Wire Brass

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 .

Band Xmas Pissup Party – Vodka Revolution – Manchester December 5th 2009

Ho Ho Ho ! What a celebration !

Band Baritone player Maz, organised a Christmas party to celebrate a fantastic year for Bactiguard Wire Brass. The ‘event’ took place at Vodka Revolution in Manchester and the band very kindly paid for a mini-bus and taxi’s so everyone could have a drink and get back home safely – and boy did we take advantage of the service.

The party got underway at 7pm with all drinks pre-ordered and ready for us when we arrived. Everyone (well, almost everyone) had brought a ‘secret santa’ present costing no more than £5 which were handed out at random to all players. Stuart received a small cock, (how appropriate – it’s the first chick he’s played with for a very long time!) and Mike Jones came over all excited when he opened what he thought was a naughty sex toy – only to find it was a miniature lava lamp. (sorry Nikki)

After a few hours of fun, frolics and festive beverages the party continued at a local curry house. What a great night – thanks Maz!

Pictures from the event can be seen below set to music ir can be viewed HERE in a regular gallery.

Enjoy !

Last night (10th September) saw a fantastic concert – a tribute to the great composer/arranger Goff Richards.

A large audience at Parr Hall in Warrington was entertained by Bactiguard Wire Brass, Brisbane Excelsior Band and Warrington Male Voice Choir – all performing some of Goff’s greatest works. Brisbane also played ‘Titan’s Progress’ which is the set piece for tomorrows British Open Brass Band Championships in Birmingham.

Goff attended the event despite his ill-health and took a long standing ovation at the end of the concert.

Both bands (and Goff and his friends) then partied into the night at a nearby hotel.

Click the image below to see pictures from the event

The band beat the odds and played at York Races without there being any interruptions for rain!! The band played to over 20,000 people and were only ‘handicapped’ by a very small bandstand. Paul Andrews put them ‘under starters orders’ at lunchtime with the band playing traditional brass band music between every race. Later in the evening the band retired to their hotel to count their winnings and enjoy a wicked night out ‘on the town’

Pictures from the event can be seen by clicking the picture below

The band last week peformed a great concert at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden. Over 200 people sat in the stunning grounds and enjoyed a picnic accompanied by music by Wire Brass. For once the British weather was good , and a good sum of money was raised for ‘The Friends of Grappenhall Garden Conservation Group’. This worthy cause supports local residents and volunteers in their quest to keep the garden away from property developers so that it can be enjoyed by the community.

Click the image below for pictures from the event

Once again Bactiguard Wire Brass showed off their entertaining skills by winning our first entertainment contest of the year. Beating some very good oppostion the band performed a ‘very different’ program – including music from ColdPlay, Michael Bubble and our very own James Hatton – which thrilled audience and adjudicator alike. Once again the band have shown that brass bands can entertain an audience by playing more modern, ‘upbeat’ music. The final comment of the adjudicator said it all. “Who say’s brass bands can’t swing? ” !!

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

The official photographer at the Area Championships in Blackpool took some great pictures while we
were on stage. They can be seen by clicking the links below.

WOW! Another hectic day resulted in another fine result this years Spring Festival in Blackpool. The band played Wilfred Heaton’s ‘Contest Music’ (regarded as one of the most difficult test pieces ever written) well enough to achieve 7th place out of 19 bands. Finishing ahead of all other North West bands Wire Brass are now looking forward to more great results at the forthcoming Pontins and Scottich Open contests.

Pictures from the event can be seen by clicking the link below (Thanks Owen!)

…..   and more pictures (courtesy of  Ian Clowes) can be seen HERE

The full results table (courtesy of 4 Bars Rest) can be seen by clicking HERE

Playing Gilbert Vinters ‘Salute to Youth’ in the Opera House at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens Bactiguard Wire Brass established themselves as a top championship section band by
achieving a fine 4th place.

Paul Andrews’ direction of the band was ‘just what the adjudicator, David Read was looking for’ . The piece was played  at a controlled tempo with clarity and accuracy rather than at a frantic pace .  Fine solo’s from Kim Holly-Thorpe and Mike Jones were the ‘icing on the cake’ in what was a fine perfomance from the whole band

What a great result !!!!

1. Fodens (Garry Cutt), 5

2. Fairey (Philip Chalk), 4

3. Pemberton Old Wigan JJB (Mark Bentham), 3

4. Bactiguard Wire Brass (Paul Andrews), 11

5. Wingates (Andrew Berryman), 1

6. United Co-op Milnrow (John Ward), 10

7. United Co-op (Crewe) (Jef Sparkes), 8

8. Leyland (Jason Katsikaris), 6

9. Roberts Bakery (Colin Cranson), 2

10. Timperley (Michael Fowles), 7

11. Poulton-Le-Fylde (Gareth Westwood), 9

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

A great evening was enjoyed in the concert hall at Great Sankey High School on 20th February when 4 bands performed their Area contest piece prior to the contest in Blackpool on 1st March. Under the watchful eye of Richard ‘Dickie’ Evans Bactiguard Wire Brass, (Championship), Cheshire Constabulary Band (4th Section), Greenhalls (3rd Section) and Crewe Coop 2000 band (second section) played under ‘contest like conditions’. At the end of the evening ‘Dickie’ gave helpful ‘hints and tips’ to the players and conductors in  his own inimitable style !

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