The band enjoyed a second visit to the Whit Friday march contests in Saddleworth where they played William Rimmer's classic march The Black Knight.  Perhaps owing to the spell of good weather there seemed to be many more bands in attendance than last year and so Harrogate only managed to compete in 5 events. The best result was a highly creditable fourth place at Denshaw - on average the band's results were significantly higher than last year.
<9/6/2006>
LANCASTER CATHEDRAL -  A long coach journey over the Pennines was the prelude to a concert which the band gave at Lancaster Cathedral last month, the final concert in the inaugural concert season at the Cathedral. The programme included Die Zauberflote and Ave Verum Corpus to mark the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth and 'Shine as the Light' by Peter Graham. Featured soloists were David Smith (cornet) and Adrian Lowes (euphonium) whilst Steve Morland and Andrew Whitaker joined forces (in costume!) for the xylophone duet 'The Two Imps'. The knowledgeable audience included members of a number of local bands and they must have been quite impressed as Harrogate sold a record number of CDs at this concert! Hopefully it won't be too long before the band has the opportunity to make a return visit.
<3/6/2006>
RIPON ROTARY - The impressive setting of Holy Trinity Church in Ripon was the magnificent venue for a concert which the band gave in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Relief. In tribute to the organisers, Ripon Rotary Club, Harrogate opened the second half of the concert with Peter Graham's new march 'Celebrate Rotary', composed to mark the 100th anniversary of the Rotarian movement. The concert was well received by a large and enthusiastic audience and raised nearly £900 towards cancer care.
<20/5/2006>
 BESIDE THE SEASIDE - The Spring Festival, held in Blackpool's Winter Gardens, is one of the premiere brass band contests today. It arose from the ashes of the Belle Vue Spring Festival when Manchester's famous amusement park closed for the last time; the contest remains a battleground for bands in the Championship Section, the elite of the brass band movement. Harrogate took part in the Senior Trophy class against some very strong bands from as far afield as Cornwall, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in addition to several from Lancashire, Yorkshire and the North East. Playing the set testpiece 'The Essence of Time' by Peter Graham, the band gave a spirited and well shaped performance which earned them sixth place out of twenty bands, a highly creditable result which goes some way to make up for the band's disappointing result at Darlington earlier this year.
<13/5/2006>
Jazz Night - The Harrogate International Youth Music Festival takes place each year at Easter, attracting bands from all around the world who present concerts alongside Harrogate's own excellent youth bands all around the Harrogate District. This year, numbers of visiting bands had fallen slightly, possibly due to the London bombings last summer and the unstable situation in Iraq, so Festival Director Sharon Canavar invited the (slightly less youthful) Harrogate Band to contribute to one of the concerts. Of course many Harrogate players had played in the Festival during their own schooldays and cornet player Andrew Jackson had participated in the very first HIYMF back in the 1970s. The event chosen was the popular Jazz and Swing Evening held at the Crown Hotel, and the band presented a short set from their new 'Swing!' CD, which drew a warm and appreciative response from the large audience. Although doubly out of place playing swing music in a youth festival, the Harrogate Band continues to seek out new audiences and opportunities in a continuing effort to popularise brass band music in the wider community.
<16/4/2006>
 IATEFL - The Harrogate Band had the honour of introducing the brass band to an international audience when we played for the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language in April. The concert, held in Harrogate's International Centre was a relaxed and informal affair, with band members able to chat to the audience during the interval; most European countries were represented, including those from Eastern Europe, along with delegates from the USA, Africa and the Middle East, many of whom were listening to a brass band for the first time.
<9/4/2006>
MUSICAL DIRECTOR'S AWARD - Each year at the Annual General Meeting of the band the MD makes a presentation to the player who he considers had made the greatest improvement during the previous year. In 2006 the award was presented to cornet player David Smith who has given several highly accomplished performances during the year, deputising for principal cornet player Robert Illsley on a number of occasions. David was previously a member of St Aidan's School Concert Band and the Tewit Youth Band, joining Harrogate with his father Cliff some three years ago. Congratulations David!
<22/3/2006>
RADIO 4 BROADCAST - The Harrogate Band made a brief "appearance" in the Broadcasting House programme on Radio 4 this Sunday (5th March) as part of the weekly quiz. An extract from The Harrogate Songbook, which can be found on the Made in Harrogate CD, was played together with other sounds to illustrate the town of Harrogate - such as Betty's tea room, Betty Lupton's Ladle Laikers, and the Turkish Baths. The first sound heard is that of some music representing Ming the Merciless - a reference to the new Liberal Party leader and the party Conference being held in the town this weekend! The broadcast quiz can be heard here - bhhb.mp3.
<5/3/2006>
NEW MARIMBA MUSIC - Composer Damien Harron has teamed up with David Lancaster and the Harrogate Band to produce a brand new marimba work for the band. The Band commissioned a new work for marimba and band by Damien, who is well known as one of the four multi-talented percussionists in the award-winning Backbeat ensemble, and is also an exciting and innovative composer in his own right. The band is thrilled with the new piece and looking forward to its first performance when Simone Rebello will be the soloist, in Ripon Cathedral on February 26th.
Entitled Along Those Lines it is a rhythmically driven piece that combines the energetic, percussive tones of the marimba, (which plays almost constantly) with a succession of broader melodic phrases in the band parts. It's a challenging piece for soloist and band but we're confident that the audience will respond favourably to its rhythmic energy and drive - in places it's quite funky!
The band selected Damien to compose for them because they wanted to find a composer from outside of the mainstream band movement, and someone who really understood the full potential of the marimba. When Simone Rebello introduced David Lancaster to Damien's music he was immediately convinced. Simone will play Along Those Lines on forthcoming overseas tours, and Damien is to provide the band with a 2-player version of the marimba part so the work is assured of many performances all around the world.
<14/2/2006>
 SWING! - The Band's latest CD, Swing! is now available. The Harrogate Band has chosen a broad selection of jazz and swing music, centred around the classics of Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Benny Goodman and Ted Heath but also exploring the more modern sounds of Brubeck, Kenton and Abdullah Ibrahim.
Brass bands and big bands are from very different musical traditions: the heritage of the traditional British brass band draws largely upon European classical and military music whereas the big band whose swing music became popular in the 30's and 40's were descended from Afro-American jazz and blues. But there are similarities too: both were originally the music of working class peoples and both have survived and continued to evolve and develop in spite of changing fashions and the dominance of pop and rock music.
The modern brass band is eclectic in its approach and takes its repertoire from a wide range of musical styles. A typical concert might include marches, solos and serious original band music alongside classical transcriptions, music from stage, screen or television and all kinds of popular styles. This recording is very different: here the Harrogate Band is attempting to cross a musical boundary and in doing so create something quite new, neither one thing nor another but hopefully incorporating the best of both.
The Harrogate Band's previous four recordings have each met with great success and we are sure that this one will provide as much pleasure for the listener as we had producing it.
For further details, or to order CDs please see the recordings page
<25/1/2006>
THE YEAR AHEAD - The Harrogate Band has a tremendous year in prospect as it looks forward to a series of exciting concert and contest opportunities. On 14th January the band is close to home in Starbeck where the Methodist Church is celebrating its 75th birthday and has invited the Band to present a concert to begin the celebrations. February sees the Band travel south as far as Yeovil where it will take part in the prestigious Entertainment Contest alongside a dozen or more of the country's leading bands. On 26th February the band will return to Ripon Cathedral to present an afternoon concert with percussion virtuoso Simone Rebello in which the programme will include the first performance of a new work for marimba and brass band by Damian Herron alongside popular favourites chosen to suit the glorious acoustics of the Cathedral. March sees the Band in action in the regional round of the National Brass Band Championships in Darlington when Harrogate will be hoping to improve on last year's best ever fifth place in the Championship Section. In April the band will perform for a conference at Harrogate's International Centre and in May we make a return visit to the Spring Festival competition held at Blackpool's Winter Gardens followed later in the month by a concert in Holy Trinity Church in Ripon for the first time. In June the Band crosses the Pennines once more for a concert in Lancaster Cathedral as part of a prestigious new concert series, then in July we take up an invitation to present a concert in Harrogate Theatre - a great opportunity to play in this marvellous venue and the evening is sure to bring out not only a high standard of performance but also an exciting visual presentation. This isn't the complete picture of the Band's spring schedule by any means but it certainly promises to be an exciting and busy time which reflects the extent to which the Band is now in demand.
Please find full details of these concerts including ticket availability in the 'Engagements' section of our website.
<3/1/2006>
2005
 TROMBONE VACANCY - It is not often that the The Harrogate Band has a vacancy to fill since we enjoy a relatively stable membership compared to many bands at present. However long-term member Steve Whitwam has decided to take a break from playing in order to concentrate on gaining professional qualifications so we find ourselves on the lookout for a trombonist to take his place. Anyone interested in joining the band in this capacity should contact Musical Director David Lancaster or Chairman Steve Morland (contact details below) to arrange a date to attend a rehearsal. Be assured of a warm welcome and a great musical and social experience!
<31/12/2005>
 CONGRATULATIONS! - to percussionist Iain Wilson who tied the knot with his fiancé Jill on 30th December in the village of Greta Bridge near to Barnard Castle. The band was delighted to play during the service - and to party until late in the evening! Guests at the wedding included players from some of Iain's former bands, notably from Spennymoor Town Band, and all seemed to enjoy our contribution: La Rejouissance for the entry of the bride, Irish Tune from County Derry and Fauré's Pavane for the signing of the register and Sparkling Diamonds after the ceremony. The band send all best wishes to Iain and Jill, currently on honeymoon in the far east.
<31/12/2005>
 CHRISTMAS CONCERTS - The Harrogate Band was even more busy than usual in the weeks before Christmas with no fewer than three major concerts all of which were new venues for the band and all well attended by large and enthusiastic audiences. First stop was Pateley Bridge where David Smith moved up to principal cornet to deputise for Robert Illsley - he gave a fine performance in the top chair including a stylish solo Love on the Rocks. The audience was treated to a big band selection featuring music from our new 'Swing!' CD and some appropriate seasonal music including David Lancaster's arrangement of the Sans Day Carol and Leroy Anderson's Christmas Festival. Next stop was the Mart Theatre in Skipton - the band's first performance in Skipton for over ten years and hopefully not the last. The venue is totally unique - by day it serves as a busy cattle market but in the evening it can become a cosy concert venue which has already attracted a number of star performers in its first season. Soloists included Robert Illsley (cornet), Lynne Stockdale (flugel) and Adrian Lowes who gave a sparking performance of James Curnow's Rhapsody for Euphonium. The final concert was closer to home: St Mark's Church in Harrogate is a fine concert venue and we shared the evening with our good friends the Tewit Youth Band who performed the first half of the programme. Harrogate's contribution included Saint-Seans' exciting Bacchanale, Duke Ellington's Caravan and a fully costumed performance of Kenneth Alford's The Two Imps featuring duettists Steve Morland and Andrew Whitaker on xylophone. Both bands were greeted by rapturous response from the audience and the evening ended our Christmas season on a high note. The Band has won many new admirers all around the region over the past few weeks and hopefully we'll have the opportunity to return to Pateley Bridge and Skipton in the near future.
<27/12/2005>
WHIT FRIDAY CD - As previously reported, The Harrogate Band made it's first visit to the Whit Friday march contests in Lancashire earlier this year and came back with more than just a trophy: all the performances at Delph Contest were recorded and have been issued on a new CD on the Doyen label, and of course Harrogate's performance of William Rimmer's march Arabian has been included. The recording also features performances from such famous bands as Black Dyke, Fodens, Besses o' th' Barn and YBS, and it goes a long way to capture the unique atmosphere of Whit Friday. Copies are available from good record shops or from www.4barsrest.com
<20/10/2005>
BAR LINES - Keith Graham, the most accomplished, experienced and respected First Baritone player in the Band, has collected together a few musings from his ale-enriched colleagues. The results can be seen here in "Bar Lines".
<18/10/2005>
LIGHTING UP THE TOWN - The Harrogate Band certainly provided a memorable evening for the audience which filled St John's Church, Bilton, recently. The concert had been organised by the ladies of Harrogate Soroptomists in order to raise money to pay for the town's Christmas lights. The Band began with the rousing O Fortuna from Carmina Burana and included in their programme a wide range of music, from Londonderry Air to a new arrangement of the march from Things to Come by Sir Arthur Bliss. The Band featured a number of soloists too, notably Adrian Lowes who dazzled the audience with his rendition of Rhapsody for Euphonium by James Curnow, and Jo Campbell whose brilliant playing of Queen of the Night's Aria from The Magic Flute anticipated the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth next year. The first half ended with a musical magic carpet ride which explored the exotic sounds of the middle east, including Duke Ellington's Caravan, The Sheik of Araby (featuring principal cornet player Robert Illsley), The Wedding by Abdullah Ibrahim (with Lynne Stockdale on flugel) and to end the first half: Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah by Saint-Saens.
