Player Profile – Billy Parkinson
I am from St.Helens but don’t live there now. I used to play Bb, now I play sop. This covers everything really but I will pad out to make myself look interesting….
I particularly enjoy playing high and loud parts which are technically easy. I am commonly referred to as a last note specialist due to this, but only ever by myself.
I also enjoy adding the odd split for musical effect and to give the uneducated listener the impression that I am not the most gifted soprano cornet player ever to draw mouthpiece to lip. Experience has taught me that the best time to do this is during solos on contest stages, especially quiet ones, and this experience is what gives me my now enviable reputation of mediocrity. Occasionally I like to play well, but I save this for unimportant times like during band practice when everyone else is playing loud and I have an insignificant quiet part.
I did a bit of maths at University when I had chance between darts matches.
In my spare time I am studying to become an Actuary. Also, I am engaged to the lovely Laura (1st horn), who puts up with me practicing as much as I put up with her not practising, and will be a married man before the year is over!
I would provide more detail but intend to serialise my autobiography and sell it for millions to 4barsrest, thus I don’t want to ruin my future income here.
Northwest Area Test Piece Showcase
It’s that time of year again!
Members of the public and fellow bandsmen are invited to a pre-contest performance of each of the 5 test pieces being played at this years Area Championships in Blackpool.
Featuring :
Golborne (4th Section),Cheshire Constabulary (3rd Section), United Coop 2000 (2nd Section) , Oldham – Lees (1st section) and Bactiguard Wire Brass (Championship Section)
Adjudication by Richard Evans
Sponsored by Lancashire Contests
At Penketh High School Drama Studio, Heath Rd, Penketh, Warrington, WA5 2BY (Map HERE)
On Saturday 6th March at 7.30pm
Entry – FREE
Come along and listen to every test piece that will be played at the Area Championships in Blackpool and hear Richard Evans’ unique style of criticism. Refreshments provided. No need to book!
Brass at The Guild Contest- 2010
Yesterday saw Bactiguard Wire Brass performing once again at the Brass at The Guild Contest, and once again they performed superbly to finish in 3rd Place. The band played ‘Masquerade’ by Philip Wilby. Although 3rd place was a good result the highlight of the day was our Euphonium player Kim Holly-Thorpe winning the ‘best soloist’ prize.
A recording of the event is available in MP3 format for download HERE
The full results were as follows
Championship Section
Adjudicator: David Read MBE
1. Blackburn & Darwen (N. Sheppard) – 191
2. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (M. Bentham) – 189
3. Bactiguard Wire Brass (P. Andrews) – 187
4. Freckleton (P. Dalton) – 186
5 Blackpool Brass (C. Larder) – 184
6. Newstead Welfare (D. Beckley) – 183
7. Hade Edge (S.Wood) – 182
Pictures from The Scottish Open
Well, It’s January 6th and I’ve only just got round to posting the pictures Lynne gave me before Xmas. The pictures were taken during our recent expedition to conquer the Scots. Click HERE to view the full gallery.
And a few more from the band Xmas party can be seen HERE .
Listen to Wire Brass Perform Masquerade at The Scottish Open
The band’s stunning performance of Masquerade at this years Scottish Open Contest can be heard in the Video/Audio section of this section (or can you can go straight to the page by clicking HERE).