News

2012

Top brass blowing into New Waltham

21 February

One of the country’s leading brass bands is to give a concert in New Waltham in the spring. The East Yorkshire Motor Services Band is returning to perform at St Matthews Church in the village on Saturday, April 21 at 7.30pm. Past concerts at the church have attracted good audiences and the Band is expecting another top turnout later in the year. Tickets at Ł8 each are available from John Mathews on (01472) 328825.

The Band, based in Hull, will deliver a varied programme with the accent definitely on their growing reputation for entertainment. EYMS, North of England champions four times since 1996, and conducted by former Grimethorpe Colliery Band cornet great Alan Morrison, are again aiming to compete in the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October. They hope to reach the London showpiece for the sixth time in the last seven years when they compete at a qualifying contest next month in Darlington.

The Band is also in competitive action at the Spring Festival at Blackpool in May, when they will play Martin Ellerby's Enigma Variations in the Senior Cup, a feeder contest for the world-famous British Open.

The Year so far

20 February

Following a busy series of Christmas concerts, the Band returned from the festive break straight into rehearsals for the Butlin's National Mineworkers Open Brass Band Festival. This two day festival takes place at the Butlin's holiday resort in Skegness in Lincolnshire. The championship graded bands have to perform a set test piece on the Saturday (on this occasion Robert Farnon's Un Vie de Matelot overture), and a free choice entertainment programme on the Sunday. Despite some fine playing, the Band could only manage to be in 10th position out of 12 after the test piece. Drawn to play second on the Sunday morning the Band set a very high standard - in the end topped only by one other Band on the day. The Band's programme started with a new arrangement by Alan Morrison of the Disney theme park music Fantasmic, featuring antiphonal cornets. The mood changed completely as Neil Johnson starred in the Lament from Karl Jenkins' Stabat Mater. Contrasting again was another new arrangement for brass band - 12th Street Rag, featuring Mark Unsworth and his incredible diminishing trombone! Included as a tribute to the late Goff Richards, his Armenian Fire Dance gave the Band the opportunity to dazzle with their technical skills, before completing this eclectic programme with a fully choreographed (and no music) rendition of the Alan Fernie arrangement of The Old Rugged Cross. The 2nd place gained for this performance meant that overall the Band finished in 5th position - equalling their previous best placing at this event. On paper the Band were due to finish 11th - so this was a very good result indeed, beating some very highly ranked bands.

The following week, the Band presented its annual concert in Scunthorpe for the Look All Around charity. The large audience were treated to a programme featuring soloists Trevor Kendall (Cornet), Mark Unsworth (Trombone), Neil Johnson (Euphonium), and Kathy Newiss (Flugel Horn), as well as the complete selection of music from the previous weekend. The highlight of the concert was undoubtedly the encore of The Old Rugged Cross receiving the unanimous praise of the audience.

The first few weeks of the year saw two players leave the Band - Principal Cornet Neil Day, left immediately following the Christmas break, and 2nd Horn Karl Kirk stood down at the end of January. The Band would like to thank both players for their contributions over the past years, and wish them well for the future. Assistant Principal Cornettist Trevor Kendall, has taken over the hot seat, whilst Garry Oglesby returns to join Alison and Anita on the Horn bench.

Today the Band were delighted to receive an invitation to take part in the Senior Cup competition as part of the British Open Spring Festival. The Band were expecting to take part in the Senior Trophy, so this unexpected opportunity has been warmly welcomed by the Band - especially as the test piece is Martin Ellerby's Elgar Variations - this was last used as a test piece at this contest in 2008, with the event being won by the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band. Another local bonus by the Band's elevation is that the space created in the Senior Trophy has been filled by the Barton Town Band - our near neighbours at the other end of the Humber Bridge.

2011

Concert moves from the Plowright to the House

15 December

The Band's annual concert in Scunthorpe at the end of January, has moved venue from the Plowright Theatre, to the New Life Church/The House. This decision, taken by the concert organiser Sheila Ashby, means that the Band over the course of a year, will play in all three major concert venues in Scunthorpe. This Sunday, the Band will perform at the new Baths Hall, before returning to Scunthorpe in January to play at The House. In July, the Band will once again perform in Scunthorpe, this time at the Plowright Theatre.

The January concert will be the fifth that the Band has performed at, and has helped raise over Ł28,000 for the Look All Around You charity, which helps orphans in Malealea, Lesotho. For the last four years the Band has performed on the Saturday night, following a Friday night concert presented by the young people of Scunthorpe. This concert featured bursary winners from the local music festival, as well as invited guests, including the award winning Scunthorpe Co-operative Junior Choir (BBC Choir of the Year 2008).

Tickets for the Baths Hall, and the Plowright Theatre are available from the Plowright Theatre booking office, please visit www.scunthorpetheatres.co.uk/ for further information. For The House concert on January 28th, tickets costing Ł8.00 (Ł6.00 concessions), are available from Paul's Music, 15 Laneham Street, Scunthorpe, or from the House (Office 01724 280340).

Carols & Readings at Holy Trinity

12 December

Yesterday evening the Band presented a Carols & Readings concert in Hull's Holy Trinity Church. This was the first such event organised by the Band and judging by the reaction of the audience, an extremely popular event. The first half of the evening was taken up with carols, and a series of six readings - read by three members of the Band (Julia Mathews, Stephen Gibson, & Alison Grantham), as well as Band President Peter Shipp, Holy Trinity Vicar the Reverend Dr. Neal Barnes, and old friend of the Band Reverend Allen Bagshawe.

The second half of the evening opened with Hark The Herald Angels Sing complete with fanfare, before the Band played a selection of festive music, and a variety of concert music - including the very popular Old Rugged Cross - ending their programme with Eric Ball's Kingdom Triumphant. This evenings music was recorded by West Hull Community Radio (WHCR) for broadcast on Christmas Day morning at 9.00am. For further details about the radio station please visit their website.

Holy Trinity was founded in 1285, and is listed in the Guiness Book of Records as England's largest parish church. The Church has played a significant part in the life of the people of Kingston upon Hull - William Wilberforce (MP for the city, and a pioneering abolitionist of the slave trade) was baptised in the medieval font. During the Civil War, a wall was built across the transepts, and the army used the east end as a stable for their horses. As being the Civic Church for the city, it plays host to many events, including concerts & special services, as well as serving the people who live and work in the parish. For more details about the church please click here.

Howden Matters

6 December

The following article is taken from the December 2011 issue of the Howden Matters magazine. Thanks to Brian Curtis for writing the article, and to Mike Smith - the editor of Howden Matters - for giving permission to reproduce the article here. For more information on Howden Matters, please click here.

The sonorous tones of a trombone filled the air at the Shire Hall when members of Howden & District U3A held their October meeting. Mark Unsworth is solo trombonist with the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band and following his talk on the history of local brass bands, he entertained U3A members with a demonstration of the workings and versatility of this popular brass instrument.

The brass band movement has its roots in the industrial revolution at the turn of the nineteenth century. One of the oldest brass bands, Besses o’ th’ Barn Band, first appeared as Cleggs’ Reed Band in the 1790s. Many of the bands were formed as works’ bands which were subsidised by mill, factory and mine owners whilst others were founded as Temperance bands by the anti-drink movements of the day. The first bands came into being around 1815 principally as brass and wind bands, more akin to modern-day military bands. In the Yorkshire village of Queenshead, later to become Queensbury, a brass and reed band was founded in 1816 in which John Foster, the owner of the Black Dyke textile mill, played the French Horn. From these early times, the Black Dyke Band has evolved to become one of the best-known bands of today. An important development for all brass bands was the invention of the valve for brass instruments in 1815. Once applied to the cornet, it enabled the brass to have what would become a leading melody instrument in the ensemble. Following this came the invention of the saxhorn family by the renowned instrument maker, Adolphe Sax in the 1840s; this is not to be confused with the saxophone family which Sax also invented, but which are reed instruments. The saxhorn family gave the brass a complete set of instruments from the highest treble to the deepest bass and as a result, use of the wind section gradually declined.

Contests are the lifeblood of the brass band world and rivalry has always been strong. The first documented contest took place in July 1845 at Burton Constable near Hull as part of a day of general merrymaking organised for the local populace by Sir Clifford Constable. The idea for a band contest stemmed from Sir Clifford’s sister-in-law who had encountered one in France. Five bands were entered, Holmes Tannery Band, Patrington Band, Wolds Brass Band, Hull Flax and Cotton Mills Band and Lord Yarborough’s Brocklesby Yeomanry Band. Prizes of Ł12 and Ł8 were offered to the winner and runner-up. Holmes Tannery Band, with selections from Mozart’s Twelfth Mass and Wolds Band, with Barber of Seville, tied for first place. The judge ordered the two to play again and eventually, Wolds’ Hallelujah Chorus proved to be too much for the Tannery’s Der Freischütz selection. The event was attended by a young man from Hull, Enderby Jackson, who was to have a huge impact on the brass band movement. In June 1856, the first of several brass band contests organised by Enderby Jackson was held at Hull Zoological Gardens, an area that covered most of Spring Bank, until its closure in 1862. A Leeds Railway Band won the first prize of Ł10 with Black Dyke Mills Band taking second place. In 1860, Jackson reportedly brought sixty thousand paying customers to Hull Zoological Gardens. He went on to organise contests at Crystal Palace and in collaboration with the railway companies, transported the bands and their supporters to London, bringing about the first incursion of amateur brass bands into the metropolitan area.