In the second half the band accompanied guest soloist Laura Jackson, whose lovely voice was hear in three contrasting songs: Over the Rainbow, Somewhere from West Side Story and Rusalka's Song to the Moon by Dvorak. The second half also included a selection of music from the band's recently recorded 'Swing' CD and concert ended with the lively Can-Can. The warm reaction from the appreciative audience drew an expected encore from the band: Sing, Sing, Sing which not only featured the band's percussion section but also some stylish (?) dancing from the cornets!
So a good night was had by all, and the Band and audience can feel that that they've made a valuable contribution to the Christmas Lights appeal.
<15/10/2005>
GETTING INTO THE SWING - Following on from the Variety Show on the Friday evening, the remainder of the weekend was devoted to recording the Band's forthcoming CD. Following on from the success of "Made in Harrogate", their new recording sees the band turn to a Big Band style, including a wide range of Swing and Jazz numbers, including some arrangements never previously recorded. The CD is scheduled for release in time for Christmas.
<12/9/2005>
VARIETY SHOW - The Band had a busy weekend recently, starting with an appearance in "The Tom O'Connor Variety Show". This Spectacular variety show took place in Harrogate's International Centre, and saw the band sharing billing with Shahid Malik, Andy Eastwood, and the SLP Showstoppers along with the star of the show, Tom O'Connor. The one-night only event was arranged in aid of the Royal Hall Restoration Trust which is working towards restoring Harrogate's magnificent Royal Hall which has faithfully served the people of Harrogate and the surrounding district in many different roles over 100 years, but is currently closed and in need of considerable restoration. The Royal Hall, known originally known as The Kursaal, dates from a time when Harrogate was a popular spa resort with its own professional orchestras and bands, so it seems natural that one of Harrogate's leading groups took part in this event. In fact the Band was one of the last performers in the Royal Hall prior to its closure, in a special concert to raise funds for the appeal.
<12/9/2005>
HORN VACANCY - North Yorkshire's Championship Section band has a vacancy for a capable 1st horn player. This is a rare opportunity for a reliable, committed and ambitious player to join a friendly and dedicated band who enjoy their playing at a high level. The band has a full calendar of events, including Wilkinsons and Yeovil contests, lots of good concerts and a CD recording. Our enthusiastic team enjoys full rehearsals, excellent facilities and a wide range of quality music. Please contact MD David Lancaster 01423 522643 or email david_lancaster@ntlworld.com
<4/8/2005>
 A PIECE OF HISTORY - The Band has recently been given an early photograph of one of the original Harrogate Bands. Thought to be that of Harrogate Temperance Prize Band from around the 1890s, not long after that band was formed. The picture shows the full band outside a large tent - possibly at one of the various shows or galas at the time. Anyone with any further information about this picture, or with any similar material from local bands of earlier days is requested to contact Gavin Holman 
<12/7/2005>
 BIG MEETING - The Band took part in the Durham Miners' Gala - the "Big Meeting" - where around 40 bands from the north-east parade through Durham City heading the various miners' organisations and their banners. After a very early start from Harrogate and refreshed on arrival at Trimdon Grange with bacon sandwiches, the band marched through the villages of Trimdon Grange and Kelloe before tackling the long march through Durham itself. En route the band entertained the dignitaries on the balcony of the County Hotel with a rousing performance of Sing, Sing, Sing before marching off to the Racecourse meeting field to enjoy a rest in the sunshine. Later in the afternoon the process was followed in reverse, leaving the band extremely tired, hot and bothered, but having thoroughly enjoyed a unique occasion. For a superb set of photographs of the event, featuring the Harrogate Band, see Grange Photography.
<10/7/2005>
BRASS BAND PODCAST - The Harrogate Band features in the latest (5th June) "podcast" of brass band music. This is a 20 minute weekly broadcast of music and news in MP3 format available on the internet. The podcasts have been live since February, and well known bands from around the world have been featured each week. Links: Harrogate Band Podcast, Brass Band Podcast home, Brass Band Podcast upcoming.
<5/6/2005>
WHIT FRIDAY - Each year on Whit Friday bands from all around the UK (and sometimes further afield) travel to the Saddleworth and Tameside districts around Oldham to take part in the much celebrated Whit Friday 'Quickstep' march contests. The bands travel by coach from one village to the next and upon arrival at each location march a short distance to the arena then play a contest march to the assembled crowd before rushing back to the coach and on to the next village and so on. Brass Bands of all grades take part, from the very best championship bands (Black Dyke, Fodens and YBS were all taking part this year) to the youngest school band, but it is more like a festival than a seriously competitive event and the atmosphere is like nothing else on earth! The Harrogate Band attended for the first time this year, playing William Rimmer's strangely neglected march Arabian. We received many favourable comments for our six performances and were delighted to win third prize at Dobcross, (just behind winners Brighouse and Rastrick and second place Dobcross Silver) and to finish in the top ten at Scouthead and Uppermill contests - not a bad debut at all!
For photos of the Band at Whit Friday see: brassbandphotos.com (Dobcross), brassbandphotos.com (Uppermill), and the three pictures Denshaw 1, Denshaw 2, and Denshaw 3
<23/5/2005>
BUXTON TO BLACKPOOL - The band was delighted to receive an invitation to compete in the Spring Festival at Blackpool this year for the first time: this contest was regarded by the band as the next step in our progress in the Championship Section. From an early draw (playing immediately after the eventual winners, Alliance Brass from London), the band gave a confident and well-shaped performance of Gregson's Connotations, with good playing from all the soloists. We were rewarded with 9th place out of 20 bands, therefore in the top half of the results and well clear of the dreaded 'relegation zone'! The band clearly enjoyed the day out in Blackpool and look forward to a return visit next year by which time we hope to ready to challenge for the top prizes.
A week earlier the Harrogate Band travelled to Buxton to defend our title of High Peak champions won in 2004. This year we had to make do with fourth place but gained some valuable experience performing Connotations in preparation for Blackpool.
<15/5/2005>
 AWARD FOR MARIMBA - We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant through the Awards for All scheme. The money is to be used to purchase a marimba for the band's percussion section and to commission a new piece of music for marimba and band which will receive its first performance at a concert in Ripon Cathedral next spring. Musical Director David Lancaster is in negotiation with several composers regarding the project and the rest of the band is wondering how to extend the bandroom in order to accommodate the marimba! Thanks must be extended to the band's treasurer Ian Bristow who wrote and submitted the application on the band's behalf.
<10/4/2005>
NORTH OF ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS - The Band are delighted with their 5th place gained in the Championship Section of the North of England Championships in Darlington - just two places away from qualifying for the National Finals in the Royal Albert Hall. Wagner's Overture to Rienzi was an excellent test piece which demanded great stamina from the bands.
<28/2/2005>
BLACKPOOL HERE WE COME! - After two or three years 'waiting in the wings' we are pleased to announce that The Harrogate Band has been invited to compete in the Senior Trophy section at this year's Spring Festival, held each year in the Winter Gardens at Blackpool. It is a very exciting contest attended by Championship section bands from all around the UK and competition is fierce! The test piece for this year's event is Connotations by Edward Gregson, Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music and a composer of some of the finest band music of the last few decades. According to MD David Lancaster "it is a challenging piece which the band will really enjoy rehearsing". The contest will take place on Saturday May 7th.
<18/2/2005>
SOMERSET WEEKEND - The Yeovil Entertainments Contest is traditionally the first event in the year's contest calendar and many of the top bands are invited to take part. This year The Harrogate Band were invited to compete, another sure sign of the Band's growing reputation and national stature, and in spite of the long distances involved we did not hesitate in accepting the invitation. Each band presented a 25-minute programme of music and ours was: Africa! (D. Lancaster), Hello Dolly (cornet solo), Orient Express (P. Sparke), Swedish Folk Song (arr. P. Graham) and Halleluiah Parade (K. Norbury). Particularly impressive were the flamboyant percussion playing in Africa! and Robert Illsley's fine impression of Louis Armstrong in Hello Dolly. Adjudicator Colin Hardy praised the band for its "solid performance with much to commend" and Harrogate members were generally satisfied with the 9th place: quite an achievement amongst such impressive competition and enough to qualify for a return invitation next year! Naturally Band members took full advantage of a weekend away and a good time was had by all!
<7/2/2005>
 JIM SHEPHERD SIGNS UP - Rehearsals for this year's North of England Regional Championship have been significantly enhanced by the arrival of Jim Shepherd into Harrogate's cornet section. A 'legend' amongst cornet players, Jim was for many years the principal cornet player of the Black Dyke Mills Band before forming his own Jim Shepherd Versatile Brass ensemble. Oddly enough the test piece for this contest is the overture to Wagner's opera Rienzi which was Jim's first contest piece with Black Dyke way back in 1962! Band and conductor are enjoying working alongside Jim and benefiting from his experience and encouragement.
<4/2/2005>
2004
 BEST WISHES - The Band wishes all its friends and supporters a joyful Christmas and good prospects for the New Year. 2004 has been another good year for the Band with many highlights, not least of which is the 10th anniversary of the inspired leadership of our Musical Director, David Lancaster. To all those who have supported the Band, enjoyed our music and visited our website - thank you!
<16/12/2004>
 NEW ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUM - The Band now has an online discussion forum, open to all friends and supporters. You are invited to join the forum and contribute to topics being discussed, or start your own topics. Joining merely consists of providing a username and your email address, then the initial password will be sent to you. Any suggestions for the forum or comments about the Band and its activities are welcome. Even if you do not wish to join the forum, you can leave comments in the guest book provided. The forum can be found at harrogateband.proboards38.com.
<23/11/2004>
MALTON MIXED FEELINGS - After a thrilling mini-concert in the Malton Brass 2004 Entertainments Contest, which had the audience largely in agreement that our performance was the best of the day, it was disappointing to only be placed 4th. The Band, and MD David Lancaster, were all delighted with our playing and a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all.
<10/11/2004>
SOLO CORNET VACANCY - From the end of November we will have a vacancy for a first class solo cornet player, ideally to play assistant principal. This is a rare opportunity for a reliable, committed and ambitious player to join this friendly and enthusiastic band at a very exciting time. The Harrogate Band's plans for early 2005 include the Yeovil Entertainments Contest, a CD recording and a serious assault on the North of England Championships! Our enthusiastic team enjoys good rehearsals and a wide range of quality engagements throughout the year. Come along to hear us at Malton and St Helens contests in the coming weeks. Please contact MD David Lancaster, 01423 522643 or email david_lancaster@ntlworld.com
<01/11/2004>
NEW PHOTO GALLERY - This online picture album for the Harrogate Band has recently been set up. As yet there are but a few photographs available, but more will be added as they become available, are transferred or are scanned! Any contributions from members or friends who have pictures are more than welcome. Please also feel free to leave any comments in the gallery.
<01/11/2004>
 BRASS IN THE CATHEDRAL - Our Gala Concert held in Ripon Cathedral was a great success. The Band, together with guests Ripon Grammar School Big Band, delighted the audience with performances ranging across the musical spectrum and included solos from Harrogate's Principal Cornet, Robert Illsley and Saxophonist Rachel from the Ripon Big Band. The event also celebrated the 10th anniversary of MD David Lancaster's association with the Band. For further pictures and programme details of the concert click here.
The Band would like to thanks its programme sponsors:
Daleside Brewery,
Lishman Sidwell Campbell & Price accountants, Chocolatiers (The Arcade, Ripon),
Arrow Readydrive, M.D. Walton Carpets & Beds, ABC Music, Fineprint, Hutchinson & Buchanan solicitors, and Albert Hymas Ltd.
<04/10/2004>
BRASSED OFF! - York Theatre Royal's production of Brassed Off, based on the famous film of the "Grimley Colliery Band" and its struggles with its local pit closure, was a great hit with audiences and the Band alike. One of the most successful shows in that theatre for some years had its music provided by the Harrogate Band together with the Shepherd Group Band, who shared the performances over the three weeks of the run. The Band members played the parts of players in the Grimley Colliery Band on stage in various scenes in musical and supporting roles, and also provided off-stage music for the production.
<25/09/2004>
NATIONAL FINALS IN HARROGATE - As with all major events and particularly contests, there is a need for many people to help make the event run smoothly. Members of the Harrogate Band were on hand over the weekend of the National Championships at the Harrogate International Conference Centre. In addition to assisting with stewarding duties, the Band also provided two rehearsal facilities for visiting bands - which 22 of the bands took advantage of! Congratulations to the winners of all the sections - and we look forward to the return of the contest to Harrogate in 2005.
<15/09/2004>
 CASTLE HOWARD BY FLOODLIGHT - One of our more unusual engagements took place at Castle Howard when we were asked to play for the departing guests at a private party. Arranged on the lawn in front of the main entrance, after we'd set up and had some refreshments, we awaited the end of the party. As with all such events the timing was somewhat awry and it was well past midnight when our fanfare trumpeters finally got the signal to lead the guests, in an impromptu triple canon, out onto the terrace to be greeted by the band's performance.
