17th June 2011
Whit Friday Marches
Tameside.
What great results this year. At the present time we have won 1st Place in the 4th Section at the following 5 venues. Dukinfield Carbrook Droylesdon Broadoak Aldwinians/Aldenshaw.
now increased to 6 x 1st places in 4th Section. Hurst Cross joins the venues
Congratulations to all concerned.
Press Release of the above event.
On Friday June 17th Darwen Brass took part in the famous Whit Friday Brass Band Contests in Saddleworth and Tameside.
The event which is described as the Greatest Free Show on Earth attracts brass bands from all over the country and abroad,to over twenty five different competitions in various locations in Saddleworth and Tameside. Each band have their own coach, and move between locations, stopping at each one to play their Contest March for different adjudicators.
Darwen Brass conducted by its MD Steve Hartley played the march Knight Templar by George Allen, and managed to compete at eight different contests. The band were delighted to learn that they had been awarded first prizes in their section at six of the eight venues. The band were successful at Dukinfield, Carrbrook, Hurst Village, Broadoak, Droylsden and Audenshaw.
MD Steve Hartley ------- “ To win six first prizes on Whit Friday is a tremendous achievement, and all band members are over the moon with this success. The band played out of their skins on the night and fully deserved the six first prizes. We were consistent at all the venues, and this is reflected in the awards from six different adjudicators. I don’t think we have come back down to earth yet, but im sure we will remember the night for many years to come. “
Darwen Brass are currently preparing for the remainder of their summer concerts and galas including Forton Field Day and Darwen Gala, before commencing rehearsals for a further series of Concerts and Competitions.
end of press release
27th March 2011.
Tameside Open Contest.
Darwen Brass are pleased to announce that we gained 3rd. place in the 3rd. Section
Playing "Oceans".
This was a great result as it is our first year in this section and is just reward for all the hard work that has been put in by all concerned
2010 A.G.M.
At the AGM on Monday 29th. November 2010 the present Secretary, Catherine Carey decided that due to work commitments she had to sadly relinquish her post as Secretary but would still carry on working on the committee.
The whole band expressed their sincere thanks for all the hard work she had done since the foundation of the band.
A new Secretary was elected, Jane Hogan,(details on "Contact Us " page).
The Band person of the year 2010 elected by the band went to Peter Bell for all the money he had raised from Sponsorship and grants for the band. This is a very integral part of banding which allows the band to flourish and improve.
The award for the most improved player for 2010 decided solely by the Musical Director Stephen Hartley went to the 2nd. Cornet player (who is also the youngest member of the band) Millie Forrest.
Join us for a Rehearsal
This is an open invitation to any Bandsman working in our area who wants to attend a rehearsal. You are all more than welcome to come along and enjoy an evening with us.
We are a friendly band and you will be made most welcome. Rehearsals are held Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm to 10pm.
Use "Contact Us" page for further details as to location etc.
Learners Classes
We are pleased to announce that our These last for 30 mins. and are held any evening Monday to Friday by arrangement.
For further details, please look at our "Contact Us" page.
Now cancelled for Christmas 2010 but will restart after 6th January 2011.
CONCERTS AND CONTESTS 2010/11 SEASON.
First Concert 2010/11.
This season started with a concert at St. Peters Church, Darwen.
This was the first time the band had been responsible for the full programme. It was with anticipation and expectation that this concert was organised.
There were seven items first half and then seven items second half.
The audience attendance was excellent with a very varied age group.
The music played was very varied from classical brass band and music from the shows. Two soloists of the band were featured and excellent renditions from both received rapturous applause.
A repeat booking has already been applied for by the Church as it was enjoyed so much.
First Contest 2010/11.
This as usual was our visit to Fleetwood for the NWCBBA annual contest.
There was a good feeling in the band on going to this contest because of the simple reason that we were already guaranteed a trophy.
The one for winning the Fourth section area championship the previous year.
Due to this, it meant that for the first time in the bands history we were competing in the Third section . This was a strange feeling for the simple reason that in the past the bands in the Third section always appeared far more qualified than ourselves plus the music was harder.
Our musical Director Mr Steve Hartley would have none of this and instilled into us that the notes were just the same at whatever level you played and to have confidence in our own ability.
Yes, the music was harder but more practice at home would benefit the band. This was done by all concerned and we tried our best with a piece called "Oceans."
When the presentation time came, our Chairperson went and collected the trophy for winning the Fourth Section the previous year.
