Arguably, the success of convention weekends is totally evaluated by the 'feel good factor' with which one returns home. To enhance this, it is essential that the final session is memorable and stimulating. On this occasion the Association selected a 'winner' in the stimulation stakes! The title of the session was "The Music of Local Composers" (in the Harrogate area) with Dr Wilby and the Harrogate Band conducted by David Lancaster.

It is always interesting to hear composers talking about their music. A prominent 'local' composer is Dr Philip Wilby, so it was natural that he should begin the session. He started by referring to his suite The Seasons and the problems that emerged while composing it. Firstly, he quickly dispelled the idea that the work illustrates the seasons as Vivaldi attempted in his work with the same title. As Dr Wilby said, "How can you describe four seasons in three movements?" He then explained that his intention was to describe our emotions as we progress through the seasons and the three movement suite form was suitable for this.

Dr Wilby raised the question of the relationship between the composer and the band during rehearsal and performance. The term he used was 'Symbiosis' between the interdependent features of the creative and performing processes. He said he welcomed thoughts on this because the problem of writing interesting parts for 'second' players is accentuated when writing for lower section bands. Dr Wilby then began to offer a number of solutions! The first example was a demonstration of several qualities of drum roll that feature prominently in this piece. Dr Wilby described these as a 'poetic' way of dealing with what otherwise may be a repetitive sound.

Regarding 'second' parts he highlighted the difficulties of tuning chords in extreme keys that require second and third valve fingering. As an example he gave the tonic chord of G flat major from The Seasons scored for second and third cornets and soprano. The general opinion was that good listening skills were essential in these situations.

The comments made by Dr Wilby reminded me of when I started playing in a band. We survived on a musical diet of Fantasias by J A Greenwood and other similar pieces. We enjoyed them because everyone was playing almost all the time! Dr Wilby displayed a more sophisticated approach to the problem of making music interesting for the less experienced players. But, at no point did he suggest that composers should 'write down' for them. His solutions were musically integrated into the piece and were as essential to the performance as the 'solo' parts, possessing an educational dimension that can be exploited by the conductor.

Dr Wilby then commented on his piece Atlantic, for which he supplied examples from the score. This was written for the Tomra Brass Band, who are based in a shipbuilding community in Norway and draw players from the local population. The piece is arranged as a Concerto Grosso, that is, a work for several solo players, who are surrounded by a larger group who support the musical argument, provide antiphonal musical opportunities, and on occasion overwhelm the solo group in climatic outbursts. It is written for two 'bands', the division in the score being marked by the percussion. Consequently, the visual impact is similar to an orchestral symphonic score. It was explained that the manuscript paper had to be designed before the scoring could be done. It was composed in 2001 and recently used in Norway as a test piece. From the tantalising snippets we heard, this piece promises to become widely popular. This part of the session was concluded by a performance of The Seasons.

Neil Richmond then talked about composers having connections with Harrogate district. Neil is well known locally as a dedicated teacher and conductor. Now retired, he has assisted the Harrogate Band and David Lancaster in researching the topic and arranging the resultant music. The first name raised was that of Ernest Farrar. He studied at Durham and Dresden in the early years of the last century before being appointed organist at Christ Church, Harrogate. He was also active in local orchestras. Regrettably he was killed in World War I. One of his works, Heroic Elegy, written whilst he was serving in the army, had been performed only once. The score was discovered in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, and arranged for brass hand by Neil Richmond. The work includes the Agincourt Song, later used by Walton in his music for the film Henry V and shows that, had Farrar survived, he would probably have become an important 20th century composer.

Another local composer was Arthur Wood of Three Dale Dances fame. It seems that he wrote two suites of dances, making Six Dale Dances in all! While in Harrogate he played second flute in the Municipal Orchestra, which apparently was of a commendably high standard.

Perhaps the most famous composer with Harrogate connections is Gerald Finzi. He moved to Harrogate with his family to escape the Zeppelin raids on London in 1915 and studied with Ernest Farrar for a short time. An arrangement of the introduction to his work Dies Natalis was performed. It was originally written for strings; the success of this arrangement by Neil Richmond may encourage someone to arrange his Romance for String Orchestra for brass band.

Then followed an illustrated talk by a member of the Harrogate Band, Gavin Holman, about bands in Harrogate. Music was very important to the commercial health of the town when visitors 'took the waters'. The musical day began at 7.3Oam! Those who have tasted the spring water of Harrogate will readily understand that it is advisable to stay out of doors after doing so! To enhance the promenading experience, professional musicians took to their instruments morning, noon and night (sorry about the pun!) This talk was expertly given and far removed from the normal band history lesson.

The Harrogate Band concluded the afternoon by playing three works. The first of these was Wilfred Heaton's march Tricot Rouge, followed by The Royal Border Bridge from Arthur Butterworth's Three Impressions for Brass, and concluded with a march written by David Lancaster, Dragon Parade, named after a street in Harrogate. David is modest about his music, but this march could well become part of the standard repertoire.

Thank you to everyone who made this memorable afternoon possible. The Harrogate Band played to the high standard we have come to expect, showing musical sensitivity and understanding of the music they performed. A special thank you to Philip Wilby for his contribution, and to Neil Richmond and David Lancaster for sharing with us the results of their research and commitment into a fascinating topic that continues to enrich the whole brass band movement.

Ron Darwin

Harrogate Advertiser, 25 January 2002

An award-winning website has turned members of the Harrogate Band into television stars. 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. The chance came following YTV's perusal of the band's website which has twice won Best Brass Band site on the internet and contains a vast amount of information, accessed by some 250,000 enthusiasts world-wide. The players spent two days on location around Yorkshire, recording a number of pieces and acting a key role in several scenes in the drama.
In addition to this the Harrogate Band was recently filmed during its preparations for the 2001 National Brass Band Championship Finals. The material is to be used in a half-hour series called 'A Grand Night Out' which follows Yorkshire people getting ready for a big event. The crew not only followed preparations for the event but also tracked the progress of two other big events in the band - the wedding of band member Lynne Stockdale, whose father also plays with the band, and the birth of Bethan Illsley, daughter of members Robert and Katie. The production crew worked with the band over several weeks, and travelled with them to the competition. Both films have yet to be broadcast.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, 25 January 2002

Busy Year For Town's Band

2002 will continue for The Harrogate Band with a packed schedule. February sees the band make its debut at the prestigious Durham association contest, a real hotbed of competition, before heading into the studio to cut their latest CD, 'Made in Harrogate'. That recording will predominantly feature music associated with Harrogate or by local composers, and will contribute to the Royal Hall Restoration Fund to which the band has already contributed over £2000.
The early part of the year will also see the band feature in two TV programmes, a YTV documentary about the group, plus a forthcoming episode of 'Heartbeat' which features a number of band members masquerading as the local band throughout the story. March will see the band defend it's title at the North of England Championships, followed in April with defence or their Yorkshire and Humberside title.
The remainder of the year will see the band feature around the county in a wide range of events. Not only will they perform a recital of local music for National conductors association's annual conference, but are also planning two contrasting collaborations - firstly a Gershwin event, the centrepiece of which will be a performance of 'Rhapsody in Blue' with concert pianist, and secondly a groundbreaking rock collaboration with a local group! The band will of course be seen in more traditional guise at indoor and outdoor venues such as Wetherby, Ripon, Pateley Bridge and Leeds - always a hit with local audiences.

