STB - News Archive 2008

The band have recently competed at the West of England Regional Finals in Torquay. Having just been promoted to the Third Section, we were not expecting to do well at the contest, but we were absolutely delighted with our performance. It’s probably the best the band has ever played on stage, especially off the dreaded number one draw. Unfortunately the adjudicators weren’t as impressed (!) and we came 12th, but it was certainly a great debut in the third section and we will be aiming for the top 10 next year. Particular thanks go to Peter Mansfield, who stepped in to help us on bass, and Martin Cordy, who - after recovering from shoulder surgery - switched from trombone to baritone, and worked incredibly hard to cope with this change. Adrian was very proud of the band’s performance, and we look forward to the next test piece!

Adjudicator’s comments:

Peter Roberts:
Atmosphere created but minor intonation problems. Needs more structured dynamic levels (sop mf). Good strong presto. Again layered dynamics. Watch diminuendo into D. Cornet plays well but with slips. Good rhythmic playing. Back to presto. Fine. Cornet cadenza handled very well. Just minor intonation problems at O and beyond. P goes well but with slips. S is forte and needs more dynamic contrast. U again layered dynamics. W well handled rhythmically. Good at BB. Miss the effects at CC but a fine ending.

Overall a fair attempt at this work. It needed more structured and layered dynamic levels to make all the effects work.

Rob Wiffin:
Troms sharp at A, dynamic layers need a bit more attention. E Solo cornet a bit sticky to start. F good. G not quite together. H good. I accents need more articulation through the texture. J too fast to articulate properly. K mf notes need to be more prominent. M good. N nicely done cornet. O 2nd cornet too prominent but generally well controlled here. P flugel good. Solo horn good. R good. S you back a long way for , euph not quite on top C. T intonation not quite there. V troms a little out of tune. Well done towards V. good. X nicely controlled. Z okay. Could use more breadth of sound. AA nice layering. CC good. Molto rall a little scrappy.

Overall not a bad effort - not all layers successfully balanced, but an accurate and fluent performance, relatively error free. The presto tempo was appropriate but sometimes lacked space for articulation and accent. Perhaps the atmosphere could have been captured more effectively.

Sadly, Graham Pollard is unable to play with the band due to work and family commitments, so we do have a vacancy for a Bb Bass player (or two). Graham will be very much missed, as much for his personality as his playing, and we hope he’ll be able to help us out in the future. If anyone can help fill this vacancy, either permanently or for some summer engagements, please contact us. We would also like a back row and front row cornet player to complete the ranks. We practice on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the year. New players are always welcome.

Four weeks ago the band started its summer season at the Connaught Gardens, and the weather has certainly been kinder to us than last year! 4 dry concerts so far, and with fantastic audiences at each of them - the summer really has begun in style. New music includes “The James Bond Collection”, “Ave Verum Corpus”, “Don’t Stop Me Now”, “Aspects of Andrew Lloyd Webber”, the theme from Rocky, “Be Still My Soul” and “Tonight”. It’s fair to say the music we play is varied, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy! If you haven’t heard us before, come along to the Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth at 8pm every Sunday - a lovely way to end your weekend!

Unfortunately, the steps to the bandroom have been declared unsafe, so we are currently unable to rehearse there. EDDC have very kindly allowed us to use the Knowle council chambers when it is available, so if you are thinking of coming along for a blow in the next few weeks, contact us first so you know where to find us.

News about the Proms will be available soon. It will be on the 16th August this year, and Val Howels will once again be blessing us with her stunning voice. We are currently working on the programme for the evening, but needless to say the usual flag-waving songs will be in there, as well a few surprises. Look at the website over the next month to find out more.

The training band had their first concert of the year at Sidford Fete, and will also be playing at the West Hill fete on the 28th June. They can be heard at the Connaught Gardens on the 6th July and 10th August, starting at 7pm. As always, anyone wishing to learn to play can receive an instrument and tuition from us.