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North
of England 1st Section Champions - 2015
Kirkbymoorside Town Band - Championship Section |
 Kirkbymoorside,
or Kirkby as it is known locally, is situated at the southern foothills
of the North Yorks Moors. It is 7 miles from Pickering and 6 miles from
Helmsley. Kirkby has had a band since at least 1815 and we have the
minutes book from 1890 until today. The bands first
contest win was the Kirkbymoorside poultry and industrial show contest
of 1886. Our band room was built in 1976
on land kindly donated by James Holt who lives in Kirkby. It is a purpose
built building and is used for all band activities including practices
which are three or four times a week. We currently have a Senior Band,
Junior Band, Learner Band, Community Band and a Beginner Band. Over
90 musicians in all. The band has always been a subscription
band and rely on the generosity of the public for support. If you would
like to help by donating a gift of money to the band, please ring the
Band Manager and ask him where to send the money. You can also help
the band by using this web site, 
Click the logo...
Chick
HERE for
the rehearsal time for our five bands.
|
 WAR
TIME DANCE - PICKERING - 14th Oct 2016 Tickets
for our Pickering Wartime Dance, will be on sale after 9:00am, 1st June
2016
CLICK
HERE |
 High
Sheriff of North Yorkshire
John Furness.
AWARD
Click Here
|
 Antiques
Roadshow
John Barrett
today missed the Beginner/Learner/Junior Band end of term concert and
picnic to instead represent the Band at the BBC's Antiques Roadshow
filming day at Burton Constable Hall (site of one the the first and
most inspirational Brass Band competitions). Several years back Jane
Russell had donated an old Ophicleide to the band that had been passed
down through the generations to her from the mid 19th century when her
Great Grandfather had played in the town band and when the Ophicleide
had been in use. It is understood that the instrument is the same one
that appears on the oldest photo of the band taken at Rievaulx in the
mid 1800's. It had for many years hung on back of the door to her dad's
(and Grandad's) joinery workshop before Jane rescued it after the workshop
had been demolished for new housing. 
John
took the instrument along with the old band photos to see what they made
of it and the story that links the Ophicleide to over 200 years of community
music making in the town. The BBC adviser Adam Schoon was so keen on the
instrument that John was interviewed and filmed for possible use on the
TV show either later in the year or in early 2017. As to the value that
was placed upon the Ophicleide - well you may need to await the broadcast
to find out. John thoroughly enjoyed his day out and was sad that Jane
Russell had been unable to be there too. Hopefully more news will follow
should the BBC decide to broadcast the recording. |
 April
Concert - Scarborough Citadel
Another great night
at the Citadel enjoyed a usual by the band and we hope the audience
had a good time to. A solo from John Sails, a song from Lindsey and
a duet from Ben and Phil. Frank James captivated us all on the piano
and a there was a good collection for the chosen charity. Click
here for a few photos
|
 Kirkbymoorside
Junior Band.
Our
Junior Band played at Steam and Moorland near Pickering. The event was
to raise money for the Candlelighters who work very hard supporting
families with their fight against children’s cancer. Sarah, the junior
band master said "We had really good time and hope people enjoyed
our playing and as much as we enjoyed being there.
Click
the Image for bigger view
|
 THE
NORTH OF ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS
Gala
Theatre - Durham
After a 3 months
practice 12th March saw the Kirkby Band’s return the Championship Section
to perform Philip Sparke’s Cambridge Variations at the Gala Theatre
for the North of England Brass Band Championships. Whilst the test piece
was challenging, it is fair to say that the Band loved it. Its lyrical
narrative coupled with running semi quavers and faster sections tested
every section of the band, from solo seats down.
On the day, given last year’s bus breakdown, the band arrived early
to Durham, only to find a last place drawer and the competition running
an hour late. However, the superb organisation of the competition meant
we had a place to drop off instruments and most of the band managed
to taste test a number of cake shops in the ensuing 3 hours!
On stage the band played well. Whilst nervous, the soloists did exceptionally
well and the adjudicator, commentary on social media throughout by brass
band pundits was really positive:
Its a safe opening. Nice sounds and generally together.