---

? 2002

Exciting Year Ahead for The Harrogate Band - From Stars and Stripes to TV Stars!

2002 promises to be an exciting and challenging year for The Harrogate Band, with their first major performance of the year taking place on January 18th at Harrogate's Crown Hotel. The Band plays host to the Concordia University Wind Ensemble from Wisconsin USA in an event which promises to be a musical extravaganza! This 80 piece instrumental ensemble from the university performs sacred and classical music from the standard wind repertoire from such composers as Reed, Hoist, and Copland. The group embarks on a 10-day tour each January, and 2002 sees them travelling to the UK. The ensemble is directed by Dr. Louis A. Menchaca, Director and Professor of Trumpet at Faculty at Concordia University where, since 1992, he has guided all aspects of the Instrumental Music Program. Under his guidance the Wind Ensemble has gained regional, national, and international renown. The Concordia University Wind Ensemble will of course share the stage with reigning North of England Champions The Harrogate Band under the baton of David Lancaster. The performance commences at 7.30 pm in the Crown Hotel Ballroom. Tickets are £5.00 for Adults, £3.00 for Concessions, and available on the door. For further information please contact Sharon on 020 7870 8551.
2002 will continue for The Harrogate Band with a packed schedule. February sees the band make its debut at the prestigious Durham association contest, a real hotbed of competition, before heading into the studio to cut their latest CD, 'Made in Harrogate'. That recording will predominantly feature music associated with Harrogate or by local composers, and will contribute to the Royal Hall Restoration Fund to which the band has already contributed over £2000.
The early part of the year will also see the band feature in two TV programmes, a YTV documentary about the group, plus a forthcoming episode of 'Heartbeat' which features a number of band members masquerading as the local band throughout the story. March will see the band defend it's title at the North of England Championships, followed in April with defence or their Yorkshire and Humberside title.
The remainder of the year will see the band feature around the county in a wide range of events. Not only will they perform a recital of local music for National conductors association's annual conference, but are also planning two contrasting collaborations - firstly a Gershwin event, the centrepiece of which will be a performance of 'Rhapsody in Blue' with concert pianist, and secondly a groundbreaking rock collaboration with a local group! The band will of course be seen in more traditional guise at indoor and outdoor venues such as Wetherby, Ripon, Pateley Bridge and Leeds - always a hit with local audiences.
After making 2001 the most successful in year their 31-year history, with promotion to the 1st division of competition yet still achieving an unprecedented set of four titles, the band are now looking forward and working hard towards making 2002 even more successful!

---

Harrogate Herald, 4th January 2002

Strike up the band

An American wind ensemble will be joining forces with the Harrogate Band to perform a musical extravaganza at the Crown Hotel Ballroom later this month. The well-reputed Concordia University Symphonic Wind Ensemble will deliver meaningful, communicative and expressive music from "Westminster Carol" to "American Salute" on January 18th. As a viable and reputable music ensemble on the Concordia University campus, the group are now well known in the surrounding community and the greater Milwaukee area. This ensemble, described as being committed to a high standard of instrumental performance and literature, has also toured and performed in over 25 states across the USA. A broad range of resources and publishers is enlisted to help the group find music for sacred literature as well as for interpreting the fine secular works in the repertoire. As Professor of Music at the university, Dr Louis A Menchaca will conduct the ensemble, after guiding all aspects of the instrumental music programme since 1992. Dr Menchaca was nominated by his students to Who's Who Among American Teachers, and it is thanks to him the ensemble has gained local, regional and national recognition.
The Harrogate Band will be conducted by David Lancaster in the musical performance on Friday 18th Januaryat 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the door at £5 for adults and £3 concessions.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, 30 November 2001

Where were you at concert?

On Friday, November 9, my wife and I went to a thoroughly enjoyable concert in The Royal Hall given by the Harrogate Band and most of the music had a Harrogate connection. Among the items played was a very moving arrangement by Neil Richmond of Ernest Farrar's Heroic Elegy. Farrar grew up in Yorkshire and became conductor of the Harrogate Orchestral Society in 1912. This arrangement deserves to be more widely known. A plea to the Harrogate Band - next time you play at The Albert Hall, please include this piece.
Perhaps not many people know that one of the most recognised pieces of music - the theme music for The Archers - was written by a man who moved to Harrogate when he was seven years old and later became deputy conductor of the Harrogate Spa Orchestra. That man was Arthur Wood. The Band played two items by Wood.
Then there was the Harrogate Songbook. The Band accompanied Julie Russell Wilson singing three items: I Like to go to Harrogate; The Harrogate Dog Show; and The Harrogate Band - the last item referring to a much earlier institution than the present Harrogate Band! Wonderful items. Originally written to match existing popular melodies of the day, these songs were sung on the night to music written by local composer Donald Avison. Unforgettable.
The only thing missing was a good-sized audience. Where was everybody? The concert was in aid of the Royal Hall Restoration and I wonder if the Royal Hall Restoration Trust could do more to advertise and promote the many activities that are being organised throughout the district for that very worthwhile cause.
It was very clear a great deal of effort by many people had been put into preparing for this concert. Not only by the Band but also, amongst others, by arrangers of many of the items. Harrogate Band is in the top flight of brass bands and deserves stronger local support.
Peter Rix

---

Harrogate Advertiser, 2 November 2001

A heroic legacy

Next Friday's band recital in the Royal Hall, Made in Harrogate, includes work by an early 20th Century composer who - had he not been killed in the First World War - would, from the evidence of his surviving work, probably have played a leading role in British musical life during the 20s and 30s.
Ernest Farrar was born in 1885 at Lewisham and at the age of 26 moved to Harrogate, in 1912, after having served his musical apprenticeship at London's new Royal College of Music; at Dresden; and South Shields. Farrar worked as organist at Christ Church, taking up his post on September 1 1912, which he also supplemented with teaching from his home at 15 Hollins Road.
One of his pupils was young Gerald Finzi, who walked over from 22 Duchy Road for lessons from a man who exercised a huge and lasting influence on the brilliant young songwriter. Another fruitful relationship was that which developed between Farrar and Julian Clifford, the popular and charismatic director of the Kursaal orchestra, the two of whom made ingenious arrangements of Wagner's music dramas, Tannhauser and Parsifal, performed when the silent films were screened in the Kursaal.
In 1914, Farrar's great orchestral tone poem, The Forgotten Merman, was also premiered at the Kursaal, shortly after the outbreak of war, and, the following year, his variations for piano and orchestra were premiered by dedicatee, Julian Cilfford. By now Farrar had enlisted in the Grenadier Guards, but returned to Harrogate to conduct the first performance, on July 3 1918, of his moving Heroic Elegy, the last music he ever heard before returning to the western front, where, tragically, he fell on September 18 1918, leading his men at the Battle of Epehy Ronssoy.
The Farrar portrait above, kindly supplied by Adrian Officer, reveals something of this brilliant and deeply sensitive musician. In view of the season and location it is especially appropriate that Farrar's music will be played next Friday evening.
by Malcolm Neesam

---

Wansbeck Win for The Harrogate Band - Unprecedented fourth title in 2001 for local favourites

