2005
A BUSY FESTIVE TIME
Derwent Brass has proved to be as popular as ever over the Christmas period with capacity audiences at all it’s concerts. The season got off to a great start with the band joining the Derby Hospitals Choir to play to a full house at the Derby Assembly Rooms. The audience of over 1200 gave the band and choir a very warm reception and enjoyed an evening of traditional Christmas music interspersed with popular carols. Proceeds from the evening were to support Acquired Deafness Campaign, and the evening was made all the more special by the appearance of the Royal School for the Deaf Signing Choir on stage with the band.
Derwent Brass then joined forces with the Dalesmen Choir, one of the best and most popular choirs in Derbyshire, for a Christmas Charity Concert to support the Macmillan Cancer charity. The band has raised over £8000 for the Friend’s of Nightingale MacMillan Unit, and this figure was given another boost as the audience queued to fill the Landau Forte College Theatre. By the time the concert was launched by the band (with a rousing march Christmas Joy) extra seats had been brought into the hall to accommodate the crowd.
In the presence of the Mayor of Derby, and patrons from both band and choir, what a treat there were in for as excellent preparation by the band produced some superb playing of a programme made up entirely of Christmas music. These days Derwent Brass can’t get away without including their ever popular ‘swing set’ and this was catered for with Jingle Bell Swing, Three Kings Swing and Joy. With addition of the contributions from the choir and carols, together with some hilarious banter between the two conductors, the crowd enjoyed wonderful evening.
The band rounded off their Christmas season with a return visit to the Etwall Parish Church, where we are told the “sold out” posters went up in early November! The audience were arriving an hour before the start to secure a good seat and Derwent Brass were on sparkling form to produce yet another great Christmas concert. In the jazz solo in Three King Swing principal cornet Dave Neville stunned the audience and reminded us all what a great talent he is, and quiet sophistication was to the fore when Adam Rutter produced a beautiful performance of the classic, O Holy Night. With the audience joining in with the various popular carols, swaying along to Schneewalzer, and clapping along to the swing numbers, everyone was thoroughly enjoying the concert and only eventually allowed the band to leave after 2 encores.
The band interspersed the concerts with traditional Christmas carols at the Derby City FC home match, the ensemble entertained corporate dinner guests at a Pride Park function, and had shoppers dancing in the aisles playing swing Christmas numbers at a local garden centre.
NEW PLAYERS JOIN THE DERWENT LINE UP
The band are delighted to announce the appointment of Adam Rutter to solo euphonium. Adam has been playing with the band at most concerts for the past couple of months or so and has been warmly received by theDerwent members and the audiences. Adam has an impressive pedigree and is a fine player, MD Keith Leonard commented - " I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Adam on board; over the last couple of months he has impressed us all with his playing and also been extremely popular with the members. The Solo Euphonium seat is obviously so very important and it has been vital that we find just the right person to fill this role at Derwent. I am very confident that Adam will be a major assett to the band."
Adam completes a very strong line up of soloists and section leaders with Dave Neville Principal Cornet, Dai Roberts Soprano, Graham Johnson Solo Horn, Ruth Sidney Flugel Horn, Martyn Johnson Solo Trombone, and Colin Sidney Principal Eb Tuba. Adam will be working closely with MD Keith Leonard as he he is also taking on the role of Assistant Conductor.
At the same time we are also delighted to announce that the vacant 2nd Horn position has been taken by Ian Davies. Ian is very well known in East Midlands banding circles and has played with several bands in the area over the years. Ian became good friends with many of the current members of Derwent Brass when he was with the now defunct William Davis Band, and now joins Derwent after a sabbatical from banding.
The percussion team at Derwent has also now been strengthened by the addition of Grant Ashenden
BRASS IN THE GARDEN
The band were recently happy to respond to a request from none other than the Mayor of Derby. The Mayor was putting on a civic reception for invited guests and the plan was for a Civic Garden Party style event to be held in the beautiful walled gardens at the Orangery within Markeaton Park. Naturally enough the Mayor wanted some music for entertainment and Derwent were happy to oblige, even though the mid week 6pm start time meant a lot of effort in taking time off work, rushing to the event, one percussionist travelling back from Norwich and fitting in the event before rushing of to another local gig immediately after! The weather was kind, and as the civic reception got under way with guests mingling on the manicured lawns with strawberries and champagne the band provided light swinging entertainment with classics that included Hot Toddy, South Rampart Street Parade, Tico Tico, Mack The Knife.
Many complientary comments were received from the Mayor and his staff and several of the guests, and we were particularly delighted when during his official speech the Mayor gave a direct appeal to the local business people and dignitaries for support in finding a local Derby band room for the band. (The band are currently rehearsing in an excellent bandroom in Belper, but of course rehearsal facilities in Derby would be ideal for a Derby brass band)
WELCOME TO ADY
To complete our tuba section line up the band are delighted to welcome Ady Sully who has recently joined the band on Bb Bass.Ady is originally from a Salvation Army banding background and joins the band after a rest from banding. Welcome on board, further details and photo will be added to the tuba players line up page when we have them.
In another player move, Band Manager Graham Johnson has moved onto the Solo Horn to fill the position recently vacated by Graham Cardwell.
NEW CONTEST SECRETARY
The remaining vacant position on the committee has now bene filled following the appointment of Debbie Drewitt as the band's new contest secretary. We are very grateful for Debbie coming forward to fulfil this vital role in the band's management. Thanks must be expressed to Neil Riddle who has fulfilled this role for the past few years and peformed a splendid job and of course he will be a hard act to follow (no pressure then Debbie!!) Neil is now the band treasurer. All contest enquiries etc should now be addressed to Debbie Drewitt
THANKS HOWARD !!
The band are indebted to former full time member Howard Else who has agreed to help the band through the next few important weeks as we prepare for the all important annual Area Contest. Since resigning from full time membership Howard has often returned whenever we have been in need of a trombone player (whether it be for a big concert or just a bit of Christmas carolling ! It is always a pleasure to welcome Howard back and as the band is currently without a 2nd trombone player we are very grateful for Howard's help at this time.
2005 AGM LAUNCHES ANOTHER NEW YEAR, AND IT'S ALL CHANGE
The band's Annual General Meeting took place in it's traditional early January slot, to launch another new year for the band. A reasonably good attendance from band members were able to listen to a review of 2004 by MD Keith Leonard, visions for the future from Band Manager Graham Johnson, a sad farewell from retiring Chairman Nev Eden, and some healthy discussion around the floor on where and what we should be doing in 2005. Personal circumstances prevent Nev Eden from continuing with his role as Band Chairman, however as THE founder member of Derwent Brass he was not going to be allowed to escape that easily. Following some discussion and unaminous approval from the meeting Nev accepted the position of Band President, a worthy successor we all feel to our late President Eric Johnson.
The new band chairman is now Colin Sidney, Colin is warmly welcomed to the management committee of the band and no doubt the band will benefit from fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Elsewhere it was a bit of musical chairs as Contest Secretary decided to have a change and has now taken over as Band Treasurer. Unfortunately there were no takers from the floor for the vacant Contest Secretary role and this position will be filled as soon as possible. click here for full committee details
WELCOME TO ANDY
The band are delighted to welcome Andy Devereux on Bass Trombone. Andy's first concert with the band was the popular Etwall Church Christmas concert. Despite having just returned from an international trip literally days before the concert, Andy made his presence felt in fine style. "Andy will be a first class assett to the band" said MD Keith Leonard "and I am delighted to welcome him aboard just in time for the 2005 area contest preparations". Andy joins solo trombone Martyn Johnson and we are now looking for a quality 2nd trombone to complete this excellent line up
RUTH AND COLIN ARE MARRIED
Congratulations and very best wishes to band members Ruth Fenner (Flugel Horn) and Colin Sidney (Eb Bass) who were married just before Christmas. Colin & Ruth and their families travelled up to theLake District, which is one of their favourite spots in the UK , for a quiet wedding in a picturesque setting. The happy couple, pictured, were delighted with the day which went exactly as planned. After enjoying Christmas together they then held a reception party more locally for family and as many of their many friends as they could manage.
FRIENDS OF DERWENT BRASS CONCERT
The first Friend's of Derwent Brass concert has now been organised and is scheduled to take place at the Cedard Arts Music Centre at Murray Park School. The concert will be on Saturday 19th February starting at 7 30pm. Invitations have been sent out so if you are a 'Friend' haven't already got one, please get in touch straight away
Music for this concert is being voted on by the friend's choosing their individual "top ten" of Derwent Brass items. Currently Gabriel's Oboe is in 1st place with Crimond a very close second!
2004
EVERY CHRISTMAS CONCERT A SELL OUT !!
