Felling Band Finish Off Their Contesting Season in Style

D.C.B.B.A. - DURHAM COUNTY BRASS BAND ASSOCIATION

The Band are delighted to announce they have finished off their contesting year in fine style by winning Section A of the Durham County Brass Band Association Grading Contest by 2 points, becoming DCBBA Champions for the second succesive year.

Playing Edward Gregson's Connotations, they gave a performance that was described by adjudicator Alan Fernie as "A fine performance that drew all the music from the score which was a clear winner today".

Along with first prize, individuals & sections were given special awards for their efforts. Soprano Cornet Yvonne Malcolm won the prize for best Soprano, Kris Miller & Colin Miller (no relation!) won the prize for Best Percussion Section and guest Bass Trombonist Tim Caldwell from RMT Easington Colliery won the prize for Best Bass Trombone.

Other notable performances came from Trevor Winch (Solo Horn), David Scholes (Solo Euphonium) & Jonathan Holden (Principal Cornet) who gave solo performances of real quality.

Contest Secretary Stacey Ghent Wrestles with the Haul of Silverware

Musical Director Graeme Tindall commented "This is an excellent result for the Band and a fine end to the contesting season. As always, the Band have worked incredibly hard attending extra rehearsals & sectionals. I am so happy they have been rewarded for their efforts".

The Band are now hard at work preparing for their first CD recording which will take place over the weekend of the 24th/25th November.

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New Euphonium Signing

It is with great pleasure that the band announces the signing of David Scholes as the band's Principal Euphonium.

Due to relocation, David has moved to the area from Barrow-in-Furness where he was Principal Euphonium of the Vickers Barrow Band. David originally hails from Lancashire where had two spells with the famous Leyland Band under the directorship of Richard Evans. A full profile will appear shortly.

MD Graeme Tindall commented 'David is a great player who brings a wealth of experience to the band. I'm delighted to be working with such a talented musician and I sincerely hope he enjoys his time with the band.'

David's first appearance with the band will be at the forthcoming Durham League Contest where the Band are preparing to defend their title on Edward Gregson's Connotations.

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Bands Go Wild For The New 'Wilson ' T-Shirt

Principal Eb Bass Graham Wilson has found himself in the designer t-shirt market after his snappy t-shirt designs were modelled by the bands bass section at this years National Finals in Harrogate.

After approaches by many of the countries top bands requesting exclusive 'iron-on' designs, Graham has invested in a brand new iron & ironing board in the hope he can take on the worlds top designers.

Graham commented 'In the next few months, I hope to to take on the likes of Armani & Versace with my exclusive designs with a product that is tailored to suit each clients individual needs.' 'I'm able to transfer any band's logo and even a slogan or nickname in glorious technicolor for the individual player.' 'I've got a great imagination, previous nicknames have included 'Human Beer Drain' and Growler - King of M.V. I have a full catalogue of names that can be adapted for each individual.'

When asked what the future holds for him, Graham commented ' I'm currently preparing my winter collection which comprises of long sleeve t-shirts, wooley hats and scarves.' 'They promise to be a real treat!'

Photo's of Graham's Designs Can Be Seen Below:

Left to Right, Haydn Rayner, Dan Knott, Graham Wilson & Phil Rutherford

Rear View capturing Graham's catchy slogans & nicknames

The band will endevour to keep you informed of Graham's progress in the designer t-shirt market and wishes him success in his new found enterprise......................... don't give up the day job son!

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National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain 2007

For the second consecutive year, the band represented The North of England as Regional First Section Champions at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. Keen to improve on their 17th placing last year, the Band put in 4 weeks hard preparation on Ray Steadman Allen's Victorian Snapshots - On Ratcliffe Highway. (Click here to read a brief synopsis of the work)

Drawn number 11, the band gave a musical account of the difficult work which earned many plaudits from the audience. At results time, the Band were placed 7th which we consider to be a respectable result against some strong competition from throughout the United Kingdom.