The popular Harrogate Band notched up another success last weekend when they took top prize at the Wansbeck Brass Band Entertainment Contest at Newbiggin by the Sea. This was the band's first visit to this 'invitation only' contest, organised as part of the popular Wansbeck Festival, and posed a slightly different challenge to the events most recently contested by the Band. In this 'entertainment contest' the band was posed with the task of performing a 25 minute entertainment programme, facing opposition from some of the finest bands from the North of England. The band was delighted then, to returned home, mission accomplished, having taken the crown at the first attempt!
It was an convincing and enjoyable performance which gained the band first place at the Wansbeck Contest. Despite the sauna-like conditions on stage the band stole the show with a programme packed with contrasts and entertainment. The programme opened with with the Idar Torskangerpoll's newly-penned funk item Degroove, contrasted immediately by the superb Royal Border Bridge, one of the three movements of Arthur Butterworth's Three Impressions for Brass. The band's principal cornet 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 Harrogate's own Wilfred Heaton's sublime meditation Just As I Am preceded the finale; the ever-popular Macarthur Park by Jim Webb.
This latest success brings an unprecedented fourth crown to the Band in 2001, making it the most successful in their 31-year history. In March of this year the Band were again crowned North of England Champions - this time in their first foray in the 1st Section, which earned them a seventh invitation to The National Brass Band Championships. That has been followed-up with the titles of Yorkshire and Humberside champions, the Yorkshire Brass Band Challenge Champions and now the Wansbeck Entertainment Champions.
The next opportunity to hear the band is their Gala concert on Friday the 9th of November at 8pm, when The Harrogate Band give a special performance in aid of the Royal Hall Restoration fund at that very venue. 'Made in Harrogate' is the title of the concert, which will comprise purely of music with local links, and promises a wide range of musical entertainment. Included in the evening will be music by local composers Delius, Finzi, Heaton and Wilby, but also Elgar (who spent many years in Harrogate) and music by band members themselves. Lighter moments include music by local musician Arthur Wood - who most famously penned the Archers theme tune - and even music from the Beatles - possibly the most famous act ever to grace the Royal Hall stage. All proceeds from the evening go directly toward assuring the future of Harrogate's elegant Victorian concert hall. Tickets are available from the Conference Centre Box Office on (01423) 537230.

---

Harrogate Herald, 30 October 2001

Band's boost for hall fund

The Royal Hall Restoration fund is to receive a welcome boost on Friday the 9th of November, when the North of England champions The Harrogate Band give a special performance in the hall itself. 'Made in Harrogate' is the title of the concert, which comprises purely of work by musicians who have had links with the town. Prominent in the programme will be 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 will feature compositions and arrangements by the band's own members, plus band founder and prominent local musician Neil Richmond. Neil's research into local music has been central to this event, and his arrangements of some of the pieces unearthed will also be heard on the night. The range of music on offer promises something for everyone, from old to new, classical to modern, plus some light-hearted moments along the way.
The Royal Hall 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 is now to draw 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 ensures that all proceeds from the evening go directly toward assuring the future of Harrogate's elegant Victorian concert hall.
This exciting and entertaining event takes place on Friday the 9th of November at 8pm. Tickets are available from the Conference Centre Box Office on (01423) 537230. 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 January 2002.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, 26 October 2001

Top brass performance for Hall appeal

The Royal Hall Restoration fund is to receive a welcome boost on Friday the 9th of November, when the North of England champions The Harrogate Band give a special performance in the hall itself. 'Made in Harrogate' is the title of the concert, which comprises purely of work by musicians who have had links with the town. Prominent in the programme will be 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 will feature compositions and arrangements by the band's own members, plus band founder and prominent local musician Neil Richmond. Neil's research into local music has been central to this event, and his arrangements of some of the pieces unearthed will also be heard on the night. The range of music on offer promises something for everyone, from old to new, classical to modern, plus some light-hearted moments along the way.
The Royal Hall 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 is now to draw 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 ensures that all proceeds from the evening go directly toward assuring the future of Harrogate's elegant Victorian concert hall.
This exciting and entertaining event takes place on Friday the 9th of November at 8pm. Tickets are available from the Conference Centre Box Office on (01423) 537230. 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 January 2002.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, 3rd August 2001

Concert bid to give Japanese a yen to visit Yorkshire

The area's hard-pressed tourist industry could get a much needed boost from Japanese visitors. This is certainly the hope of the National Trust, which is tonight entertaining a delegation of Japanese travel journalists and tour operators at a brass band concert being held at Fountains Abbey. The visit is part of a regional and national campaign to woo back foreign tourists who might have been put off by the foot-and-mouth crisis.
Sasha Jackson, of Fountains Abbey, said "The Fountains estate, indeed the National Trust at large, is suffering significant financial losses due to poor visitor numbers this season. The foot-and-mouth disease has really hit the tourism industry in Yorkshire. We welcome this opportunity to provide our Japanese guests with a real heritage experience and show them what a traditional open-air concert is all about."
The Japanese delegation will be entertained by Harrogate Brass Band performing music from stage and screen as well as pieces by internationally renowned composers.

---

4BarsRest.com, May 2001

4BarsRest take a closer look at the Harrogate Band that celebrated its 30th anniversary this year