The Derwent Brass Christmas concerts proved to be very popular with the band performing to a capacity audience at each event. The band's christmas season got off to an early start with the annual concert in Derby Assembly Rooms with the Derbys Hospitals Choir. This year's event was played to an almost capacity crowd of 1100 people who had come along to get into the Christmas spirit. Alongside the traditional carols, enjoyed by Choir and audience, and several new choir christmas items, the band included Christmas Fayre, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, The Wonder of Christmas and Troika in the programme. 1100 people, a brass band and a large choir all in full voice on a rendition of Rudolph the red Nosed Reindeer certainly set the Christmas scene! Band and Choir rounded the evening off with Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. This was a successful evening for this years's chosen charity, Derby Renal Services, with over £5000 being raised in the raffle alone. The band then performed to a capacity audience as the crowd filled the Landau Forte theatre for the annual Nightingale MacMillan Christmas Concert. This year the band shared the concert with the Melbourne Male Voice Choir and joint items included White Christmas and the Christmas Song. The band delighted the audience with some sensitive playing of items such as Eric Ball's Carol Fantasy and Joy Webb's Sweet Little Jesus Boy, as well as a rousing christmas march and up beat items including the ever popular Ray Farr arrangement of Troika. During the evening a presentation was made to representatives of the St Giles Hospice who nursed the band's former euphonium player and President, the late Eric Johnson. Just over a year ago the band performed a concert to launch the book written by Eric, and the proceeds of the evening, donated to St Giles, amounted to £1500. After introductions by MD Keith Leonard, the cheque was presenetd to Julia Denholme of St Giles by Eric's wife Noreen Johnson and son Graham Johnson (Derwent Band Manager). The following day the shoppers at the Derby Garden Centre, Little Eaton,were entertained in style by the Derwent Brass Ensemble as they went about their Christmas shopping on Sunday afternoon. One of the busiest weekends for the garden centre, the shoppers were treated to traditional carols along with foot tapping up beat numbers like Christmas at Last, Troika, Gaudette, Three Kings Swing, jingle bells and many more. Some shoppers were even seen to be literally dancing back to their cars!!. All in all a good fun afternoon which also swelled the funds of the band.
The final formal Christmas event was of course the annual Christmas concert at St Helen's Church in Etwall. This has grown over the years to be a most popular event and this year once again the "sold out" signs went out weeks before the event. Playing to packed and eager audience the band blended the slower and quieter emotional Christmas items with foot tapping favourites such as Gaudette, Troika, Jingle Bells Joy and of course Schneewalzer. This year the success of this event was all the more remarkable because at the same time the 10 piece ensemble were in Germany entertaining in style at the Maintz Christmas Festival . To finish off the Christmas season an ensemble accompanied the carols in a Candlelit carol service at the Carlton Road Church where the band regularly rehearses.
RETURN TO WINNING WAYS !!!
Derwent Brass certainly had a successful weekend and came home with a collection of trophies! Firmly putting the disappointment of the Pontins contest behind them, members of the band travelled to the Forest of Dean to take part in the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association annual contest and were delighted to come away with first prize . In this own choice contest the band performed Dances & Arias by Edward Gregson, and obviously impressed adjudicator Dennis Wilby who went on to award the best euphonium prize to Dan Cheadle and the best flugel prize to Ruth Fenner. The James Whitson winning conductor's trophy was also awarded to Keith Leonard. To finish off the award presentations the overall best instrumentalist prize was awarded to derwent's Solo Euphonium Dan Cheadle
NOT A GOOD DAY AT THE OFFICE ***@!!
Members of the band travelled over the border into darkest Wales (Prestatyn actually) to take part in the Pontins Brass Band Championship over the weekend of October 30/31st. Having checked our passports, and braved frontier controls we ventured forth into this foreign land (only our soprano player Dai Roberts felt at home) full of hope and expectation. This was to be the band's first appearance in the prestigious Mortimer Championship. We certainly enjoyed a great weekend socially with the hotel bar and the local curry house taking more than a few of our English pounds. Unfortunately at the contest we had drawn to play off the dreaded number 2 slot (considered by most pundits as the probably the worst draw of the day) and so presented ourselves very early Sunday morning to peform the demanding test piece Dances & Arias. Unfortunately (1)the dreaded draw, (2) the early start, (3) the cold weather, (4) turning the clocks back (5) being in a foreign land (6) not being able to speak the language (how many more excused do you want!!?) meant that a strong performance by the band was deemed by the adjudicators to be worthy of only 22nd place. ouch!! Probably one we'll just have to put down to experience (and probably forget about very quickly) and the band now look forward to the last contest of the year in Gloucestershire in November.
WEB SITE IS BACK UP AND RUNNING
A technical hitch caused an interruption the the web site service over the past week or so.Apologies for this, now that we have put a shilling in the meter everything is back up and running. At the same time we have taken the opportunity to make one or two minor changes, just to freshen things up, and hopefully make the site more user friendly.
DERWENT PROVE POPULAR IN YORKSHIRE
derwent brass travelled to Yorkshire, the home of brass bands over the last weekend and were a
a great hit with the yorkshire audience. The band were taking part in the Warner Holidays "Taste of Yorkshire" event being held in Harrogate. The idea behind the concept being that people spend a weekend in a fine Yorkshire hotel and have a taste of everything Yorkshire, including roast beef, yorkshire puddings and a brass band of course. We did have to point out that they needed a brass bands from Derby to achieve it!!. The band entertained with the popular mix of traditional muic, big band and some favourite tracks from the movies. Both the band's current CDs were on sale and such was the popularity of the band that we completely sold out.
DERWENT'S TALENTED YOUNG PRINCIPAL MOVES ON TO PASTURES NEW!!
The band are sorry to be losing the regular services of Jamie Cooper, who has now commenced cornet studies at the Royal Northern Music College. Jamie is a very talented young cornet player who immediately made himself very popular with the members of band when he took over the principal cornet seat a couple of years ago.
During that time he has been featured on a regular basis and delighted our audiences as a soloist at concerts, and also produced some memorable contest performances. Jamie was a member of the Brass Enesmble that travelled to Germany last Decemberand appeared to be particularly popular with the Italian dancers that shared the stage
with us!!!. Jamie says he has really enjoyed his time with the band and has promised us he will be back to play when the opportunity arises. After presenting Jamie with an engraved tankard to mark his time with the band, Musical Director Keith Leonard commented "we always knew we had discovered a remarkable talent in this young man, and of course it was inevitable that he would move on to music college eventually; however I have really enjoyed the past couple of years, Jamie has been a true bandsman,reliable and great to work with, and we've also had some fun at the same time".
Without doubt Jamie has played a major part in the band's continued success over the past couple of years and we wish him well for the future. Within days of departing, Jamie had been signed up by the famous Faireys FP Music band, and played with them at the recent British Open at the Birmingham Syphony Hall.
To fill the vacant principal cornet chair the band are delighted to welcome back David Neville, a
gifted cornet player who had been a founder member of the band and former principal prior to having a sabbatical. David, who runs the Derby music shop Neville Bros Musical Instruments with his cornet playing brother Phil, brings a wealth of experience and his first public concert in the 'hot' seat was a great evening at Wirksworth with the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir.
To complete the changes former member Jennifer Marsden has returned to the band to complete the 3rd cornet section.
ALL CHANGE IN THE DERWENT BRASS BOARDROOM
One or two changes have been made recently to the structure of the management commttee of Derwent Brass. Because of increasing work commitments (and of course a growing young family) Band Manager Chris Clayton expressed a desire to be relieved of his duties. This has resulted in Committee Member Graham Johnson now becoming Band Manager, whilst the duties of Engagements Secretary are now in the safe hands of Mrs Karen Pitts
Many thanks to Chris for all his hardwork over the past 2-3 years
NEW SOLO TROMBONE AT DERWENT
The band are delighted to welcome to the ranks new solo trombone player Martin Johnson following the departure of Jez Kearney earlier in the year. Martin Johnson is a local experienced player who has performed with several bands over the years, but needed to have a break from banding because of the pressures of work and family commitments. Martin has now dusted off his trombone and we are delighted that he has decided to join up with us at Derwent Brass. t
KEITH IS BACK!
Derwent Brass would like to welcome Musical Director Keith Leonard back to the band after his break due to illness. Keith managed to rehearse and conduct the band on stage at the area back in March, but then had to undergo major surgery. During his absence the band were kept on top form by David Hirst who conducted the band in Harrogate, and also Richard Evans who conducted the band at a local Derby concert in aid of The Nightingale Macmillan Trust.
A big thank you must go to Graham Jacklin for stepping in on a regular basis for rehearsals and also to Tuba player Carl Richardson for conducting at a copuple of concerts.
Keiths first public appearance was on Saturday 19th June at Melbourne for an open air proms concert with Melbourne United Reformed Church. Although a very cold evening, the event proved a major success with both audience and band. Adrian Drewitt Publicity Officer
RICHARD EVANS & DERWENT BRASS TOGETHER AGAIN
Derwent Brass teamed up with the famous and inimitable Richard Evans to put on a spectacular concert in Derby. Performing once again for the MacMillan Friiends of the Nightingale Unit, the band called upon Richard Evans (Dick) to help out in the absence of Musical Director Keith Leonard who is still recovering from serious illness. The band has a good relationship with Dick and has thoroughly enjoyed working with him in the past . A spokeman for the band commented "We obviously wanted to maintain the success of the MacMillan concerts and as Keith is still out of action we had no hesitation in calling upon Richard Evans. Because we have a successful relationship with Dick, and he is after all the Master Entertainer when it comes to concerts, we knew we were in for a good evening"
The band as always rose to the occasion performing to an appreciative audience with a programme that also included the now traditional Derwent Brass Big Band and featured various soloists including Principal Cornet Jamie Cooper, Dave Neville (cornet), Chris Leonard (cornet), Ruth Fenner (flugel) Rob Stew (euphonium) and Howard Else (trombone)
This event was a break with tradition for the organisers - previously all the MacMillan concerts have been held in the Queens Hall Derby. On this occasion it was relocated to the Landau Forte Theatre which offers better car parking, refreshment and bar facilities for the audience and tiered theatre seating in the auditorium. The evening was deemed to be a success with many positive comments from the audience, and organisers. The MacMillan Christmas concert has been booked to take place at this same venue on Saturday 4th December, starting at 7:30pm.