Then the announcement was made as to the result of the Third section.
To surprise from people in the audience, "Darwen Brass" was announced in Third place. What a cheer went up from the band members and our followers.
Now we are all looking forward to our next Contest at Pontins Prestatyn.
BAND NEWS
"It never rains but what it pours" is a very well known saying but has been proved very true for our band.
Some weeks ago, both our Solo Euphonium and Solo EE flat bass player had to go in hospitals for different reasons. The euph player to have all his teeth removed under general anaesthetic and the bass player to have a total hip replacement.
Both operations were successful and now the band is awaiting the full recovery of both players. The euph player is at the moment on percussion where as the bass player is still on crutches and not able to attend practises. We wish them well.
More Success for Darwen Brass on Whit Friday.
Darwen Brass took part in the Whit Friday Brass Band March Contests held at Tameside and Saddleworth on Friday 28th May 2010.
There are more than 25 individual contests in the two regions, and the bands travel between venues on their own coach. It is estimated that there are between 80 and 100 bands on the circuit on Whit Friday, all contributing to what has been described as the greatest free show on earth.
Darwen Brass conducted by Musical Director Steve Hartley competed at 7 Contests on the night, and came away with 3 First Prizes and 1 Second Prize.
The band was placed First in their section at Denton, Carbrook and Droylsden, and Second at Audenshaw, giving them their best ever return on Whit Friday.
Conductor Steve Hartley speaking of the result ------ The Darwen Brass journey goes on. This is a tremendous set of results for the band, and adds to the success we have achieved on the contest stage over the past year. The results are even more remarkable as we were two players down on the night due to sickness. The band never ceases to amaze me with their commitment and dedication. I am so proud of what we have achieved, and I am really looking forward to the future.
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Darwen Brass end Contest Season in fine style.
Darwen Brass took part in the Tameside Open Brass Band competition held at Dukinfield Town Hall on Sunday 28th March 2010. The band conducted by Musical Director Steve Hartley played Music for a Festival by Philip Sparke, and adjudicator Thomas Wyss awarded them 183 points out of a possible 200, Mr Wyss remarked that Darwen were clear winners in a strong field of bands, and described the performance as ` very impressive `.
The win at Tameside brings to an end a highly successful contest season for Darwen Brass, which has seen the band gain 4 first prizes in the past six months.
Musical Director Steve Hartley described the latest win as a fantastic way to end what has been a hugely successful year. The band are highly motivated, and totally committed to further improvement on the contest and concert stage. To win one contest in a season is great, but to win four is a real achievement, and something we are all very proud of.
Darwen Brass will now be preparing for a busy summer season of concerts and marches, and will be performing at events in the local area and further afield. They will also be taking part in the Whit Friday March Contests in Saddleworth and Tameside, where they hope to add to their impressive trophy collection
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HAT-TRICK OF WINS FOR DARWEN BRASS
On Sunday 7th February, Darwen Brass took part in the Brass at the Guild Brass Band Contest held at the Guild Hall Complex in Preston.
The band played Music for a Festival by Phillip Sparke, and were delighted to be awarded 1st Prize in their section by adjudicator David Read MBE. In the words of the adjudicator, Darwen delivered an Assured and Confident performance, which gave them a 2 point winning margin over the next placed band.
The win at Preston gives the band its Hat Trick of Contest wins in the last five months, following on from the 1st prizes at Fleetwood in October and St Helens in November last year.
MD Steve Hartley said- " The players should be congratulated on their dedication and commitment in the preparation for the recent contests. I work them hard in rehearsal, and they have responded magnificently to gain the 3 first prizes. The performance at Preston was first class and reward for all the effort and hard work."
Darwen Brass are now preparing for their next contests at Blackpool and Tameside in March, as well as working on new repertoire for their forthcoming concert programmes.
Another First for Darwen Brass.
Darwen Brass entered the Wilkinson's Northern Open Brass Band Championships at the Theatre Royal in St Helens on Sunday 15th November.Playing Music for a Festival by Philip Sparke, the Band was awarded 189 points out of a possible 200 by adjudicator Paul Andrews. This gave the band a first prize in the section, and added three more cups to the growing trophy collection.
The bands contest secretary Doris Eccles collected the Wilkinson's Northern Open Trophy on behalf of the band. MD Steve Hartley was awarded the Wesley Family Trophy for the winning conductor, and Cat Carey was presented with the Tom Wall Senior Trophy as Secretary of the winning band.