Not to be outdone, Howden itself staged a brass band contest during this early period. The Howden Floral and Horticultural Society was formed in 1854 and their annual show was seen as a symbol of the revival of Howden. In 1859, the horticultural show took place on Thursday 18th August in the field near the Manor House and included a brass band contest, the first ever held in Howden. Seven bands were entered: Hessle, Saltaire, Kirkstall, Hemingbrough, Driffield, Castleford and Wellington Foundry, Leeds. The band from Hemingbrough subsequently decided not to compete. The contest was judged by Messrs. Hinchcliffe and Deval from Leeds and Hull respectively. After hearing the six bands play, the judges awarded the prizes as follows: first prize, Ł10, Saltaire; second prize, Ł5, Leeds Wellington Foundry; third prize, Ł3, Kirkstall; fourth prize, Ł1, Hessle. At the conclusion of the contest, the six bands joined together to play the National Anthem. At least two thousand people attended the show and the grounds remained crowded until dusk. The gate receipts were Ł20 in excess of any previous show.

With the development of the railways, contests were beginning to take place throughout the country. These events became grand, formal affairs and the dawn of the twentieth century saw the introduction of the National Brass Band Championships. In 1913, the organisers of this event made musical history when they commissioned a composer, Percy Fletcher, to write a test piece for the occasion. The piece was called ‘Labour and Love’ and the winning band was the famous, but now extinct, Irwell Springs. Since this seminal event, many of the major composers have written test pieces for bands to perform at the Championships.

The ‘National’, as it is often referred to, is brass banding’s equivalent of the football league, a first-past-the-post Championship involving some six hundred bands in eight ‘Regional’ qualifying heats staged throughout the UK, plus two ‘Finals’ events. The Champion Section Final is held in London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall, attracting audiences of over four thousand. Since its formation in 1989, the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band has competed at the National Championships on no less than fifteen occasions, winning in 1992. This is a truly remarkable achievement for a relatively new band to consistently compete against the elite of the world of brass. The Band appeared in concert at the Shire Hall on Sunday 4th December; may they continue to perform in the town for many years to come.

Holy Trinity welcomes the Band

2 December

A special Christmas concert is to be given by the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band in the beautiful surroundings of Hull centre’s Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, December 11, at 6.30pm. The concert, which is free, will feature carols and seasonal readings in the first half, with a selection of festive favourites in the second half. Once In Royal David's City, In The Bleak Midwinter, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Away In A Manger, While Shepherds Watch, We Three Kings and O Come All Ye Faithful will be included in the opening half, with readings between each carol. The second half is to feature Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Troika (Midnight Sleigh Ride), A Christmas Song, The Big Mancini, Schneewaltzer, Santa Claustrophobia and the majestic Kingdom Triumphant.

It offers a rare chance to hear the sound of brass fill the magnificent Holy Trinity, which is more than 700 years old and appears in the Guinness Book of Records as England's largest parish church. The Band’s performance is one of several Christmas church concerts in the area, which also includes appearances at St Mary’s, Elloughton, on Wednesday (Dec 7) and St Mary’s, Cottingham on Saturday, December 10, both starting at 7.30pm. More about Holy Trinity can be found online at their website www.holy-trinity.org.uk.

Carols at the Fair

2 December

A small group of players from the Band provided the music for All Saints Primary School's Christmas Fair, in Hessle this afternoon. Led by school teacher Kirsty Fox, the ensemble provided programme of festive favourites - both traditional and modern - which was well received by both young (and not so young) visitors to the fair.

Shining Day in Hendon

31 October

During the busy run up to London, the Band's Principal Cornetist - Neil Day - found the time to feature in a concert presented by the London Central Fellowship Band of the Salvation Army. This concert held at the headquarters of the Hendon Corps, was to celebrate the launch of the band's new CD 'Bandology'. Conducted by David Daws, Neil was one of three guests featured during the concert along with pianist Elliot Launn, and vocalist Deryn Edwards. Neil proved to be a big hit with the audience as he performed three solos (Life's Pageant, The Paragon, and My One Desire) with the band.

Band returns from London

17 October

The Band returned yesterday from the capital, after competing in the 100th National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain on Saturday 15th October. The Band were very pleased with their performance of Paul Lovatt-Cooper's demanding test piece 'Breath of Souls'.

The Band in full flow.

To read more about the competition & the music, and to view a selection of photographs, please click here.

New Euphonium player rejoins Band

14 October

Euphonium player Melanie Ornsby has rejoined the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band as it prepares to compete in the 100^thstaging of the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall on October 15. Melanie returns as 2^nd Euphonium to form a formidable partnership with Solo Euphonium Neil Johnson, with Sam Ringrose moving to beef up the Baritone section. She has answered a ‘seven-year itch’ after opting to leave the band in 2004 when she was expecting her first child.

Melanie started playing the euphonium aged seven, joining the Hampshire County Youth Brass Band. Moving north at 14, she played with the Cleveland Youth Brass Band, and the Yarm & District Brass Band. Melanie studied for four years at Birmingham Conservatoire, taught by Steven Mead. After successfully completing a B.A. (Hons.) music degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Performance Studies, she trained as a primary school teacher and began her career in North Lincolnshire. It was at this time, in January 1998, that Melanie joined EYMS as solo euphonium and played at the National on five occasions, along with many other contests and concerts. After a few years 'off' playing, she decided the time was right to start again and for the last three years has been a member of Barton Town Band.

Melanie now looks forward to getting her ‘second wind’ with EYMS after returning ‘home’.

It's a Hull of a Band!

30 July

Top brass returns to Hull during September in the shape of the city’s own award-winning East Yorkshire Motor Services Band. The Band, which has again qualified for the prestigious National Championship finals at the Royal Albert Hall, will perform at the Middleton Hall on Cottingham Road in its annual concert. The varied programme gets underway at 7.30pm on Saturday, September 17. The Band, conducted by former Grimethorpe, and Brighouse & Rastrick cornet legend Alan Morrison, have been attracting some full houses.

Band chairman Tony Newiss said: “The Band is on top form and has been performing to some great audiences so far this year all over the region, including the south bank of the Humber. “It’s good to be returning to our own backyard, and we look forward to meeting friends old and new.” Already this year the Band has picked up several prizes in competition and has qualified for the finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall on October 15.

EYMS, North of England champions four times since 1996, will compete in London as part of an elite 20-band line-up. They will include current national champions Brighouse & Rastrick, Carlton Main, Virtuosi GUS, Foden, and Fairey - plus the Welsh heavyweights Cory, Tredegar, and Scottish representative Whitburn.

In January the Band was named the Most Entertaining Band and won a Ł1,000 prize at the big Butlins Mineworkers Open Championships at Skegness. The Band’s principal cornet player, Neil Day, who picked up the solo prize in Skegness, made it a memorable double by winning the Tim Holmes Memorial Principal Cornet Trophy in Darlington, at the National Finals qualifier in March, while Neil Johnson was awarded the Maurice Metcalfe Memorial Euphonium Trophy. This last trophy was presented by the Band to the North of England Brass Band Championships to recognise, and remember the contribution made to the Band by Maurice.

The Middleton Hall programme will feature several of the band's talented soloists, as well as music from stage and screen, classical repertoire, and big band to traditional brass music. Included in the programme will be music requested by several of the Band's 'Friends'.

Tickets are just Ł10 each and seats can be reserved by the sending a cheque to East Yorkshire Motor Services Band, PO Box 938, Hull, HU7 4WX, making cheques payable to EYMS Band, or by calling 07971 009830. They will also be available on the door.

East Yorkshire Motor Services Band back in Scunthorpe

18 July

One of the country’s leading brass bands is returning to Scunthorpe next week for what is expected to be another sell-out concert. The award-winning East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band is to appear at the Plowright Theatre, Laneham Street, on Saturday, July 30, at 7.30pm. The Band, conducted by former Grimethorpe and Brighouse & Rastrick cornet legend Alan Morrison, are regular visitors to Scunthorpe and have always attracted a fantastic following.

Already this year the Band has picked up several prizes in competition and has qualified for the finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall in October. EYMS, North of England champions four times since 1996, will compete in London as part of a 20-band line-up. They will include current national champions Brighouse & Rastrick, Carlton Main, Virtuosi GUS, Fodens and Fairey - plus Cory and Tredegar of Wales and Scottish representative Whitburn. In January the band was named the Most Entertaining Band and won a Ł1,000 prize at the Butlins Mineworkers Open Championships at Skegness. The Band’s principal cornet player, Neil Day, of Scunthorpe, who picked up the solo prize in Skegness, made it a memorable double by winning the Tim Holmes Memorial Principal Cornet Trophy in Darlington, at the National Finals qualifier, while Neil Johnson was awarded the Maurice Metcalfe Memorial Euphonium Trophy.