For ticket sales contact the organisers, Friends of the Nightingale Unit, Chairman Roy Poole on 01332 605578
ENSEMBLE ENTERTAINS
A fine April evening saw an ensemble from derwent brass entertaining an appreciative audience in All Saints Church in Mackworth village. Until recentlly Mackworth village had been the band's home for past 7 years, and this concert was an ideal opportunity to say thanks & good-bye to the local villagers (who tell us they used to enjoy sitting in the garden on summer evenings listening to the rehearsals). Because All Saints is a small intimate church a full brass band would have been too large & over-powering - but an ensemble of 16 brass players plus percussion just right! A quick re-schedule of the programme was necessary when it was realised that percussionist Sion Hathaway, on duty policing a football match, would only make it for the 2nd half. With that slight drama overcome, the ensemble entertained in style, with the main solo item from our excellent young principal cornet Jamie Cooper, and the prgramme featuring great jazz style solos from DaveNeville (cornet) in Hot Toddy, Graham Johnson (flugel horn) in Soul Bossa Nova, and Dan Cheadle (euphonium) in It Don't Mean a Thing.
In the absence of our Musical Director, the show was directed by Bass Player Carl Richardson - what a star. As well as being a superb bass player, Carl is also the Musical Director of Uttoxeter Band and no stranger to the baton. The band certainly enjoyed the compering (!!) - we hope the audeince did. Who said bass players don't have a sense of humour. Well done and thanks Carl.
GOOD-BYE TO JEZ
We are sorry to learn that the band's solo trombone player, Jez Kearney, is to leave the band. Jez has been with us since last year after a career as a military musician, and proved to be an assett to the band. Jez has decided not to settle in the Midlands and is moving back home to his native Isle of Man. We wish him all the very best for the future - we hope you have enjoyed your time with us Jez.
Meanwhile once again we are indebted to former principal trombone Howard Else. Since resiging last year Howard has remained a firm friend of the band and has again offered to fill the gap as much as he is able whilst we look for a replacement player
HELPING OUT!
Many thanks to Graham Jacklin for helping out while Keith is out of action.
Graham, up until Christmas was a playing member of Derwent's front row cornet section and also the band's bandmaster. Due to other conducting and work commitments Graham found it difficult to maintain his high standard of playing and felt for all concerned it was time for him to stand down at Derwent.
The band has been very pleased to welcome Graham back and is very grateful for him to give up his time to help the band and Keith out.
AN UPDATE ON KEITH'S HEALTH
Keith eventually had an operation on Wednesday 5th of April. He will be leaving hospital hopefully on Monday 19th of April. (1 day after his birthday!)
Keith will be needing some quiet time to recover from a major operation.
Keith would like to thank all the people who have sent get well cards and messages for his speedy recovery. All the members of the bands and friends of Derwent wish Keith a speedy recovery and look forward to his return. (Make it quick Keith!!!!!!!!)
CONCERT AT NIDD HALL, HARROGATE
A few days before this engagement our musical director Keith Leonard was admitted to hospital to have some tests. Keith had been having problems of discomfort even leading up to the Midlands Area Contest but managed to carry on for a few weeks until the problem reached a point where it really needed sorting out.
At short notice the band called on David Hirst (who had helped the bands preparation for the area contest) who was indeed sorry to hear of Keith's problems and had no hesitation in offering his help for the concert.
Fortunately for us, David had in previous years conducted the Brighouse Band at this very same venue. Under David's direction the audience enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment. Many thanks David.
WORKSHOP AND CONCERT AT CEDAR ARTS CENTRE,
MURRAY PARK SCHOOL, MICKLEOVER
A day with a difference for members of Derwent Brass on Sunday March 21st.
An open invitation was given to all youngsters in the Derby area who play brass instrumetns and percussion to attend a workshop during the day tutored by members of Derwent Brass culminating in a concert where the youngsters would join Derwent Brass for an evening of music making.
Unfortunately, only a small number of youngsters took up the invitation (maybe because it was Mothers Day - who knows?!) however for those who did attend, an enjoyable experience was had which they may well never forget.
Many thanks to the members of the band, who gladly gave up their day to share their knowledge and experience with the young superstars! The main highlight of the evening concert was an ensemble featuring the youngsters and the tutors, conducted by Dave Neville which greatly entertained both the audience and rest of the band!!!!
PERCUSSION PLAYER WANTED!
Joanna Greenland has decided to call it a day. Joanna, who joined the band last year, fulfilled her commitments with the band up to the area contest last weekend. Although only with us for a short time we would like to thank Joanna for her loyaly and commitment, and wish her well for the future.
Of course we are now looking for a new percussionist to fill the gap left. Someone to play timps is essential, however an all rounder is ideal to work alongside the existing percussion team
ERIC JOHNSON MEMORIAL TROPHY
The first recipient of the new Eric Johnson Memorial Trophy was Gary Glover, principal euphonium of Carlton Brass Nottingham.
The trophy, in the form of a grand shield, was donated by Derwent Brass in memory of their much loved late President, Eric Johnson, and was given to the North East Midlands Brass Band Association to be awarded each year for the best euphonium at the annuual NEMBBA contest, which is usually held in February.
The NEMBBA contest was held this year on February 15th at the Rolls Rpyce Pavilion, and was a 4 section contest, and was well supported from bands around the region in all four sections (1st -4th). All the bands performed the same test pieces to be used at the forthcoming regional championships, and certainly towards the end of the day were performing to a hall well filled with supporrters and enthusiasts. After the judges deliberation's (Peter Roberts & David Horsfield) the winning bands were anmounced with Matlock taking top honours in the 4th section, Shirland Training in the 3rd section, Carlton Brass took 1st place in the 2nd section and the final prize for top honours in section 1 went to the Riddings band. Then came the special soloists awards, and of course the announcement of a new award, the Eric Johnson Memorial Trophy. After some introductory explanations by Area Secretary Brian Eggleshaw, Eric's son Graham Johnson was called to make the presentation - a very proud moment for him indeed.. The adjudicators had decided that the recipient was to be the principal euphonium of Carlton Brass, Gary Glover, who had indeed played wonderfully earlier in the day to help Carlton claim another top prize.
WE'VE MOVED
derwent brass have vacated the Old School Room in Mackworth village, which we have called home for the past 7 years. The room provided adequate space, but was short on storage, did not have a a good accoustic for rehearsal, and parking was limited. Consequently the band has been loooking for better accommodation for some months now. However things were given a bit of a push-start when the authorities decided to serve a "noise abatement notice" on us (how many championship section bands get that sort of local support we wonder !! ) and so an alternative venue was needed in a hurry.
The band's home is now the Church Hall on Carlton Road, Derby, and of course we are very grateful indeed to the church for accommodating us, especially at such short notice. Facilities are an improvement with more space, better heating and a better accoustic. Carlton Road is directly off the A5111 Derby inner ring road.
CAN YOU HELP,?
DO YOU HAVE AN UNUSED BUILDING OR ROOM WHICH COULD BCOME A BANDROOM ?
In the longer term the band is still actively looking for a rehearsal venue which it can have exclusive use of, so that equipment can be left set up, trophies and regalia can be displayed on the walls, and extra rehearsal can be accommodated. So if anyone can help (even a hall in poor condition can be done up and decorated by the band if necessary) please
A BIT OF BRIGHOUSE IN THE DERWENT BANDROOM
The band were privileged to spend a day with David Hirst, the well known resident conductor of the famous Brighouse & Rastrick band. David worked the band hard but everyone thoroughly enjoyed a productive day, with the band gaining immense benefit from David's wealth of experience - in addition to Brighouse, David has been associated with many of the country's top bands, both in playing and conducting roles
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Once again the band met early in the new year for the traditional A.G.M. . This year almost a full turn out for discussion of many new ideas and projects etc. The majority of the committee are continuing with their present roles with unanimous support from the rest of the band (who presumeably know when they're on to a good thing!) with just the Treasurer Dave Lucas asking for a replacement to be found. In addition Graham Johnson (son of late President Eric Johnson) has also now joined the band committee
MORE NEW MEMBERS
As we go into 2004 the band are delighted to welcome Chris Lock, formerly of Gresley Old Hall, to join the band's cornet section. (Chris replaces Graham jacklin who has had to stand down due to his increasing conducting commitments) and also a welcome to Alan Nelson who has just moved to the area from the south of the country to take up a new teaching post, and joins the cornet section of the band just in time for the annual area contest preparation.
At the same time the band are especially pleased to welcome back the cornet playing brothers, David and Philip Neville. David and Phil were former founder members of the band and their talent and experience now combines with the rest of the section to produce a very strong cornet line up
And at the opposite end of the band, a warm welcome is extended to Steve Grattan who joins derwent brass bass section on Bb Bass.
2003
NEW BRASS BAND BOOK PUBLISHED
A brand new brass band book, called The Bands Play On has been written by the band's late President. This carefully researched book is the result of over 10 years of work by Eric Johnson, a superb musician and lover of all things brass. The volume traces the history of brass bands around Staffordshire and Derbyshire from the late 1800s to the present day and includes input from many local people and organisations. Eric Johnson illustrates their stories with a series of fascinating photographs and first hand accounts, recalling bands whose members survived WWII to regroup afterwards and those which have recently formed. Some of the bands in this absorbing selection include Newhall Band, Tutbury Silver, Gresley Old Hall, Salvation Army Bands, Uttoxeter Town, and of course Derwent Brass. The book was launched with a fantastic sell out gala concert in Burton Town Hall featuring Derwent Brass augmented by over 20 more invited brass musicians.