MD Graeme Tindall commented 'I could not have asked any more from the Band in both their preparations for the contest and for their performance on stand. Saturday's performance and result is testiment to the hard work that has gone on around the stand over the past year. I now look forward to preparations for the DCBBA Grading Contest where the Band will perform Edward Gregson's Connotations and the recording of the bands first CD at the end of November.'

The full contest result is listed below:

Position	Band	Conductor	Region	Draw	Points
1	Pennine Brass	Ian Porthouse	Yorkshire	17	194
2	Northop Silver	Thomas Wyss	Wales	4	190
3	Poulton le Fylde	Gary Clegg	North West	15	187
4	Derwent Brass	Keith Leonard	Midlands	10	186
5	Timperley Band	David Evans	North West	6	185
6	Woodfalls Concert	Steve Dunster	West of England	16	184
7	Felling	Graeme Tindall	North of England	11	183
8	Hyde	Jonathan Camps	West of England	14	182
9	Stocksbridge	David Nesbitt	Yorkshire	7	181
10	Lockwood Brass	John Roberts	North of England	3	180
11	Treherbert	Craig Roberts	Wales	13	179
12	Milton Keynes Brass	Paul Fensom	London & Southern	9	176
13	Gresley Colliery	David Hirst	Midlands	8	175
14	Jackfield Elcock Reisen	John Maines	Midlands	1	174
15	City of Cambridge	Peter Bassano	London & Southern	2	172
16	Newmilns & Galston	Craig Anderson	Scotland	12	168
17	Dunaskin Doon	John Boax	Scotland	5	167

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2007 National Finals Preparations

Wednesday 29 August will see the band start intensive rehearsal on Victorian Snapshots - On Ratcliffe Highway by Ray Steadman Allen which this year is the set test piece for this year's 1st Section National Finals.

Written for the centenary of Salvation Army bands in 1978, On Ratcliff Highway was premiered by The International Staff Band (and simultaneously by Melbourne Staff Band in another venue). It was inspired by a sketch on the front page of a copy of The War Cry from 1886 which depicted the Whitechapel Salvation Army band marching through the notorious highway, surrounded by crowds, with the masts of ships seen beyond the East London slums. The band is certainly looking forward to playing this testing piece at competition level, with the necessary preparation and practice planned the band will certainly be expecting to put forward an excellent performance at the National Finals.

On Friday 28 September, the band will hold an 'open' rehearsal where we invite listeners to sample Steadman Allen's work and judge the bands performance. The Rehearsal will be at West Park Church, Stockton Road, Sunderland (Next to Park Lane Bus Station) and starts at 7.30pm.

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Land O'Burns Invitation Contest Results

Saturday 25 August saw the band travel to Troon on the West Coast of Scotland to compete at the Land O' Burns Invitation Contest.

Organised by The Dalmellington Band, we received a very warm welcome from contest organiser Sandy McAuthrie and his team. Over the past few months, the Band has entered the Fife Charities and DLI Brass in the Park Contests gaining 2nd Prize at both events. The Band continued their trend of being 'bridesmaid' and gained 2nd prize in the 1st section and were placed 9th overall.

Friends and local rivals the RMT Easington Colliery Band were placed 4th overall which was a tremendous result for them and North East Brass Bands in general, it was good to see them bring some silverwear back home. All at The Felling Band offer their congratulations.