Scunthorpe’s Neil Day in action with the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band - Picture by Keith Belton.

Tickets, at Ł8 each, Ł6 concessions, are available from the Plowright Theatre at 01724 277733. Further details and online booking may be found on the theatre website at http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/northlincs/leisure/theatres/programme.htm

New Signings for Band

27 June

The Band are delighted to announce the signing of a rising cornet star. Bradley Hanson - formerly the Principal Cornet of the Foss Dyke Band - has joined the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band on the front row. Bradley helped the Band out last weekend at a concert in Cottingham, and enjoyed the experience so much he jumped at the opportunity to join the Band permanently. A Band spokesman said “Bradley really seemed to enjoy both the rehearsals, and the concert. He impressed the Band, and our Musical Director Alan Morrison. Bradley, definitely a player to watch for the future, can't help but benefit from the experience that surrounds him - and also decreases the average age of the front row significantly!"

Bradley joins fellow new signing Trevor Kendall on the front row. Trevor had helped the Band out earlier this year in several concerts, and as a guest player at the Butlins Open Mineworkers Festival, before joining the Band in time to play at the Senior Cup Competition in Blackpool. Trevor joined from the Hatfield Colliery Band, where he played Principal Cornet.

Also signing just in time for the Senior Cup, is Percussionist Graham Bates. Graham until recently was the Principal Percussionist at the Brighouse & Rastrick Band, signing for our North of England rivals the Lockwood Band earlier this year. After playing against us at the North Of England Championships, Graham was persuaded to make the move to East Yorkshire Motor Services Band after playing for the Band at several concerts, and the Butlins Open Mineworkers Festival.

We wish Bradley, Trevor, and Graham a long, happy and successful time with the Band.

Spa Theatre Concert 27 May 2011

7 May

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Band has withdrawn from the concert due to have taken place on Friday 27th May, at the Spa Theatre, Bridlington. Despite the best efforts of Band representatives to contact the concert organiser, and resolve contractual difficulties, a resolution has not been possible to achieve. Therefore, a decision was taken by the Band Management Committee to reluctantly withdraw from this event.

The Band would like to apologise to any of our followers who had already arranged to attend this event, and hope that they will be able to listen to the Band when we pay our annual visit to the Priory Church, Bridlington, on Saturday 9th July.

North of England Brass Band Championship

20 March

On Sunday 20th March, the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band competed in the North of England Brass Band Championships, held in The Dolphin Centre, Darlington. After a disappointing appearance at this contest in 2010, the Band were determined to improve. Drawn to play number 6 out of 10, adjudicator Jim Davies wrote the following remarks about the Band's performance on the set test piece Paganini Variations by Philip Wilby: -

Good opening (with some slips) A Very good euphonium - right style 25 good cornets. B Moves well - lovely flugel. 41 atmospheric - well done. C Trombone solo well shaped and good accompaniments. D Cornet mostly accurate. Good bass & accelerando to E Exciting! Good soprano 87. F Well handled. G Horns not balanced and cornets too loud but music flows. H Not together, Presto well done. I This is good but high G's not in tune to start. Good percussion at J. 159 mostly clear - good band accompaniments. K Good bottom bass line others not quite balanced. Well done EEb bass at 179. L Not always together but again moves well - nice bass end sound. M Beautiful euphonium and sympathetic accompaniments. Well shaped cadenza - trombones not always in tune. N I would like more of the dynamic rises and falls please. Cadenza - well done soprano & horn. 226 again - well handled. Well done Cornet (if you come off a note in back row don't come back in!). Beautiful flugel, some intonation in band 233+ and in trombones in 241. P enjoyable - good control and musical. 260 has intonation, 261 excellent soprano (timpani sharp). Q A little loud but good build to 289. Some runs are wild and not clear. R Well controlled. Good build to S Good bass end but sometimes blow sharp. T Tempo well though out and good build to a very good ending.

A most enjoyable performance, very musical and well directed. Thank you.

The results were announced shortly after the final band had played, and the Band were delighted with their placing, and qualification for the National Brass Band Championships in October.

Band	Draw	Result
Reg Vardy	7	1
East Yorkshire Motor Services	6	2
Felling	8	3
NASUWT Riverside	9	4
Lockwood Brass	3	5
Fishburn	2	6
Easington Colliery	1	7
Barton Town	10	8
Kirbymoorside Town	4	9
GT Group Peterlee	5	10

As well as the main results, the following soloist/section trophies were awarded:-

The Colin Frater Memorial Soprano Trophy - Robin Winspear (Felling).

The Tim Holmes Memorial Principal Cornet Trophy - Neil Day (East Yorkshire Motor Services).

The Doug Cairns Trophy for the Best Bass Section - Reg Vardy.

The Dolphin Centre Percussion Trophy - Reg Vardy

The Maurice Metcalfe Memorial Euphonium Cup - Neil Johnson (East Yorkshire Motor Services).

Norwegian arrives for Northern Challenge

19 March

The Band's latest signing - Norwegian Cornettist Jřrgen Brecke - flew in on Wednesday arriving in time for a pre rehearsal curry at the Minerva Hotel. Jřrgen who normally plays with the Molde Band, has flown in specifically for the North Of England Brass Band Championships, to be held in the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, on Sunday 20th March.

As well as a very busy rehearsal schedule, Jorgen has found time to visit The Deep, Cleethorpes (for fish, chips, peas, and a cup of tea), and take in a game of football at the KC Stadium (Hull City 1 Norwich 1).

Quintet at Skipsea

4 February

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Quintet will present their first concert of the year, on Saturday 5th March in Skipsea Village Hall. This concert - following on from their successful concert last year in the village church - will see the Quintet joined by Flautist Kathryn Elworthy South, and pianist Janine Burnham. The programme for the concert will see the Quintet play music from Wallace & Gromit to the Lone Ranger, from Belfast to Bier Keller, and from each of the four home nation countries. Kathryn & Janine will include Annie's Song - made famous by the man with the golden flute, James Galway - and a piece normally associated with brass soloists, the Carnival of Venice.

The Quintet - Tony, Kathy, Gareth, Alison, and Mark.

Tickets for this concert are available from Skipsea Post Office or by calling Ian on 01262 468237. They cost Ł5.00 each or Ł2.50 for school children.

Band In The Prizes At Butlins' Contest

1 February

AN award for the Most Entertaining Band was picked up at the two-day Butlins Open Mineworkers Festival by the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band – along with prize money of Ł1,300. The Hull outfit made it a successful start to the new year after hitting the ground running with an intensive rehearsal schedule. A prize of Ł1,000 and an impressive trophy was the reward for the band’s own-choice entertainment programme on the second day of the contest at Skegness – the first day being a set test piece for the 10 bands competing.

Part of the 25-minute ‘mini concert’ was the beautiful ballad Y Bore Glas – which translates from Welsh into Blue Morning – and earned principal cornet player Neil Day the Geoff Dove Best Soloist Award along with a cheque for Ł300. Band chairman Tony Newiss said: “It was a fantastic start to the year for the band and its supporters and gives us a great springboard for a successful 2011 both in the competition arena and for our many concerts in the coming 12 months.”

The band, under musical director Alan Morrison, had opened its programme with And The Band Played On, a collection of bandstand-style melodies arranged by Goff Richards. Day’s immaculate solo, accompanied by special lighting and evocative images of the dawn of a new day, was followed by a Morrison ‘big band’ styling of Cry Me A River, a favourite among the fans of Canadian crooner Michael Buble. Rolling Thunder, an American circus march played at breakneck speed, gave the band a chance to put on a slapstick choreography of Keystone Cops proportions, which helped catch the eye of the entertainment prize judge Rick Mizell.

Mizell is a former trombonist with the world famous Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and assistant conductor of the Magic Kingdom's Walt Disney World Band in Florida, as well as being a member of the US Open champion Brass Band of Central Florida. EYMS finished their programme with a humorous take on Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. After Sandy Smith’s treatment it became the 1712 Overture, with references to Pop Goes The Weasel and other classical themes, all accompanied by cuckoos and duck calls – and a sharp-shooting hunter!

On the music alone, judged by David Read, Paul Cosh and Paul Norley, the band finished fourth, the first three places taken by Virtuosi GUS, Woodfalls and Flowers.

Flowers were overall champions when taking into account performances on the Saturday when all bands performed the set test Requiems, a newly commissioned work in six movements by Darrol Barry. Second overall were Desford Colliery and third Virtuosi GUS, with EYMS out of the main prizes in a tightly-packed finish.

The band now turns its attention to the North of England Area qualifier in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, when the set test is Paganini Variations by Philip Wilby. An invitation to play in the finals, at the Royal Albert Hall in October, will be the prize on offer for the top two bands at the northern qualifier, at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, on Sunday, March 20.

The band’s next concert will be at the Shire Hall, Howden, on Sunday at 7.30pm (Feb 6). Tickets cost Ł8, with concessions at Ł6, and are available from the Shire Hall, 01430 432510, or from the band on 07971 009 830. The band also gives a concert at Hessle Town Hall on Saturday, March 12, at 7.30pm. Tickets are Ł8, with Ł6 concessions, available on 07971 009 830 or on the door.