DERWENT GOES INTERNATIONAL !!
Squeezed in between a hectic Christmas schedule for Derwent Brass( which includes the annual Hospitals
Christmas concert at the Derby Assembly Rooms, Christmas concerts in the Queens Hall Derby and local
churches and a Christmas concert in Loughborough) a ten piece ensemble from the band managed to find time for a
whistle-stop trip to Mainz, Germany to take part in the Christmas Festival there.. click here for more details
DERWENT BRASS PERCUSSION ARE THE TOPS !!!
The percussion team of derwent brass (Dave Armshaw, Joanna Greenland, Matt Collinge and Sion Hathaway) were
celebrating last Sunday (28th Sept) after being declared the Best Percussion section in the 1st Section of the Whychavon
Entertainment Contest. The band impressed the crowd with an exciting and entertaining performance which earned them 3rd place in a competition of 11 bands. After an opening percussion feature by Dave Armshaw the band's programme was
Amazonia from Windows of the World
Blue Rondo a la Turk
Varied Mood, featuring soloist Dan Cheadle
Malaguena and the finale was Gladiator.
Commenting after the event, M.D. Keith Leonard said "I'm a little disappointed, I felt the band did enough to earn a higher placing, although obviously I'm delighted with the prize awarded to our terrific percussionists - they're a great team. Our soloist Dan Cheadle played really well and the band put on a good show which delighted the crowd. There was some strong competition so really the 3rd prize is quite an achievement"
Rachel takes a tumble
We have just heard that former member Rachel Wallis has been seriously injured in a hilking accident. We don't have too many details but apparently Rachel, a lover of outdoor activities, was walking in the Dovedale area of Derbyshire and fell from some height into a ravine, breaking several bones and also injuring her back. Although currently immobilised and undergoing extensive surgery, doctors are anticipating a full recovery for Rachel. We all wish her well and sincerely hope that she does indeed make a full recovery from this accident, which sounds quite awful. Rachel had been a member of the 2nd cornet section of the band until leaving just a few weeks ago.
SUMMER VACATION
The band has taken a rest for a couple of weeks whilst many members enjoy holidays in the sun. The band will re-convene in time to prepare for the forthcoming appearance at the McArthur Glen Brass Explosion on Bank Holiday Monday, August 25th, when we have the honour of appearing the same day as the famous Fodens band, and will be conducted by David Hirst of Brighouse & Rastrick
NEW SIGNINGS !
Since Howard Else resigned the solo trombone position in October of last year the band has been engaged in a long search to find just the right person for the job, and so we are delighted to announce that Jez Kearney has been appointed. Jez has already played with the band in the recent summer proms concert and the London St James park gig. Jez has made an immediate impact with his playing and needless to say everyone at derwent brass is delighted that he has accepted the offer of a permanent position with the band. We would also like to record our thanks to Howard who, although very busy with other commitments, has continued to help us out at various performances whilst we have searched for replacement. Jez will compliment and lead the trombone section which now consists of Jez, Haidee Clayton and Chris Clayton.
Whilst at the same time we have also been very fortunate indeed to secure the services of Joanna Greenland to join our percussion section. Joanna is an accomplished percussionist (and also has already displayed leaderships skills which will come in very handy for our percussion section !!!!!!!). Joanna also has already worked with the band on the recent summer engagements and rehearsals and now completes a strong percussion section of Dave Armshaw, Joanna, Sion Hathaway and Matt Collinge
SUMMER PROMS IN THE PARK
As the evening of Sunday July 6th arrived, warm, still and sunny, the organisers of the 2003 Quarndon Proms in the Park event were breathing great sighs of relief. Ever since first approaching derwent brass at the beginning of the year, the one proviso for success was of course ....... good weather ! (something that cannot be relied upon in this country). Keen weather watchers will doubtless recall that after a continued hot dry spell through June, July indeed started wet and windy, but when the day arrived we had nothing to worry about. All the necessary arrangements had been made for a spectacular evening concert in the beautiful grounds of Quarndon Hall. A large crowd was gathered well before the allotted start time (the concert was a sell out a week before the event) all with various picnics, champagne etc and determined to have a good time. derwent brass were in good spirits and at 7:30 a fanfare of cornets and trombones, from high up in garden got the event under way. The first slot performed by the band saw some traditional brass band items and included solos by principal cornet Jamie Cooper and solo euphonium Dan Cheadle. Jamie captured the audience with some beautifuil lyrical playing of I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls which he quickly encored with a foot tapping renditon of Buster Strikes Back, and Dan gave a stunning account of Varied Mood.
The next slot saw the band perform their ever popular 'big band set' which also featured soloists Ruth Fenner (in a brilliant performance of Georgia on My Mind) and Adrian Drewitt getting everyone sentimental with the ballade I Know Why.
After the interval derwent brass took the stage again for a night at the movies featuring several blockbuster film themes (including Titanic and rounding off with Gladiator) before it was time for all the traditional Last Night of the Proms items. By now a thoroughly relaxed audience were totally committed to having a good time and joined in enthusiastically. By the time 10:15 had arrived it was dark enough for the grand finale, a performance of extracts of Handels Music for the Royal Fireworks, whilst a the night sky over Quarndon was lit up with a spectacular firework display. A great time was had by all, and over £2000 was raised for the local charity.
A Memorial Concert for Eric Johnson was held at Burton Salvation Army Hall on Saturday 21st June. Playing to an almost full house, Derwent Brass performed a superb concert in honour of our late President and all proceeds were donated to St Giles Hospice. For a full report click here
C H A M P I O N S E C T I O N !
Official confirmation has now been received that with effect from 1st January 2004, derwent brass will be a Championship Section band. There had been a lot of speculation since the area contest and it had been widely predicted that derwent brass would be promoted on the strength of the 4th placing at this year's Midland area, which followed several consistent quality performances. This of course is the culmination of several years of work put in by all the band to continually produce quality playing at both concerts and contest.
It has always been the policy of the MD Keith Leonard, supported by the committee and members, that the band would maintain a consistent level of quality, whether preparing for local concerts or contest, and this has seen the band gradually but persistently growing in stature. Since 1994 the band has gradually moved through the sections. After two National Finals appearances in the 3rd section the band was promoted to 2nd section in 1997. Another National Finals appearance in 1998 saw the band take the runner up prize and promotion to the 1st Section.
The 1st section is probably the hardest of all to gain promotion from, with that final hurdle into the top section at times seeming insurmountable. Derwent Brass have spent 5 years as a 1st section, initialy consolidating their position near to the top of the league table, and latterly putting in some very strong performances; 2002 saw a fourth National Finals appearance with a 4th placing, and that was followed by another strong performance at this year's area.
The original small enthusiastic group that formed derwent brass back in 1992 stated the aim of producing a quality brass band in Derby, and without a doubt the Championship Section status the band has now earned confirms the original intention has been well and truly achieved.
Congratulations to all the members of Derwent Brass on this marvelous achievement
NEXT CONCERT .......
The band will be performing this Saturday (April 5th) in a ''return' concert together with the Derby Central Salvation Army Songsters, at Landau Forte College Theatre. The band first got together with Ian Hammond and the Derby Songsters 2 years ago and had a very successful evening and are delighted to have been invited again. The concert has been organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Derby South and all proceeds are to go to Local Leukaemia Research. For this event the band will also be joined by guest soloist Alun Hathaway, currently principal percussionist at BTM, and also a professional percussionist and teacher. Alun is a friend of derwent brass and has performed with the band on many occasions.
ANOTHER NEW MEMBER
2003 has seen a steady flow of players joining derwent brass and now following on the heels of Graham Jacklin, Matt Collinge and Rachel Wallis, we are delighted to welcome Rob Stew on Euphonium. Rob has in fact been playing with the band for the past few weeks, enjoying the area contest preparation and played at that event in Burton. Rob Stew will be joining Solo Euphonium Dan Cheadle to complete that line up. "Rob is a fine player and brings a wealth of experience with him" said MD Keith Leonard, "I'm delighted that he has accepted the inviitation to join on a permanent basis. This nicely completes a great section with Adrian and Madeline on Baritones and Dan on Solo Euphonium"
BRASS BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS MIDLANDS AREA 2003
derwent brass once again produced a fine performance at the Midlands Area to achieve a 4th placing, and with the top three bands qualifying just missed out on another trip to the National Finals (however the finals this year are in Dundee !!! - so maybe 4th was the ideal result?) The band played off an early draw (4th) and throughout the day many people were tipping the band to be overall winners. At the end of the day when adjudicator Steve Sykes'' deliberations were announced the top spot went to Kibworth Band led by John Berryman, with the runner up prize being awarded to our friends at the Riddings Band - well done to both. full result
WELCOME TO JACKO!
The band are delighted to announce another new appointment, this time to the solo cornet section. Graham Jacklin has helped the band out on and off over the past couple of years, and also played on the recent CD recording and has now acceptd the invitation to sign up on a permanent basis to complete the cornet line up.