The Harrogate Band celebrated its 30th anniversary this year and had good reason to celebrate: in March 2000 they became Second Section North of England Champions and in 2001 they repeated the achievement in the First Section. In the intervening months their schedule included a performance in the Royal Albert Hall, a week-long tour to Holland, a Gala Concert (with guest soloist Nick Hudson) and a host of other concert and contest successes. In the last couple of weeks they have added the top section Yorkshire and Humberside Association trophy to their cabinet, and scooped the £750 top prize in the inaugural Nostell Priory Yorkshire Brass Band Challenge. Their award-winning website and online resource is rapidly approach 250,000 hits and attracts visitors and admirers from all around the world. "We've a full band of very committed players," said MD David Lancaster "and we're looking forward to great things in the future".
Yet not so long ago the band looked likely candidates for relegation to the Fourth Section following a series of poor Area results in the mid-90's.
The Harrogate Band was formed in 1970 by Neil Richmond, the Head of Music at the town's Granby High School. Neil recognised that the players from his successful school band had nowhere to play when they left, so with little money and pitifully few well-used instruments, The Harrogate Band was formed. There had been bands in the town before this time but the last had quietly disbanded in the 1960's. Contest successes came relatively quickly for the new band, followed by visits to the National Finals and overseas trips, which demonstrated the band's potential to achieve. Harrogate recently returned to Granby High to share a '30th Birthday' concert with the current school band, inviting each of their four former conductors to direct an item.
Today the band is ambitious for success and is working harder than ever in anticipation of promotion to the Championship Section, which can't be far away now they have the First Section title under their belt. "We're aiming high" said chairman Steve Morland, "but we want to see success built on solid foundations". Success clearly means more than just winning contests. "We work hard to improve our concert presentation and to develop stronger links with our local community, particularly with schools and other arts organisations".
That local link extends to the music the band performs: Phil Wilby is a regular visitor to the bandroom and Wilfred Heaton lived in Harrogate until his death last year - both composers are featured on the band's first CD. The second recording, planned for later this year, will develop that theme, including work by a number of composers with connections with the spa town. "Elgar came to Harrogate each year to take the waters, and both Delius and Finzi lived in Harrogate at some stage" according to David Lancaster. Arthur Butterworth, 'who lives just down the road' will also feature on the new recording. The band clearly possesses an imaginative, progressive outlook and seizes opportunities to develop new audiences or styles of presentation: a couple of years ago Harrogate gave an illustrated lecture recital on the development of brass band music to the annual conference of the National Association of Music Librarians, and a similar presentation for the National Association of Brass Band Conductors is scheduled for the autumn. They regularly give concerts of contemporary music for band at the University College of Ripon and York where David Lancaster works as lecturer in the music department.
Exciting times lie ahead for The Harrogate Band: the fixture sheet includes a joint concert with Houston Choral Society (yes, from Texas!) in Ripon Cathedral, and in August there's a rare opportunity to perform a concert at Fountains Abbey - a sublime setting for any event. Further afield the band are taking a weekend away together to play concerts in Hertfordshire and at the Peterborough Festival, and Yorkshire Television are planning a documentary about the band's preparation for the National Finals! Exciting times indeed!
David Lancaster - Originally from Wigan, Lancashire, David Lancaster began his musical career as cornet player with the Pemberton Old Band at the age of eleven. A chance encounter with the music of Harrison Birtwistle led him to take up composing, and music studies at York and Cambridge Universities followed. David has won several important prizes for composing and held the prestigious post of Composer-in-Residence at Charterhouse from 1985-88. After six years teaching music in Further Education, David returned to Yorkshire to take up the post of Music Lecturer at the University College of Ripon and York St John, where he teaches composition, world music and music technology. He is currently serving as External Examiner for music at the University of Salford. David Lancaster has conducted brass bands at all levels but has been particularly associated with Runnymede Brass who gained promotion from the fourth to the first section in only four years under his direction, qualifying to play at the National Brass Band Finals on four consecutive occasions. Since 1994 David has been Musical Director of The Harrogate Band who are North of England First Section Champions 2001. David has recently completed new works for the Wakefield Metropolitan Band, Kirkbymoorside Town Band and the Wetherby and District Silver Band.

---

Yorkshire Post, 29th May 2001

Top band shares stage with Texan choral society

The award-winning Harrogate Band which has won three titles this year is to share a concert with the Houston Choral Society from Texas in Ripon Cathedral next week. The band, which became North of England First Section Champions in March, has since won the Yorkshire and Humberside Championship and the Yorkshire Brass Band Challenge in which it was asked to present a 30-minute programme of contrasted and entertaining music rather than a test piece.
The concert with the 100 voices of the Houston Choral Society, which will include a mixture of popular classics and music from both sides of the Atlantic, will be held in the cathedral next Tuesday at 7.30pm. The band's musical director, David Lancaster, said: "The choir are only in the UK for a matter of days and they were very keen to work with a genuine Yorkshire brass band. We hope that members of local choral societies and choirs will want to hear how they perform."
The Harrogate Band will also perform at the Christ Church Centre in Harrogate on Saturday, June 9 at 7.30pm. The programme will include soprano Deborah Richardson and pianist Katie Bell.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, 30th March 2001

Undaunted and unbeaten - the band plays on

Another chapter was written at the weekend in the extraordinary success story of the Harrogate Band, when they were again crowned North of England Champions. This popular group who have just celebrated their 30th anniversary year with an unprecedented series of successes, were competing at this year's North of England Brass Band Championships in Darlington, where just one year ago they were crowned Second Section Champions. This year they faced a new challenge, having achieved promotion to the prestigious First Section. On their first occasion in such heady territory for the group, and in the face of their most fierce competition, the band however pulled off a startling victory, seizing the title with a much heralded performance of Eric Ball's The Undaunted - an aptly named test piece for this professional and confident outfit. To cap a great day's contesting the band also took home the trophy for the Best Bass Section - the first time that section of the band had won such an honour, and gave a winning farewell to long-serving bandmaster Dave Cole, whose work takes him to Kidderminster after 17 years as a dedicated player, tireless worker and a great friend to the band. The delighted band members now face an even bigger challenge: to represent Harrogate and the North of England at the National Championships in September. The Harrogate Band's Musical Director David Lancaster was exhilarated by the success - "The adjudicator was full of praise for our performance - this is a fabulous reward for all the players' hard work over the last twelve months. It's certainly a great time to be a member of the Harrogate Band." The band is also undertaking a series of illustrious engagements around the country, including an appearance with the world-famous Houston Choral Society on June 5 at Ripon Cathedral and an Evening Gala concert in the grounds of Fountains Abbey on August 3.

---

4BarsRest.com, 19th March 2001

North East Area Results

First Section:
Harrogate Band under the baton of David Lancaster have won the North East First Section with a narrow one point win over Broughtons Brass led by Chris Bentham.
Both bands also scooped up the individual awards with Harrogate winning the Best Basses cup and Broughtons Best Percussion.
David Lancaster, the delighted conductor of Harrogate spoke exclusively to 4BarsRest. "This is our first year in Section 1, and we are thrilled to have won. Less than five years ago we were coming 8th in the third section and were really struggling, so today has been a reward for all the hard work the members have put in since that time. We are a mix of the young and old, with ex Black Dyke player Peter Wells on bass being a real bedrock of the band, and younger players such as Robert Illsley on solo cornet showing that not all the talented players are to be found in the top section bands. We are 30 years old this year and this is the highest position the band has ever achieved and to celebrate this we hope to record a CD later in the year that will feature music of Harrogate based composers such as Philip Wilby and Wilfred Heaton."

---

Yorkshire Evening Post, January 2001

Band hits high note in brass section

HARROGATE band is celebrating its promotion to the First Section of the National Brass Band Championships for the first time in its 30-year history. Its musical director David Lancaster knows the move, which will be tested in the first competition of the year at Rochdale later this month, represents a huge challenge. But he said: "We are working hard and are determined to continue the run of successes which the band has enjoyed over the last few years." Playing strength has been boosted by the arrival of Gemma Pitt, Precious Low and Helen Worley, with Nick Garrett making a welcome return to the cornet ranks.The band, which helped to raise more than £1,500 for the Fire Service Benevolent Fund at a concert in the Royal Hall last month, is planning a CD recording in the autumn as well as a full programme of concerts. Mr Lancaster also wants to expand and develop the Brass Class, a weekly session for young players who will become the band of the future. The Brass Class is seeking a new director to coach the ensemble and the Harrogate Band would be pleased to hear from anyone with suitable experience and ability. People interested should contact Catherine Morland on 01423 526746.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, October 13th 2000

