Brassed Off: The bands are busy, busy, busy

Cornet player and brass tutor Mark Rodgers gives us an insight into the band world with his column, Brassed Off.

AFTER A short Easter hiatus, our bands are back in the bandroom and working hard towards a few busy months ahead.

Holmfirth Contest, where Greenfield and Boarshurst bands both did well, marked the end of contesting for this half of 2014 and heralded the start of concert season.

Despite my music pad at Delph Band being on the verge of bursting, we are still trying new (and some not so new) music every week. Most other bands will be in the same position, building up a repertoire to cater for the variety of bookings in the diary.

A diet of ‘lollipops’ and (dare I say it?) ‘cheese’ are standard fare for park and outside engagements. Weightier and more substantial pieces, such as overtures and grand finales are required for more serious concerts.

Soloists may be preparing more than just one solo to perform so they can tailor their choice to the nature of the ‘gig’. To be honest, I really do think I have enough music in one folder to perform at least ten completely different concerts!

It certainly is heartening to see our local bands busy this month. Dobcross Youth Band will present an evening of Disney Film Music on Friday, May 9 at 7.30pm at the Band Club. They are also entertaining the crowds at the Great Manchester Run on May 18 and the shoppers in Manchester’s St. Anne’s Square the week afterward.

Diggle Band will be giving a ‘Salute to WW1’ at Shaw’s Playhouse2 on Saturday, May 17 at 7.30pm and will then be looking forward to a Whit Friday warm-up concert at Boarshurst Band Club on Sunday, June 1 at 8pm.

Diggle’s B Band is in concert at Kilngreen Church, alongside Diggle School’s Choir and Band, on Friday, May 16 at 7.30pm.

Uppermill will make an appearance at Boarshurst on Sunday, May 18 at 8pm. Lydgate Band will be travelling to Cheshire’s Dunham Massey, performing for a Teddy Bear’s Picnic event on May 31 and Friezland will be a little closer to home when they play at Springhead Community Centre on Sunday, May 11 at 7.30pm.

Celebrations dominated April for Dobcross Silver as players Paul Clough and Nicola Smethurst tied the knot and Club Steward John Holden was treated to an evening of music and fun to mark his thirty years service, raising money for John’s favourite charities along the way.

By the way – Whit Friday is only weeks away!