Top brass! Some of the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band members, plus young supporters, show off the impressive trophy for winning the Most Entertaining Band accolade at the Butlins Mineworkers Open Championships at Skegness.

2010

Rearranged Concert Dates

22 December

Following the recent bad weather which caused several concerts to be cancelled, the Band are pleased to announce the rearranged dates for these concerts. On Saturday 15th January, the Band will appear at All Saints Church, North Ferriby - this concert was scheduled to take place on Saturday 4th December, and any tickets bought in advance will still be valid. The concert due to take place at the Shire Hall Howden on Sunday 5th December, will now take place on Sunday 6th February. Once again any tickets bought in advance, will be valid for this concert.

Finally owing to circumstances beyond the Band's control, the concert scheduled take place on Saturday 26th February at the Town Hall, Hessle, will now take place on Saturday 12th March. All of these concerts will start at 7.30pm.

Annual Awards Night

21 December

THREE players received special recognition at the Band’s 2010 awards night held at the Minerva Hotel in Hull on Sunday evening. Player of the Year is Kirsty Fox, who stepped up from her regular position as Repiano Cornet to take on the important position of Principal Cornet during the spring and summer months, whilst the Band searched for a permanent ‘top man’. The President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution went to Solo Trombonist Mark Unsworth, who gave the phrase multi-tasking a new meaning.

Whilst those awards were determined by the players, musical director Alan Morrison decided the ‘gong’ for Most Improved Player should go to 2^nd Euphonium player Sam Ringrose, who joined earlier in the year - although Alan acknowledged that there were at least three other players snapping at his heels.

Some of the Band’s more tongue-in-cheek awards were then revealed on a big screen from the laptop of solo horn Alison ‘Power Point’ Grantham. Players were later warmed up on a cold night with a tasty meal courtesy of Sue and Phil Daly - mine hosts at the Minerva - the Band’s regular watering hole.

The awards night rounded off a busy Christmas period with concerts at St Mary’s Church, Cottingham; St Mary’s, Elloughton; and the New Life Church, Scunthorpe, as guests of the Scunthorpe & District Choral Society.

Concerts at All Saints, North Ferriby, and the Shire Hall, Howden, fell victim to the Arctic blast but will go ahead early in the new year. The new North Ferriby date, still to be confirmed, is January 15. Keep checking the website for full details.

The Band take part in the Butlin’s National Mineworkers’ Open Brass Band Festival at Skegness on January 22/23 and give a concert at the Plowright Theatre, Scunthorpe, on January 29.

To check all the band’s engagements, please click here.

North Ferriby Concert

3 December

Following our decision to cancel Sunday evening's concert, the organisers of Saturday evening's concert at All Saints Church, North Ferriby, have also taken the decision to postpone their concert. Again this decision had to be taken due to the extreme weather conditions that have hit the region over the last week. Representatives of the Band, and Church, are working together to agree upon a new date for the concert - details of which will be announced as soon as possible, but will probably be in early 2011.

The Howden Concert will also be rescheduled for early 2011, as the Shire Hall is fully booked until after Christmas.

Please retain your tickets for both concerts as they will be valid for the respective rescheduled dates.

Howden Concert

2 December

The Shire Hall, Howden, concert - due to be held on Sunday 5th December - has unfortunately had to be postponed. The decision was made this evening by the Band's management committee after considering the logistics of getting both the Band and audience to Howden in the current extreme weather conditions. Arrangements are currently being made to hold the concert later in the month. Details will appear on the website as soon as some firm news is available. Tickets already purchased will be valid for the rearranged concert so please keep hold of them.

At the present time all of the Band's remaining Christmas engagements are due to proceed - but please keep checking the website for the latest news.

Christmas Concerts - Ticket Sales

22 November

The Band is about to start its Christmas Concert season - please find below full details of ticket prices, and availability.

On Saturday 27^th November, the Quintet will be performing at the Streetlife Museum, Hull as part of the Hull City Council sponsored Victorian Christmas. This event starts at 10am, and the Quintet will perform 11.40 to 12.20, 1310 to 1350, and 1440 to 1520. Entry to this event is free, and as well as the Quintet, there will be a choir, and other festive activities.

On Saturday 4^th December, the Band will be performing at All Saints Church, North Ferriby. Starting at 7.30 tickets (Ł8.00) for this annual concert are available from North Ferriby Post Office, or North Ferriby Newsagent. The following day Sunday 5^th December, the Band are performing at the Shire Hall in Howden. Tickets cost Ł8, with concessions at Ł6. This concert also starts at 7.30pm, and tickets are available from the Shire Hall, 11 Market Place, Howden, 01430 432510, or from the Band on 07971 009830.

Saturday 11^th December sees the Band return to Cottingham. The venue for this festive concert will be St. Mary’s Church on Hallgate. Tickets for this concert are Ł8, with concessions at Ł6, and these are available from Gilly’s Balloon Company at 173 Hallgate, Cottingham, or from the Band on 07971 009830. The proceeds of this concert will be presented to the St John Ambulance, who kindly provide the Band with their rehearsal facilities at their Citadel Way Headquarters.

On Wednesday 15^th December at 7.30pm, the Band, present their annual Christmas Concert at St. Mary’s Church, Elloughton. Tickets for this concert costing Ł6.00 can be ordered from Sue Shipp on 01482 667202 or Margaret Duncum 01482 668264, and then picked up at the door.

Tickets for the above concerts will also be available at the door, on the evening of the concert.

Our last concert in this region before Christmas is on Thursday 16^th December, at ‘The House’ (formerly the New Life Church), Brumby Wood Lane, Scunthorpe. Tickets for this event can be purchased at the Plowright Theatre, Scunthorpe (01724 277733), and Scunthorpe Library (01724 860161). This is always a sell out concert, so if you intend attending this concert, please ensure you have a ticket first. This concert features the Scunthorpe Choral Society, and the Scunthorpe Cooperative Junior Choir – who were the 2009 BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year.

The Band‘s first appearance in 2011, will be at the Butlin's National Mineworkers’ Open Brass Band Festival on the 22^nd and 23^rd January, held at the Butlin's resort in Skegness. On Saturday the 22^nd, the Band will compete against 11 other bands in a performance of the set test piece Requiems by Darrol Barry. The following day the Band will compete in the second part of the competition – the entertainment contest. With the other bands, the EYMS Band will present a twenty-five minute concert programme. The results from both days will be combined to give the overall positions. In the last two years the Band’s overall position has been 5^th, hopefully we will improve on that in 2011. Alan Morrison will be conducting the Band in all of the above events.

The following weekend the Band, under the direction of David Lancaster, return to the Plowright Theatre in Scunthorpe for our first concert of 2011, on Saturday 29^th January. Starting at 7.30pm this concert is a fundraising concert for the Education of The Orphans of Aids in Malealea, Lesotho. Tickets for this concert are available from the Plowright Theatre (01724 277733). This has been a very popular concert in recent years, so advance purchase of tickets is recommended.

Finally, the Band – conducted by Alan Morrison – will perform their annual concert at the Town Hall, Hessle, on Saturday 26^th February. Tickets for this concert costing Ł8.00 (Ł6.00 concessions) will be available to buy through the Band, or on the door.

For fully up to date information on the Band & Quintet’s concerts, please visit the engagements page on the Band website.

New Associate Conductor Appointed

22 November

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Band is delighted to announce the appointment of David Lancaster as associate Conductor, and Composer in Residence.

A band spokesman said “This is the icing on the cake following our recent appointment of Alan Morrison as MD. It opens up a wealth of opportunities for all concerned!” The band has several projects in the pipeline and sees the two recent appointments as a huge step in the right direction to continue the bands development musically, artistically and organisationally. Born in Wigan, David Lancaster began his musical career as cornet player with the Pemberton Old Brass Band. In 1976 he won the prestigious Alexander Owen Memorial Scholarship, which enabled him to study trumpet and cornet with Michael Antrobus. David studied music at York and Cambridge Universities where he specialised in composition. Since then his music has been played by many of the leading exponents of new music (including the Kronos Quartet, Lontano, Electric Phoenix, Gemini and No Strings Attached), in concerts and festivals all around the UK including London's South Bank Centre and the Edinburgh Festival.

Since 1994 he has been a senior lecturer at York St John University. He is now in charge of a flourishing Music department where he teaches composition, world music, music technology and performance to postgraduate level. Previously he has taught at colleges in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire and was 'Composer in Residence' at Charterhouse for three years, during which time he also worked as freelance trumpet player in London and Paris. In addition to his work in York, David was until recently the External Examiner for Music at Salford University for an unprecedented five year period; he is currently working as External Examiner for Northumbria University. In 1994 David was appointed as the Musical Director of the Harrogate Band, during which time the band climbed from the Third Section (1996) to the Championship Section (2003) and established a reputation for innovative and imaginative concert performances. Since leaving the Harrogate Band in 2008, David has directed the Yorkshire Imperial Band and the Kippax Band, a position he still maintains. David is a member of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors, and the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators. He has adjudicated at several major contests, including the National Finals (2006) and the Yorkshire, North of England and Midlands Regional Championships, as well as the Butlin's Mineworkers' Championships

EYMS Appoint New Musical Director

14 September

Following the departure of Stan Lippeatt in June, the Band have actively been seeking a new Musical Director. Several contenders expressed an early interest in conducting the Band, with even more applying once the position was formally advertised. The Band have not rushed to appoint a replacement, wanting to make sure they got the right man. The Band is now delighted to announce the appointment of Alan Morrison as their new Musical Director.