"Utterly compelling" band on top form in big cathedral outing

To a large and responsive audience in Ripon Cathedral, the Harrogate Band demonstrated why they are one of the district's premier music ensembles. In an impressive and hugely enjoyable concert, which truly included something for everyone, these local musicians played with style and panache. For once the audience were given a hand in the choice of programme via the band's innovative Interactive Jukebox. From a list of popular pieces the audience chose Eric Coates' Dambusters March which the band duly presented as their penultimate item.
For this special event the band was joined by trombone soloist Nick Hudson, a superlative player and master of his instrument, who gave a sparkling performance of a new work - Dick Turpin's Ride to York by Rodney Newton - before retreating offstage to play some plainsong transcriptions. This unaccompanied music made a highly effective use of the Cathedral's resonant acoustic; leaving the audience spell-bound, hardly daring to breathe.
The major work of the first half was Abstractions by the Norwegian composer Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen. This is the music the Harrogate Band will perform in the Royal Albert Hall later this month when they represent the North of England in the National Brass Band Championship Finals. On this showing they must be amongst the favourites to bring a winners' trophy back to North Yorkshire for the first time. The musical language was uncompromisingly modern, full of rhythmic energy and dissonance, but Harrogate's performance was utterly compelling.
Also included in the first half was a tribute to the late Wilfred Heaton, composer and Harrogate resident until his death earlier this year. Heaton's meditation Just As I Am is a beautiful symphonic poem in miniature which the band played with characteristic warmth of tone.
The second half was a much lighter affair beginning with a swing set which would grace the repertoire of any decent Big Band. Robert Illsley was the stylish soloist in I Know Why and So Do You before Nick Hudson rejoined the band again for a lyrical Stardust followed by Hot Toddy with Harrogate's trombone section in support.
The serious items in the second half included two transcriptions: Barber's Adagio (which sounds surprisingly well on brass!) and Ravel's ever-popular Bolero which allowed Harrogate's soloists to shine once more. This was a band on top form, with a superb soloist and a programme to send everyone home happy.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, September 29th 2000

Cathedral performance for Harrogate Band

The Harrogate Band steps into the spotlight at Ripon Cathedral tomorrow night for a Gala Concert starting at 7 30 pm. Joining the local musicians will be trombone virtuoso, Nick Hudson recently returned from a concert tour of New Zealand. Hits by Hoagy Carmichael and Andrew Lloyd Webber are included in his programme. The evening will also feature items from the Big Band era, Ravel's Bolero and many other popular classics. Proceeds from the evening will help the Band, now in its 30th year, to rise to its next competition challenge. The Band are representing the North of England in London next month when they compete in the Finals of the National Brass Band Championships. Funds raised tomorrow night will be put towards the cost of the trip.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, September 22nd 2000

Gala concert to feature premier brass band

A Gala Concert featuring the talented Harrogate Band takes place in Ripon Cathedral on Saturday September 30 at 7.30 pm. As well as enjoying an evening of consummate musicianship ticket holders will be helping to raise funds to help the band face their next competition challenge. The musicians travel to London in October to compete in the prestigious National Brass Band Championship Finals in the Royal Albert Hall. Bands from all around the UK will be taking part, with Harrogate representing the North of England following their victory in the Regional Championships last March. The Band, currently celebrating its 30th anniversary year, is pulling out all the stops to raise enough money to make the trip possible. The Ripon concert will also feature the brilliant trombone virtuoso Nick Hudson, principal trombonist of the Williams Fairey Band and an acclaimed solist in this country and around the world. Nick has recently released a new CD recording and has just returned from a concert tour of New Zealand. Accompanied by the Harrogate Band, Nick will explore familiar and unfamiliar repertoire, including hits by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Hoagy Carmichael. The Harrogate Band's entertaining presentation includes music from the Big Band era, the Broadway stage and Ravel's thrilling Bolero, along with other popular classics and light music. It promises to be an exciting and memorable musical occasion from the district's premier brass band.

---

Dutch Newspaper, May 2000

Jubileumconcert GMK/The Harrogate Band

The Harrogate Banbd, zeer bekende topbrassband uit North of England behaalde 16x de eerste prijs in de afgelopen 5 jaar in de hoogste divisie en dit jaar neemt zij deel aan de Nat. Brass Band Championship Finals in The Royal Albert Hall te London!

Na in 1998 Harrogate een bezoek te hebben gebracht ontvangt het Gerwens Muziek Korps de Harrogate band in het weekend van 27 mei a.s. Dit ter gelgenheid van het 40-jarig jubileumfeest van het GMK.

Tijdens dit weekend staan er uiteraard diverse feestelijkheden en uitstapjes op het programma, waaronder natuurlijk ook gezamenlijke optreden van Gerwens Muziek Korps en the Harrogate (brass) Band.

Het jubileumconcert in Nuenen vindt plaats over twee weken in het Klooster op zaterdag 27 mei. Aanvang 20.15 uur. Voor dit concert zijn kaarten à f 7,50 vanaf maandag a.s. te verkrijgen of bij Het Klooster, Keurslagerij Schmitz, kapper Werner Ulrich (Kernkwartier) te Nuenen of bij Martien Sanders te Gerwen.

Op zondag 28 mei is er een concert van the Harrogate Band tezamen me de slagwerkgroep van het GMK in het Caratconcertpaviljoen aan de Warandavijver te Helmond, aanvang 13.30 uur.

---

Brass Band World, April 2000 - Stephen Jack

Dreams do come true. Just ask the Harrogate Band and their conductor David Lancaster. For a number of years they have been the "nearly" band, with good results at most contests but unable to make their mark at the Areas. Now in their 30th anniversary year it has come all right, finally taking the top honours in the Second Section.

Graced by an excellent team of soloists and led by a charismatic conductor who puts his all into his job, the result was nothing less than stunning. For many it was the best rendition of any test piece over the whole weekend, transforming Philip Harper's technically brilliant piece of writing (Sword, Jewel and Mirror) into a musical performance, sadly lacking from most bands, full of glorious sounds and utilising carefully considered mute and percussion effects.

Joining them will be GT Group Peterlee who under Tom Maddison had to be content with runners-up spot for the second year running, but gave an excellent challenge to the eventual winners.

However it has to be said that a lot of bands failed to cope with the scoring, complex rhythms and dynamics of the piece, in particular a number of over-exuberant tam-tam players who drowned out many a performance.

---

Brass World International, April 2000

The Millennium Brass Band

If you're heading to the Millennium Dome in London any time this year, make sure to take a look in the Self Portrait Zone, a tribute to all things British. And since there's nothing more British than brass bands, it's fitting that a picture of a brass band should be included in the zone. And which band did they choose to represent all bands throughout Britain? None other than the Harrogate Band.

"We are very proud to have been selected for this, although it was largely by chance that the opportunity arose," said Gavin Holman, Harrogate's contest secretary and former chairman of the band.

The "chance" he is talking about was when the organisers of the Dome's exhibits wrote to U.K. companies looking for suggestions of features that are traditionally British. Harrogate band member Chris Horton works for Sam Smith's Brewery and was one of those contacted. He suggested a brass band be included and, naturally enough, he mentioned The Harrogate Band. And before you could say Y2K, a picture was taken of the band and included in the Self Portrait Zone.

"[The photograph] was taken in the newly restored Sun Pavilion in Harrogate's Valley Gardens last year, following an approach from the production company responsible for that zone in the Dome," said David Lancaster, Harrogate's musical director. "But we're really there to represent all bands, indicating their important role in British culture today and in the past."

Brass banding is indeed an important part of British culture. Brass band members are mostly volunteers who play for the enjoyment of playing, but to some, it's more than just a pastime.

"It's more than just a hobby....I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of the brass band experience," said Holman who is the computer manager at the British Library in Yorkshire. "It has multi-faceted aspects - the pleasures of performance, the pain and effort of rehearsal and practice, the beauty and invigoration of the music, the inspiration of contesting, the cameraderie of teamwork, the sense of family from the band and its supporters, the pride in giving pleasure to audiences, and overall a continual sense of achievement in a job well done."