Gorgeous flug tone.”
Well done baritones”
Despite the splits its a really nice slow mvt. Lots of emotion and music
found by MD. Cant get over flugs sound”
Such
good comments were echoed by our supporters in the audience and some
pundits had us fourth. However as the adjudicator took to the stage
he noted how difficult it had been to place the bands outside of the
top two and unfuoturnatley, despite good remarks we ultimately came
8th.
Whilst disappointed the band and conductor (John Woodward) are immensely
proud to have represented Kirkby with a home grown band, with no changes
from the band who competed in the 1st Section a year earlier. The band
would like to thank and congratulate John on all his work, and oddly
will miss the fantastic Cambridge Varitations at our next rehearsal.
|
Junior
& Senior Christmas Concerts
 At
the end of an extremely busy year of bi-centennial events the band was
delighted that both it’s Learner Section Concerts and Senior Band Concert
were performed to packed audiences. The first concert of the learner
sections was held at All Saints Church where in the morning there had
been a service of celebration of the band. At the Concert the following
awards were awarded: For Attendance – Charlotte Hickman, Martha Walker
and
Grace Walker, Speight Cup for most improved junior – Cally Cussons,
Edith Butler Award for potential – Isabel Jackson, Robin Butler Award
for most improved learner –Niamh Smithson, Fran Maw award for outstanding
contribution to Adrian Maxwell. Certificates for outstanding musical
progress were awarded to Charlie Flintoft, Ella Smailes, Charlie Moxon,
Bertie Larson and Harvey Brackley.
The following week saw the Senior Band concert (held in aid of the Memorial
Hall), which was, as ever a festive delight. The concert showed again
how supported the band is by the town and surrounding communities as
the Bass Players stood to play a solo in hand knitted hats by Olive
Simpson. Olive had knitted over 40 hats that had been sold for band
funds. The basses were sporting some fantastic Father Christmas ones
for the piece “When Santa Got Stuck Up a Chimney”
The band would like to extend their thanks to Olive and to all the residents
of Kirkbymoorside and surrounding towns and villages for the support
over Christmas. Many will have heard (and seen the band in Olives Hat’s)
carolling throughout December. As was announced at the concert, this
money is going towards the joint Scout / Band Hall that the Band and
Scouts hope to be built in 2016.
Click
here for Photos of Senior Concert
Click
Here for Photos of Junior Concert
Click
here for a big photo of Jim
and Phil
Click
Here for the prize winners and a few words from our
Band Master - John Woodward
|
|
Stockton
on Forest Concert
Saturday
14th November 2015
Thank's to all who attended and as usual we enjoyed playing at what is
by now a regular and succesfull event
Most
of our YouTube clips
|
2015
National Championships
19-20 September. The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse.
On Friday 18th September,
after months of practice, the senior band of Kirkbymoorside Town Brass
band, with some very loyal supporters, started their long journey to
Cheltenham and the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.
This is the second time in as many years that Kirkbymoorside have won
through the Regional Stages to represent the North of England at the
prestigious event that sees 17 bands from across England, Scotland and
Wales competing for the coveted Champion prize. The band that made the
journey aged from 14 - 60. The youngest players on the day being Conor
Lalley, Mhairi Maxwell, Dan Towler and Ellie Fairweather, all of whom
represented the band and Ryedale School impeccably. They, as 99% of
the Kirkbymoorside players on the stage, have benefitted from Kirkbymoorside
Town Brass Band's, free instrument and tuition programme. The band now
has over 100 players across 5 bands, making them unique amongst their
competitors on the day.
The piece, Kenneth Hesketh's Alchymist's Journal, was conceieved from
a quotation from a book by the same name by Evan S Connell. "We
are told that Time is a brisk wind bringing forth each hour some fresh
proportion, some new shape, and as our thoughts hourly change…so it
happens with Time. May not the close of a motion be also its beginning?”