Alan needs no introduction after working for many years with Grimethorpe Colliery Band as Principal Cornet and latterly conducting Brighouse and Rastrick Band, as well as being a highly regarded soloist, adjudicator, and Associated Board Examiner.

Alan first worked with EYMS in 2000 at the Pontin’s Championship, followed by the 2001 North of England Area where under his guidance they qualified for the National Finals. More recently, Alan directed the Band to success at the 2009 Kippax Entertainment Contest, followed by the 2010 Butlin's National Mineworkers Open Brass Band Festival.

The Band is delighted to welcome Alan, and we wish him a long, productive, and successful time as Musical Director.

The Band would like to thank Jim Davies, John Roberts, and David Lancaster for their help, support, and guidance during the summer months whilst the Band sought a permanent Musical Director.

Birthday Bash for Band

4 September

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Band will be presenting its 21st Anniversary Concert on Saturday 11th September. Starting at 7.30pm in the Middleton Hall, Cottingham Road, Hull, this concert will celebrate in music the Band's journey from a new division four band, to an established band in the top flight. The Band will be conducted by two of its former Musical Directors - Jim Davies & John Roberts, and will feature as guest soloist the world renowned Euphonium player, David Childs.

The programme will include references to the Band's links with the Beautiful South, contest highlights, and the specially commissioned work written to celebrate the opening of The Deep. The traditional music of the Brass band will be represented by the March 'Jubilee' and the hymn tune 'Nicaea', and for those wanting a little more spice, the Band will perform a choreographed version of 'Sing Sing Sing', and bring a new Salsa to Hull.

Tickets - costing Ł8:00 - will be available at the door.

Neil Day Returns To Band

3 August

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Band are delighted to announce that their vacant Principal Cornet Chair has been filled. Former Principal Cornet Neil Day has returned to the Band after several months playing at the Black Dyke Band. Neil – a very experienced and talented player – is the first of several players to sign for the Band over the coming weeks.

The Band would like to pay tribute to the two players that have stepped into the breach to cover this all-important seat. Firstly, former Principal Cornet Steve Rudhall flew back from New Zealand to play at the 2010 Area Championships in Darlington. Whilst the result didn’t match the expectations of the Band, the commitment demonstrated by Steve – not only in making the journey – but the devotion to practice and rehearsal whilst here, was a demonstration of the professional approach that Steve had shown previously whilst a member of the Band.

Repiano Cornet player Kirsty Fox was press ganged into moving forward onto the hot seat for the 2010 Spring Festival and the Band’s summer concert series. Although this was not initially to Kirsty’s liking, she has grown into the role, impressing both the Band and audiences alike. A listener at our recent concert in Scunthorpe took the time to write, “I travel many miles a year attending brass band concerts throughout the area, and your band is at least as good as any I have listened to in a long time. I was particularly impressed by your principal cornet player, who must surely be one of the best in the area! She was lovely to listen to!”

Neil’s first concert back leading the Band will be on the 11^th September at the Middleton Hall, University of Hull. This concert to celebrate the Band’s 21^st Anniversary will feature guest soloist David Childs, and will be conducted by John Roberts & Jim Davies.

Ticket Sales

9 May

Ticket details have been announced for two of the Band's forthcoming summer concerts. On Saturday 19th June, the band return to St Mary's Church Cottingham to present Music for a summer's evening. Priced at Ł8.00 (Ł6.00 concessions) these tickets are on sale now at Gilly's Balloon Company, Hallgate, Cottingham. We are indebted to Gilly's for providing a local outlet for our tickets. Please visit their website, or visit them at their new premises on Hallgate, and enjoy a relaxing drink in their function room 'The Back Room'.

The Band return to Filey on Sunday 27th June to perform as part of the Filey Festival. This concert will once again be held in the Methodist Church. Tickets for this concert will only be available at the door, on the evening of the concert, priced at Ł5.00 each.

Website Update

2 May

For the first time since its launch in 2002 the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band website is having a major update & spring clean. Although the page design was standardised several years ago, it was felt that a new look was about due, and this process will give the webmaster the opportunity to spring clean the files that support the website, and also remove any unused or duplicate documents. This process is expected to take several weeks, but is being carried out page by page so that the supply of information is not disrupted - though some photographs may be temporarily unavailable during the re-cataloguing procedure. We hope that you enjoy the new look site and will continue to visit to follow the adventures of the Band.

Open Rehearsal

2 May

On Thursday 13th May, the Band will be holding an open rehearsal at the Town Hall, Hessle. This rehearsal will see the Band perform and rehearse Philip Sparke's test piece 'The Year Of The Dragon', as part of their preparation for the 2010 Senior Cup Contest, to be held in Blackpool two day's later. The Band have won this cup on two previous occasions - 2002 and 2008 - and are aiming to be the first Band to have won this trophy on three occasions in the modern era. Written in 1984, this three movement work is still a demanding test piece twenty six years later, though not just a test piece, this is a piece of music that can grace any concert programme. This rehearsal, starting at 8pm, will be conducted by the Band's Musical Director - Stan Lippeatt.

New Rehearsal Venue For Band

2 May

The Band are currently in the process of moving bandroom. Since 2000 the Band have rehearsed in the St John Ambulance Headquarters in Popple Street, Hull. However, St John Ambulance have sold their current building to move into new premises on nearby Citadel Way. The good news for the Band is that the relationship with St John Ambulance is set to continue, as space has been set aside in the new building to accommodate the Band's rehearsal and storage requirements. The final phase of the move is set to take place over the bank holiday weekend, so that the Band are settled for their final rehearsals in the lead up to the 2010 Senior Cup Contest, to be held in Blackpool, on Saturday 15th May.

Gone But Not Goodbye

23 March

The recent North of England Brass Band Championships saw the Band say adieu to three of its members - 2nd Cornet Thomas Kennedy, 3rd Man Down Stewart Kennedy, and Vice Chair Melanie Kennedy. Thomas joined the Band following the 2007 tour of the Netherlands, and has played on both the front and back row, but has now decided to stand down to concentrate on his studies.

Stewart rejoined the Band in 2002, following an initial period with the Band after its formation. He has played on both the back and front row - as well as a spell on Principal Cornet, leading the Band at the 2008 North of England Regional Championship as it qualified for the National Finals. Melanie joined the committee several years ago, and for the past three years has served as the Vice-Chair taking on many projects, including the tour to the Netherlands in 2007, and the 2009 visit to the French Open - as well as willingly taking on the thankless task of organising the deputy players. The Band has always been a family affair for Mel and Stewart, and they were delighted when they were joined at the Band by their daughter Vicki, and nephews Andrew & Thomas, and also on those occasions when the Band was conducted by their brother/brother-in-law Bob (Dr Robert Childs). The Band would like to thank Mel, Stewart, and Thomas, for all that they have contributed to the success of the EYMS Band, and wish them well in the future.

Steve Arrives Back Down Under

23 March

Following his whirlwind tour of the world - New Zealand and back in a fortnight - Steve Rudhall has been reunited with Alice back at home. Whilst in Yorkshire the Hull Daily Mail did a full page article on Steve's trip to help the Band out - the local Indian restaurant were delighted to have this celebrity eat there on the day his picture appeared in the paper, which they conveniently had on the counter. Thanks Steve for making the trip and helping us out for the contest.

Open Rehearsal

17 March

As part of the Band's preparation for the defence of its title of North of England Champions, they will be holding an open rehearsal on Thursday 18 March. Starting at 8pm, the rehearsal will be held at Maybury Primary School, Maybury Road, Hull. This rehearsal will see the Band perform George Lloyd's test piece 'English Heritage' under the direction of its Musical Director Stan Lippeatt. Entrance to this event is free, and will see Stan put the Band through its paces, as well as giving a complete performance of the piece.

Long Trip To Rehearsal For Steve

25 February

Following the departure of Neil Day, the Band were faced with almost impossible task of signing a new Principal Cornet player in time for the forthcoming North of England Championships. After several leads dried up, former Principal Cornettist Steve Rudhall agreed to play with the Band at this contest.

Given, that Steve lives in New Zealand this was some commitment! Steve will be flying in two weeks before the contest ready for the 'easy' run in of every night rehearsals. Given Steve's love of curries we are all looking forward to welcoming Steve back to hard work and a highly sociable fortnight.

Hello and Welcome

25 February

The Band would like to welcome several players to its ranks. Richard Lancaster helped the Band out earlier this year at the Butlin's contest, and following this was offered a permanent position in the band which he accepted. Richard had a baptism of fire with the Band, as shortly before the contest - to which he'd been asked to play side drum - he fell off his bike and damaged the tendons in his hand. Following several hospital visits, Richard declared himself fit to play, and mastered the Timpani part in next to no time. No mean achievement as it was the unaccompanied Timpani that opened the set test piece performance. Richard joins John Modrate in the Percussion section. John joined the Band towards the end of 2009 following his move from the Wakefield Metropolitan Band.