This is the second contest win for the band in the last two months, and follows the win at Fleetwood in October. It ends a highly successful year for Darwen Brass on both the Contest and Concert stage, during which the band have been awarded a grand total of thirteen trophies at various competitions.
We are now preparing for a busy Christmas period playing concerts and carols in the Darwen area, before embarking on a further series of contests in the New Year.
A good win at Fleetwood
The band entered the North West Counties Brass Band Association Contest at Fleetwood on 4th October, and were delighted to be awarded first prize in the Fourth section. We were awarded 181 points by adjudicator Capt Paul Norley, who complemented the band on its tuning, direction and overall performance.
As well as the overall prize, the band were awarded a further 3 trophies. MD Steve Hartley was awarded the prize for winning conductor, and Dave Thomas won the award for best Euphonium player. A special award was made to cornet player Millie Forrest who at age 11 was the youngest player at the contest.
The result at Fleetwood is the latest in a string of successful contest results for Darwen Brass over the past two years, and is the culmination of lots of hard work and committment. A big well done and many congratulations to all.
We are now preparing for our next contest at St Helens on 15th November, together with a series of concerts which will take us up to and beyond the busy Christmas season.
Darwen Brass announce the launch of their new training group - Darwen Brass Jr!!
REHEARSALS COMMENCE 24th Sept 2009 6.30pm - 7.45pm!!!!!!!!
Since acquiring our own rehearsal premises in Lower Darwen, we are growing in strength and numbers and, after a number of good results at local contests and many local appearances over the last year, we want to give something back to the community.
Our latest venture is the forming of a Brass Learner's Group. We are looking for young (or old!) brass beginners to join a small learner's group. Maybe you played a brass instrument in the past and want to take it up again, or maybe you have brass lessons at school and want to play in a musical group - this is the place for you! The group would be ideal for those people of any age who have begun to learn a brass instrument and want to further their skills and improve their ability. We have a number of brass tutors and music teachers on hand to help, support and offer advice, all of whom are CRB checked.
If you, or someone you know would be interested in coming down and giving it a go, or you would like more information, please contact Darwen Brass' Secretary, Catherine Carey, on 07790662842, or email darwenbrass@yahoo.co.uk. Alternatively, you can check out our website, www.darwenbrass.com.
Exam passes with distinction.
It is with great pleasure that we announce that Millie Forest, our youngest third cornet player, has recently taken her grade six cornet exam and passed with a distinction.
She also took grade six piano and gained a pass with merit.
We are very pleased for her and wish her continuing success in her playing abilities.
New sponsors for Darwen Brass
We are extremely pleased to announce 3 new sponsors supporting Darwen Brass.
Perrys Peugot of Blackburn
Akash Restaurant & Takeaway of Darwen and
Great Escape Holidays
We are extremely grateful to these companys for their support to our band.
On our Home page via the Great Escapes Holiday Banner our visitors can get a superb opportunity to aquire a 7 night luxury holiday in the Canary Islands for only £99.
Click the banner for more details.
Whit Friday Marches. June 5th
The Band took on the exhausting challenge of trying to play at as many contests as possible in this annual event which takes place in the Tameside and Saddleworth areas every Whit Friday.
This involves trying to get into and out of a coach as quickly as possible at every venue so as to play, then move on to the next in the hope that we can get to the next one before too many are queued up in front of us.
It was a extremely wet evening and we got caught in many a downpour but our efforts were rewarded with a couple of prizes. Out of the seven contests we managed to get to and enter we took second prize at Audenshaw, and first prize at Droylsdon. The march we chose to play was the same one we won with at Greenfield two weeks ago, which is Cornish Cavalier, by W.E. Moyle.
Well done all in the band, and a special thanks must go to James Utting and Neville Rogerson who came along as deps to help us out.
Nev. Hounslow.
Greenfield Contest results Saturday 23rd May.
We are pleased to announce the band entered this contest and won several prizes in a contest consisting of seven bands taking part.
The contest itself being in three parts, A march with deportment a hymn tune to be played in normal band formation, followed by a more testing march tune again played in normal band formation.
Prizes were awarded for each part with extra prizes for different sections of each band and an overall trophy for the band with the highest points.
We gained fourth position for deportment in the first part, the march. We then were pleased to hear the result of best trombone section being awarded to us, this was followed by first prize for the hymn tune and then also first prize for the main test piece.
We also had enough points to be awarded the overall best band trophy as well.
Well done to all band members who took part, we did exceptionally well.