<07/08/2004>
 HARROGATE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL - Our concert for the Festival, with our guest David Childs, delighted the large audience who attended.  David, of course, was superb with his rendition of Philip Wilby's Euphonium Concerto and various "showcase" items, and the programme of alternating British and Russian music was clearly enjoyed by all. We were also pleased to be able to help Joe Symonds with his Lands End to John O'Groats Euphonothon when he joined us to play Rule Britannia. Click here for a review of the concert
<05/08/2004>
 LES MACKOWN - Les Mackown, a founder member of the Harrogate Band in 1970, recently retired from his post as Band Librarian. A tenor horn player with the band as well as its Secretary for many years, Les was one of the bedrocks upon which the band relied and he was very influential in the development of the band in the first two decades of its existence. In recent years Les has taken a less prominent role, but has continued to give a great deal of support to the band. We are sorry that he has retired from active work with the band but were delighted, at the Band's concert at the Wetherby Riverside Bandstand, to be able to present him with a few gifts and mementoes to mark his retirement and honour his support for the Band.
<18/07/2004>
 BUPA HOSPITAL FETE - Mr Punch was on hand to keep the children amused with his band of helpers and many enthusiastic sideshows and games. Plus of course the main entertainment given by the Harrogate Band! Despite glowering skies, the odd light shower and a less than seasonal chill, a good time was had by all, and the band was even presented with a cake to take away at the end!
<10/07/2004>
 HARROGATE LADIES COLLEGE CENTENARY - The Band was delighted to help Harrogate Ladies College celebrate its centenary in July. Together with the Harrogate Male Voice Choir a splendid joint concert was given in a large marquee in the grounds of the college. Fortified by a pre-concert "hog roast" the Band and Choir demonstrated the best of Harrogate music making to a large and appreciative audience.
<02/07/2004>
HARROGATE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL - For the first time the Band has been invited to perform as part of the Harrogate International Festival. This world-class festival attracts many international orchestras, soloists, ensembles and stars each year and we are delighted to participate. In previous years the Band has performed as part of the "Festival Fringe". The concert will take place on Wednesday 4th August and will feature guest artist David Childs, the internationally acclaimed euphonium soloist. David will also be starring in one of the BBC Promenade concerts at the Royal Albert Hall on 2nd September. The theme for the concert will be Russian and British Music. For the programme, click here, and for more details and for tickets see the Harrogate International Festival website.
<10/06/2004>
RIPON CATHEDRAL GALA CONCERT - Look out for news about our annual Gala Concert in Ripon Cathedral. This year we will be marking the occasion of David Lancaster's tenth year as Musical Director of the Band. David will be choosing a special programme reflecting upon some of the highlights of the last ten years and including some music specially composed and arranged for this concert - it promises to be a wonderful occasion of favourites old and new, in a most spectacular setting. More details on the Engagements page in due course.
<09/06/2004>
75th IN THE UK - BUT WHO'S COUNTING? - The June world rankings table for brass bands, compiled by 4barsrest.com, shows Harrogate Band in the top 100 for the first time. At position 97 the band actually ranks 75th if you exclude some 22 overseas bands above us. The table is produced from results in contests throughout the year and, although clearly we have a little way to go to challenge the leaders, we are nonetheless delighted that this achievement can be added to those marking the Band's continuous progress.
<09/06/2004>
 REHEARSALS FOR NATIONAL FINALS IN HARROGATE - This year the National Brass Band Championships for sections 1-4 will be held at the International Conference Centre in Harrogate on the weekend of 11-12 September 2004. The Harrogate Band will be assisting with the organisation of the event and also are offering their band room for competing bands to use for rehearsals. See the BOOKING page for details of the available dates/times. Any one wishing further information or wanting to book a rehearsal should contact Gavin Holman (gavin@ibew.co.uk).
<22/03/2004>
FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY! - In a reprise of our successful joint concert, Thank You for the Music, earlier this year - with a few programme changes, the Band and the Harrogate St Andrews Players raised over £2000 for the Harrogate Theatre Forward Appeal. The song and dance of the Players was equally matched by some deft and jazzy footwork by the band in some choreographed numbers such as Kongolea and Swing, Swing, Swing.
<19/05/2004>
 THANK YOU FOR THE MONEY! -
We were delighted to be able to present a cheque for £1,140 to the Harrogate Hospital MRI Scanner Appeal. This was raised by the "Thank You for the Music" concert earlier this year in memory of Michael Hymas, President of both the Harrogate Band and the Harrogate St Andrews Players. Members of both groups joined Mary Hymas to present the cheque to the Appeal.
<4/05/2004>
 HIGH PEAK HONOURS - A triumphant Band has returned from a gloriously sunny day's contesting in Buxton having beaten the competition to win the Championship Section. Not only that, but the trophy for the best soloist was awarded to Rachel Higginson, the Band's flugel player, for her exquisite solo work in our chosen test piece, Tallis Variations by Philip Sparke.
<2/05/2004>
TEWIT BAND WANT CONDUCTOR - The local youth band in Harrogate, Tewit Youth Band are looking for a new Musical Director. Malcolm Dibb, who has led the band for many years, is retiring from the position. Applicants must be committed and hard-working - someone who believes banding should be fun and enjoys working with young people. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings 7-9pm. Anyone interested please contact David Austin, TYB chairman, on 01423 866816.
<29/04/2004>
 RACING AT WETHERBY - An unusually sunny and warm day provided an enjoyable backdrop to the Band's concert for the racegoers at Wetherby. It would have largely passed without note were it not for the unexpected launch into the air of an adjacent tethered inflatable "radio" which advertised a local station. This huge object suddenly lifted off the ground, broke its moorings and, after floating around the bandstand, went sailing off on the wind until it was caught a couple of hundred yards away. Only the Band's sheer professionalism allowed it to keep on playing at the same time as corpsing with laughter at what was happening around it!
<25/04/2004>
FLUGEL PLAYER WANTED - Owing to work relocation The Harrogate Band have a vacancy for a top class flugel player. This is a rare opportunity to join this highly committed and well-managed Championship Section band with an exciting year ahead. The next few months include high profile concerts in Harrogate Theatre, the Harrogate International Festival - with a world class soloist, a professional production of Brassed Off and a major concert in Ripon Cathedral featuring a world premiere performance. Since it would be possible to fill this position from within the current membership if necessary, we would also be interested to hear from a capable front row cornet player. Contact David Lancaster - e-mail: david_lancaster@ntlworld.com
<05/04/2004>
ROYAL HALL RESTORATION - PRINT OFFER - This is your chance to own a limited edition print of Harrogate's unique Royal Hall. Originally named the Kursaal when it was built, the Royal Hall needs urgent repairs to renovate it and allow it to re-open for concerts and shows as it has been doing for the last 100 years. The Harrogate Band held a concert in the Hall in 2001 to raise funds, and we are pleased to be able to support the artist Simon Balme in his contribution to the fund raising effort. For a larger image of the print and details of how to order a copy, please see the Royal Hall Print page.
<01/04/2004>
HALF A MILLION, AND ONWARD - These days, as the web has matured, counters and statistics of website usage are usually regarded as passé or of little relevance. However, we cannot let this particular milestone pass without briefly mentioning that this website for the Harrogate Band, incorporating the IBEW (Internet Bandsman's Everything Within) has since, its launch in June 1996, attracted over 500,000 visitors. To all those who have landed awhile on these pages - thank you and we hope you will return often!
<30/03/2004>
NORTH OF ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS - Our second year competing in this event in the Championship Section delivered a good sixth place, which also maintains our position in this section for 2005. The test piece, Tristan Encounters by Martin Ellerby is a set of variations on Richard Wagner's Tristan and Isolde and is a significant test for the band overall as well as individual players. The band has thoroughly enjoyed working with the music over the last few weeks and, despite slight disappointment at not getting a place or two higher, are pleased that the adjudicator thought one variation was "magical"!
4barsrest.com said: "Harrogate made a good impression in the prelude and opening variations. The solos were all nicely shaped and played well, although there was a risk of them being overpowered by some over-enthusiastic accompaniments - particularly on the back row cornet bench. This, we thought, was one of the steadiest readings of the day in terms of tempo, but it did allow the detail of the quick stuff to come through. For us though, there wasn't enough made of the quieter dynamics and this may have cost them a point or two."
Brass Band World said: "... and finally to the [North of England] region's fashion guru David Lancaster and his Harrogate team. They will be disappointed with sixth, but you can't say they didn't put their heart and soul into it. They improve every year, are capable of holding their own in the highest company, and their time will come."
<22/03/2004>
 THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC! - The Harrogate Band and Harrogate St Andrews Players gave two concerts at the Majestic Hotel, dedicated to the memory of our late President, Michael Hymas, (hence the title: Thank You for the Music) and featured many of the pieces he enjoyed the most. The concerts also raised money for the Harrogate Hospital MRI Scanner Appeal. For full details of the programme and this tribute to Michael, see the Thank You for the Music! page.
<16/02/2004>
 BRIDES IN THE BATH - The Harrogate Band has another TV role in this drama, starring Martin Kemp, about George Joseph Smith who married three wealthy women and then drowned them in their baths. Playing the part of an army band, and filmed at Ripley Castle earlier this year, the programme was broadcast on ITV1, on New Year's Eve. Click here for a selection of pictures from the filming at Ripley.
<11/12/2003>
2003
CHRISTMAS IS COMING - We know that is obvious! However this is not just a reminder that December 25th is  rapidly approaching, but the launch of the Band's new CD of the same name. Christmas is Coming is an ideal present to give or keep! It contains a mixture of seasonal music, carols and arrangements, with the icing on this particular Christmas cake being the vocal contributions of Lucy Rhodes (BBC Radio2 Young Chorister of the Year), who is a particular friend of the Band. The CD costs £10 and is available from any Band member, at our engagements or by post - for further details, sound samples of some of the tracks, or how to place orders see the Recordings page.
<26/11/2003>
ST HELENS DISAPPOINTMENT - For once the band was not drawn number 1 in a contest - playing 10 of 12 - from an original field of 17, the Band's performance of Exodus by Eric Ball unfortunately failed to inspire the adjudicator, David Read. The Wilkinson Northern Open Championships this year had asked all competing bands to select an own-choice test piece by Eric Ball, in honour of the centenary of his birth. As a result the day was a feast of some of the best of writing for brass bands.
<16/11/2003>
WINNERS AT MALTON - With a performance that had the adjudicator, Roy Sparkes,  searching for second and third place bands from the very start, Harrogate Band took the top prize at the Malton Brass 2003 Entertainment Contest. In addition the Band's Principal Cornet player, Robert Illsley, was awarded the "best soloist" trophy for his performance of Hello Dolly. Other items in the Band's programme were La Mourisque by Susato, Shostakovich's Festive Overture, All Around the World by Alexander Owen, 'Mid All the Traffic and the jazzy, New Orleans style of Hallelujah Parade. For some pictures from this event - see the Malton Contest page
<2/11/2003>
 PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT - We are delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Richmond as our Honorary President. Neil is well known locally as a dedicated teacher and conductor, and has been involved with the Band since the very beginning, as it was he who in 1970 formed the band from former Granby School Band players who wished to continue their playing after leaving school. Neil was the Band's first Musical Director, and quickly led it to success at its first contest in November 1970 at York - the first of many contest successes over the last 33 years. Neil handed over the reins to John Higginson in the late 1970s, but maintained a high local profile as he continued his renowned work with Granby High School Concert Band, helping to launch the musical careers of many youngsters, several of whom have moved on to The Harrogate Band over the years. Neil has retained his links with the Band throughout, and since his retirement from teaching has been able to add further value to our activities - particularly via his research into local music. This work formed the basis of our Made in Harrogate concert, held in aid of the Royal Hall restoration, and also the CD of the same name. His arrangements of the pieces unearthed, some featured on the CD, have been received with great interest from the band, who are forever on the lookout for new and interesting material. In inviting Neil to be our Honorary President, The Harrogate Band recognises not only Neil's continuing support, but more significantly the immense contribution made to the band and it's members past and present through it's founding and formative years.
<12/10/2003>
 STAGE AND SCREEN - A feast of music from films, television, musicals and opera delighted a crowded St Peter's Church in Harrogate. From the sublime such as Silent Worship from Handel's Ptolemy to the (not quite) ridiculous The Simpsons theme tune, via a whole range of show music from the likes of Gershwin, Berlin, Bernstein and John Williams.  The Band was delighted to welcome guest soprano vocalist Claire Cave who sang several songs accompanied by Katie Illsley on the piano. Solo items by various members of the band were featured during the concert - in particular Jo Campbell's appearance as James Bond in her soprano cornet solo performance of Live and Let Die was excellent. A double act of Rachel Higginson (flugel) and MD David Lancaster re-enacted the scene from Brassed Off where Gloria arrives at the band rehearsal and, unrehearsed, plays the Adagio from Rodrigo's Concerto d'Aranjuez. Rachel's rendition was, of course, wonderful - but it has to be said that the duo's acting was a little on the hammy side! We were also very pleased to see Leighton Rich in the audience. The founder of Harrogate's Tewit Youth Band, Leighton had for many years conducted the very successful Hampshire County Youth Brass Band.
<21/9/2003>
 LAUNCH OF DRAGON MUSIC PUBLISHING - This new website gives details of original brass band music and arrangements by the Musical Director of the Harrogate Band, David Lancaster, and other composers and arrangers associated with the Band. A wide selection of music for all tastes and occasions, and to suite bands of various abilities, can be ordered from the website. Samples of the music and scores can be played online.