On Second Euphonium, we welcome Sam Ringrose who transferred to the EYMS Band from the Frickley South Elmsall Band. Sam is a relatively local player coming from Immingham, and his link with the Band has been strengthened by his work as an electrician working on the new St John Ambulance Headquarters to which the Band will move in the near future. There is an EYMS link with all of the above players - former conductor Norman Law conducts the Wakefield Metropolitan Band, former front row Cornettist David Nichols conducts the Frickley South Elmsall Band, and Richard joined from the Barnetby Silver Band, which until December 2009 was conducted by current Solo Trombonist Mark Unsworth.

The Band would also like to welcome Christine Gent on 1st Horn. Christine is an experienced player and conductor, who replaced Garry Oglesby late in 2009. Garry's conducting commitments with the Barton Town Band meant that he had to stand down as a player with EYMS. However, Garry hasn't disappeared completely as he played in our 5 strong Percussion section at the recent Butlin's Contest. We hope that all of these players will have a long, and successful time with the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band.

Goodbye and Thank You

25 February

At the recent Butlin's National Mineworkers Open Brass Band Festival, the Band were disappointed to have to say farewell to two of its players who had decided the time was right to move on. Second Euphonium player Andrew Kennedy had decided to dedicate more of his time to his recently founded roofing truss company. Andrew will continue to play his euphonium, but with a band closer to his home near Doncaster. Neil Day, the Band's Principal Cornettist received an offer to join the Black Dyke Mills Band, and after much thought, decided that this was an offer that only comes once in a lifetime, and accepted the position. We would like to thank both players for their hard work and commitment during the past years, and wish them every success in their futures.

2009

New Photographs

15 December

The Band have just received a series of photographs taken in September at the Maurice Metcalfe Memorial Concert.

L to R: John Belton, Kirsty Fox, Julia Mathews, Thomas Kennedy, Neil Day, Andrea Grace, Tony Newiss, Stewart Kennedy, Simon Blow, Peter Arden, Karl Kirk, Sam Kind, Dean Addinell, Christine Gent, Stan Lippeatt, Jonathan Chapman, Alison Grantham, Gareth Hughes, Kathy Newiss, David Fox, Phillip Pearson, John Mathews, Andrew Kennedy, Neil Johnson, Alistair Shipman, Rosie Nichol, Mark Unsworth.

The rest of the photographs will be displayed in the Gallery. The above photograph is available to purchase from the Band. Please email eymsbrassband@yahoo.co.uk for details.

Results: Kippax Entertainment Final

19 November
EYMS retains Kippax title under the baton of Alan Morrison

This article is reproduced with permission of the 4barsrest website. To visit their site please click here.

The final of this year’s Kippax Entertainment Contest brought together reigning champion, EYMS Band against last year’s finalist Drighlington, and debutants Thoresby Colliery.

Full to capacity

The Kippax Band Club was full to capacity to see Drighlington kick off under the direction of Jim Davies, and they started with the band on their feet with 'Amazonia' from the 'Windows of the World'.

This was followed by, 'Here’s that Rainy Day' and solos by Martin Hall with 'Pandora' and Mike Tyler on 'Be my Love'. Their programme included the contest march 'The Wizard', 'Caravan', and 'The Armed Man', before they ended their challenge with the last section of 'Suite Gothique'.

Rolling start

Thoresby followed and opened their programme with Leigh Baker's 'Saints Fantasy' - a rolling start with the band coming out and playing in sections.

Remembrance Sunday was acknowledged with Leigh's arrangement of Baker 'Eventide', before principal cornet Peter Collins picked up the trumpet for 'Tico Tico' which gave him the 'Best Soloist' Award on the night.

Further solid playing on the remaining items of 'Marching Onward', 'The Water is Wide' and 'Get Happy' brought them to their final item, Peter Graham’s 'Shine as the Light'.

'Adjudicator David Roberts told the audience that he had enjoyed the very different programmes immensely and had heard some fine playing from all three bands'

Reigning champion

With the clock approaching 10.00pm it was the turn of EYMS to get their programme underway under Alan Morrison.

They started their defence with 'Amazonia' from 'Windows of the World', before Neil Day delivered the cornet solo 'Carrickfergus'

'The New Colonial' march followed before a tribute to the Band Aid organisation with 'Hymn for Africa', led by 'Best Instrumentalist' winner, flugel Kathleen Newiss aided by on screen visual images.

'Another Fine Mess' starring the euphoniums Neil Johnson and Andrew Kennedy had the audience rolling with laughter before their finale, 'King of Kings'.

Very different programmes

Adjudicator David Roberts told the audience that he had enjoyed the very different programmes immensely and had heard some fine playing from all three bands.

Thoresby Colliery took the runner up spot, with EYMS retaining their title for the second year in a row.

Alan Morrison picked up the trophy awarded to the winning conductor, which is presented by the Wardle family in memory of former MD of the Kippax Band, Keith Wardle.

Result:

1. EYMS (A. Morrison)
2. Thoresby Colliery (L. Baker)
3. Drighlington (J. Davies)

Kippax Success

10 November

On Sunday 6th November, the Band took part in the final of the Kippax Entertainment Contest, and successfully defended the trophy that they had won a year earlier. Conducted by Alan Morrison, the Band faced stiff opposition on the evening from the Drighlington Band, and the Thoresby Colliery Band. The Kippax Band Club was full to the rafters at 7pm, a full hour before the contest started. Drawn to play last the Band had the opportunity to listen to the opposition before taking to the stage around 10pm. The programme featured four original works for Brass Band, and included a variety of styles, moods, and humour. The Adjudicator - Mr Dave Roberts - had the following to say about the Band's performance.

Amazonia

Nice controlled start from percussion and then band. Good front row at E. Well done kit and soprano at end.

Carrickfergus - Cornet Soloist Neil Day

Nice start. Good sound from soloist. Accompaniments just slightly up for me. Good contrasts throughout from the soloist. A very tasteful ending.

The New Colonial

A few miss-pitches but the tempo is spot on. Lovely clear cornet playing from then on. Thank you for the best p of the night. Lots of quality coming through with controlled percussion adding to it. Good stuff.

Hymn For Africa - Flugel Soloist Kathy Newiss

Confident and super start from flugel. B good balance. Percussion effective. Back row good to F. This piece came off very well. A good choice.

Salsa tres' Prado

Good start and it's good to see the players smiling and enjoying it. Entertaining stuff. Well done.

Laurel & Hardy - Another Fine Mess - Euphonium Soloists Neil Johnson & Andrew Kennedy

Great soloists. Well done bar before D. Well presented and it was funny. I loved the dead-pan faces (especially 2nd Euph). Congratulations. It came off rather well as you saw from audience reaction.

King Of Kings

Again controlled playing isn't too loud for the room and its neat and together. Bass trombone good before G. Slightly out of tune at end but that's nit picking a good show.

Overall a performance that had that bit of quality, and the quiet playing in Hymn For Africa mixed with good solo playing and entertaining pieces, made for a very good show.

Well done. I Enjoyed it. Thank you.

Just after 11pm the results were announced:-

Best Soloist - Pete Collins (Thoresby Colliery Band)

Best Instrumentalist - Kathy Newiss (East Yorkshire Motor Services Band)

1st East Yorkshire Motor Services Band

2nd Thoresby Colliery Band

3rd Drighlington Band

Success for Sophie

21 September

Former Band member Sophie Rees (Front Row Cornet), has recently achieved success in her chosen sport. Sophie left the Band and moved to Cheshire in 2006, hanging up her cornet as she did so, to dedicate more time to her studies, and her chosen sport the triathlon. Sophie has now qualified to represent Great Britain at the ETU Triathlon European Championships, to be held in Athlone, Ireland in 2010. Swimming, cycling and running for Sophie is quite a change from her last days with the Band, when her chosen sport was 'hopping', due to her reliance on crutches for support, after breaking her foot.

Concert In Memory of Band Stalwart

19 September

So read the headline in today's edition of the Hull Daily Mail www.thisishull.co.uk. The article is reproduced here in full with kind permission of the author, and the Hull Daily Mail.

TWO of the world’s finest musicians are returning to Hull next week to honour one of the city’s best-loved brass and figures. Former Black Dyke and Brighouse euphonium wizard Bob Childs, who 20 years ago helped form the East Yorkshire Motors Services Brass Band, is back in the city on September 26 for a special concert in memory of Maurice Metcalfe, who died last October.

Childs, now musical director of the all-conquering Cory band from south Wales, will be joined at Hull University’s Middleton Hall by his son David, who has taken over his father’s mantle as arguably the finest euphonium player on the planet. Both will feature with the EYMS band, the current northern champions, in the concert, which will also raise funds for the Dove House Hospice, the Hull charity providing care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

David, who has helped Cory to the European and British open titles, and cut his banding teeth with EYMS, will be guest soloist. He recently performed at the BBC Welsh Proms, where he premiered Karl Jenkins’ Euphonium Concerto.