The full result is a follows:

1) Whitburn (Ch) Andrew Duncan, 196
2) Unison Kinniel (Ch) Colin Mckenzie, 194
3) Kirkintilloch (Ch) Nigel Boddice, 193
4) Easington (Ch), Stuart Gray, 192
5) Shotts St. Patrick's, (2nd) Andrew Duncan, 191
6) Johnstone (1st) Raymond Tennant, 190
7) Kingdom Brass (Ch) Craig Anderson, 189
8) Kirkintillock Kelvin (Ch) Raymond Tennant, 188
9) Felling (1st) Graeme Tindall, 187
10) Coalburn (3rd) Gareth Bowman, 186
11) Bo'ness and Carriden (1st) Michael Marzella, 185
12) Bathgate (1st) Charlie Farren, 184
13) Campbeltown (3rd) Craig Anderson, 179
14) Dunaskin Doon (1st) John Boax, 178
15) Renfrew Burgh (4th) David Hutchison, 177
16) Peebles Burgh (3rd) Richard Duff, 176

Whilst not being placed in the overall prize list, the Band were very happy with their performance on the day against some stiff competition. We were pleased that we had made the long trip to Scotland because we played well together, gave our budding cornet star Kate Malcolm the chance to play at her first contest and as a Band, and had a great day together. This will hopefully stand us in good stead for the National Finals in September.

Finally, the Band must give their heartfelt thanks to our guests for the day, Steve Malcolm (Eb Bass), Bob Stephenson (Percussion) & Chris Gray (Bass Trombone) who all did a fine job in their respective positions.

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Land O' Burns Invitation Contest

The Band will soon start to prepare for the Land O' Burns Invitation Contest which is to be held in The Walker Halls, Troon, Ayrshire. The day promises much with some fine Bands in the entry line up. This is the first time the Band has received an invitation to compete at this popular contest and is a challenge we very much look forward to.

The list of the 18 competing Bands are as follows;

Bathgate	1st Section
Bo'ness & Carriden	1st Section
Brass Sounds Inverclyde	4th Section
Campbeltown Brass	3rd Section
Coalburn Silver	3rd Section
Dunaskin Doon	1st Section
The Felling Band	1st Section
Johnstone Silver	1st Section
Kingdom Brass	Championship
Kirkintilloch	Championship
Kirkintilloch Kelvin	Championship
Peebles Burgh	3rd Section
Renfrew Burgh	4th Section
RMT Easington Colliery	Championship
Scottish Co-op	Championship
Shotts St. Patrick's	2nd Section
Unison Kinneil	Championship
Whitburn	Championship

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New Signing to the Cornet Section

It is with great pleasure that the Band announces the signing of Dennis Todd to the cornet section. Dennis initially joins the Band on Repiano Cornet to cover the unexpected leave of absence of long serving member Ray Poole.

With him, Dennis brings a wealth of experience having served as Principal Cornet for the Greggs Bakery Band and more recently as Principal Cornet with the RMT Easington Colliery Band. Dennis is an experienced stand up soloist and has won many prizes both locally and nationally.

MD Graeme Tindall commented, 'I couldn't think of a better player to cover Ray's abence. Dennis is such a stylish player who will fit into what is already a strong cornet line up. I have known Dennis for many years as a friend and as a player, it has been one of my ambitions to have him play at Felling.'

All at The Felling Band extend the warmest of welcomes to Dennis and hope he enjoys what will be a long and sucessful time with the Band.

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Well Earned Break........

The Band will now take a well earned fortnights break after what has been a very challenging but succesful first seven months to 2007.

We will start rehearsal for The Land of Burns Contest on 15 August which is to be held in Troon, Ayrshire on Saturday 25 August. We will compete against some of the very best Bands in Scotland, a challenge which we very much look forward to.

After this, the Band will immediately commence rehearsals on Ray Steadman-Allen's 'On Ratcliffe Highway' which is the set test piece for the First Section National Finals which are to be held at Harrogate Conference Centre on Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 September.

Next up, the Band will attempt to retain their champions crown at the DCBBA gradings competition on November 6th. This year the Band will play Edward Gregsons 'Connotations' for Brass Band which is a classic test with great melodies and challenging cadenzas for all soloists.

Finally, the Band will record their first CD on the weekend of 24th/25th November. A lot of planning has already gone into this venture and we are pleased to announce that the Band will include a joint item with the famous Felling Male Voice Choir. Over the the past year or so, the Band has once again forged a fantastic relationship with FMVC which will continue into 2008 when we will once again share the stage at The Mayor of Gateshead's Charity Concert.

