LOSTOCK HALL MEMORIAL BRASS BAND | North West 2nd Section Band

2ND AGAIN

On may the 3rd the band got up at a stupid time of day to go to Buxton. With the coach leaving Lostock Hall at 7.30, we finally arrived in Buxton at around 8.45 with plans to rehearse in Buxton band room at 9.00. We got there on time but to our disappointment the road that led to the band room was being resurfaced and the coach could not get down the alternative route. After another 30 minutes of ringing round (thanks go to Iain, Neil and Steve) we finally got 10 minutes warming up in a conference room of a hotel. The band were not to be put out off and pulled off a very impressive performance, giving them 2nd place. For those people who follow the band or have read the other article on this page, you may have noticed that this is the fourth contest in a row that we have come 2nd, something that will hopefully continue or improve in Harrogate this September. Following this, getting drunk in the nearest pub was the most important thing on most the band's mind and this theme continued onto the coach and finally into the Victoria Pub next door to the band room when we got back at 19.30. All in all, this was a contest enjoyed by all members of the band and a big well done has to be said to John for the effort he puts in to his MDing.

P.S. Photos of Blackpool are up (theres only 8) and some photos of Buxton will be up as soon as possible.

PROMOTION

As of the 25^th of April Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band is a second section band locally. This is due to a series of very good contest result which placed us champions in the third section. Also due to our results at the areas, the band will be promoted to third section nationally as of January 2009. One of the other things which has happened in the past month was a performance at a wedding and a picture from the day is now on the photos page (Blackpool photos have still not gone up, I shall get them online as soon as I can)

WE'RE GOING TO HARROGATE

As you may already know, the band went to the North West Areas this weekend. The majority of the band were very happy with the performance that the band gave, as was Mr. Adjudicator who placed us 2^nd, meaning we finished just behind Uppermill. John Wood, our newly appointed conductor said, 'The band have put in so much hard work and I'm glad to see it's paid off. I'm delighted with the progress the band is making and look forward to another good result at Harrogate this September'. It's also the bands Diamond Jubilee this year, and what better way to celebrate than by being invited to Harrogate to compete in the National Finals.

P.s. There will be photos posted as soon as I receive them.

BRASS AT THE GUILD

First of all can I give a big congratulation to the band; over Christmas just under £1400 was raised in carolling alone thanks to all the effort put in by the band members. A second congratulation is in order, this time for an outstanding result at the 'Brass at the Guild' contest. With 185 points we were awarded second, being beaten only by Oldham (who have won this contest for four years in a row, I think) It was a well deserved result and a big thanks has to go to our guest trombone section who performed amazingly well considering the first time they met was on stage. On a separate note, the band has appointed a new conductor, John Wood and more details about this are on the conductor section of the website.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

This is just a brief post as there will be a more in depth one in a couple of weeks. I just wanted to say thanks to the band for all the effort put into carolling over the Christmas period, over £1000 was raised; the exact amount will be in the next post. All that remains is to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Concerts

There hasn't been a post in a while, but there's not been that much to post about. We are currently running auditions for a new MD and be assured that when we have made our choice, there will definately be a netter article. The engagements list has been updated, finally, and Richard, our kit player, has finally got onto te players page. On a slightly sadder note; with audicions for the new conductuctor, it has become apparent that the band will not have enough rehearsal time or enough players to compete in the upcoming Pilks contest so we have decided to withdraw.

P.S. I don't know if anyone has noiced but there is now an icon in the address bar (where it says the web address). It should also show up by the site name in your favourites.

CONGRATULATIONS

I think an update is in order as it must be at least four weeks since the last one. Five weeks ago we lost our conductor, Iain McKnight, and after much hunting found a stand in to take us to Fleetwood, Steve Tarry. Steve is an excellent conductor, having conducted bands such as Poulton and Morecambe and is no stranger to winning contests. He joined the band with high expectations and the band did their utmost to see he was not disappointed. After four weeks of gruelling practice and long rehearsals, we were ready for our big day.
The piece, Oceans, is a demanding piece on every section in the band, and yet we still pulled of a fantastic performance. The final result was second with 183 points, the winners having got 184. Congratulations on the band for a truly wonderful performance, and to Steve for showing us it’s not the notes, it’s the sound.
Well done

ANOTHER LOSS

Unfortunately the band are losing another member and for the same reason; travelling. Ethan Whittaker, our first trombone, has decided that travelling for 40 minutes to band is a bit much, as I'm sure you will agree, and due to this he will no longer be playing with the band when we join back in september. He is a promising player and where he will go from here is still unsure but the band wish him good luck with whatever he decides to do.

A SAD FAREWELL

With the Worden Park concert happening this sunday, the band have been very busy working on a fresh programme for the enjoyment of our listeners. With the amount of work the band have put into the programme, this concert promises to be very promising, and if the weather holds out, it should be a good day allround. Thats the good news over with, now for the slightly sadder aspect of this article.

Our current musical director, Iain Mcknight, has been offered the position of musical director at a band which is only three miles from his current residence (as opposed the the 1 hour train journey to our band room) and after much careful consideration, has decided to accept this post. He handed his letter of recognition to the band's committee on the 30th of July. The band will be saddened to see him go, and wish him all the best in his future career as conductor, and if all goes to plan, a teacher. Iain's last job with the band will be on Sunday the 12th of August after which the band will break for three weeks. Once again Iain, all the best from the band.