The Hull band will be conducted by their new musical director Stan Lippeatt, while Bob Childs and another former Brighouse player Dixon Laing, who together with Maurice guided EYMS through its formative years, will also have a spell with the baton. Bob helped form the band while he taught with Hull Music Services and was also head of brass at Hymers College, where David was a pupil. Members of Maurice’s family will be special guests at the concert, including his son Andy, who used to play in the band. EYMS band chairman Tony Newiss said: “Maurice was a dedicated secretary and staunch supporter of the band and it was his combination of good humour, friendship and sheer hard work that made such an impact on the band’s development as a musical force and on the lives of the people connected to it.”

Peter Shipp, the EYMS company chairman and band president, hoped the concert would be well attended. “Our own staff have recently supported Dove House through their Bus Pull and it is good to know the band are joining forces to raise much-needed money for Dove House.”

The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets priced Ł8 each (no concessions) can be obtained by sending a cheque to EYMS Band, PO Box 938, Hull, HU7 4WX, or call 07971 009830. Cheques should be made payable to EYMS Band. Further details and a seating plan can be found at the band’s website at www.eymsbrassband.co.uk

Band Put On A 'Stylish' Show

17 September

So read the headline in a recent edition of The Grimsby Telegraph www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk. The article is reproduced here in full with kind permission of the author, and The Grimsby Telegraph.

STIRRING brass band music filled the beautiful 15^th century St Mary’s Church in Marshchapel Arts’ latest venture in promoting culture in rural East Lindsey.

East Yorkshire Motor Services Band, conducted by Stan Lippeatt, lived up to their national top-20 ranking with a stylish, entertaining and varied programme. They opened up in classical style with Saint-Saens’ stately French Military March and Berlioz’s lightning-quick The Corsair. And it left the 170-strong audience in no doubt why the Hull-based band - which contains several members from the Grimsby area - go into next month’s National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall as North of England Champions.

Other technically-demanding heavyweights were Wagner’s majestic Prelude to Act III Lohengrin, and Respighi’s evocative description of a war-weathered Roman army’s triumphant return in the March from the Pines of Rome. The band showed its softer, contemplative side with The Catskills, a lovely arrangement of Amazing Grace, and 'Mid All the Traffic, known better as Shenandoah. And it came up with a clap-along winner with the traditional march Death or Glory, which ushered in the opening footage of the banding film Brassed Off.

As befits one of the country’s leading bands, EYMS possess some fine soloists, with measured performances coming from principal cornet Neil Day, with Rusalka’s Song to the Moon; flugel horn Kathy Newiss, Hymn for Africa; Mark Unsworth, Concert Piece for Trombone; and Neil Johnson, principal euphonium, Song for Ina.

Yet the band found plenty of time for fun, with Tony Newiss joining Day for a bit of musical slapstick with Ein Schnaps, a spot of ‘Strictly Latin’ with Salsa Tres’ Prado and a brassy, showy big band arrangement of Louis Prima’s Sing Sing Sing. For sheer entertainment and cool, it was hard to beat Me and My Shadow, with Andy Kennedy joining Johnson for a Rat Pack-style euphonium duet.

Bizet’s always-popular Farandole led to the powerhouse Pines of Rome. No wonder, then, the audience were banging their feet for more, and they were rewarded with a fast and furious Finale from Faust, by Gounod. Marshchapel Arts is raising money to improve the heating in St Mary’s but they certainly didn’t need it with EYMS, who really raised the temperature.

National Finals

29 August

The details for contest day have been announced for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. The contest is on Saturday 17th October 2009, and takes place at the Royal Albert Hall, London. The test-piece is 'The Torchbearer, Symphonic Variations on a Theme by Eric Ball', composed by Peter Graham. The adjudicators are David Read, Derek Broadbent, and Professor David King. The draw for the order of play in the contest will be made at 8.30am, the doors will open at 9.15am, and the first band will begin their performance at 10.00am.

Tickets can be obtained from the Royal Albert Hall Box Office 0207 589 8212.

There will be a short break in the contest following the performance of band number 10, and following the end of the contest at approximately 4.50pm, a short concert by the Cory Band. The results and presentations will follow this concert, with the event scheduled to be finished by 6.30pm.

Middleton Hall Concert

23 August

Tickets are now on sale for this concert, and have started to sell quite quickly. It is the Band's ambition to have this concert sold out, so please do not leave it until the last minute to obtain your tickets. The tickets are available from the Band, priced Ł8:00 each with no concessions. Please send your cheques to EYMS Band, P.O. Box 938, Hull, HU7 4WX, or email the Band at eymsbrassband@yahoo.co.uk

To view the seating plan, please click here.

Marshchapel Concert

23 August

This will be the Band's first visit to the village of Marshchapel and the church of St Mary. The village is situated some 8 miles south of Grimsby, east of the A16. The concert is part of the Marshchapel Arts Festival, and has a relaxed air to it - a tent is put up in the church yard to sell wine. Tickets for this concert on Friday 4th September 2009, starting at 7.30pm, are available from Marshchapel Post Office, priced at Ł8:00 or Ł6:00 concessions.

Race Meeting Abandoned

16 July

The planned race and quiz night, due to be held this coming Saturday (18th July) has had to be postponed due to circumstances outside of the Band's control. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused, and we hope to reschedule the event in the near future.

Stan Lippeatt appointed as Musical Director

15 July

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Band is pleased to announce the appointment of Stan Lippeatt as Musical Director. Over the past few months the Band have enjoyed working with Stan and have benefited from his wealth of experience, especially on their recent trip to the French Open Championships and the qualifying heat of the Kippax Entertainment Contest.

Band Chairman Tony Newiss said: “Stan has made a huge impression in the short time that he has been working with us, and we know that Stan will continue to develop the Band and take us forward from the successes we enjoyed in 2008, the Band’s most successful year to date. Stan combines a strong work ethic with professionalism, experience and a sense of humour that make rehearsals and engagements rewarding for players and audiences alike and we look forward to a long and successful partnership. We had planned to advertise for the position of MD but the working relationship that has developed over the past weeks left a real buzz in the band room and it made perfect sense to formalise a partnership that works so well and promises much for the future”

The Band had engaged conductors for the National Finals and Butlins contest 2010 prior to this appointment and Stan is looking forward to working with them to ensure that progress is maintained.

Meanwhile, the Band has a busy diary of commitments including a concert on 26 September in Memory of Maurice Metcalfe, who was the Band’s Secretary from the day the Band was formed until he sadly passed away last October. The concert will be held at The Middleton Hall, Hull and proceeds will go to Dove House Hospice, a local charity providing care for people with life limiting illnesses. The Concert will feature contributions from two internationally renowned musicians, Bob Childs, EYMS Band’s founding Conductor, and solos from his son David Childs who began his banding career with EYMS Band.

Maurice Metcalfe Memorial Concert

14 July

The Maurice Metcalfe Memorial Concert will take place on Saturday September 26th, at the Middleton Hall, Cottingham Road, Hull. Starting at 7.30pm, the concert will be conducted by Mr Stan Lippeatt & Dr Robert Childs, and will feature the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band, with guest Euphonium Soloist David Childs. All proceeds from this concert will be presented to the Dove House Hospice. Tickets - priced at Ł8:00 with no concessions - are available now by post from EYMS Band, PO Box 938, Hull, HU7 4WX. Please make cheques payable to EYMS Band.

Player Departure

22 June

It is with regret that the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band announces the departure of 2nd Baritone player Sarah Evans. Sarah joined the Band in September 2008 when she moved back in to the area after studying in Glasgow, and then moving to work in the Bournemouth area. The Band would like to thank Sarah for her commitment whilst with the Band, and wish her every success in the future.

French Open - Contest Remarks

19 June

The Band conducted by Stan Lippeatt, performed four pieces in this section including the set test piece - Contest Music by Wilfred Heaton. Our programme opened with American Fanfare by James Wasson, and then featured our Principal Cornettist Neil Day, who played Frank Simon's Willow Echoes arranged by Fred Muscroft. Hymn For Africa followed, featuring Kathy Newiss on Flugel Horn in Peter Meechan's haunting composition. We concluded the performance with Contest Music.

Dennis Wilby - 112 Points

American Fanfare - A fine sound to open. 15 precise rhythm. This is an impressive opening. 44 legato style just right. The balance is "spot on". A secure ending.

Willow Echoes - A secure opening. Fine cadenza. 12 nice control from soloist. Clean variation. 62 secure soloist. Accompaniment just fine - fine balance. 96 relaxed soloist. The ending was nicely shaped.

Hymn For Africa - A fine flugel opening. A all goes well. B fine level of sound. The playing has a nice flow. D horns not together to open. Percussion links effective. Good level of sound. The ending is played with fine control. Nice flugel throughout.

Contest Music

No 1. A fine sound to open. A all goes well. C fine dynamic. E good level of sound. Technically all the notes are nicely in place. G ensemble is tight. H just a small cornet clip. Trombone link is fine. The movement has a nice shape. K legato basses. L fine sound. N sounds. O neat trombone link. P fine pp - ended in style.