All British brass bands are distinctive in some way or other, but Lancaster believes Harrogate success is due to its management and dedicated membership.

"The Harrogate Band is very well managed by an excellent committee and so we have a lot of good facilities - bandroom, instruments, uniforms etc - some good engagements and hopefully a lot of happy players!" said Lancaster. "We do have a fairly stable membership in comparison with many bands around us today, and that helps us to maintain musical standards and also to develop the social side to the fullest extent. I suppose that the biggest element must be that players gain pleasure from being part of a successful team - we play interesting music in some good venues and on the whole we get good contest results."

Indeed they do get good contest results. Just recently the Harrogate Band was named the Second Section North of England Regional Champions and will be heading to Royal Albert Hall in October compete in the National Brass Band Championship Finals.

"In essence we are not so different from many of our colleague bands around the country," stated Holman. "But we do constantly aim to improve not just our playing standard but our overall competency - our profile in the community, the range and scope of our repertoire, our involvement with other musical groups and organisations. We can provide consistent quality performances and our administration and organisation works well to support the playing activities."

And what does the band hope for the future?

"Many more years of success, I hope!" said Lancaster. "I would like to see the band improve its national grading, although competitions are not the only important criteria in measuring the band's success. If we can continue to build our playing strength it will enable us to tackle more difficult music and possibly develop our focus on contemporary music and newly commissioned works. The quality of our engagements is improving all the time and this is possibly the biggest indication of our improvement and the status we are accorded. I hope that the future will be a successful continuation of the good work we're doing at present."

---

Harrogate Advertiser, 31st March 2000

Best in the North!

The Harrogate Band achieved their greatest ever competition success at the weekend when they were named North of England Champions at the prestigious regional brass band finals. Their outstanding performance has earned them an invitation to the Royal Albert Hall in October for the Millennium National Championships, plus promotion to the first section from next year. Like the football league, promotion to "division one" in the brass band world means the local musicians are on a par with the finest in the land.

In a record-breaking year, musical director David Lancaster has taken the band to a first place win at every contest they have entered, as well as performing a range of popular concerts. Of the latest triumph he said: "The Band has worked so hard towards this result. Our appearance at the Royal Albert Hall and our promotion are both challenges we will relish."

Chairman and musician Steve Morland spoke of his delight at representing Harrogate on a national scale. "We will proudly carry the name of Harrogate and its musical reputation to London this October", he said.

Plans for special 30th anniversary celebrations are now under way, but if any former players still haven't got back in touch, it's not too late! Steve Morland would be delighted to hear from past members or potential new players interested in joining the Harrogate Band at this exciting time.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, February 18th 2000

Band's brass victory

The Harrogate Band's newest supporter has inspired the local musicians to victory in the brass band heartlands of Rochdale. Two-year old Daniel Lancaster, son of musical director David, was on hand to wish the band luck with their first challenge on the other side of the Pennines. The illustrious Rochdale contest was held in the gothic style town hall where a strong field of distinguished brass bands had every intention of scooping the top prize.

Not only did the Harrogate Band surpass them all in performance to win the coveted first place, they also earned high praise from the adjudicator on the day.

Daniel loves dressing up in his own miniature version of the Band's new uniform and can't wait until he is old enough to play a brass instrument. And he knows just where to go for lessons.

The Harrogate Band runs its own Brass Class which provides instruments and tuition for anyone interested in learning to play, with the aim of one day joining the successful main ensemble.

Daniel is hoping his presence will prove just as lucky when the Harrogate Band enter their next contest in Darlington on March 19th to find the North of England champions.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, January 28th 2000

Band tunes up for big year

The year 2000 is set to be a very special one for the Harrogate Band - it's their 30th anniversary and a series of reunion events are planned to celebrate this milestone. A gala concert, reunion evening and a foreign tour are part of the programme but before final arrangements are made, organisers are keen to contact as many former members of the Harrogate Band as possible.

Every one of the musical line-up over the past 30 years can take pride in the success of the Harrogate Band today. If you are a former player then chairman Steve Morland would like to hear from you. Contact him on Harrogate 526746 or email steve@morland.totalserve.co.uk.

The award winning musical ensemble first came together in 1970. Those first players were former pupils at Granby High School and were seeking a new outlet for their musical talents. Soon the nucleus of the band was formed and within a matter of months they were performing concerts and winning local contests.

In the three decades that followed the band grew in size and stature and were invited to participate at the National Championships on five occasions. They have also taken part in a number of foreign tours. Only last month musical director David Lancaster had the pleasure of leading the musicians to a second successive win at the Hartlepool Brass Band Contest, bringing the tally to five wins over the last seven years of the competition.

Further success over the last two years at the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association's Annual Contest has seen the Harrogate Band promoted to the championship section this year, where they join some of the best in the country, including the Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

The Harrogate Band is always looking for new brass and percussion players to join their ranks, either as experienced musicians or through the "Brass Class", as learners. Tuition and intruments are made available to members of the Brass Class. Anyone interested in joining them can contact David Lancaster on Ripon 608211. Harrogate Advertiser, 24th September 1999

Gala concert for champion band

A leading cornet soloist joins Harrogate Band for their Gala Concert in Ripon Cathedral this evening. Alan Morrison, formerly of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, is now principal cornet of the JJB Leyland Band. He has just returned from a tour of the USA and released a new CD recording.

Concert-goers can expect virtuoso showpieces and more lyrical pieces, as well as some of the big band classics made famous by jazz star Kenny Baker.

The Gala occasion has been organised to raise funds for the band's new uniform. The Harrogate Band are currently Yorkshire and Humberside Champions and are aiming to be the smartest looking musicians in the region for the forthcoming season.

The programme of brass music includes items from the hit show Lord of the Dance, as well as Tchaikovsky's majestic 1812 Overture. The evening starts at 7.30pm.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, 17th September 1999

Cornet solo will crown Gala Concert at Ripon Cathedral

The talented Harrogate Band will be joined by a leading cornet soloist during their Gala Concert in Ripon Cathedral next Friday. The concert starts at 7.30pm and features the soloist Alan Morrison. Formerly of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Alan is now principal cornet of the JJB Leyland Band and has just returned from a tour of the USA and released a new CD recording.

Accompanied by the musicians of the Harrogate Band he will play virtuoso showpieces and more lyrical pieces, as well as some of the big band classics made famous by jazz star Kenny Baker.

The Gala occasion has been organised to raise funds for the band's new uniform. The Harrogate Band are currently Yorkshire and Humberside Champions and are aiming to be the smartest looking musicians in the region for the forthcoming season.

A complete new get-up will cost around £6,000 but the musicians have worked tirelessly during the past six months to achieve this sum and an announcement of the total will be made during the concert.

The programme of brass music includes items from the hit show Lord of the Dance, as well as Tchaikovsky's majestic 1812 Overture. The band plan to make the night an exciting and memorable musical occasion for all tastes.

---

British Bandsman, 7th August 1999

Jason's ride to riches

Intrepid flugel player Jason Harper is in the final stages of preparation for the gruelling sponsored cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats which he is attempting in order to raise money for the Harrogate Band's new uniform appeal.