Within the book Connell fictionalises a number of famous Alchemists’
writing, each one developing another’s thoughts. An idea is continued
but changed subtly to provide a new view point or way of thinking, the
process itself in fact alchemical, transmuting one idea  into
another. In The Alchymist’s Journal (Variants for Brass Band) the processes
at work are similarly about retention and change. Whilst abstract with
no descriptive programme, the music is dramatic and has a clear an unfolding
narrative.
Whilst not without its challenges, the band thoroughly enjoyed the dramatic,
contemporary music. They performed magnificently and were placed 11th.
Particularly mentioned was the tuned percussionist Liam Carter and the
well balanced solo between Principal Cornetist John Sails and Soprano
Cornetist Sarah Woodward.
John Woodward the bands Musical Director said: “I am incredibly proud
of the band. This has been such a busy year, with our bi-centenary celebrations,
routine jobs and representing Kirkbymoorside at the Himmighausen Germany
Millenium Celebrations, but they have never once faltered. Taking on
this challenging piece and producing a fantastic performance on the
day”
If you would like to see the band live their next engagement is on 16th
October at the Pickering Wartime Weekend and their next concert is on
14th November at Stockton on Forest.
|
 Kirkbymoorside
Town Brass Band and Fire Brigade are honoured Guests at Himmighausen
(Germany) Millenium Celebrations.
The award winning
Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band, and representatives of the Kirkbymoorside
Town Retained Fire Brigade, have completed a highly successful visit
to Himmighausen, Germany in this the Band’s 200th anniversary year.
The band and representatives of the fire brigade were formally invited
as honoured guests to the 150th Schutzenfest (shooting festival) to
celebrate Himmighausen’s Millennium, the organising committee were keen
that the Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band and Fire Brigade were included
within their celebration plans. The first record of Himmighausen dates
back to 1015 with a record of Himmighausen Castle in the Church Archive.
Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band and Kirkbymoorside Fire Brigade have
been involved in exchange visits with the Himmighausen Blasorchester
and Feuerwehr since 1982 and this weekend’s celebrations were a true
show of the lasting friendship between the two towns.
Celebrations were started by over 300 guests attending a joint concert
in the local St Anthony’s Church to rapturous applause. The parade followed
with bands, fire brigades and the Schutzenfest King and Queen marching,
watched by 100’s of spectators.
To celebrate their millennium Himmighausen planted 88 trees in a world
record time, the first of which was the Kirkbymoorside  Friendship
Oak Tree that was unveiled after the Schutzenfest Parade on Saturday
night.
Sunday saw the District Councillor Friedhelm Spieker and Mayor of Nieheim
Thomas Müther attend a festival and craft market with concert by
Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band in the local castle grounds.
"In Himmighausen there is something that is invaluable," said
Spieker, "namely, a great community and neighbourhood”
Phil Woodward – Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band Manager “In total over
90 people made the journey from Kirkby to Himmighausen, and it has been
an awesome weekend. We and the firebrigade were delighted to represent
the town at such a prestigious event."
Himmighausen hope to make a return trip to Kirkbymoorside in the
future.
Click
here for fun and games at one of the parties
Click
here for more pics and more to come
|
 The
Ryedale Festival - Our August Concert at Hovingham.
A good audience
enjoyed the sunshine at The Worsley Arms in Hovingham at what is by
now our yearly appearance at The Ryedale Festival. The festival is a
well established musical event in Ryedale's year and it is always a
pleasure to participate. We played a varied program from classical to
pop and the audience enjoyed it all, we think.
Click
here for photos taken by
a friend of the band.
|
The Big Meet
- Durham Miners Gala 2015 "A
great day was had by all at the 131st Durham Miners Gala on Saturday.