<10/9/2003>
MADE IN AUGUST - The band assembled at St John Fisher Church in Harrogate at the end of August, some wearing "Santa Claus" hats, one even sporting musical carol socks, and accompanied by a supply of mince pies and Christmas cake. All of this strange behaviour is partially explained by the fact that we were there to record a new CD of Christmas music. Christmas is Coming will be available well in advance of the festive season and will be an ideal present to give or keep! The CD contains a mixture of seasonal music, carols and arrangements, with the icing on this particular Christmas cake being the vocal contribtions of Lucy Rhodes (BBC Radio2 Young Chorister of the Year), who braved the rather cool environment in the church to record several songs and carols. Further details, including how to place advance orders, can be found on the Recordings page.
<6/9/2003>
 FRIENDS OF THE HARROGATE BAND - This new group has been set up for those supporters of the band who wish to be kept up to date with what the band is up to, and also for those who would like to support the band in any of the many ways that can help us.Further details, including how to register your interest in joining, can be found on the Friends of the Harrogate Band page.
<6/9/2003>
 TWIN RIVERS OF SONG AND BRASS - We were delighted to join the Two Rivers Chorale, from Anoka, Minnesota, at the Sun Pavilion for part of their concert tour of the UK. This setting, in the midst of the Valley Gardens, on a warm summer's evening, was perfect for the blend of programmes from the band and choir. As the music floated out of the open doors and across the Gardens it attracted people out for an evening's stroll to stop and enjoy the concert.
<24/6/2003>
 WHEN THE BAND JOINED THE ARMY - Our most recent foray into the world of television came as extras in a new drama currently being filmed by YTV. Set in 1914 it stars Martin Kemp as the serial killer George Joseph Smith, perpetrator of the 'Brides in the Bath' murders.. A selection of the more "youthful" looking members of the band were engaged to play the part of an army band. The weather was hot during the filming at Ripley Castle and the heavy WW1 uniforms were not the best outfits to keep cool in! We look forward to seeing the finished product when it is screened later in the year. Click here for a selection of pictures from the day at Ripley.
<18/6/2003>
 BAY AREA CHORUS - The Band shared the stage at the Galtres Centre in Easingwold with the Bay Area Chorus from Houston, Texas. Their vocal clarity and sensitive performance of a range of spiritual and folk songs were a joy to listen to. The Band's performance in the first half of the concert covered a wide range of items from the furious Czardas by Strauss to the beautifully contemplative Irish Blessing, with a number of American compositions in homage to our Texan guests. A very warm welcome from the people of Easingwold made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening for all.
<12/6/2003>
 INSTRUMENTS FOR TEWIT - A number of surplus brass instruments belonging to the Band were recently donated to Tewit Youth Band in Harrogate. Tewit Youth Band, led by Malcolm Dibb, not only provide a high standard of musicianship, but also have a strong teaching tradition in their Junior and Training bands. Ian Bristow, pictured here, took great pleasure in presenting the instruments on behalf of the Harrogate Band to Ian McCandlish, musical director of the Tewit Youth Junior Band.
<31/5/2003>
 LATEST ARRIVAL IN THE BAND - Congratulations to Catherine and Steve Morland on the birth of their second son, Elliott Miles, on 3rd April.
<31/5/2003>
BUXTON & GLOSSOP - This year's competition at the Buxton Brass Festival Contest was particularly strong with the bands in the Championship section playing a wide range of own choice test pieces to a very high standard. In the sauna-like atmosphere of the Pavilion Gardens we managed to gain fifth place with our performance of Cloudcatcher Fells - a very acceptable achievement. We had to request an early draw to play so that we could get away in time to play a concert at the Glossop Band Club. To a small but enthusiastic audience, the band displayed its concert skills with a selection of items covering many styles of music.
<4/5/2003>
RHINELAND TOUR - Easter saw the band visiting Germany on a concert tour in the Rhineland. Based at St Goarshausen near to the Lorely Rock in the Rhine Gorge, we spent a week visiting the nearby towns, sights and attractions, sampling the local food and beverages, and of course, playing music! Four concerts were given in Bad Bertrich, Bad Ems, Roes and Bad Schwalbach, to enthusiastic audiences who were clearly impressed by the range of repertoire, standard of playing and accomplished solo items. For further details of the tour see the Rhineland 2003 page.
<4/5/2003>
FRONT ROW CORNET SOUGHT - Owing to an unexpected change of plans, The Harrogate Band requires a front row cornet player. The Band is an active, friendly group with high quality engagements and good facilities. We don't normally advertise to recruit members but in this instance we've decided to look further afield to find the right player to help the Band progress and succeed at the highest level. We'd be delighted to hear from anyone interested in this position - please e-mail: david_lancaster@talk21.com
<9/4/2003>
NORTH OF ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS - For the first time the Band competed in the Championship Section in these qualifying championships for the National Finals. Arrayed against us were the top bands in the North of England, playing Prague by Judith Bingham - a contempory piece of music that many found difficult to like. We did, however, come to appreciate the musical qualities of the piece and the picture the composer was depicting of the history and culture of that city. A solid performance gained the band a respectable 6th position - assuring our stay in the Championship section for 2004.
<17/3/2003>
 AUGUSTANA IN RIPON - Ripon Cathedral resounded with the joint performances of the Harrogate Band and the Augustana College Symphonic Band. This wind band, from Rock Island, Illinois, visited the area during its UK tour. The Augustana Band, which was one of the first US collegiate wind band to tour in Europe, performed a selection of music by Holst, Grainger, Sparke and others, following the Harrogate Band's performance of alternating American and British music.
<4/3/2003>
| Michael Hymas |
 It was with sadness we learned of the sudden death of Michael Hymas, President of the Harrogate Band, on Sunday 9th February. A long-time patron of the Band and other organisations in Harrogate, his friendship and guidance is greatly missed.
|
RUSH TO ROCHDALE - The Band arrived at Wardle High School at the very last minute, just in time to take the stage as last band to compete in the top section of the Rochdale Contest. A mistake by our coach company delivered our transport an hour late, just as we had given up and were all piling into cars to cross the Pennines. Unfortunately, despite a good performance of Cloudcatcher Fells by John McCabe, and very appreciative comments from members of the audience, the adjudicator failed to place us - well, he had had a long day..... We have to thank Lana Clough and her contest officials for all their help and tolerance - they couldn't have been more helpful and accommodating in the circumstances!
<27/1/2003>
HAPPY NEW YEAR - Very best wishes from the Band to all our friends and supporters. 2003 marks the promotion to the Championship Section for the Band, and with it a range of new challenges and opportunities. We hope to see many of you over the year at our concerts and other events.
<2/1/2003>
2002
FIRE BRIGADE CHARITY CONCERT - The Band's annual fund-raiser for the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund raised over £3000 for the charity. In addition to the St Aidan's School Choir, who performed a selection of carols, we were delighted to welcome Lucy Rhodes, BBC Radio 2 Young Choirgirl of the Year 2002, to sing with us again. Once again she captivated the audience in the Harrogate International Centre and helped to make the evening a great success.
<22/12/2002>
MADE IN HARROGATE - THE RECORDING - The Band's latest CD is available at last. Recorded earlier this year it is an unique collection of music by Harrogate composers, arrangers and others associated with the town. The programme for this recording arose from a concert held in November 2001 in the Royal Hall, Harrogate, to raise funds for the restoration of that fine and unique Victorian building. In its early years the Royal Hall - originally called the Kursaal - was very much the main focus of musical entertainment for residents and visitors to the spa treatments in Harrogate. For further details of the CD, and how to order copies, see the RECORDINGS page.
<17/12/2002>
BIG NIGHT - A further TV appearance by the Band brightened up the early Sunday tea-time slot on Yorkshire Television. "Big Night" was a half-hour documentary following the Band's preparations during the summer of 2001 for the National Championship Finals in Preston and concluding with the day of the contest itself. Following the Band's appearance on "Heartbeat" earlier this year, one of the Band's cornet players, Neil Davidson, was invited back to film another episode in the series for YTV.
<8/12/2002>
  LUCY IN THE NAVE WITH JEWELS - It is hard to imagine a better way to start the celebrations for the Christmas season - the Band's gala concert "Festive Brass and Voices" brought together the combined talents of the Harrogate Band, York St John Chamber Choir and our guest soloist Lucy Rhodes - the BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister 2002. Add a programme of music to delight a wide range of musical tastes, a near-capacity audience in the splendour of Ripon Cathedral, the premier performance of a new work by David Lancaster, Ripon Jewel and, finally, the not inconsiderable attraction of free tasting of the beer of that name produced by Daleside Brewery, it all added up to a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Lucy demonstrated beautifully those skills and qualities that won her the BBC competition. Her performance of a number of seasonal items, accompanied by the Band and Choir, was magical. York St John Chamber Choir provided a first half selection of Christmas music and followed that with some songs from Gershwin, Porter and Kosma. The Band's programme included The Kingdom Triumphant by Eric Ball - which was particularly effective in the Cathedral setting - and Peter Graham's Cartoon Music whose comical effects were a great hit with the audience - especially when the MD "shot" the bass trombonist, who played his death scene most convincingly. (See full programme from this concert)
<7/12/2002>
LIGHT UP A LIFE - The Band's first Christmas engagement took them to St Michael's Hospice for the annual "Light up a Life" service. In a fine December evening, totally contrary to the weather forecast of driving rain, a large crowd celebrated the work of the Hospice at Crimple House, with the magnificent vista of the Crimple Valley and its viaduct as a backdrop.
<2/12/2002>
 PIPPED AT MALTON - Runners-up by one point in a strong field of the other top bands in the Yorkshire & Humberside Association area. Malton Brass 2002 proved once again the magnet for a good entry of bands and a wide selection of entertainment programmes. We were narrowly pipped at the post by Drighlington Band, but our performance was clearly enjoyed by adjudicator Roy Roe. Congratulations to all the band, particularly cornet soloist Rob Illsley for his rendition of Love on the Rocks and the percussion quartet for their multi-instrumental versatility in Cartoon Music. America by Neil Diamond, the march Arabian, Gaelic Blessing and the finale from The Year of the Dragon completed our programme.
<3/11/2002>
 MAJESTIC BRASS - the big band sound featured at the Majestic Hotel in our latest concert. Music from the 30s, 40s and 50s, classic swing numbers and modern interpretations of earlier pieces provided a change to the traditional brass band programme. Performers and composers whose contributions to the genre were highlighted included Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Neil Hefti, Count Basie, Ted Heath, Frank Sinatra and Neil Diamond. (See full programme from this concert)
<13/10/2002>
 HARROGATE DOUBLE - National Finals 2001 - drawn band number one, placed last. National Finals 2002 - drawn band number one, placed last! A disappointing result, given the band's good on-stage performance and very positive feedback from various listeners - even the composer himself. However we acquitted ourselves well and had an excellent weekend's banding, representing the North of England region, in the sunny resort of Torquay. Congratulations to the winners - Staffordshire Band - Leonardo is a stiff test and the competition was strong.
<24/9/2002>
CHOICE BRASS - A departure from the normal programming for a concert was a great hit with the audience in St Peter's Church, Harrogate. Instead of the musical director selection the music, the pieces were chosen by individual band members. A wide range of musical tastes were catered for, ranging from classical (Procession of the Sirdar, Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Polotsvian Dances) to popular (With You I'm Born Again, New York New York, Puttin' On The Ritz) and several others.
 The Band Jukebox was in operation during the second half, where the audience themselves chose an item. In this instance there was a tie for first place and the Band played both the Post Horn Galop and Nimrod. The audience were treated to the first public performance by the Band of the test piece for the National Brass Band Championship Finals later in the month - Leonardo by local composer Philip Wilby. All proceeds from this concert will be going to assist the band in its trip to Torquay for the Finals. (See full programme from this concert)
<8/9/2002>
 BARBEQUE TREASURE - The Band's Annual Treasure Hunt was held around the streets of Harrogate. Taking in the more salubrious and verdant parts of the town and, to the disappointment of at least one team, not passing a single pub, a most enjoyable and puzzling afternoon concluded with a barbeque held in the grounds of our President's home. Many thanks to Michael and Mary for hosting the barbeque and to David and Liz for setting the hunt. Congratulations to Gavin and his family on their stupendous victory - their "prize" is to set the trail for 2003. Anyone who fancies an afternoon clue hunting in Harrogate next year should contact the band!
<4/8/2002>
A SUMMER AFTERNOON IN THE PARK - In glorious hot, sunny weather, in a pleasant corner of the park, we entertained visitors enjoying the delights of Golden Acre Park at Bramhope. It is nine years since we last played there and the park is well worth a visit with its lake, gardens and woodlands - even if there is not a band playing!