Jason has been busy training for several months in addition to his playing duties with the band and hopes to raise at least £1,000 towards the target of £6,000 which the band aims to achieve before the end of the year.

Jason, pictured (right) with the band president Michael Hymas, started his epic event last Monday and intends to complete the journey in less than two weeks. Cornet player and bandmaster David Cole will assist him in his endeavour. David will be driving the support vehicle. Anyone wishing to sponsor Jason should contact David.

Other planned fund-raising events include a cheese and wine party on 22 August and a gala concert in Ripon Cathedral in September.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, ?? June 1999 - Ruth Badley

Dome date for band

Life-size images of local brass band musicians are to be featured in one of the Millennium Dome exhibition zones. Excited members of the Harrogate Band learned photographs of their ensemble will represent the "epitome of Englishness" in the National Identity Zone. Musical director David Lancaster was given less than 24 hours notice by Dome organisers to prepare for the official photo session.

The newly restored Sun Pavilion in Valley Gardens provides the backdrop to the pictures which are part of a massive collage depicting the best of British culture. Most of the details remain under wraps, but the band understand the photographs will be enlarged and used in a multi-dimensional way, to allow visitors to the Dome to walk around them.

"It was a logistical nightmare trying to organise a venue and get all the band members together with such short notice, but luckily it all came together and it is such an honour for us," said Mr Lancaster.

Committee member Chris Horton was especially proud, as he had initiated the whole idea. Chris works for Sam Smith's Brewery in Tadcaster, one of dozens of companies invited to put forward suggestions summing up the essence of English culture. When Chris nominated brass bands, he never dreamed his own colleagues would be in demand. "For the Harrogate Band to be selected from the thousands of bands in the country makes us feel very special," he said.

---

??, ?? June 1999

Band to be "epitome of Englishness" at Dome

Life-size images of Harrogate Band are to be featured in one of the Millennium Dome exhibition zones. Photographs of the ensemble will represent the "epitome of Englishness" in the National Identity Zone. A two-hour photo session in the newly restored Sun Pavilion provides the backdrop to the pictures, which is part of a massive collage depicting the best of British culture. Most of the details remain under wraps, but the band understand the photographs will be enlarged and used in a multi-dimensional way, to allow visitors to the Dome to walk around them.

"It was a logistical nightmare trying to organise a venue and get all the band members together with such short notice, but luckily it all came together and it is such an honour for us," said musical director Mr Lancaster.

This prestigious opportunity came just after the musicians scooped all four top awards in the Yorkshire and Humberside annual contest in Scarborough. Prizes for best march, hymn and test piece all came home, in addition to the accolade for the most consistent band of the contest.

Band chairman, Peter Andrews is hoping this success will earn the band timely promotion to Yorkshire and Humberside's Championship Section in the year 2000.

---

??, ?? June 1999 - Brian Dooks

Dome place of honour for winning brass band

Visitors to the Millennium Dome will see life-size images of the Harrogate Band in the National Identity Zone representing the important role that brass bands play in Britain's culture.

They were chosen after organisers of the Dome's exhibits wrote to companies throughout the UK asking for suggestions on what features they regarded as traditionally British. Chris Horton, who works for Sam Smith's Brewery in Tadcaster and plays baritone with the Harrogate Band, told them that a brass band should be included - and they liked the idea. Musical Director David Lancaster said: "When he said he played with the Harrogate Band we got the job. It was a question of being in the right place at the right time."

As a result the Harrogate Band spent two hours at a photo shoot in the newly restored Sun Pavilion in the Valley Gardens. Mr Lancaster said: "We aren't allowed to give away too many secrets, but the photographs of the band are to be blown up to almost life size and used in a multi-dimensional way, so that the visitors to the Dome can walk around them.

Mr Horton, a committee member of the band said: "The experience made the band feel very special. For the Harrogate Band to be selected from the thousands of bands in the country is a real honour for us."

The Harrogate Band, which was formed in 1970 and has 34 regular players ranging in age from 14 to the mid-70s, has just won the four top awards in the Yorkshire and Humberside annual contest in Scarborough. It claimed the prizes for best march, hymn and test piece - Philip Sparke's Land of the Long White Cloud, and also won the conductor's award for the most consistent band in the contest.

Its chairman, Peter Andrews said the success in the competition should earn the band promotion to Yorkshire and Humberside's Championship Section in the year 2000 - "a challenge which we will clearly relish."

Now the band is hoping that its contribution will not end with the photographs. Mr Lancaster said their photographs represented all bands throughout Britain. "But we are very much hoping that we will be invited down to play in the Dome," added Mr Lancaster.

---

British Bandsman, 8th May 1999

Harrogate makes history

The Harrogate Band may well have made history on 10 April by playing to an audience composed entirely of music librarians. The UK branch of the International Association of Music Libraries holds an Annual Study Weekend at which music relevant to the locality of the conference is featured. This year's conference took place at the College of Ripon and York St John (Ripon Campus). Explaining the conference, IAML (UK) President Ruth Heller said: "We could hardly visit Yorkshire without hearing a brass band, so we asked the Harrogate Band, with their conductor David Lancaster, to present an illustrated history of the development of band music."

The information provided by David Lancaster, helped by members of the band reading from articles and books, put the music into context. The music itself was a revelation to many who had previously only encountered the lighter side of band music and the band seemed to enjoy playing an unusually large number of "serious" pieces.

The programme included Labour and Love, excerpts from A Downland Suite, works by Eric Ball, Gilbert Vinter, Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen, some swing and an Alan Fernie arrangement. Land of the Long White Cloud was the impressive finale of an extremely well-played programme.

An unexpected side effect of the concert was the discovery of a surprising number of brass players (current and lapsed) amongst the IAML membership. But the most satisfying outcome, apart from enjoyment of the concert itself, was that more people now take brass band music more seriously.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, 5th March 1999

Brass ensemble's in full flight at church

A successful local brass ensemble can be heard in full flight at Harrogate's St Peter's Church next Friday evening from 8pm. The Harrogate Band with their conductor, David Lancaster, have agreed to play to raise cash for the church's organ restoration fund.

The occasion promises a real treat for brass fans - currently the musicians wear the Yorkshire and Humberside Champions crown and were also victors at the Camerons Contest in Hartlepool. A capacity audience at the Royal Hall heard them in action for the Fire Services Benevolent Fund at Christmas - an occasion which raised over £4,000.

For the concert at St Peter's, the band have chosen a mixed selection of music to please most tastes. Well known classics from Mozart and Vivaldi, swing band melodies from Harry James and arrangements of Scottish and Norwegian folk songs are included, in addition to the traditional solos and marches in the band repertoire.

Following this public performance the band will be looking for further success at the North of England Championships the following weekend.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, 5th December 1997

Musical delight as bands link up for Christmas

For the second year running the Harrogate Band and Tewit Youth Band are tonight giving a Concert for Christmas together. They are the two brass bands in Harrogate and between them cater for the whole age range of players.

The Harrogate Band is a senior band with mainly an adult membership. It has been successful in a number of competitions and plays at a very high standard.