Graham (Jacko) Jacklin started playing cornet at the age of seven with the Long Eaton Silver Prize Band. As a youngster, Graham played first cornet in the Nottingham County Youth Band. Since then he has played with several bands throughout the Midlands area, notably with the
famous Ransomes band and more recently played second man for Nottingham City Transport. He has toured several European countries including Germany and Norway. In 2002 an invitation to Minsk in Russia gave Graham the opportunity to play principal cornet for the Nottingham City Transport Band.
During a ten year break from Brass Banding saw Graham join forces with family members to form the JB Dance Band where he played lead trumpet for five years. He returned to Brass Bands with the Leicestershire Co-op, Snibston Charnwood Brass, where he held the position of principal cornet, picking up prizes for best soloist at Milton Keynes and Best Instrumentalist at Weston-Super-Mare contests. This has also inspired him to help re-form the dance band, where again he leads the trumpet section of 'Nearly Jazz'.
Aspiring to new challenges he recently became the Musical Director of the Leicestershire Co-op. Band. and during 2002, he steered them to their first National Final in eight years. Commenting on his decision to join up with Derwent Graham said "I feel that Derwent's unique approach to banding will leave me time to concentrate on developing conducting skills, whilst maintaining my desire to carry on playing at the highest standard."
DERWENT PUT ON A GOOD SHOW AT THE GUILD
For the first contest of the year Derwent Brass travelled up the Preston to take part in the Northern Counties Brass Band Association Contest. Listed as 'Brass at the Guild' Derwent Brass took part in the Championship section of the contest and chose to perform the forthcoming area set test Passacaglia for Brass Band on a Theme of Brahms
Usually 1st Section and Championship section bands compete separately, but on this occasion they were all put in together. A total of 15 bands took part, 7 Championship bands and 8 1st section bands. Analysing the results after the event Derwent were delighted to discover that in fact of the 1st secton bands they had come 2nd, beaten to the 'top' spot by Pemberton Old who gave a terrific performance of Diversions on a Bass Theme. All the 7 Championship section bands came above Derwent, so the official result for the band was 9th with some very complimentary remarks by adjudicator David Horsfield. Musical Director Keith Leonard commented "It's always important at this time of year to get out and perform prior to the all important area contest in March. It was a lot of fun competing in the Championship section, although we always knew it was going to be very tough indeed. Nevertheless I'm delighted that the results show that our preparations are on the right track. We've had a lot of new players in the band, this was a first contest performance together and I was delighted with the way the band played on stage"
As well as the comments from David Horsfield, the brass band web site 4 bars rest covered the event and spotted Derwent's performance. Overall four band's played Passacaglia and their review commented "..............Derwent Brass then showed that they too are getting the measure of this piece in the performance which followed. The timps and trombones worked well together and the baritones came through with some quality playing in the next solo lione in a quite convincing interpretation" click on thelink to 4BarsRest to see the full review.
The organiers are to be complimented on a superb contest, run most effiiciently in a terrific venue with good backstage facilities and a wonderful hall with a fine accoustic to perform in.
THE NEXT CD IS ON THE WAY ! ! ! ! ! ! (but you'll have to wait for it)
Hard on the heels of the currently successful CD - 'Celebration', - the band were once again in the recording studio last Sunday (19th Jan) recording another. This time working with Chris Jeans who has been building something of a reputation as a wizard with the old headphones and mixing deck!! Chris has already completed several successful CD recordings with good quality bands, including Ransomes, and was assisted on the technical stuff by ex BBC engineer Harold Barnes. The session went well and MD Keith Leonard was pleased with the standard of playing. You'll have to wait a while to buy this one though, because it's a Christmas CD !!! The band decided to take the opportunity before putting all the Christmas music back in the cupboard, and hopefully the CD will be ready in good time for next Christmas! (so that's next years present problems solved then)
MORE NEW MEMBERS !!
The band are delighted to welcome new cornet player Rachel Wallis. Rachel's interest in Brass started with her Dad's Bugle, from Boys' Brigade. She kept asking for a go until he eventually gave in, thinking there was no way she would get a sound out of it. She did and started Cornet lessons at school. Rachel joined Hathern Junior Band at the age of 14 progressing to the Senior Band. At the age of 18 she moved to Loughborough Band, with Bud Fisher, followed by a brief spell with Ibstock Brick.
At 22 she joined the Territorial Army playing Cornet with the South Nottinghamshire Hussars Yeomanry Band, with whom she has played at the Royal Artillery sunset ceremony in front of the Queen at Horseguards Parade in London in 1998 and for various members of the Royal Family. From 1999-2002 also played with the Royal Anglian TA Band at Peterborough.
Currently still also playing for the South Notts. Hussars, Rachel has now become the latest member of Derwent Brass who she was introduced to by a work colleague Nev Eden who is the band's chairman. She is pleased to be getting back into playing for a competing band once again. Rachel joins the band on 2nd cornet.
Meanwhile over on the percussion section we are delighted to welcome Matt Collidge. Matt is an all-rounder, equally at home on the kit, timps, tubular bells, glock or xylophone and obviously is going to be a great help to Sion and Dave. Matt has previously playd in 1st Section bands and concert wind bands and has just moved to the area from Lancashire. Matt joined us just in time to play on the latest CD recording ession.
We are also pleased to be welcoming Dave Howell back into the ranks on a more regular basis - Dave has been very busy learning to fly helicopters which had kept him away from the band for a while.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
As always the band met early in the new year for the traditional A.G.M. which saw a good representation of members, and discussion of many new ideas and projects etc. The good news is that the entire committee have been doing such as good job that they were all re-elected 'en-bloc', so the contacts and details on the contact and committee pages of the web site remain unaltered
2002
CHRISTMAS 2002 : The Christmas concerts got off to a rousing start at the Queen's Hall with the joint concert by The Dalesman and derwent brass. - including Chris Clayton's costume drama rendition of Frosty the Snowman on Bass Trombone we must get a picture !!!
We wish all our supporters, concert promoters, members, families, friends of the band (and anyoine else we've missed ! )a very Merry Christmas, and a peaceful, happy new year.
As always the band are looking forward to some enjoyable Christmas concerts again this year, although not quite as many as last year which was all just a bit hectic!. However the three most popular events are being performed by the band :
Saturday 14th sees another concert in the Queens Hall Derby to support the Nightingale MacMillan. On this occasion the band will be joined by the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir. A traditional Christmas concert which is always very popular, starting at 7:30pm
Wednesday 18th, and the band are delighted to have been asked again to join with the Derby Hospitals Choir for the wonderful Christmas Concert in the Derby Assembly Rooms. This concert is always to a packed audience, so hurry if you haven't already got your ticket (ring Assembly Rooms Box office 01332 255802)
Friday 20th, and it just wouldn't be Christmas without a visit to Etwall Church for the Annual Christmas concert. This is always full (last year chairs were being brought in to cater for the capacity+ audience - you need to get there early! Starts at 7:30pm
JAMIE COOPER IS THE NEW PRINCIPAL CORNET OF DERWENT BRASS !
We are delighted to announce the appointment of the band's new principal cornet player, Jamie Cooper. Without doubt Jamie Cooper is a remarkable young cornet player. Like so many he started playing the cornet very early, in fact when he was only 7, going on to become the youngest person ever to join the Staffordshire Youth Brass Band, and eventually becoming the principal cornet. Whilst enjoying some unique tutoring from the famous Martin Winter, Jamie joined the solo cornet section of Chapel-en-le-Frith Band, before moving to join the solo cornet section at Thorntons Brass. Under further guidance from Shelly Ball, Jamie successfully auditioned for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and was eventually appointed to the principal cornet chair at Thornton's Brass. In September 2002 Jamie accepted the invitation to take over the principal cornet position at Derwent Brass. MD Keith Leonard said "I'm delighted that Jamie has accepted the principal chair at Derwent. He is a very talented young player and will fit in very well with the way we do things here; I'm looking forward to the future working with him"
HOWARD'S SAD FAREWELL
It was with some sadness that Solo Trombone Howard Else announced to the band that he would be leaving. Howard has found it increasingly difficult to find the time to balance a very demanding job (he is a laboratory chemist) with playing in the band, added to which he has a growing family. Howard said "I've been playing my trombone non-stop since I was 9 years old, that's a long time and it will feel very strange indeed not to be in the band, but I've just got to have a break" Howard was a founder member of derwent brass and of course has played a major part in the band's first ten years. He will be very much missed by everyone, however he will be playing at next year's regional contest, so we are looking forward to seeing him back in the bandroom early next year. Naturally the band are now on the look-out for a first class solo trombone to fill the gap left by Howard's departure. Speak to either Keith Leonard (0115 989 0635) Ruth Fenner (01773 853347) or Nev Eden (01773 821249) click here to go to vacancies
Meanwhile, on a positive note we are delighted to announce the return of Repiano Cornet Graham Johnson. Graham, son of band president Eric, played repiano cornet for several years up until leaving for a break (also caused by pressure of work) in April this year. MD Keith Leonard said "It's great news that Graham is coming back, he is a great assett to the band and we have missed him over the past 6 months"
A GREAT SUCCESS ! The 10th Anniversary Concert is declared a winner.