<28/7/2002>
 NIDDERDALE BRASS - The band was very pleased once again to participate in the Nidderdale Festival with a concert at the Joe Longster Bandstand in Pateley Bridge. At last the weather smiled on us and the audience, and a splendid afternoon's music was enjoyed by all. Due to some of our members being on holiday we were grateful to other players who filled the vacant seats. On 2nd Trombone was Arthur Layfield, conductor of the Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Prize Band and ex-member of the original Harrogate Silver Band, who has recently published a book celebrating the centenary of that band. It is filled with pictures and reminiscences of Nidderdale bands over the last 100 years and can be obtained from Arthur. For details email gavin@ibew.co.uk
<7/7/2002>
 HELEN & NICK - All our congratulations and best wishes to band cornetists Helen and Nick Garrett on their wedding. The band was delighted to provide music for the service at St Mary's church in Thirsk and to join the bride and groom for the celebrations later.  One of the highlights was the processional music chosen by Helen - Elsa's Procession to the Minster from Lohengrin by Wagner - the timing of band and bride were impeccable and the sound absolutely magnificent! (see also the article in the local newspaper)
<23/6/2002>
 AGRICULTURE v. FOOTBALL - A popular open day at the local agricultural college at Askham Bryan was rather overshadowed by the England world cup match on the same day. The band entertained the rather meagre audience that only started to pick up later in the afternoon. A wide range of attractions was available - not least of course ourselves - and we look forward to the opportunity to perform there another year without the competition of soccer.
<16/6/2002>
SINGING IN THE RAIN - It is not inappropriate that this piece of music was the second item in our concert in the Harrogate Valley Gardens. A small audience braved the flaming June drizzle and downpours to listen to the concert. A wedding reception in the Sun Pavilion, up-slope from the Bandstand, had a more enjoyable (at least dry) position to enjoy the band's performance!
<9/6/2002>
 MG DALES RALLY - A wet, cold, early Sunday morning found the band entertaining the arrival of members of the MG Owners' Club as they gathered for the start of their Dales Run. Unfortunately the weather probably kept the more elderly cars away - there were none of a pre-1960 vintage - however we sent them on their way with a variety of rousing and suitably "Yorkshire" melodies.
<26/5/2002>
HIGH PEAK PERFORMANCE - A very strong field of Championship and 1st Section Bands were arrayed against Harrogate at the Buxton Brass Band Festival. Amidst the splendid backdrop of the Pavilion Gardens and Opera House, in glorious Spring weather, the band gave a strong and spirited performance of their chosen test piece - Spectrum by Gilbert Vinter, to win fourth place. Spectrum is one of Vinter's finest works and consists of seven distinct sections each representing a colour of the spectrum, from fiery red through to brooding purple. Excellent performances by Glossop Old Band (Whitsun Wakes) and Towcester Studio Band (Tallis Variations) won them 1st/2nd placings.
4barsrest quote:
Spectrum" (Gilbert Vinter) is extremely 'colourful' music and drawn 4th David Lancaster took Harrogate Band in a very good performance where all the musical colours were well depicted. Having taken 2nd in the 1st section at the North East Regionals they certainly endorsed their current form at this contest taking 4th place with 187 points.
<6/5/2002>
TORQUAY HERE WE COME!! - The Harrogate Band will be representing the North of England Region in the National Brass Band Championship Finals in Torquay in September. Second place in the Northern Region First Section Championships held in Darlington assured the band's invitation to the Finals for the third year in a row. A winning performance of George Lloyd's Royal Parks narrowly missed gaining the band a hat trick of Champions trophies and we had to settle for runners-up to winners Gateshead Brass. Another, great pleasure was the award of the trophy for "Best Percussion Section" to Katie Illsley and Steve Morland. This is the John Hallums Trophy which was donated by the Harrogate Band to the Northern Region Championships in John's memory in 2001. Our excellent result in this contest assures our promotion to the Championship Section for 2003 - a first for the Band and a superb achievement for all the players, but particularly thanks to the inspiring leadership of MD David Lancaster.
4barsrest quote: What a good scrap this was. Three performances in particular caught the fancy of adjudicator Roy Roe, and to be fair, there was a strong case for each of them to be given the top spot, as all of them had full command of the Lloyd work and all gave quality performances. .................... Harrogate and David Lancaster who showed what a good quality outfit they are with a committed and very musical performance that possibly didn't quite have the depth and breadth of tone and sound of the winners, but nonetheless a fine rendition of the Lloyd work. Last year's winners have plenty of quality about them and will also go to Torquay as strong contenders.
<16/3/2002>
LIMBS FOR LIFE CONCERT
 - Harrogate Soroptomists invited the Band to give this concert in aid of Limbs for Life, a charity supporting casualties of anti-personnel landmines. A wide range of musical pieces from the Band were very nicely contrasted by our guest artists in the concert, The Four Degrees - a talented barbershop quartet from the University College of York St John.
<10/3/2002>
BRASS BAND CONDUCTORS CONVENTION - The Band gave an illustrated concert in Wetherby for the National Association of Brass Band Conductors Annual Convention, concluding a weekend of discussions, talks and music.  Philip Wilby introduced his works The Seasons, played by the band, and his most recent test piece Atlantic. Three additional works by Harrogate based composers were played by the band and were discussed by Neil Richmond who related their place in the musical history of Harrogate. Following an illustrated talk on Early Harrogate Bands by Gavin Holman, further pieces linked to Harrogate were introduced by David Lancaster and the Band.
Click here for an article from "The Conductor", describing the event
<17/2/2002>
 COMPOSITION WIN - David Lancaster recently won the brass band category for his work Cuba in a new competition organised by the Leeds University Music School in conjunction with Black Dyke Band, The British Trombone Society and The Society for the Promotion of New Music. His score was one of 72 received for judging in the competition which, according to Philip Wilby, "were of exceptionally high standard making the judging very difficult". Well done David!
<1/2/2002>
 AMERICAN GUESTS FROM CONCORDIA - Our first concert of 2002 was held with the Concordia University Wind Ensemble from Wisconsin, conducted by Dr Louis Menchaca, who were in the UK for a concert tour. The audience thoroughly enjoyed a varied programme of contrasting styles, illustrating the combined musical heritage of both bands.
<19/1/2002>
2001
  FIRE SERVICES - A capacity audience in the Royal Hall enjoyed a seasonal concert by the band and the St Aidan's Choir. A brass quintet serenaded people as they arrived at the door and then moved into the Hall to join the main band in the first carol. Over £3,000 was raised for the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund
<24/12/2001>
 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS - In this holiday season, as we perform Christmas concerts and carols in and around Harrogate, we would like to wish all our friends and supporters a Happy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year. 2001 has been a particularly notable and enjoyable year for the Band, one which we hope to surpass in 2002.
<10/12/2001>
 SCOTTISH CELEBRATION - St. Andrew's Day may have passed unnoticed by most English Bands but the Harrogate Band, along with the talented Tewit Youth Band and the highly professional James Stretton Brass Quintet marked this occasion with a joint concert - almost a mini brass festival - in the prestigious setting of Harrogate Ladies' College. The bands combined in several pieces with a Scottish theme: Skirl, Jamie's Patrol and Highland Cathedral, featuring the bagpipes of Christopher Small.
The groups' individual items were more varied in style and included works by Peter Graham, Arthur Butterworth and Malcolm Arnold, alongside lighter fare from Robbie Williams and Neil Diamond. All three sets of players were well received by the enthusiastic audience and many of the performers expressed the wish that this should become an annual event possibly celebrating St. George, St. Patrick and St. David in the future!
Harrogate Band were joined for this concert by Brian Winter, principal cornet of the Ransomes Band, stepping in at short notice deputise for Robert Illsley who had been rushed in to hospital earlier in the week and emerged minus appendix. Brian did a wonderful job and thankfully Robert is making a speedy recovery!
The concert concluded with a rousing performance of Wilfred Heaton's march Le Tricot Rouge, originally penned for the Tewit Youth Band and included in Harrogate's recent 'Made in Harrogate' concert.
<2/12/2001>
STARS OF THE SMALL SCREEN - Ten Harrogate players and conductor David Lancaster have recently made the big break into media stardom when they performed in an episode of Yorkshire TV's popular Heartbeat programme as the "Ashfordly & Aidensfield Brass Band". Although sworn to secrecy regarding the content of the programme, we  can reveal that the players spent two arduous days on location around Yorkshire, recording a number of pieces and acting a key role in several scenes in the drama.
The opportunity to take part was a very exciting one for the band, however it did pose a number of problems. Music needed to be specially arranged, players needed to be available during the daytime on both Monday and Tuesday and the producer specifically requested that a number of the performers should be 'middle aged men'. However the production team and Yorkshire TV's Head of Music Sue Clarke declared themselves to be entirely satisfied with the group's performance and the players found the whole experience not only fascinating but highly enjoyable.
Having already completed a documentary for Yorkshire TV this year, who can predict where Harrogate Band's bid for television stardom will take them next?
<2/12/2001>
RETURN TO STARBECK - A warm and appreciative audience welcomed the Band to the Starbeck Methodist Church for its first concert in the village for over 8 years. A wide range of music was played which was clearly enjoyed by those who attended. Despite missing its key bass trombonist, Ian Bristow, the band commenced its programme with vigour and style. During the second or third piece in the programme Ian arrived and quietly joined the band on the stage. The reason for his late arrival, which was gleefully communicated to the audience after the interval, was due to him mistakenly awaiting the rest of the band at the Gracious Street Methodist Church in Knaresborough, three miles away, until he realised his error!
<20/11/2001>
MADE IN HARROGATE - The Harrogate Royal Hall Restoration fund received a welcome boost on Friday the 9th of November, when the Harrogate Band gave a special performance in the hall itself. Made in Harrogate was the title of the concert, which comprised purely of work by musicians who have had links with the town. Prominent in the programme was the work of local composers such as Wilfred Heaton, Phillip Wilby, Ernest Farrar, Delius, Finzi, the band's Musical Director David Lancaster, and other composers who have either lived in the area or have been regular visitors. One such person was Edward Elgar, who came to Harrogate every year to 'take the waters', and whose second symphony had its provincial premiere in the town.
 In addition, the concert featured compositions and arrangements by the band's own members, plus band founder and prominent local musician Neil Richmond. Neil's research into local music was central to this event, and his arrangements of some of the pieces unearthed were heard on the night. The range of music provided something for everyone, from old to new, classical to modern, plus some light-hearted moments along the way.
The Royal Hall, originally known as The Kursaal, dates from a time when Harrogate was a popular spa resort with its own professional orchestras and bands, so it seems natural that one of Harrogate's leading groups drew on that wealth of history to stage this event.
The Harrogate Band is grateful to Harrogate International Centre, who have donated the venue free of charge - this ensured that all proceeds from the evening go directly toward assuring the future of Harrogate's elegant Edwardian concert hall.
The music featured in the concert will also be the focus of the band's next CD, Made in Harrogate, which is scheduled for release in early summer 2002.
<18/10/2001>
 WANSBECK WIN - A convincing and enjoyable performance of a 25 minute entertainment programme gained the band first place at the Wansbeck Brass Band Contest at Newbiggin by the Sea. Despite the sauna-like conditions on stage the band shook off any trace of despondency of the Nationals result and bounced back with a vengeance in their first visit to Northumberland. The programme opened with Degroove by Idar Torskangerpoll, followed by Royal Border Bridge one of the three movements of Arthur Butterworth's Three Impressions for Brass. Robert Illsley then delighted the audience with his scintillating Concerto for Trumpet by Harry James, which won well earned cheers in response. A quieter reflection with Wilfred Heaton's sublime meditation Just As I Am preceded the finale Macarthur Park by Jim Webb.
The contest is organised as part of the Wansbeck Festival and is a popular event for bands and audiences alike
<15/10/2001>
NATIONAL BRASS BAND CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS - On the weekend of 22/23 September, the Harrogate Band together with 67 other bands from across the country competed in the "Nationals" contest.  Over 1,800 players converged on the Preston Guild Hall in their bids to become National Champions. We would like to congratulate all the winners - particularly Asda Stocksbridge Band, who became 1st Section National Champions (soundly beating Harrogate Band in the process!). Although our performance did not meet with the adjudicators' full approval (when does any?), we were pleased with our rendition of Malcolm Arnold's Fantasy for Brass Band - a super test piece both to play and listen to.
<24/9/2001>
 LYNNE'S BIG DAY - Many congratulations and best wishes to Lynne Stockdale and Matthew Stobbart who were married on 15th September. Lynne has played with the band since she was very young, brought along by her father Stan (then the band's 1st euphonium).  The band was delighted to be invited to share in her wedding by playing at the service in Knaresborough and the reception. The NMTV film crew filmed the event as part of their schedule of appointments with the band and its players.
<16/9/2001>
THE BIG NIGHT - Harrogate Band is being filmed during its preparations for the National Finals at Preston by a television crew from NMTV. They are making a half-hour programme for Yorkshire TV in a series called "A Grand Night Out" which follows Yorkshire people getting ready for a big event. The crew will be with the band on the bus and during the contest in Preston.