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Durham Miners Gala 2007

For the 2nd year in a row, the Band proudly led the banners of the Houghton & Lambton Banner Group. Once again organised to perfection by George Rowe & Pat Simmons the Band met at Fencehouses Club at 8am for tea, coffee & bacon sarnies.

After a short (but quick) march around Fencehouses, the Band made it's way by coach to the big event in Durham. This years event was unforgetable for the Band as they had the priveledge of not only escorting the Banners, but also actor and comedian Ricky Tomlinson. In his formative years banner group chairman George Rowe was a bit of a thespian and whilst appearing as an extra in a film, forged a firm friendship with Ricky.

Ricky Tomlinson meets up with old pal George Rowe. Pat Simmons (to the left) looks on.

Once the media frenzy with Ricky had died down, we were able to commence our march to the County Hotel. Once there, we played the Galop from Rossini's William Tell Overture which was specially requested by George Rowe. This was received very well by the huge audience that were gathered outside the hotel.

The Band March from The County Hotel to Durham Cricket Field

Once at the cricket field, the Band took their chance to have some photos taken with their special guest for the day................

The Felling Band and Ricky Tomlinson - Click the Image Above To View All The Photos From The Day

After the obligatory diet coke at the prison officer's club, the Band marched out of Durham back to the market place. A great but very tiring day was had by all.

The Band would like to extend their Thanks to Andy Kennedy, Gareth Hughes, Alan Slator & Michael Fletcher for their invaluable help on the day. We all sincerely hope you will join us next year for what we all hope will be as an enjoyable day.

Pics Below......

Alan Slator & Michael Fletcher

www.eymsband.co.uk

Andy Kennedy. Hover over Andy's picture to view Gareth Hughes, International Man of Mystery...

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D.C.B.B.A. - BRASS IN THE PARK CONTEST

Sunday 8th July saw the Band compete at the Brass In The Park Contest at the Durham Light Infantry Museum. Organised by the Durham County Brass Band Association as part of the Durham Brass Festival, the contest takes on an informal 'Bandstand Concert' format attracting listeners old and young to a day of first class music making.

Drawn No 1, we chose a traditional programme which which found favour with the audience. In the end, adjudicator Stan Lippeat awarded the Band 2nd prize and Best March.

The programme was:

March - Simoraine - Clive Barraclough

Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair - Stephen Forster, Euphonium Soloist David Conway

Lightwalk - Barrie Gott

Jesus Loves Me arr. Jack Stobbs

Dance of the Tumblers - Rimsky Korsakov arr. Derek Ashmore

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New Solo Horn

After the Band's successful trip to the Fife Brass Band Festival, it is with great pleasure we announce the signing of Trevor Winch on Solo Horn. Trevor joins us from the GT Group Peterlee Band where he held the Solo Horn position for the last 13 years.

Musical Director Graeme Tindall commented 'Trevor is a tremendous talent. He brings a wealth of experience which can only go to further enhance the Band in it's bid to take the title at this years National Finals. Claire Tennet moves to 1st Horn which will strenghen the section further. On a personal note, I would like to thank Claire for the fantastic performances she has given me over the years.'

The Band extends Trevor the warmest of welcomes and hopes he enjoys his time with the Band.

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Fife Brass Band Festival

On Saturday 21 April, the Band attended The Fife Brass Band Festival held at The Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline. They played a 15 minute entertainments programme which consisted of the following items:

Blenheim Flourishes - James Curnow

Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair - Stephen Forster, Euphonium Soloist David Conway

Night Flight to Madrid arr. Denzil Stephens

Jesus Loves Me arr. Jack Stobbs

Dance of the Tumblers - Rimsky Korsakov arr. Derek Ashmore

After a very early start (7.30am), the Band arrived four hours later to a very warm reception from the contest officials and other local Bands. We were certainly made to feel welcome! Thanks must go to Dunfermline Town Band who allowed us the use of their rehearsal room. We are very appreciative of this kind gesture.