A full house at The Landau Forte College Theatre enjoyed a terrific evening as the band put on a fine show of brass band music, big-band, Tubby the Tuba, and of course special guest soloist Chris jeans who had the audience eating out of his hand (or his trombone!). A fine way to celebrate 10 years, and compliments were numerous as many members of the audience and band joined in the bar afterwards. Click here for more details
National Finals 2002
Derwent Brass added to the successes they have already enjoyed in this 10th Anniversary by taking the 4th place in the first section at the Brass Band Championships of Great Britain National Finals on Sunday 22 September. The day was an overall success for Midland bands, with all three of the qualifiers from our region getting "into the frame" - City of Coventry 6th, Derwent Brass 4th, and Staffordshire Band 1st (well done to everyone at Staffordshire). Needless to say everyone involved with the band is delighted with the result - for a full report click here
WELCOME TO NEW PLAYERS
The band are delighted to be able extend a warm welcome to an influx of new and talented players:
* Graham Cardwell on horn who joins from Travelsphere, Graham has been a friend of the band for the past couple of years, helping out regularly when required (and was on the recent CD recording) and has now decided to take up a permanent position with the band.
* Carl Richardson on Eb Bass, formerly with Sellers Engineering and Williams Fairey. Again Carl has been a friend of the band for many years (in fact he played on our very first national finals outing in 1995) and has joined following a recent move back to the area.
* Chris Leonard on Cornet. Chris was previously with Hathern B band and was also principal cornet of Youth Brass 2000. Chris's Dad (Keith) is derwent's Musical Director and needless to say Chris has played with the band on many occasions over the past few years.Chris was on the front row for the National Finals at Torquay and has agreed to take up a permanent position with the band.
* Mick Glover on cornet, who has previously been with Uttoxeter and Rolls Royce Derby, but many years ago was a principal cornet of the Davis Derby Band (before it became derwent brass) so really it's a case of a welcome home to Mick, who was also with band in Torquay.
* Also formerly with Uttoxeter and Rolls Royce Derby, Sarah Millard joins derwent on cornet.
Day trip to London
As part of the Brass in the Royal Parks for 2002, derwent brass were invited to perform in St James Park London. Located just off The Mall, a stones throw away from Buckingham Palace, this was a great opportunity for the band. This being a rather special Royal Jubilee Year, coupled with glorious summer weather meant the band were able to perform to a large and truly international audience (one Rusian visitor insisted on having the title of almost every piece explained to him by Band Manager Chris Clayton). The band captured the spirit of the occasion with new and old, traditional and contemporary. Derwent Brass were booked to perform 2 spots, so the first was traditional brass band fayre, and included the old favourite Poet & Peasant, alongside new brass band material and solos from Principal Cornet David Neville, Baritone Adrian Drewitt, Euphonium Daniel Cheadle, Flugel Ruth Fenner, plus the entire trombone section. For the second performance the band changed uniforms and turned themselves into a big-band to perform an hour and a half of dance band and swing numbers, which seem to get the approval of the gathered crowd.. A great time was had by all, band members enjoyed picnics in the park, the London traffic was horrendous, (well done coach driver!) and what had been a quiet little pub just off the M1 in Stevenage wondered what hit it around 10pm!! as a very tired band made it's way back to Derby.
Great day out in the sun !!
derwent brass soloist Ruth Fenner is the belle of the Belvoir Castle ball!
At the North East Midlands Brass Band Association summer entertainment contest, Ruth Fenner made her mark with adjudicator David Horsfield and fought off some strong competition to take the soloist prize. Ruth had the audience spellbound with a terrific performance of Georgia on My Mind. The band were beaten to the top spot by Newstead Welfare (well done guys) but were delighted with the runner up spot to add to the 10 year anniversary successes (so far a 1st, 2nd & 3rd this year) The contest is held in the spectacular surroundings of the grounds of Belvoir Castle and this year was held in glorious blazing summer sunshine (the ice cream seller did a roaring trade!). The band performed items deliberately chosen to be suitable for a fun summer afternoon, the programme was
Fanfare for a New Age; Kraken; It Don't Me a Thing; Light Walk; Swing Low Sweet Chariot; Georgia on My Mind (Ruth Fenner flugel horn); Bacchanale.
This was also the first contest for new solo euphonium Daniel Cheadle who took the swing solo in It Don't Mean Thing. The overall results were :-
1. Newstead Welfare
2. Derwent Brass
3. Bedworth
4. Carlton Brass
5. Foresters Brass
solo : Ruth Fenner Flugel Horn Derwent Brass
Don has to quit!
Regrettably Don Banham, Eb Bass, has had to hang up his tuba and call it a day. Don has a demanding job which involves travelling literally all over the UK, and together with family commitments in the North East, just cannot find the time necessary to continue playing with the band. Don did have a 3 month break earlier this year in the hope that he would be able to overcome the difficulties, but unfortunately this has not been possible. Don came to the band from a career as a militray musician and has been a great asset over the past couple of years or so, he will be missed by his friends in the band. Don said "I wanted to say that I have enjoyed my time with the band, I'm going to miss not playing on a regular basis but my work commitments are such that I
can't guarantee my commitment and that isn't fair to the band itself. I hope we can keep in touch and if you need a dep please bear me in mind from time to time. I wish the band best wishes for the future"
Lichfield Festival Arts derwent brass & John Evanson
derwent brass were invited to participate in the 2002 Lichfield Festival in the form of an evening concert in Burton Town Hall on Tuesday July 9th. A 'heavier than usual' first half saw the band get things underway with Fest Musik de Stadt Wien, and then launched into La Boda de Luis Alonso. The first half also featured Howard Snell's arrangement of Aram Kachaturian's music - Kachaturian Suite, and an acknowledgementf the 100 birthdate of Richard Rodgers with You'll Never Walk Alone. Solo Euphonium Daniel Cheadle thrilled the audience with the classic Grandfather's Clock. The concert also featured organist John Evanson from the Royal Academy of Music London who travelled up to stir the Town Hall's mighty Wurlitzer into action with Tuba Tune in D Major (Lang) and Minuet Variations (Stanley). The other 'topical' 100 birth date, that of William Walton was acknowledged with a little heard work of his called The First Shoot. A quirky piece in five short movements, it was first aired in brass band form by Grimethorpe Colliery at the London Proms. A fitting end to the first half was a joint item of band organ on Frank Renton's wonderful arrangement of Finale to Symphony No 3 by Saints-Saens.
John opened up the 2nd half with Air from Suite No 3 (Bach) and Fantasia in G Major (Bach) before a relaxed derwent brass in shirt-sleeves took the stage for an excerpt from their increasingly popular big band set. John returned for a final rendition, Toccata and Fugue in D minor (Bach). The final scheduled item from the band was the exciting Bacchanale, before John Evanson returned to the stage, this time with tuba (!!) to join with the band for the encore - Punchinllo.
Sell out summer proms concert
On the warm summer evening of June 29th, the United Reform Church in Melbourne Derbys was packed full for the summer proms concert by derwent brass. Variety was introduced by the URC singers, who gave items from Victorian ballade to Gilbert & Sullivan, and also some light entertainment from resident organist Roy Bingham. The band opened proceedings with John Williams' Olympic Fanfare and Theme, and then went into a little heard work from William Walton The First Shoot (the band will be featuring this work at the forthcoming Lichfield Festival Concert at Burton Town Hall at the request of the organisers in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the birth of William Walton). The audience were soon swinging and foot tapping as the band launched into South Rampart Street Parade and George Gershwin's I Got Rhythm, before being thrilled by the superb swinging performance by Flugel Horn soloist Ruth Fenner of Georgia on My Mind. To celebrate what would have been another 100 year birthday, that of broadway and hollywood composer Richard Rodgers, the band closed the first half with You'll Never Walk Alone. After a rousing start to the 2nd half with Rimmers march Punchinello and Eric Crees's arrangement of La Boda de Luis Alonso, Euphonium soloist Daniel Cheadle had a spellbound audience to their feet with a virtuoso performance of the old classic Grandfather's Clock. A sea of red white and blue by way of hats, banners and waving flags, together with audience in full voice accompanied the traditional Fantasia on British Sea Songs, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory to bring the evening to a close.
New Player
Euphonium ace, Daniel Cheadle, has joined the band on solo euphonium. During the early part of his playing career Daniel was a student of former euphonium soloist Eric Johnson, and is curently a prodigy of the famous Euphonium star, David Moore. Commenting on the new appointment Musical Director Keith Leonard said "Daniel is a very talented young man indeed and of course I am absolutely delighted that he has agreed to join derwent brass ; I know he will fit in with the band very well and will be a major asset - I'm looking forward to a long relationship working with him"
CD Sales go International !
Sales of the bands current CD, Celebration, are going very well both at all the band's concerts and by mail order. However following a reference to the CD in an article in the British Bandsman, the band are delighted that sales have now gone international with CDs being dispatched to band enthusiasts in Holland and Canada. It's probably fair to say that derwent brass certainly did not expect to be getting involved in the export market !!!!!
Eric Johnson retires from active playing - but we have a new Pesident !!