<10/9/2001>
CALL TO BRASS PLAYERS IN THE AREA - We invite you to join Thirsk RBL Band and other players on Saturday 29th September for the March Against Cancer. This is being held in and around Thirsk, North Yorkshire from 3pm, to raise money for Northern Cancer Charities. The march is around four miles long with 2 stops en route, then on to a free barbeque. (Bring your own drinks - meet at the Millgate carpark in Thirsk). If you can come along to boost numbers please contact Libby Bell at rowleybell1@netscapeonline.co.uk or tel: 01845-524797
<10/9/2001>
NEW RECRUIT TO THE BAND? -  Many congratulations and best wishes to Katie and Rob Illsley on the birth of their daughter Bethan Kate on Friday 24th August. With her lineage we expect her to be pushing her dad for the top seat in a very few years time! Further details and pictures can be found at Rob's website.
<26/8/2001>
 CASCADE OF MUSIC AT FOUNTAINS - A glorious summer evening welcomed the audience with their picnics in the cloister at Fountains Abbey for the concert last Friday. The acoustic was ideal for the event and the packed cloister reverberated with the strains of a wide selection of music ranging from the grand operatic Elsa's Procession to the Minster from Wagner's Lohengrin to the poignant Heroic Elegy by Ernest Farrar, from the contemporary, quirky and local march Le Tricot Rouge to several internationally famous pieces from stage and screen.
 A delegation of Japanese tourism representatives were in the audience, being hosted by the National Trust as part of the drive to win back overseas tourists to Britain. This event was a marvellous experience for audience and band alike, and one which we very much hope to repeat in the future.
<8/8/2001>
HARROGATE BAND OFFLINE - We are glad to be online again following a few days when our website was unavailable. Our host, Harrogate Online, had some server problems and it took a little longer than expected to restore the Band's website. Our thanks to Vital Online for getting get us back in service and also, especially, for their continuing support of the Band's website.
<16/7/2001>
FEATURE IN ONLINE BRASS BAND MAGAZINE - A profile of the Harrogate Band has just been published by  . This new internet based magazine provides a range of articles, news features, results and reviews.
| Ron Eastwood |
We are sad to report the death of Ron Eastwood, a former member of the band. For many years Ron was the band's bass trombonist - an instrument he took up in his 50s. He was an accomplished pianist and did not need any prompting to play and entertain others whenever a piano was in a room. Joining the band in 1980, Ron retired from playing in 1996 due to ill health. One of his treasured memories was from 1985 when the Harrogate Band swept the board at the YHBBA annual contest at Tadcaster, winning all the prizes in its section and returning laden with trophies. To complete his joy his first grandson was born that very same day. Ron selected two of his favourite pieces to be played at his funeral - Handel Parker's wonderful hymn Deep Harmony and TJ Powell's march Castel Coch - one of the winning pieces in 1985. |
MUCH ADO ABOUT HADHAM - The Band made the long journey south to pay a return visit to the village of Much Hadham, Hertfordshire on 23 June to present a concert in the lovely setting of St Andrew's Church. Harrogate first played there in 1998 during the celebrations held to mark the centenary of Henry Moore's birth - the Yorkshire-born sculptor had made his home there - and the band were pleased to accept the invitation to return. The first half of the concert included Arthur Wood's Three Dale Dances - once very well know but seldom heard today - music by Philip Wilby and Ernest Farrar and solos from Keith Graham (baritone) and Steve Morland (percussion). It concluded with Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral, and such was the audience's enthusiasm that the band's entire stock of CD's was sold out within minutes during the interval - well done Georgina! The second half was a much lighter affair comprising music from the stage and screen, including many popular favourites. As the band left Much Hadham, all the talk seemed to be of a third visit to this picturesque village, in the not-too-distant future.
 After a memorable night (!) in the Moat House, Harlow, the Band travelled north again via Peterborough where a second concert awaited as part of the popular Peterborough Festival. Following a warm greeting from the Mayor and Mayoress of Peterborough and the Japanese Cultural Attaché, the band gave a performance in glorious weather in the shade of a huge willow tree.  The audience was a large and appreciative one and the band clearly enjoyed playing in this perfect setting. On return to Harrogate, both Band and supporters agreed that it had been a fine weekend with two very well-received concerts and plenty of opportunities to relax together. Special thanks go to our guest for the weekend Clive Dickinson, soprano player from Besses o'th Barn Band, deputising for Andrew Jackson who was unavailable.
YORKSHIRE CHALLENGE MAKES IT A HAT TRICK! - The Harrogate Band scooped the top prize of £750 last month in the inaugural Nostell Priory Yorkshire Brass Band Challenge, bringing about a 'hat trick' of contest successes in 2001. In spite of a small entry of bands, the organisers (the AMI Laser Restoration Sharlston Band) were keen for the contest to go ahead in order to help establish the event for future years. The competition took place in the grounds of the newly restored Priory - a superb setting for such an event. Trophies were presented to the winning bands by Lord and Lady St. Oswald of Nostell Priory. Harrogate's programme for the event included Wilfred Heaton's march Le Tricot Rouge, Barry Gott's Lightwalk and the finale from Year of the Dragon, plus solo features from Robert Illsley (cornet) and Steve Morland (xylophone and tuba!).
  HOUSTON - WE HAVE NO PROBLEMS! - A uniquely enjoyable concert was held in Ripon Cathedral with the Houston Choral Society, directed by Betty Devine. The Choir, on a 10 day tour of the UK, sang beautifully in the resonant acoustic of the Cathedral, with pieces sacred, spiritual and popular. The Band contributed with a first half that included Overture - Force of Destiny, Cortege from Mlada, Elsa's Procession to the Minster, and what is probably only the second ever public performance of Ernest Farrar's Heroic Elegy. This piece was composed shortly before Farrar's death at the Battle of the Somme, and only given a single airing by the Harrogate Symphony Orchestra. It has been resurrected and arranged by Neil Richmond, the founder musical director of the Band, and is a moving and poignant piece, dedicated to "Soldiers" which weaves the "Agincourt Song" theme through its music.
 A second half of mainly popular, show pieces culminated with a joint rendition with the Choir of Gustav Holst's A Festival Chime and the Band serenading our Texan visitors with a performance of Stars and Stripes Forever under the baton of Betty Devine herself. Proceeds from the concert went to St Anne's Shelter and Housing Charity.
YORKSHIRE & HUMBERSIDE CHAMPIONS! - A new format to the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association's annual contest in Scarborough was welcomed by all participating bands. Harrogate continued their run of success with a convincing, if slender, win over stiff competition in the Premier "A" section. The performance of our chosen programme of the hymn tune Stella, march Bramwyn and test piece "Year of the Dragon" persuaded the adjudicator to award the band the first prize, even if the final movement of Year of the Dragon was a little hurried! In all we gathered FOUR trophies to add to our bulging cabinet - including the prize for best trombone (Daniel Dickinson) and the day's "best conductor". Full results can be found on the YHBBA website.
SUMMER CONCERT SEASON - A wide and varied selection of concerts are being given by the Band this summer. To help you find our playing venues, we have added maps to our list of engagements.
NORTHERN CHAMPIONS AGAIN! - In our first foray into the First Section Championships the Band has triumphed for the second year in a row to become the Northern Regional Champions. The music, Eric Ball's "The Undaunted", was enjoyed thoroughly by the band and our interpretation of the piece pleased the adjudicator, Mal Brownbill who, like many others, was puzzled by the fact that it was not an established part of the   contest and concert repertoire - it really is an excellent example of Eric Ball's lyrical work. To cap a great day's contesting, the band also took home the trophy for the "Best Bass Section" - quite probably the first time this section of the band has won such an honour! The celebrations were tinged with sadness as we bade farewell to Dave Cole, our bandmaster, who has been a completely dedicated player, a tireless worker and a great friend to all in the band over the last 17 years. His work takes him to Kidderminster, where we are sure he will soon find another band!
30th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT - To conclude the celebrations of our 30th anniversary year we presented a special joint concert with the Granby High School Concert Band on 10th March at Granby High School. Former players in the HGS Concert Band were responsible for the formation of the Harrogate Band back in 1970. The concert included pieces chosen and conducted by the Band's previous Musical Directors (Neil Richmond, John Higginson and Peter Wells); Dragon Parade - a piece specially composed for the band's 30th anniversary; a short musical tribute to John Hallums; a nostalgic reminder of music from the 1970's when The Harrogate Band was very young!; and of course a performance by the Granby High School Band themselves. A musical tribute to the memory of John Hallums followed the announcement of the donation of a trophy in his name to be awarded at the Northern Region Championships. We were especially pleased that Joan Hallums, together with her daughter Catherine and several other family members were able to attend the concert.
EXCELLENT RESULT AT ROCHDALE - Our first contest of the new (true) millennium pitted the band against a very strong combined contingent of eleven bands from the Championship and 1st Sections. Year of the Dragon won us fifth place which, against such competition, was a very good achievement. Congratulations to the contest organisers - their last minute rearrangements worked perfectly and produced a very enjoyable event.
NEW YEAR, NEW CHALLENGES - 2001 sees the band promoted into the First Section of the National Brass Band Championships for the first time in its 30-year history. This step represents a huge challenge for the Band, but we are working hard and are determined to continue the run of successes which the band has enjoyed over the last few years. Gemma Pitt has recently joined Harrogate's horn section from the Vernon Building Society (Poynton) Band, and the playing strength of the band has been further boosted by the arrival of Precious Lowe and Helen Worley, with Nick Garrett also making a most welcome return to the cornet ranks.
Concert engagements also figure large in the Band's plans for the New Year with bookings already arranged both locally (including a concert at Fountains Abbey in August) and as far afield as Hertfordshire and the Peterborough Festival. A new CD recording is also planned, with the band hoping to enter the recording studio in the early autumn.
| John Hallums |
John Hallums died in hospital on the 9th January, aged 81, following a short illness.
Always a brass band enthusiast - though never a player - John was involved at the formation of The Harrogate Band in 1970 and subsequently became its chairman, a position he held for 16 years. He was an active committee member of the Bradford and District, Harrogate and Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Associations and was one of the many 'unseen workers' of the brass band world.
John's chairmanship of The Harrogate Band covered the tenure of five conductors and spanned a period of steady musical and economic progress. He was still an active member of the Band in his 80's and participated in the Band's millennium tour of Holland.
An ensemble from the Band provided a fitting musical tribute at John's funeral, and the standard of the Dunkirk Veterans' Association was lowered as the Last Post was sounded.
He is survived by his wife Joan, his two children and four grandchildren.
|
NEW MILLENNIUM GREETINGS - It seems no time at all since our new uniforms had just had their first outing and the Y2K celebrations were yet to come. We wish all our friends and supporters the very best for a thoroughly enjoyable 2001 - the true start of the third millennium!. Thank you to all of you who continue to support the band in person and through this web site.
2000
FIRE BRIGADE CHRISTMAS CONCERT - Another memorable concert was given in the Royal Hall in aid of the Fire Services Benevolent Fund. This year the band shared the stage with the choir from St Aidans' School in Harrogate and formed the highlight of the festive season for many in the audience and the band.
HARTLEPOOL HONOURS AGAIN! - Second place in the First Section at the Hartlepool Borough Brass Band Contest was a great achievement for the Band. We fought off stiff competition from seasoned residents of this section in a close competition which the adjudicator, Alan Exeley, judged to be of high standard. The Band had entered the First Section, rather than the Second Section which was held the previous weekend, due to a clash with a long standing concert engagement (which in the event was cancelled at the last minute). Nevertheless, our own-choice test piece, Year of the Dragon by Philip Sparke, not only pleased the audience and the adjudicator, but also is very popular with the Band.  The contest at Hartlepool was brought to a close with an excellent concert by the Ever Ready Band in lieu of the Championship Section contest which was abandoned due to a number of withdrawals. Another superb result in what is our most successful and enjoyable competition - over the eight years of the contest's history the Band has won 5 first places, 2 seconds and 1 third - never being out of the prizes - and on two of those occasions playing in a section above our national grading.
A FIRST AT THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL - The Band visited the Harrogate Grammar School for the first time to play in a joint concert with the school's concert bands and musical groups. A highly enjoyable evening was spent and we were all very impressed with the verve and proficiency of the school musicians. Two of our leading cornet players, Neil Cole and Karen Shore, are fairly recent ex-Grammarians and we hope this event will be the first of many similar and that closer links are maintained between us.
NORTH EAST COMMUNIGATE - We are pleased to participate in a new internet gateway for community organisations in the North East. The North East Communigate is a portal web service providing easily built webpages for groups in the area and also links from these to existing websites where appropriate. The Harrogate Band's presence can be found here (somewhat basic at present).
NO PRIZE THIS TIME! - Our performance in the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 21st October (drawn 12th of 17 bands) was, we felt, a good one and we were confident of a good result as we left the stage. Unfortunately the adjudicators disagreed and we ended up in 11th position - a disappointing result. However, the band is not despondent - a very enjoyable weekend was had by all players and supporters alike who mixed the wealth of music making and bandsmen at the RAH with more traditional London entertainments. Our congratulations to Oldham Brass 97 who won the Second Section Championship Finals - we look forward to meeting them in 2001 in the First Section!
 |
The band at the Royal Albert Hall. Click to see a larger versions. |
FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - The Band is hard at work rehearsing the test piece for the National Brass Band Championships Final in the Royal Albert Hall on the morning of Saturday 21 October. The music for Second Section bands is Abstractions by Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen. The three movements provide visual impressions recreated as music, abstract representations of a motif - Aurora Borealis; Rocks; and Seascape. Rehearsals in a number of contrasting locations will be held in the final week and include a joint concert with the Yorkshire Champions (4th Section) Wetherby Silver Band, who will be competing themselves in the RAH on the morning of Sunday 22nd October. Good luck to all bands concerned!