The Band gave an excellent performance of their programme winning many plaudits from the large audience. In the end, adjudicator Paul Dalton awarded the band 2nd prize out of nine competing Bands.

Musical Director Graeme Tindall was very happy with the result and commented 'The Band have proved they can mix it with some of the best 1st section Bands in one of the strongest regions of the Brass Band world. I was very pleased with the Band's performance on Saturday which was strong confident and assured. I pass on my Thanks to all involved in the performance especially David Conway who gave a marvellous performance of his solo. I hope this now gives the Band confidence for the forthcoming National Finals in September.'

The full result is as follows:

1. Clackmanan District Brass (Paul Kiernan) - 188
2. Felling (Graeme Tindall) - 186
3. Westoe Brass Band (Jason Smith) - 185
4. Arbroath Instrumental (Michael Robertson) - 184
5. Newmilns & Galston (Jim Smith) - 183
6. Lochgelly (Mark Bell) - 182
7. Barrhead Burgh (Chris Bradley) - 180
8. Northumbrian Water Ellington (Alan Fernie) - 179
9. Bathgate (Charles Farren) - 178

Best Instrumentalist - Horn, Clackmannan District Brass

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Double Champions!

On Sunday 18 March 2007 The Felling Band were victorious at the North of England Regional Championships held in the newly refurbished Dolphin Centre in Darlington making them the North of England Regional Champions for the second year in a row, becoming the undisputed champions of the first section.

This years set test, was Eric Ball's Sinfonietta - The Wayfarer which was originally written for the Gala Concert of the 1976 National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain. After careful consideration, the piece was made the test piece for the day where the great Black Dyke Mills Band were victorious under the direction of Major Peter Parkes.

As the previous years champions, expectations were high from many quarters of the banding press and listeners alike. Playing off the number three draw, the Band gave an excellent musical performance which followed Eric Ball's musical journey to the note. Highlights of the performance came from Soprano Cornet Yvonne Malcolm and Principal Cornet Jonathan Holden who played their solos with much style and just the right amount of 'brilliance' asked for by the composer. Claire Tennet gave the tenor horn performance of the day with some fine lyrical playing whilst Stacey Ghent (Flugel) and Phil Richardson (Euphonium) made excellent individual contributions.

Musical Director, Graeme Tindall commented, 'I am so proud of my players. They have worked very hard for me over the last three years and I believe they now have their just reward for that. Last years result was an excellent achievement, in a way, a dream come true. This year is so much sweeter by winning yet again. We have become the only Band in the contest's history to win the competition in two successive years which is a testement in itself to the Band's work ethic. I now look forward to taking the Band to the National Finals in Harrogate and leading them as debutants in the Championship Section next year.'

Come results time, there was certainly one very happy Contest Secretary as you will see below....

Stacey Ghent does her levitating exorcist impression!

And back to normality although Alan Morrison (background) seems amused by Stacey's antics!

Congratulations must go to Lockwood Brass and their conductor John Roberts for gaining second prize and the other qualifying place to Harrogate. Lockwood have risen from Fourth to First section in four years winning every regional competition on their way which is a remarkable achievement. We are proud they represent the North East alongside us.

The full result:

Pos	Band	Conductor	Dr	Pts
1	Felling	G. Tindall	3	186
2	Lockwood Brass	J. Roberts	4	185
3	Shepherd Group	T. Oldroyd	5	184
4	Westoe	S. Malcolm	6	183
5	Broughton’s Brass	A. Exley	9	182
6	GT Group Peterlee	B. Holden	7	181
7	Northumbrian Water Ellington Colliery	A. Fernie	1	180
8	Houghton Brass	T. Gibson	8	179
9	Cottingham	S. Kind	2	178
w	Barrow Shipyard	E. Tarling	-	-

Many Thanks to Steve Jack for allowing us to reproduce the photographs

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