Nev H.
New member alert
We would like to welcome Matt Twomey to our percussion section.
Matt is an accomplished musician who plays the clarinet to grade 8 standard and over the past few weeks has found himself to be a natural on the timps.
Welcome on board Matt!!
Mandy. P
Tameside Contest.
Sunday 29th March.
We entered this contest and managed a fifth place, a little disappointing as we did hope for better, considering we took first prize at this contest last year. However it is still a reasonable result in consideration of the twelve bands we were in competition against, and those that took the higher places are renowned as being good bands.
We did play at our best, enjoyed playing it, and still had a good day out from it all though.
Nev. H
New member alert
We would like to welcome Alison Firth to our cornet section.
Alison is a very fine cornet player and will be a great asset to the section.
Mandy. P
The Area Contest, Blackpool March 1st
Sunday, March 1st saw us enter the area's contest in Blackpool where we gained a creditable 8th place out of 19 bands to enter and play. Although a little disappointed that we could have done a little better, it is still not a bad result, and certainly a higher position than gained in the same contest last year. Well done all who attended and played.
Nev. H
New Bandroom
On the 2nd Feb 2009 we will move into our new bandroom situated in Albert Mill, Lower Darwen.
Mandy. P
Now Christmas is behind us.
After a very hectic lead up to and including the beginning of the Christmas period, during which we performed a Christmas concert, went for an interview at Radio Lancashire and on the following Wednesday did a recording at Radio Lancashire which was broadcast on Christmas day evening. In amongst this there were several out door caroling events in both Blackburn town centre and Darwen Market, plus one for the Sunnyhurst residents association at the beginning of December, a small carol concert at Hoddlesden. This should have been on the green, but snow and ice conditions meant it was indoors in the social centre. A carol service at Pickup Bank Chapel, and another along with the Friends of Sunnyhurst woods on December 21st, the same evening we finished this seasons work at St Georges Church in Mill Hill for a carol service there.
Now into the New Year.
We are now looking forward to the new year with a concert in Thwaites Theatre for the British Legion on Saturday 10th January. This to be in the style of a "Last Night At The Proms" event and hope it will be well attended. A similar concert is also coming up on February Thursday 5th at Haslingden High School. Then there will be some more serious work to be done for the first contest of the year, the "Area Contest" in Blackpool.
Nev. H
16th Nov 2008 - Another good result for Darwen Brass!
The band entered the Wilkinsons contest which is an annual event that takes place in St Helens. We were drawn to play fifth in the fourth section, and after a good deal of hard work in rehearsals leading up to the contest, that hard work paid off with being awarded a third prize. This prize was won in a field of other extremely good bands so we are proud of our efforts.
Nev. H
Allan our Flugel player honoured at Fleetwood contest.
Allan Cordall was honoured at Fleetwood Contest by the North West Brass Band Association for his service to Brass Bands. Allan has been associated with brass bands for over 60 years but as the association only recognise 50 years Allan was presented with a certificate for 50 years service and a tie which he wears with great pride.
Allan started playing aged 16 in 1948 with Heywood Old Prize Band. He joined Bury Silver Band in 1949 and stayed with them until Feb 1953 and joined the Army sevice. He did 3 years as a musician the with Lancashire Fusiliers. When he came out of the Army in 1956 he went back to Bury Silver for 1 year the joined the 5th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers Band (this was a Brass Band) in 1957 for 10 years. In 1967 the band was disbanded so he joined the Royal Artillary Military Band (TA) and stayed with them for 12 years.
Allan joined the Darwen band 14 years ago and joined the Greater Manchester Police Band 10 years ago.Allan has been with Darwen Brass since it first formed in 2007.
Allan has also played the trumpet with various amateur operatic societys over a 30 year period.
Allan is a founder member of Darwen Brass and is a great servant to the Brass Band movement We are very proud to have him in our ranks.
Mandy. P
The band will play some hymns and maybe other music at her cremation in her honour on Monday 27th October at 2-30PM. Pleasington.
She was a good player and supporter of the band, and a warm and friendly person in general. Rest in peace Alison.
Mandy. P
October 8th 2008
I am pleased to announce our newest recruit to our cornet section. A big welcome to Anna Harvey, another talented player to join the ranks. A report to follow......
Mandy. P
October 3rd 2008
I am pleased to announce that we have won the "website of the month award" for September courtesy of www.themouthpiece.com
Mandy. P
New tiny addition to the band
Darwen Brass are pleased to announce that two of our members Ruth and Dominic, are now the proud parents of baby Evie, we wish them well and hope that Evie will soon be joining us at rehearsals.