After a break last year due to a band wedding we were delighted to be
reunited with the Blackhall Lodge. The increase in numbers to the Gala,
with an estimated 180,000 people attending, meant that we did have to
cue for some time! But the wonderful weather and the camaraderie within
the Band, Lodge and Crowd shone through. The extended march meant we entertained
the onlookers at all opportunities with traditional pieces such as the
Miners Hymn Gresford and The Red Flag and Internationalle as well as some
more recent favourites such as Amarillo and Delilah. Special mention to
our stalwart basses, and stand in bass drummer who had the literal weight
to bear all day! As well as to Maihri and George our two youngest players
who smiled throughout." Click
here a video of our trip to Durhan. |
 The
Bi-Centenary Celebrations
The original members of the Kirkbymoorside Band could never have probably
imagined that 200 years after they met together to play, that the town
would be celebrating their bi-centenary with a weekend full of music,
fun, celebrations and over 100 musicians. We are so proud to be the
Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band and look forward to the band and town
in 2215 reading about the fantastic bi-centenary weekend in readiness
for the 400 year celebrations
Bi-Centenary Full Report & Photos
|
|
Click
here for a few photos from early 2015
|
The
Les Maw Memorial Concert
A full house to remember
Les, Alan and Evelyn. The concert was sold out weeks before as expected.
The respect for these three Kirkby Band stalwarts was very high indeed.
The soloists, all taught by Les, played well and the audience showed
there appreciation. A poem was written about Les by Ron Johnson and
Hannah Woodward read it to the delighted crowd. Click
here to read the poem.We were very pleased that so
many of the Maw family could attend and we feel sure they enjoyed listening
as much as we all enjoyed
playing.
|
The
Scarborough Concert Scarborough Salvation Army
Citadel
A packed house on
a fine night led to a wonderful concert at Scarborough Citadel. It is
always a pleasure to play music by Salvation Army composers and arrangers
and with solos from John Sails, Sarah and Hannah Woodward we played
some of the finest music we have the pleasure to play, The audience
enjoyed the event and we were helped as usual by Frank James and John
Mitchell. This year we were joined by the 'Mini Manhattan Voices' a
new girl choir from Scarborough, they were fantastic, well done. See
you all again next year.
Two
You Tube videos filmed at this concert- Click
Here
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|
|
THE
NORTH OF ENGLAND Championships
Saturday
14th March 2015 Gala Theatre - Durham
1.
Kirkbymoorside Town (John Woodward)*
2. Westoe (H. Thomas)*
3. Cockerton Prize Silver (Michael Hardman)
4. Ripon City Band (Malcolm Dibb)
5. GT Group Peterlee (Nick Hall)
6. Ashington Colliery Band (D Kendall)
Winning Conductor: Kirkbymoorside Town (John Woodward)
Best Trombones:
Kirkbymoorside Town
Best Basses:
Kirkbymoorside Town
Best Percussion: Kirkbymoorside Town
An early start from Kirkbymoorside saw us in a good mood after being tipped
to win by 4barsrest. After passing through Thirsk, the driver of the bus
started to fiddle with the controls, shortly followed by a trip into a
layby on the A19. A hose on the bus had come adrift and the coach was
overheating and going no further. Phil and the driver organised a replacement
bus from Malton followed by frantic phone calls to sort out what we would
do if we were late in Durham. We eventually got the draw from Robin, and
it looked good for us with a draw of fourth. In the mean time Ripon City
offered to swap with us should we be late. This was very much appreciated
and thanks to them for the offer. We arrived with comfortably enough time
and settled down to play in our draw position of fourth. We played well
but not to our best, but it was enough to do the job. Yes a clean sweep
with all the five prizes.
We all met in the 'John Duck Ale House' across the road to check out the
local beer, not bad for a none Yorkshire pub. The staff and a handful
of locals were startled when John Sails decided to try out the rather
splendid 'Geneva Cornet' we won as the winning band. Ilkley Moor
sung by us all at fortissimo, was tolerated by the regulars who were trying
to watch a rugby match on TV. Thanks for putting up with us. More singing
on the bus home when 'Sunshine Mountain' was climbed successfully, yet
again. The Championship Section beckons again next year with an even bigger
mountain to clime.
So it's off to Cheltenham later this year to represent the North of England
at the National Finals for the second consecutive year this time as 'The
North of England 1st Section Champions' . Congratulations to Westoe who
will join us in Cheltenham. Thanks again to Ripon City. |
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