30th ANNIVERSARY GALA CONCERT - This took place in Ripon Cathedral on 30th September. We were delighted to welcome our guest soloist, Nick Hudson, regarded by many as the country's leading trombonist. A truly superb evening of music delighted the audience, particularly the excellent musicianship of Nick Hudson, whose command of the instrument thrilled his listeners. The programme included works by Ravel, Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Rodney Newton and a tribute to Wilfred Heaton, the Harrogate-based composer who died earlier this year. There was also plenty of lighter music including the world premiere of Jungle Music by David Lancaster in which the whole band (briefly) became percussionists, and some new big band arrangements. We also ran our Interactive Band Jukebox in which members of the audience helped to shape the content of the programme in the second half. All proceeds of the evening go towards our Albert Hall 2000 fund. Many thanks to all who supported the evening.
The pictures below are from the concert. Click them to view larger versions. |
 |  |  |
NETHERLANDS CONCERT TOUR - The Band had an excellent week's music making and experiencing the culture and sights of Noord-Brabant and Limburg provinces of the Netherlands. The tour started with a weekend spent with the Gerwens Muziekkorps (GMK) Band in Gerwen and Nuenen, the highlight of which was our joint concert with GMK in Nuenen. The obligatory tour of a nearby brewery made a very welcome start to the weekend. Near hurricane winds on the Sunday caused us to abandon plans for our final concert with GMK, but did not dampen our enjoyment of their hospitality! The second part of the week was based around a stay at the Het Meerdal Center Parc which provided many pursuits and distractions for the Band between musical excursions. Once again a planned concert was abandoned, for different reasons this time, but we managed to replace it with a visit to Maastricht and a subsequent concert in the nearby town of Valkenburg. Our final concert destination was Roermond - with a beautiful bandstand setting in the town square by the local church. Despite the problems we had getting the coach to the venue, as most of the access roads were being dug up, the concert was a great success in the best weather we had of the whole week.
DOMAIN NAME - This website now has its own "domain name" web address, www.harrogateband.org, which has already been in use for the last couple of months. The original web address will continue to work in addition to the new one. Similarly the Internet Bandsman's Everything Within is now accessible via www.ibew.co.uk. Many thanks to Harrogate Online once more for their continuing support of this web site.
BUXTON AND SCARBOROUGH - Recent contest outings have kept the band busy over the last few weeks. A trip to the Buxton Brass Band Festival resulted in a disappointing fifth placing. However the band played much more convincingly at the YHBBA Annual contest in Scarborough, competing for the first time in the Premier Section. We achieved one first place and two second places against keen competition. The adjudicator, Derek Broadbent, expressed his opinion that we were very close to taking first place overall. Maybe next year!
A NEW BAND MEMBER!! - We are delighted to announce the birth of Luke Morland to Catherine and Steve. Our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the proud parents. A very welcome addition to the Morland clan who already play a major role in the band - Steve (Chairman, percussion), Catherine (Public Relations, baritone), Sue (Secretary) and Ron (transport etc..) - though it may be a few years yet before Luke can help shift his dad's kit around! In the meantime, you can read his own opening address here.
E-ZINE FEATURE - The Band features in the April 2000 edition of the online brass music magazine Brass World International. The article, entitled The Millennium Brass Band, reports our pictorial presence in the Millennium Dome and describes the success of the Band through interviews with David Lancaster and Gavin Holman.
THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL - HERE WE COME! - The Band has become the Second Section North of England Regional Champions by winning first place in the contest held at Darlington on 19th March. A convincing performance of the test piece, Sword, Jewel and Mirror by Philip Harper, persuaded the adjudicator, Gary Cutt, to award Harrogate the honour in the face of stiff competition. Many, in fact, thought it was the best rendition of any test piece over the whole weekend. This piece of music refers to the sacred treasures of Japan and depicts dreams of the three objects between the opening and closing sunset and sunrise movements. The influences of Japanese music are strongly represented in the piece, which includes vocal passages for the band to add to the colour of the music! This win qualifies the band to compete in the National Brass Band Championship Finals, which will be held in the Royal Albert Hall over the weekend of 20-22 October 2000. This will be the Band's sixth appearance at the National Finals since 1985.
| The pictures below show the Champion Band in action. Click them to view larger versions. |
 |  |
 INVITATION TO JOIN US ON OUR DUTCH TOUR - The Band is visiting the Netherlands from Friday 26th May to Saturday 3rd June, and has some places available. Players or non-players are welcome. We will be travelling overseas from Hull to Rotterdam. The first few days will be spent with the GMK Band in Nuenen, then on to Het Meerdal (Center Parc) for the remainder of the visit. Concerts will be performed in various locations during the week. For further details please get in touch with any of the band contacts.
 MILLENNIUM DOME SELF PORTRAIT - An image of the Band is now resident within the Self Portrait Zone in the Millennium Dome. This zone is a celebration of all things British - objects, places, people, attitudes, sounds, tastes - expressed through the views and perceptions of ordinary British people. The Band is proud to be representing
the brass band community in this way.
TRIUMPH AT ROCHDALE CONTEST - The Band made its first contest foray across the Pennines to challenge brethren in Lancastrian bands at the Town Hall in Rochdale in a day of lashing rain. The competition was stiff, with good performances from all the other seven bands in the second section, but adjudicator Lloyd Landry awarded Harrogate first prize for our excellent rendition of James Curnow's Trittico for Brass Band. The venue was a glorious example of Victorian gothic decoration and made a superb setting - despite its echoing acoustic qualities.
 INTERNET OSCARS - We have just received another "Oscar" award for this web site, as a result of the second annual vote for sites nominated by the brass band movement throughout the world via the Internet . This year we share the title "Best Non - Commercially Produced Band Website of the Year" with the Whitburn Band who polled an equal number of votes. Congratulations to Whitburn and the other Oscar winners, and many thanks again to all who helped us achieve this!
HARROGATE THEATRE CENTENARY - On January 13th the Band was pleased to open the celebrations at the Harrogate Theatre, 100 years since the first opening night. The events of the evening closely followed those of the original with performances from various dramatic and musical groups.  A packed theatre enjoyed a wide range of entertainments to commemorate this important occasion. Click on this image for a view of the commemorative programme. (177 K)
1999
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS EN ROUTE FOR THE YEAR 2000 - As we occupy ourselves with our Christmas concerts and carol playing in and around Harrogate, we would like to wish all our friends and supporters a Happy Christmas and good fortune in the coming year. Special greetings to all the new friends we have made through this website - we have particularly enjoyed your messages and comments.
HARTLEPOOL CHAMPIONS AGAIN! - For the second year running the Band has been awarded first place in the Second Section at the Hartlepool Borough Contest (the Borough Council in Hartlepool have now taken on the sponsorship of this contest following the withdrawal of the original sponsors, Camerons Brewery). The Band gave an excellent performance of its own choice test piece - Trittico for Brass Band by James Curnow - an exacting and challenging selection, but one which the band, audience and adjudicator, Colin Hardy, enjoyed. The Hartlepool contest, now in its seventh year, is a firm favourite with the Harrogate Band - not surprising given our record of wins: 5 first places, one second and one third!
 UNIFORMS FUND COMPLETED - Thanks to the sterling efforts of many band members and supporters, particularly Jason Harper and David Lancaster, we have raised the money required to obtain new uniforms for the band. The "new look" Harrogate Band will be launched at the Fire Brigades Charity Christmas Concert in the Royal Hall, Harrogate on December 19th. Click here for details of the fundraising.
Daniel Lancaster can be seen here modelling the new look with his father, David.
PROMOTION TO CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION! - Following the Band's success over the last two years in the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association's Annual Contest, the Association has promoted the Harrogate Band to the Championship Section for the year 2000. The Band will still play in the Second Section for contests adhering to the national grading scheme, but looks forward to the challenge of competing at the higher level in the Association contests.
OPEN REHEARSAL ON 10th NOVEMBER - The Harrogate Band is holding an open rehearsal at 7.45 p.m. and invites any players who would like to join us in working through various pieces. Visitors and players are always welcome at the band, but this event is intended to provide an social and informal opportunity to welcome other players and friends in the district, to find out more about the band - particularly those younger players who may not have much experience of playing in a full brass band. Anyone interested should contact David Lancaster or Gavin Holman (to ensure we have sufficient music!). Details of how to reach the Bandroom are found here.
OSCARS TIME AGAIN - This website has received two nominations for the Internet "Brass Oscars" 1999, for the "Best Non-Commercially Produced Band Website of the Year" and the "Most Entertaining Band Website". We won two OSCARS last year (1998), so please visit the BRASS OSCARS website to see and visit the nominated sites in the seven different categories. Then cast your votes (for the Harrogate Band of course!) The closing date for votes is 31st December 1999.
GALA CONCERT WITH ALAN MORRISON - A large and appreciative audience packed Ripon Cathedral for the Band's Gala Concert to help complete the fund raising for the new uniforms.
Alan Morrison, the world renowned cornet soloist and Principal Cornet with the JJB Leyland Band, was our guest soloist, performing six pieces to the acclaim of the listeners. The programme also included music from the hit show "Lord of the Dance", James Curnow's Trittico, and Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.
WIDNES CANCELLED! - LET'S HAVE A DALES TOUR INSTEAD - To the Band's great disappointment, the Widnes Open Brass Championship had to be cancelled following a large number of last minute withdrawals. Our first contesting foray across the Pennines was not to be - and we would surely have won with our sparkling rendition of James Curnow's Trittico! Not to be daunted, or waste a perfectly good coach booking, and with swift organisation by David Gall, we ventured forth instead on a tour of the Yorkshire Dales. Three open air concerts were given to very appreciative audiences in Leyburn, Reeth and Hawes. The day was completed by a non-competing visit to the Hardraw Scar Brass Band Contest (which the Band had decided to pass on this year in favour of pastures new in Widnes!) A very enjoyable day's touring and concerts which I'm sure we will repeat in the future.
BOROUGHBRIDGE PROMS - As an alternative to the Royal Albert Hall event the Harrogate Band provided the people of Boroughbridge with their own "Last Night of the Proms" style concert. A rousing success in all aspects, the concert was greatly enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience. The first half followed fairly traditional concert lines and included solos from Robert Illsley playing Alan Morrison's Buster Strikes Back, David Gall with Monti's Czardas, and David Lancaster with the Post Horn Galop. The second half was a celebration of the century with a piece of music from each decade - 1990s, Cry of the Celts, 1980s, Goff Richards' Pastorale, 1970s, Star Wars, 1960s, Ticket to Ride, 1950s, Bernstein's Somewhere, 1940s, The Way You Look Tonight, 1930s, The Continental, 1920s, Puttin' On The Ritz, 1910s, Jerusalem, 1900s, Pomp & Circumstance (Land of Hope and Glory). The concert ended with an encore of "An Irish Blessing" a beautifully evocative air.
 END-TO-END SUCCESS! - Jason Harper has completed his gruelling cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for our Uniforms 2000 Fund. Supported by Dave Cole, he covered the 900 mile route in eight days and was actually cycling for 58 hours - an average of over 15 miles per hour. Jason had trained hard for this event and made excellent time, beating his own estimate of 10 days for the journey. All our congratulations and thanks to Jason on his achievement and to Dave for providing the motor support together with the Band trailer containing spares and supplies. Well done both! Click the photo on the right for some further pictures of their achievment!
 Jason has a cornet for sale. It is a Yamaha Maestro Cornet, lacquered. Only used for eight months before being put away. In very good condition. 500 pounds - or nearest offer. Telephone Jason on +44 (0) 1423 887186 or +44 (0) 7977-215155. Note: the illustration is not that of the cornet for sale!
UNIFORMS "2000" - The Harrogate Band needs new uniforms! The current burgundy-coloured blazers have served the Band well for many years but are now reaching the end of their useful lives. To buy smart new uniforms for all thirty-five players (with a few spares) will cost the Band in the region of £6000. Fundraising has started in earnest, with three events already completed and more planned, including a sponsored bicycle ride from Lands End to John O'Groats by our Flugel Horn player, Jason Harper. Please see our Uniforms 2000 page for further details. Any help, or offers will be gratefully received.
MILLENNIUM DOME - Visitors to the Millennium Dome will see life-size photographs of The Harrogate Band in the Self Portrait Zone representing the important role that brass bands play in Britain's culture. The band was chosen after organisers of the Dome's exhibits wrote to companies throughout the UK requesting suggestions for features they regarded as traditionally British.
Chris Horton, baritone player with the band, works for Sam Smith's Brewery and was one of those contacted. He proposed a brass band and, naturally enough, he mentioned The Harrogate Band as a possible contender. A photo-shoot was arranged in the Sun Pavilion in Harrogate's Valley Gardens to provide the images that will be used in "a multi-dimensional way" in the Dome.