The concert at the Queens Hall in Derby on Saturday 25 May was the final appearance for long term solo euphonium player Eric Johnson. Eric has been with the band since 1993 and has played a major part in the band's progress and success over the past 9 years. Eric brought vast
experience with him when he joined the band, having played in several Championship section bands over the years, served in the Armed Forces as a musician, been a music teacher and also conducted and directed several bands in the area. It was fitting that the final performance by Eric should be in the Queens Hall where the band has appeared several times to appreciative audiences. Explaining the special significance of the occasion to the audience, after Eric's rendition of Blaydon Races, Musical Director Keith Leonard announced that there was to be a presentation to mark the event. First of all, after acknowledging all that Eric had done for the band, Keith presented him with a framed carricature signed by all the band, showing Eric performing Blaydon Races superimposed over a picture of a dog in a shop window (as in How Much is that Doggy in the Window - an in band joke that you will fully understand if you've ever heard Eric perform Blaydon Races!!!). As a parting gift, Eric was presented with a cut glass decanter and glases, appropriately in Derwent Crystal (!), and this presentation was made by Cat Birchall who for the past 8 years has sat next to Eric as bumper-up euph, and played many a duet with him. Eric has enjoyed terrific support from his wife in his music activities, which has also been appreciated by derwnt brass and so Keith called Mrs Johnson to the stage to thank her for all the support and to be presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers by Haidee Clayton. Eric was by now somewhat overcome with all the attention, but more was to come --- Band Chairman Neville Eden took the stage to publicly thank Eric for all his hard work over the years, specificaly highlighting the total commitment and dedication we have enjoyed. As part of his speech Neville said that he very much hoped that derwent brass would be part of the next chapter in Eric's musical journey, and to confirm this announced that the band was have it's first ever President, and of course this honour was to be bestowed on Eric. Neville presented a framed certifcate marking the appointment. To conclude proceedings Eric, accompanied by the band, gave a moving rendition of the beautiful Welsh ballad Myfanwy. see The President's Page
NEW CD RECORDING
The band latest CD has just been released. This was recorded at the end of last year (pictures) and was planned to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the band. Appropriately therefore this latest recording has been titled CELEBRATION to mark the band's tenth birthday. Featuring the various aspects of the band's performing style (big band, hymn tune, overture, Irish music, traditional brass band, and several soloists) the CD gives a taste of a typical derwent brass concert as they entered the 10th year. On sale for just £10 and already selling well, the CD is now available at all derwent brass concerts, and is also currently available from stock at Neville Brothers Musical Instruments, Babington Lane Derby. The recording will also be reviewed shortly by the popular brass band on-line magazine '4BARS REST' and you will be able to purchase on-line. Meanwhile get along to the next derwent brass concert, or Babington Lane to get your copy.
NEXT CONCERT : St Helens Church Etwall Saturday 27th April
The next concert to assist the fund raising for ex derwent brass tuba player Jonny King. Jonny, (22) from Church Hill Etwall will set off in July for Costa Rica and Nicaragua where he will spend 10 weeks working alongsde local volunteers and other young people from around the world, experiencing first-hand the Central American way of life. For more details click on the "tuba player needs brass for trip" link above.Tickets are avialble from St Helens Church or Jonny King, and on the door - we look forward to seeing you there.
Loughborough Town Hall Saturday April 13th 7:30pm
This concert promoted by the Rotary Club of Loughborough will see derwent brass taking the stage at Loughborough Town Hall together with singers Clare Snow, Sarah Woodall, Tony Whitmore & Paul Sherratt for a 'big band' evening. Tickets are available from the Town Hall box office 01509 231914.
Graham's Swan Song
The concert at Long Eaton Leisure Centre last Saturday was the last for the time being for the band's repiano cornet player, Graham Johnson. Graham works as an IT Technician and spends nearly all of his time working away. At present he is engaged on a very large UK project which takes up vast amounts of his time and keeps hims away for days and weeks at a time. It is of course very difficult to get home and fit in rehearsals and concerts, understandably therefore he has decided to "take a back seat" for a while. He said "I really don't want to be leaving, this is a great band and I'm enjoying playing, but it's not fair on others if I can't give 100%. It's been a hard decision and I think I'll be coming back when I can"
Graham's dad, Eric Johnson, plays solo euphonium in the band, and Graham joined the cornet ranks in 1997. Initially Graham was on the Solo Cornet line, but grabbed the repiano chair as soon as it became vacant at the begining of 1999. Graham is a talented musician and has made a considerable contribution to the band's progress over recent years - he will be missed by everyone
There is of course now a cornet vacancy, meanwhile Adrian Beresford has moved into the Repiano chair.
Long Eaton Leisure Centre Saturday 16th March 7:30pm
This coming weekend sees the band in concert at Long Eaton. The band are taking part in a concert being organised by the Rotary Club of Church Wilne, which will also feature the Melbourne Male Voice Choir under the direction of Greg Maskalick. The concert is at The West Park Leisure Centre at 7:30pm.
This concert raised over £2000 for the MacMillan Nurses Appeal !!
Last Bash for Trev !
Last weekend's brilliant performance at the Midland Regional Championships was the last for percussionist Trevor Hathaway, who is hanging up his sticks and retiring from 'active duties!' Trevor joined the band in 1995 and has been a valued member ever since. At various times the whole of his family have performed on the percussion section (daughter Ceri was timpanist for some time, including the first finals appearane at Wembley, and wife Jackie played percussion at the Regionals and Finals in 1998 . Younger son Alun, who is now a professional percussionist has made numerous appearances with band. Trevor's older son, Sion, has been a regular percussionst with the band for several years, playing alongside his father and will continue to be major part of the percussion section. Trevor was formerly with the Salvation Army band in Burton and in his own farewell speech, with typical modesty claimed he .......never did get to grips with all this complicated stuff that derwent play ! He's quite wrong of course and has played a valuable part in all the band's performances over the recent years, and he will be missed by the band - although Keith has warned Trevor that he is likely to be called on to help out at future events! Trevor also helped with organisation, particularly with the band's National Finals trip to Cardiff some years ago (he has family there) and more recently undertook all the organising and arrangements for last year's very successful concert with Derby Central Songsters. The band are of course now seeking a replacement percussionist (timps & tuned) to work alongside Sion & David (vacancies)
derwent brass have qualified for a 4th appearance at the National Finals
Saturday 2nd March saw the start of probably the busiest period in the world of brass bands, the opening rounds of the Regional Championships of the National Championships of Great Britain. These qualifying 'Regionals' are held at 7 different parts of the country to establish the bands that will have the honour of competing at a National level later in the year at the National Finals. Burton on Trent must have wondered what had hit it as some 89 brass bands descended on the town over the weekend to battle it out for the top honours. The bands are divided into sections (or leagues) and derwent brass were competing in the first section. Playing in a section of 17 bands, derwent brass were drawn to play off the No 10 spot, and produced a quality performance which drew praise from the adjudicator and members of the audience. The standard of bands is very high in this section, and with just the top three bands qualifying for a place in the finals, the members of the band were leaping for joy, obviously ecstatic when it was announced that adjudicator Goff Richards had awarded them 3rd prize. Musical Director Keith Leonard said ...... "This is fantastic, and so well deserved by all the band; we've worked hard and all the players produced a first class performance on the day, which you have to do because there is some very tough competition. Congratulations to Staffordshire Band and City of Coventry who took 1st & 2nd places. Obviously I'm thrilled with the result, I've been inundated all weekend with messages of congratulations from players and conductors from other bands and friends and colleagues. After the win a few weeks ago at Oxford, and now this, It looks like we're determined to enjoy our Anniversary year. I'm looking forward to some great concerts coming up now"
This is the 4th time that derwent brass have qualified for the National Championship Finals. click here for the full results
* * F I R S T P R I Z E * *
Oxfordshire Association Contest
The band have launched their Anniversary Year in fine style, taking the top honours at the 2002 Oxfordshire Brass Band Association Contest over the weekend (Sunday 17th Feb), The band travelled down to Cowley to enter the Open Section of the contest, which requires an own choice Test Piece and a March, and decided to give a 'dry-run' of the set piece for the forthcoming Regional Contests, Royal Parks by George Lloyd.. The performance impressed adjudicator Roy Sparkes, who announced the band winners of the Open Section, with second place being taken by Brassband Panta Rhei Gent, a band who travelled from Belgium to take part in this event. In addition to the first prize for the band, the prize for Best Instrumentalist was awarded to derwent brass principal cornet player David Neville - another one to add to David's impressive list of "Best Player Awards"
Musical Director Keith Leonard commented...... "Naturally I'm delighted with this win of course, the band played well, with attention to a quality performance throughout. The band deserves this - it's been too long since we had a 1st prize trophy in our band room. There's plenty of work to do over the next couple of weeks of course, but what better way to start our anniversary year - 1st contest, 1st prize!! "
The trophy awarded to the band is enormous and has quite a history; it is the Frank Grey Trophy and was first awarded in 1923. The numerous plaques on it reveal some interesting past winners, including a run of success by the Morris Motors Works Band (and the famous Harry Mortimer of course)
For the march section derwent brass provided an impressive rendition of The Contestor, but had to be content with 2nd prize.
Richard Evans visits derwent brass
That ever popular character of the brass band world, Richard Evans, paid a visit to the derwent brass bandroom on Sunday 3rd Feburary. Richard is of course very well known for his experience and expertise as a band conductor of the very highest calibre having worked with many of the country's top bands, and probably best known for the many successful years he spent as Musical Director of the Leyland Band. Fresh from winning the Yeovil Entertainment Contest with the Jag Mount Charles Band on Saturday Richard managed to squeeze in the visit to derwent brass on his way back up the country on Sunday, prior to flying off to Norway on Monday! Richard spent some 4 hours working with the band, putting all the sections through their paces in his own unique style, and of course all interjected with his inimitable friendly banter and humour. Although very tired afterwards, the players of the band had a thoroughly enjoyable day; thanks Richard !