Tewit Youth Band members are generally under 20. They won the last Northern Youth Championship and have had many successful overseas tours to Hungary and various parts of Germany. Currently they are preparing to visit northern Spain in August 1998 on an exchange visit with Leioaka Musica Banda from near Bilbao. The exchange band had, until recently, a musical director who was a founder member of the Tewit Youth Band in 1978. Mr Ian Radcliffe has now returned to Harrogate after many years in Spain.

The Concert for Christmas will be held at St Peter's Church, next to Marks and Spencer, Harrogate, this evening starting at 7.30pm.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, 10th September 1997

Harrogate musicians celebrate

Musicians from Harrogate Brass Band are celebrating after winning their section at the Hardraw Scar Brass Band Contest held in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The band, conducted by David Lancaster, also won third prize overall in the competition, taking home £200 in prize money and the KLBB trophy.

Nine other bands entered the contest which takes place outdoors set against the backdrop of Hardraw Scar in Wensleydale. Afterwards a plea was made for more bands to take part in next year's contest, and for sponsorship of the event, by the secretary of the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association, Dennis Hill.

---

British Bandsman, 9th August 1997

Ripon Explained

Contrary to your article "Audience costs band two points" in BB4943, there was no fuss following the Ripon Contest, simply journalists getting their facts wrong and, in one instance, publishing an article known to be wrong to make a good story.

As the organiser of the event may I put the facts right for once and all? The contest rule that Harrogate Band fell foul of, as did seven other bands on the day, is quite simple. "The band's performance will be timed from the first note to the last note and will include introductions, etc. during the performance." Applause after the last note has been played was not timed and therefore all published comments to this effect are wrong.

The Harrogate Band were penalised two points because they played too long and the applause they received for their excellent performance at the conclusion had not bearing on the these penalties.

I hope this will clear up any questions that bandsmen and potential entrants to the contest may have. On the day all the bands were quite happy with these penalties as they knew they had played over the time. In many cases they had timed themselves.

Secondly, in reply to the letter from A. Smith regarding vocals at entertainment contests, two bands at this year's Ripon Contest featured vocals in their programme - the singers being members of their respective bands. We see no problem whatsoever with this, though we would need to ensure that the vocalists were complementary to the band and not vice versa, and why should they be band members? Remember Frank Renton's dialogue accompanying a band at Spennymoor in 1996?

Anything goes, within reason, is what we at Ripon encourage. Up to 30 players plus percussion - bring five euphonium players if you have them - what a lovely sound. The Harrogate Band had a troupe of nine dancers fronting their Riverdance finale - tremendous entertainment.
P.Gilby.

---

British Bandsman, 9th August 1997

Several new players have been welcomed to the Harrogate Band in the last few months. Jamie McVicar (euphonium), Claire Hastings (horn), Karen Shore (cornet), and Holly Garrett (trombone). The band is also delighted to welcome back David Gall (euphonium) and Jason Harper (flugel). Harrogate's player of the year award for 1997 went to Sadie Randle, one of the band's excellent cornet soloists. Sadie is currently a final year student at the University College of Ripon and York St John completing a BA degree in Communication Arts and specialising in Music and has played with The Harrogate Band since coming to the area in 1994.

---

British Bandsman, ? July 1997

Audience costs band two points

There's been a bit of a fuss in Yorkshire following the Ripon Contest. The trouble arose when Harrogate Band brought the house down with a spirited performance of Riverdance, the finale to an entertaining programme which gained them the highest marks of the day.

Such was the extent of the audience's response that the applause carried the band's time on stage over the prescribed 20 minute limit, costing them two penalty points and the contest.

The band's disappointment was widely reported in grossly exaggerated terms in the local press and discussed on air by Radio 2's Steve Wright. Conductor David Lancaster told BB: "There are certainly no "grumpy" bandsmen at Harrogate. On the contrary we were delighted to finish in the top places among some distinguished opposition."

The band's fortunes have been boosted by two pieces of good news. The first is that they have gained promotion to the Section 2 in National gradings (which renders them ineligible for next year's Ripon event, which is held specifically for Section 3 and 4 bands) and the second is that they have renewed a sponsorship deal with local company Readydrive Ltd. The company operates a fleet of 80 self-drive vehicles.

Band chairman Steve Morland said: "This is a great boost for the band. We have gone from strength to strength since our association with Readydrive began and look forward to continuing our success in the coming year."

---

Daily Telegraph, 26th June 1997

Damning ovation

A concert in Ripon ended on a sour note recently for a Harrogate brass band when it was denied first place because the audience liked them too much. According to the Harrogate Advertiser a storming rendition of Riverdance caused such delirium that the audience would not stop clapping. The applause lasted two minutes too long so the band suffered a cruel time penalty and ended up in second place.

---

Daily Star, 21st June 1997

Band that's brassed off

A brass band lost a top contest because the audience clapped too much! The applause, cheers and stomps went on so long judges ruled the band had gone over the 20-minute time limit for its performance.

They imposed a time penalty which meant Harrogate Brass Band finished runners up in the contest at Ripon Cathedral. One grumpy musician said "We lost because we were too good. What were we supposed to do? Tell the audience to shut up?"

---

The Sun, 21st June 1997

Brassed off

Musicians in the Harrogate Band missed first place in a contest when rapturous applause took them over their time limit in Ripon, Yorks.

---

Harrogate Advertiser, 20th June 1997

The band that was too good

The talented musicians of Harrogate Band were brassed off this week after top scoring in a prestigious contest only to be snubbed by judges for getting too much applause.

The band were leading a brass band entertainment contest at Ripon Cathedral after a spirited performance of Riverdance, but the rapturous reception lasted so long that it brought a time penalty which lost them first place.

Organiser David Boase said "Harrogate Band went down a bomb with the audience, but the extended applause meant they went two minutes beyond the allotted time and they were penalised for it. It was an excellent performance, but they lost because of the prolonged applause which went on longer than anticipated."

It was the band's final appearance at the annual contest, after winning it last year, as they will be promoted to the second section of national gradings next year to compete at a higher level.

---

Ripon Gazette, 6th June 1997

Applause robs band of trophy

Harrogate band nearly brought the house down with its spirited performance of tunes from the popular show Riverdance, but the rapturous applause of the audience ended up losing them first prize in Saturday's brass band contest in the Cathedral.

In a nail-biting battle for first place Harrogate Band was neck and neck with Marsden Silver Band from Huddersfield, but lost out in the end because of a time penalty.

At the close of judging Harrogate was in the lead by just one point, but while Marsden lost only one point for playing over the allotted time, Harrogate had two points deducted.

With the two bands tying for first place the winner's trophy was awarded to the Huddersfield band because they had gained the highest mark for musical content.

Organiser David Boase said "Harrogate Band went down a bomb with the audience, but the extended applause meant they went two minutes beyond the allotted time and they were penalised for it. It was an excellent performance, but they lost because of the prolonged applause which went on longer than anticipated."

Held for the third year running, the contest was the best yet, attracting ten bands from throughout the region, said Mr Boase.

A large audience filled the Cathedral to hear the bands competing over five hours. With Marsden and Harrogate taking first and second places respectively, Yarm and District Band was awarded third prize. There was also success for Ripon City Band which took the prize for the best Fourth Section Band.

Earlier in the day the competing bands had performed at various venues in and around the city, including Fountains Abbey, Lightwater Valley and the ..........