Mandy. P
Joint Concert at St Augustines High School Billington.
Another successful concert was held with the St Augustines Swing Band in a joint concert on Friday 26th September. The Swing band were in good form and played first, with Darwen Brass playing second in both the first and second halves of the concert. A short break in the middle provided refreshments for all. It was a well recieved with a packed audience. It was such an exciting concert our Solo Trombone player Ruth Mciver (who was in the audience for the evening) went into labour and had a beautiful little girl Evie Catherine some three hours later.
Concert at St Joseph's RC Church Darwen.
5th September 2008
The recent Concert held on 30th August at St Joseph's RC Church in Darwen was a great success and since the purchase of new stand banners and blazer badges it was our first opportunity to be able to show these off to our audience. A mixed program of music was played consisting of fifteen pieces in total, although there was a slight detour from the program in the second half as it was our Bass trombone player Matt Haworth's birthday, so Happy birthday was played with much amusement for the audience.
During a break at half time for refreshments tickets were sold for a raffle with several good prizes on offer.
We also offered for the first time a concert program which contained the list of music played accompanied by a brief history of the band and our MD Steve Hartley. Also included in the program were details of our new sponsorship program, which can be viewed on the sponsors pack page on this website.
Nev. H
New signing at Darwen Brass
10 August 2008
We would like to welcome Millie Forrest to the band.
Millie is the newest addition to our cornet section and becomes the youngest member of our band at aged 10. She is a very talented player and will be making her debut appearance at our next concert on the 30th Aug.
Welcome on board Millie!!
Mandy. P
Sponsorship details revealed
09 August 2008
We are now looking for sponsorship to help us along with expenses. If you can sponsor our band it will be greatly appreciated, and in turn may be of benefit to you in terms of extra advertising and product awareness. For further details please have a look at our sponsorship pack and our sponsors.
We welcome ETL Air conditioning and thank them for their sponsorship.
N.H.
We welcome ETL Air conditioning and thank them for their sponsorship.
N.H.
New banners arrive
16 July 2008
After a very busy year of engagements we have now been able to purchase new "Darwen Brass" livery in the form of new banners for our music stands.They are in gold/old gold and feature Darwen tower as a distinctive motif.
A big thank you goes to all band members for all their hard work throughout the year which has enabled us to purchase them.
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New signings at Darwen Brass
01 July 2008
New Signings for Darwen Brass!
We would like to Welcome the following new members to Darwen Brass
Mandy Pickles (Sop/Cornet/Horn/Baritone/Euphonium/Percussion with Triangle!/) - just need to try bass & trom now - and she'll be a One Man Band!!!
Bruce Martin (Cornet)
Lewis Taylor (Baritone) - although he never really went away!!
This is great news for the band and we hope they can enjoy more success with us!
We are also pleased to announce that due to hard work and perseverance our third cornet player Alex Cairns, has been promoted to lead second cornet player. A well deserved promotion and reward for his hard work in the last 18 months.
The band has performed several outdoor concerts in recent times, including one which was well received in Whitehall park. The band is now looking forward to the contest in Fleetwood and further concerts later in the year.
We would like to Welcome the following new members to Darwen Brass
Mandy Pickles (Sop/Cornet/Horn/Baritone/
Bruce Martin (Cornet)
Lewis Taylor (Baritone) - although he never really went away!!
This is great news for the band and we hope they can enjoy more success with us!
We are also pleased to announce that due to hard work and perseverance our third cornet player Alex Cairns, has been promoted to lead second cornet player. A well deserved promotion and reward for his hard work in the last 18 months.
The band has performed several outdoor concerts in recent times, including one which was well received in Whitehall park. The band is now looking forward to the contest in Fleetwood and further concerts later in the year.
Concert and march season.
22 June 2008
We have seen a good start to the concert and marching season with our concert at Darwen live kicking things off, since then we have had several successful marches and two outdoor concerts, at Rhyddings park Oswaldtwistle, and the following weekend in Whitehall park Darwen, where unfortunately the weather wasn't too good, plus a swarm of midges made life unpleasant. However, in both cases our music was warmly welcomed and received. Next in line is a march and outdoor concert at Forton on the weekend Saturday 28th June. This will be followed by a short march and hymns for St Silas' Church on the sunday 29th morning.
N.H.
N.H.