Wire Brass

Below is the first draft edit of the DVD, if you could let me know your comments (constructive please!) and I will try and incorporate suggestions in the next edit. (Please note : the video is served from a free hosting service call Megavideo, the DVD is too long to host on Youtube, so when you first click the play button (red) you may get an advert, simply click the button again (green) and it should play OK!)

Saturday night saw the second annual fund-raising barn dance in Stockton Heath. A great night was enjoyed by members of the band, their families and friends.

Pictures from the event can be seen by clicking the image below.

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.

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!

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

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 .

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).

As previously reported, 2009 has been an incredible year for the band both in terms of contest results AND relationships. As the year draws to a close we are pleased to announce yet another engagement involving 2 band players. During a christmas trip to New York cornet player James Hatton proposed to percussionist Nikki Andrews. Congratulations to both players and best wishes for a long and happy marriage together. They are the 7th and 8th band members to announce their engagement or get married during 2009. The band currently has vacancies for Solo Trombone and Bass Trombone players and their are only 3 single females and 4 single males in the band – so hurry up before you miss out !!!

There is better way to get in the mood for Xmas than to come along and listen to Wire Brass and Warrington Male Voice Choir on Friday December 18th and Saturday December 19th. Both groups will be performing some fun and traditional seasonal music, and it only costs £10 ! Wire Brass will be performing two new compositions written by members of the band Adam Taylor and James Hatton.

The events will take place at The Parr Hall in central Warrington – tickets available from the ticket hotline on 01606 42181

Be there – or miss out on a night to remember!