Annual General Meeting
The band's Annual General Meeting for 2002 took place on Wednsday evening 9th Jan.. Neville Eden has now been appointed Band Chairman, whilst Chris Clayton remains as the Band Manager. Dave Lucas, who had been deputising as Treasurer for the past couple of months has been officially appointed to the position and Neill Riddle is now the band's Contest Secretary. Ruth Fenner has joined the committee and Adrian Drewitt has taken on the role of Publicity
10th ANNIVERSARY
derwent brass was formed in 1992, and so as we enter 2002 the band are looking forward to celebrating the10th anniversary. In between all the band's normal activity it is intended to stage some concerts specifically to mark the event. These will be individually themed to highlight various aspects of the band's performances developed over the past 10 years (such as Traditional Brass Band / Band & Voices / Big Band etc). Plans are already well underway, and already a couple of these events have been confirmed (Big Band evening in Loughborough in April, and an evening concert with special guest Chris Jeans in October) and more details will be available as arrangements are finalised. A social evening & re-union will be held during the year and obviouly we hope as many former members as possible will attend. We will try very hard to remember everyone and try to make contact, however you an help by just leaving a note on the guest book page or sending an e-mail. Keep in touch by regularly checking the events page and the special 10th anniversay page,
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2001
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!
Congratulations to Haidee Clifton (2nd Trombone) and Chris Clayton (Bass Trombone) who were married on Saturday 29th December 2001.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT MARATHON !
derwent brass are now looking forward to a very well earned break over the Christmas period after a very busy concert schedule. Successful Christmas concerts were performed to packed audiences during this last week prior to Christmas, kicking off at the Emmanuel Church in Loughborough, where the band were performing at the invitation of the Loughborough Rotary Club. The audience enjoyed the opportunity to join in with several carols, also including a quickly assembled 'choir' of Rotarians - well done chaps! Among the regular band Christmas items, derwent brass took things up beat with Ray Farr's Troika and Dizzy Stratford's Christmas Swing.
The next day, Wednesday, saw derwent brass take the stage at the Assembly Rooms together with the Derby Hospitals Choir and the Signing Choir from the Society for the Deaf, to perform to a 1000+ audience. A truly splendid evening with choir and audience in full voice with the band for many of the carols, including the David Willcox fanfare and arrangement for Hark, The Herald Angels Sing. The band delighted the audience with A Christmas Suite, and later introduced everyone to a new item in the repertoire - a swingy number simply called Joy! .Writen in bright gospel style (some would say Blues Brothers!) Musical Director Keith Leonard soon had the choir and audience clapping and swinging along with the band. The band were into their big band groove and the Assembly Rooms rocked ! That was immediately followed with William Himes Three Kings Swing, this time with the trombone section taking the upbeat lead and a great jazz solo from Principle Cornet David Neville.
Band & Choir conclued the evening with 'Christmas Is Coming', complete with explosions and cascading tinsel. The concert was broadcast live on Hospitals Radio and will be repeated on Christms Day.
Thursday was a night off (well we have to do the Christmas shopping some time !!) before Friday saw the band returning to St Helen's Church in Etwall. This is always a special venue for the band because of the incredibly warm welcome they always receive. The band always play to a 'full house' here and Friday night was no exception, with extra seats being brought to accommodate the swelling audience!. Once again, amidst all the usual carols and brass band Christmas items the band introduced the Etwall audience to 'Joy' followed by the inevitable Schneewaltzer, and then once again featured David Neville in Three Kings Swing. The quieter items included The Christmas Song and Candlelight Carol. A very special moment in this concert was a first half concluding performance by the band of Eric Ball's The Kingdom Triumphant - a wonderful piece for band which saw a totally committed performance by the band. (in fact later in the evening a large piece of plasterwok in the vestry fell down ! - general opinion is that Kindom Triumphant may just have been too loud !!!)
Saturday evening saw the band finishing off their week in the Queens Hall in Derby, taking the stage with the Dalesman Male Voice Choir. This Christmas concert was for the Friends of the Nightingale MacMillan Unit and we were privileged to have the Mayor of Derby present together with dignatries and Chaplain of the Nightingale. Another almost full house, and a splendid Christmas concert concluding with band, choir and audience in full song.
CELBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH derwent brass
derwent brass has been engaged to present or take part in Christmas concerts in Loughborough, Derby and Etwall. The week before Christmas will be abusy time for the band with concerts at Emmanuel Church Loughborough, the Assembly Rooms at Derby, St Helen's Church at Etwall and the Queens Hall in Derby. All the usual & traditional fayre will be on offer - carols, serious music, fun music, readings etc et.c. Why not come along and join in the Christmas spirit
CD RECORDING
derwent brass spent the weekend (27-28 October) in the recording studio, working with doyen to produce the first commercial CD recording featuring just the band. The recording will include many of the popular and requested items from the bands regular concert performances and has been timed to be released to coincide with the band's 10 year anniversary celebrations in 2002. pictures
NEW MEMBER
Steve Levitt is joining the band on Euphonium and the appointment takes effect from the 1st November 2001. As a friend of the band and a former member of Neville Brass Steve is no stranger to derwent brass and has performed with the band on many previous occasions, (on Euphonium, Solo Euphonium, 1st and 2nd Baritone.) Following his recent relocation back to Derby, Steve was delighted to accept an offer of a permanent position within the band. Cat Birchall is moving to 1st Horn and is looking forward to this fresh challenge within the band
* 2nd prize at Dronfield
The band were once again invited to the North East Derbyshire Entertainment Contest (29th September 2001) and impressed adjudicator David Horsefield, who awarded the band 2nd place, just one point behind the Championship Section band - Thoresby Colliiery. MD Keith Leonard said he was "......pleased with the overall performance and it's nice to get a trophy back to Derwent's bandroom after a quiet spell on the contest scene". The band opened up with Olympic Fanfare & Theme and the programme included Light Walk, Gaelforce, Fidgety Feet, and concluded with The Final Hymn from The Firebird. The featured soloist was Adrian Drewitt (baritone) playing Carrickfergus
The band is delighted to welcome Madelaine Eley who has joined on 2nd Baritone. Prior to joining the band Madelaine played with other bands in the area including William Davis Construction Group, and more recently Kibworth.
STEVEN MEAD WOWS A BURTON ON TRENT AUDIENCE
Euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead returned to Burton on Trent last Saturday (23rd June) to join with Derwent Brass to perform to a near capacity audience at the Burton Town Hall.
The concert was opened by Derwent Brass, who immediately showed themselves to be in fine form, with the Olympic Fanfare & Theme, immediately followed by La Forza del Destino.
The band were then joined by their special guest Steven Mead, for his first solo spot, commencing with Robert Redhead's Euphony, and followed up with the beautiful Lento from Philip Sparke's Euphonium Concerto.
Steven thrilled the audience, many of whom were old friends and former students from Steven's teaching days in Burton on Trent. Former friends of Steven's are also to be found within the ranks of Derwent Brass, and during his introductions Steven referred to the band as a first class and well rehearsed outfit.
After some lighter items, and the cornet feature Fidgety Feet (Dave & Phil Neville, Graham Johnson & Dave Carroll-Walsh) the band welcomed another guest, organist John Evanson from the Royal Academy of Music (and another former student of Steven Mead's) to join the band to close the first half with Frank Renton's arrangement of the Finale to Saint-Saens Symphony No 3.
In the second half Steven Mead performed Panache, followed by Introduction Theme and Variations by Rossini, a real tour-de-force which had the audience captivated. Steven then launched into an unaccompanied encore which featured just about every trick imaginable, (and a few more besides !) in a performance which displayed to the spell bound audience his total mastery of the euphonium, almost unbelievable virtuosity, as well as Steven's ever present sense of humour!
Derwent Brass were in excellent form throughout the evening in both band and solo items, prompting Steven to comment to the audience that the band, resplendent in their traditional Red & Black uniforms, not only looked like Black Dyke, they're starting to sound like them!
The concert was conducted by John Berryman, however for the finale the audience and band welcomed Keith Leonard, the band's Musical Director, returning to action following illness, to conduct the band in The Cry of the Celts, also featuring Steven Mead joining with the band and performing the Lament.
The concert was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress and over £1000 was raised for the Mayor's charities.
derwent brass & The Salvation Army. A large crowd enjoyed an evening with the band and the Derby Central Songster Brigade of the Salvation Army. There are strong links between the band and the Salvation Army, not least because several band members are ex SA. The concert was promoted by the Etwall & Hilton Rotary Club, and was organised by rotarian Trevor Hathaway, percussionist with derwent brass. Trevor's son-in-law Ian Hammond is the leader of Derby Central Songsters, and his daughter Ceri (a former timpanist with the band) was one of the featured vocal soloists of the evening. As well as the usual exciting concert material, this predominantly Salvation Army audience enjoyed some of the more tranquil and emotional moments, particularly the band playing Deep Harmony, and David Neville's performance of Share My Yoke
The band played to a full house at Loughborough Town Hall last Saturday (8th April) in a splendid evening's entertainment which featured the band, and regular friends - The Grand Central Chorus. The band performed traditional brass band materials together with the popular 'big band' set. The Grand Central Chorus, a highly entertaining Barber Shop choir were on their usual great form. The evening was concluded with a 'Last Night of the Proms' finale. Brass Band, Big Band, Barber Shop and Proms - all in one night !
derwent brass have respnded to the recent earthquake in India and are to stage a concert in Burton on Trent, with all proceeds going to the recently set up charity in aid of the victims. The concert will be at the De Ferrers High School, commencing at 7:30pm this coming Saturday - 27th January 2001