The Band feels honoured to represent the brass band movement and the thousands of other brass band players throughout the country in the UK's main celebration of the new millennium.
 SWEEPING SCARBOROUGH SUCCESS - The Band won first prize in all three contests within the First Section at the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association's Annual Contest in Scarborough on 18th April. It took first place, by a margin of five points in the hymn tune, playing Eric Ball's arrangement of Jesu Meine Freude, the march trophy was gained by a sparkling rendition of Eric Ball's march Star Lake, and the selection prize, with a convincing lead of three points, was won with another superb rendition of Philip Sparke's Land of the Long White Cloud. The day was thoroughly rounded off by the presentation to Musical Director David Lancaster of the "Conductors' Cup" for the conductor of the band gaining the highest aggregate score of the whole day!
LECTURE RECITAL - On 10 April the Band gave a lecture recital to the International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres who were holding their Annual Study Weekend at the University College of Ripon & York St John. David Lancaster presented "The World of the Brass Band", a history of the brass band movement illustrated with readings from band members and performances by the band. The lecture was a great success and was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and band alike. In roughly chronological order, and to illustrate the various styles, technical aspects and range of brass bands, the pieces played were: Brilliant - J Ord Hume, Die Zauberflote - Mozart arr. Rimmer, Labour and Love - Percy Fletcher, Elegy (Downland Suite) - John Ireland, Star Lake - Eric Ball, Elegy (Entertainments) - Gilbert Vinter, I Wish I Knew - Billy Taylor arr Chris Horton, Ticket to Ride - Lennon and McCartney arr. Alan Fernie, Vitae Lux - F Anaes arr. Aagaard Nilsen, Land of the Long White Cloud - Philip Sparke.
NORTHERN REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS - These were held at Darlington on Sunday 21 March, with 53 bands competing for a chance to attend the National Finals in Nottingham in September and the Championship Section Final in London in October. The test piece in the Second Section was Symphonic Suite by Leighton Lucas - a very interesting and enjoyable piece to play. The Harrogate Band was pleased and confident in its performance as it left the contest stage and was convinced that it would be placed among the prizewinners, but disappointingly was only awarded 6th place out of the 11 competing bands.
CONCERT AT ST. PETER'S - Audiences in Harrogate have been able to enjoy a feast of band music in recent weeks, including a visit to the Royal Halls by the Black Dyke Band, the local school bands in the annual Competitive Music Festival (won this year by Tewit Youth Band) and The Harrogate Band who entertained a large and enthusiastic audience at St. Peter's Church, helping to raise money for the church's organ restoration fund.
The highlights of the band's programme included three excellent soloists: principal cornet Robert Illsley dazzled the audience with his exuberant and stylish rendition of Harry James' Trumpet Concerto, David Gall gave a demonstration of virtuoso technique in Monti's Czardas and Jason Harper showed off the lyrical voice of the flugel horn in a haunting arrangement of a Scottish folksong entitled Mull of the Cool Bens. Cornet and horn sections were also featured in Trumpet Blues and Cantabile and Vivaldi's Winter respectively.
The most weighty musical items were provided by Leighton Lucas' fine Symphonic Suite which was given a robust and well-shaped performance in anticipation of the forthcoming regional competition and a sprightly overture to Zauberflote in William Rimmer's arrangement. The Harrogate Band also included a rare performance of the lovely Elegy from Gilbert Vinter's suite Entertainments in their programme. The band were clearly in good form and the acoustics at St Peter's allowed the audience to savour their rich tone.
Since the evening was all about raising money to support the church organ, MD David Lancaster selected Ray Farr's arrangement of Bach's Toccata in D minor to conclude the programme.
JOHN HALLUMS' 80TH BIRTHDAY PARTY - The recently restored Sun Pavilion in Harrogate provided a suitably spectacular setting in which to celebrate John Hallums' 80th birthday, and The Harrogate Band provided a short programme to begin the evening's entertainment. John is almost a founder member of the band and has served as chairman and committee member for many years and continues to dedicate much time and effort to support the band and it seemed fitting that so many former players and supporters were in the audience.
The evening also included a presentation to John from the band, and a few well-chosen pieces played by John's four grandchildren, one of whom - Ashley - is a member of Harrogate's training band, The Brass Class. The only note of sadness was that John's wife Joan was unable to be present, having recently undergone a major hip operation.
The band - in relaxed mood and clearly enjoying the occasion - played several light pieces to get the party under way before demonstrating their skills (!) on the dance floor. Many thanks to John for inviting the band to his special event and for all the support over the last 29 years.
INTERNET OSCARS - We are proud to be the recipients of the first BRASS OSCAR 1998 for the "Best Non-Commercially Produced Band Website of the Year". Congratulations to the other Oscar winners (Black Dyke Band, SCABA, Brass Band World). For further details of the awards, and plans for the 1999 awards, see the Internet Brass Oscars site hosted by Andy Wooler.
Our thanks must go, in true Oscar winners' style, to everyone who voted for our site. There are over 400 brass band websites in existence at present, and there is a wonderful range of styles with a huge amount of information about the bands, good ideas, advice, history, fun, music, pictures and, of course, the bandsmen themselves. Although brass bands on the Internet are still in their relative infancy, there are a large number of dedicated individuals who have crafted the websites and promoted the cause and awareness of the brass band movement way beyond their normal audiences. These we also salute and we urge you to visit their sites for a flavour of the rich variety of brass banding across the world. The Internet Bandsman's Everything Within, or the Brass Band Webringcan provide your starting point in a journey around the brass band web.
1998
SITE SEARCHES AND TRANSLATIONS - You can now search this site for specific phrases or words. See the search box near the end of this page, or follow the SEARCH link.
 In addition you can translate pages into one of five languages using Altavista's "Babelfish" converter. The translations, performed by software, are not 100% accurate, so use them advisedly, and there is a limit to the amount of text translated in each request. Go to the search page for more details or use the country flags table for this page below
FIRE BRIGADE CONCERT - Over £4,000 was raised by the Fire Services Benevolent Fund Charity Christmas Concert which took place in the Royal Hall in December to a packed audience. With the Harrogate Band were the City of York Pipe Band, St Aidans Chamber Choir and the Studio 3 Dance Workshop providing an excellent mix of musical and terpsichorean styles. Traditional carols from the choir, band and audience were interspersed with a number of other pieces from the Harrogate Band, traditional bagpipe music and a stirring selection of Irish dancing from Lord of the Dance. An arrangement for brass band and bagpipes of Highland Cathedral, by David Lancaster, was particularly appreciated by the audience. This was the second year since the revival of this concert, and we look forward to an even more successful event in 1999.
TRIUMPH IN HARTLEPOOL - The Band's most decisive contest win was gained at the Cameron's Brass Band Championships at Hartlepool. Competing officially in the Second Section for the first time, playing (and thoroughly enjoying) Land of the Long White Cloud by Philip Sparke, we trounced the competition by a clear five points. The adjudicator, Ian Craddock, was full of praise for our performance - an unusual occurrence for any band! This particular contest, now in its sixth year, has gained in popularity with bands in the North of England - and it has always been a favourite of ours, and not just because of our continuing successes each year!
EXCELLENT MUSIC - The University College of Ripon and York St John echoed the sounds of The Harrogate Band and the College Concert Band in November as they provided a joint concert of serious band music to an appreciative audience. The UCRYSJ Band performed Philip Sparke's Yorkshire Overture, Festive Piece, by Clare Grundman, and Malcolm Arnold's Padstow Lifeboat. The Harrogate Band followed with works by two local, but world famous, brass composers - Wilfred Heaton, Victory for Me, and Philip Wilby, Dacre Banks. This was followed by Robert Eaves' Rhapsody for Eb Soprano Cornet, immaculately performed by Andrew Jackson, and the premiere of Claro Toccata by David Lancaster - a complex and highly charged piece with delicate opportunities for lyrical playing by euphonium and flugel soloists. The concert concluded with a performance of Philip Sparke's Land of the Long White Cloud.
CHANGE OF PRINCIPALS - The Band was sorry to see our Principal Cornet player, Sadie Snowden, leave recently. Sadie had led the cornet section and the whole band in many successful concerts and contests. We wish her all the best and hope to see her back with us in the not too distant future. We are very pleased now to welcome back Rob Illsley to The Harrogate Band. Rob, who held the Principal's seat prior to Sadie, has returned after a period playing with Brent Brass.
 DUTCH VISITORS - An excellent weekend was enjoyed by all concerned when the Gerwens Muziekkorps (GMK) Band, from Neunen in The Netherlands, visited Harrogate in October. Staying with members of the Harrogate Band they had an opportunity to sample the delights of Harrogate and York and perform two concerts. The first of these was at West Park United Reform Church, where the audience were treated first to a mini concert by their ten-strong percussion section, then to a wide selection of numbers from the whole concert band. The Harrogate Band had opened the evening with a short session before handing over to their guests. A rousing barn dance and supper rounded off the next day. On the Monday the students and staff of the University College of Ripon and York St John were delighted with the second concert from GMK, which finished just in time for them to depart for the evening ferry back to Holland.
Click the picture to see further/enlarged pictures.
SCULPTURED SOUNDS - The Band had a very successful and enjoyable trip to Perry Green in Hertfordshire in June to provide music for the Henry Moore Centenary Celebrations at the Henry Moore Foundation Open Day. A commemorative service was held at the local church where both Moore and his wife are buried, followed by a concert at the Foundation, which now occupies the house and grounds of Henry Moore's former home. Surrounded by many examples of the sculptor's work - from massive architectural pieces to small and intimate studio works, drawings and fabrics - the band entertained several thousand people who had come to see the work of the Yorkshire-born sculptor. The Open Day, held in glorious sunshine, was an event thoroughly enjoyed by the public, the band and the Foundation themselves. Our thanks go to the Foundation for the invitation - which resulted from the Foundation's visit to this website. We look forward to being invited back for the 200th anniversary!
 | Click to view
larger image |  |
CLEAN SWEEP - Three First Prizes and Trophies were won in the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association's Annual Contest, First Section, at Scarborough in May. Wonderful! Marvellous! you might think - but the band, although being pleased at the awards, was also very disappointed. All the other bands in the first section had withdrawn and we had agreed with the organisers to compete in the Championship section and to be judged with them. However our status was communicated to the adjudicator and we were judged as the only first section band! What is the point of preparing a piece for contest then not being able to compete?!! Nevertheless, both the adjudicator and audience liked the performance, and we are sure that, had we been allowed to compete fairly in the contest, we would have surprised one or two of the other bands in that section.
REGIONAL CHALLENGE - The Band's first contest in the Second Section was the Northern Region Championships at Darlington. We were very pleased to be awarded third place - particularly as the adjudicator admitted he could not really separate places two and three. Unfortunately this also meant that we missed representing our home town in the Harrogate National Finals in September! (Nevertheless we were there, cheering on our brethren and friends in the contest - and supported the organisation in a number of ways, including providing our bandroom to competing bands for rehearsals).
IT WAS US! - We have recently received an Arts Council award from the National Lottery which has enabled the Band to purchase a full set of new instruments and a trailer to help in their transport. These instruments, which are already proving to be a significant benefit to the musical sound of the band, were sorely needed and will give us a welcome boost to the quality of our music. The process of obtaining the grant from the Arts Council was a fairly long one, taking in all about a year, from the preparation of the submission to the final award. However, we were very pleased with the support and advice given by the staff at the Arts Council. Our thanks must also go particularly to Michael Hymas, the Band's President, whose financial assistance has facilitated the partnership funding required for the grant.
1997
NEW CD RECORDING -  The Band's new CD recording, Come Follow The Harrogate Band, is now available. This was released at the joint concert before Christmas with the Tewit Youth Band, the other fully brass band in Harrogate. A most enjoyable evening was had by all concerned, culminating in three pieces played by the joint bands.
FIRE BRIGADE CONCERT - The charity concert for the Fire Brigade Service, in the Royal Hall in Harrogate, was also a great success. Over £3,000 was raised for the Fire Services Benevelant Fund, by the Band together with singers from St Andrew's Players, the York City Pipers and dancers from Studio Three Workshop who once again provided a wonderful visual dimension to Riverdance.
GOOD CAMERONS RESULT - The Band competed in the Second section at the Camerons Brewery contest at Hartlepool at the end of November. Although we did not officially become promoted to the 2nd section until January 1998, we were allowed to compete in the higher section there. Playing Philip Sparke's Celtic Suite the Band gained third place in a strong section of 12 bands - a very good result!!
RIPON - SECOND PLACE WINNERS! - A feast of brass was thoroughly enjoyed by a large audience at the Ripon Festival Brass Band Entertainment Contest in Ripon Cathedral on 31st May. The Harrogate Band clinched 2nd place after winning overall, but dropping points on a time penalty due to the extended audience applause! Nonetheless the highlight of the evening was agreed to be our performance of Riverdance with the "surprise" support of nine talented dancers from the Studio Three Dance Workshop in Knaresborough. The national press picked up the story from the lead article in the Harrogate Advertiser, and articles subsequently appeared in a number of the daily newspapers - ranging from the Sun to the Daily Telegraph!
|