No 2. Trombones together and balanced to open. Cornet lead in secure. A I can hear the inner parts. Dynamic level is just nice. Euphonium comes over with style. C great control. Cornet secure in high C#. E still great control. Just a small cornet clip - the ending is well controlled.

No 3. Fine mp level. This is settled playing - the rhythm is tight, a fine general dynamic. Good tutti sound. I basses link is well shaped. K effective crescendo, confident playing. N neat cornet to follow. O again a fine sound. Q rhythm secure. S the ending had the desired impact. A technically fine performance.

A nicely balanced programme. Fine playing in Contest Music.

Peter Graham 114 Points

American Fanfare - Compact, tight ensemble - effective dynamic contrast and excellent sense of purpose. Intonation not quite true at 44 but an effective opener.

Willow Echoes - Stylish cornet soloist and agile work in the cadenza. Very good presentation, while not all of the passagework came off today, this was a performance of real merit - tank you.

Hymn For Africa - Lovely flugel sound - confident and engaging. Tutti at B a fraction loud for contrast at C but the style and approach are effective. Well balanced sounds at E and very well done overall.

Contest Music

No 1. Secure opening and effective contrasts in C and D noted. Cornets not always true in E but effective playing otherwise. O trombone intonation/balance not quite true. Ending a little loose but good final chord.

No 2. Trombones effective - cornets a little exposed. Nice baritone sound in A and the soloist phrases are all well delivered. The music could be afforded a little more space however, and the counterpoints allowed to find their way through the texture. D nicely balanced lower brass - well done solo cornet. E entries just a little heavy which counters the work involved in trying to create a sense of atmosphere. Ending, good for this acoustic.

No 3. Just a little hesitancy in some of the entries but there is much to admire in this performance.

A very find band - well balanced, directed with authority and delivering a solid performance of a very tough test. Thank you.

Pascal Eischer - 114 Points

These comments will be added when translated.

David Horsfield 115 Points

American Fanfare - Quite a compact sound in the opening with excitement created. Nice lyrical feel in 44. An impressive opener.

Willow Echoes - Great style in the tutti, and the soloist shows style in the cadenza and theme. Tripling in nice and easy. Only the occasional blemish. I really like your tutti styles. Soloist shows an easy and relaxed style giving a conviction in the solo. Bravo.

Hymn For Africa - Well controlled flugel feature with effective dynamics. D again nice atmosphere created with tasteful percussion. E nice balance here and the flugel closing statement has quality. A great contrast.

Contest Music

No 1. Secure ensemble and the flow of the music impresses. Beware strident sounds in upper tuttis. F to H. dynamics create excitement. Only an occasional blemish noted. K a little over mp for me, and rather loose into N. Great P to the close.

No 2. Effective trombone introduction, and balanced. Again a blemish just detracts a little from the flow. Some great bass sounds at D and cornet soloist shows style and composure. Again high tutti notes knocked over. Well controlled 'niente'.

No 3.Exciting style in the opening and the music is alive. Again I shows basses off well and good quality sounds. In K quite exciting build. The band is well restrained and measuring itself well with an exciting closing section.

A quite consistent performance which was maintained to the close. Thank you.

The Band were awarded 113.75 points for this performance and 3rd place.

French Open - March Contest Comments

19 June

For the March Contest the Band, conducted by Stan Lippeatt, player the March Ravenswood. The Adjudicator - Chris Jeans - wrote the following about the Band's performance.

Great opening - neat. stylish, controlled and superbly well played. Just the odd blemish at times. Very warm and mellow sound from the middle of the band. Great dynamic contrasts. Very stylish principal cornet - superb playing and with confidence. Superb attention to detail. A very controlled finale. Very musical performance with plenty of space to allow the music to breathe. A very high quality performance. Thank you!

The Band were awarded 95 points and first place for the performance.

Kippax Entertainment Contest - Heat 2

12 June

This Sunday (14th June) the Band were due to contest the second heat in the 2009 Kippax Entertainment Contest. Unfortunately - or fortunately depending on your point of view - the Band's opponents The Harrogate Band, have had to withdraw from this contest, which means that we only have to turn up and play to qualify for the final on the 9th November. However, the contest organisers contacted the Band and asked if we would perform a concert to entertain the capacity audience that is expected. The Band have agreed to do so, and will start their concert at 8pm, in the Band Club, Mount Pleasant, Kippax.

New Daughter For Dean & Becky

12 June

Congratulations to Dean & Becky Addinell on the birth of their daughter Erin Rose. Erin arrived at 32 minutes past midnight on the 11th June, and weighed in at 7lb 12 ounces. Mother and daughter are both doing well, but no mention of father!

French Open

12 June

This last weekend saw the Band visit Amboise in France, to take part in the French Open Contest. This was the first time that the Band had entered this competition, and as well as the two different contests, the Band also performed the end of contest Gala Concert. The Band were placed 3rd in the 'sit down' contest, and won the march contest. The Concert was performed in front of very enthusiastic audience of over 2000 people. Whilst this was quite a tiring weekend, it was one that the Band thoroughly enjoyed. For more details and pictures, please visit the French Open page in the Gallery. Thanks go to Mel Kennedy for organising the trip, and for the guest players that accompanied us, Craig Richardson (4th Man down), Amy Mondschein (2nd Cornet), Philip Pearson (2nd Baritone), Rosie Nicholl (2nd Trombone), Shaun Roche (BBb Bass) and John Moderate (Percussion).

Open Rehearsal

6 May

This Thursday - May 7th - the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band will be holding an open rehearsal at the Town Hall, Hessle. Starting at 8pm (finishing at 10pm, and with free entry) this rehearsal will give any interested people the opportunity to see the Band being put through its paces, prior to its appearance in the 2009 Grand Shield Contest on Saturday 9th May. Conducting the Band is the Belgian maestro, Frans Violet, who has a world wide reputation as a successful conductor. Frans conducted the Band twice in 2008, coming 9th in the National Finals, and winning the Senior Cup to qualify the band for the Grand Shield. Success in this years Grand Shield would see the Band qualify for the British Open for the first time in its history.

National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

5 April

The following article - written by Niki Bland - is reproduced with permission from the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain website. This site, originally launched in June 2008, contains comprehensive reviews of all of the Regional Championships, news regarding the 2009 National Finals, as well as information about all of the competitions supported by Kapitol Promotions. To visit the site, please click here.

For the last seven years the lineage of Reg Vardy/Ever Ready has proved invincible. Not so this time, as EYMS toppled its arch-rival off the winner’s perch for the first time in seven years to claim its first North of England Championship title since 1998 – the year that marked EYMS’ four-year domination of the event as Champion. The band also collected the Best Soprano Award for John Belton’s secure, tonal work, as well as the Best Bass Section Award.

Nevertheless, with 31 ‘Finals’ appearances to its record, Reg Vardy is still an old hand at earning its passage to Kensington and the weekend saw the band notch up yet another with a performance, this time under the baton of Nicholas Childs. The band earned its qualification with a shaped performance hallmarked by, as one might have anticipated, a big, quality sound, moments of excitement and lyricism, plus some fine solo cornet and euphonium solos. Some slips and splits, particularly in the last movement, may have contributed to the band losing its top slot although, overall, it was a creditable performance that elicited prolonged and noisy applause.

In the opponent’s corner, under the baton of a Robert Childs fresh from his stunning victory on Salute to Youth in Wales the week before, EYMS delivered a performance that, although not regarded by adjudicator, David Read, as blemish-free, prompted him to write: ‘A fine band, so well directed by someone with an excellent grasp of the piece. Well done to all.’ David Read also praised EYMS’ first movement – Resilience – as ‘all done correctly’, the second movement – Romance - as ‘fine playing through to close’ and the third, Relaxation, as ‘overall, fine disciplined playing.’ Best Soprano, John Belton, Neil Day (Principal Cornet) and Neil Johnson (solo euphonium) all received complimentary remarks from the adjudicator too.

Overall, Gilbert Vinter’s vintage test was as under-estimated by competitors in the North of England as it has been in the other seven regions although, comparatively, the field produced a very reasonable standard. As elsewhere, unison of ensemble was taxed by the opening cornet fanfares, the need for speed produced poor clarity and intonation (particularly among trombones) and triplets disappeared, particularly in the last, fast and somewhat misleadingly titled movement, Relaxation. The North’s top section adjudicator, David Read, who has been accused of being severely critical of the performances of ‘Salute’ that he has judge in two other regions, was impressed with every solo cornet player and most of the solo euphoniums on Sunday. “My difficulty was in identifying the best cornet," he said, but his ears came to rest on the stylish playing of Tina Mortimer for third-placed NASUWT Riverside Band as the Best Principal Cornet. He also awarded sixth-placed Lockwood the Best Percussion Section Award.

David Read then went on to deliver a forensic over-view of the piece and performances from the stage, pointing out that, at the time Vinter composed ‘Salute’ in 1961, bands were in sharp pitch and played on big bore instruments. He wryly observed: “There are no hiding places – it was written for the strength of the players of my day. It is, perhaps, not so technical as the pieces of today, but the flow and line have to be kept going. The third movement doesn’t need to be a tour-de-force – it’s supposed to be relaxing, as if you’ve been let off the rein.”

David Read went on to reveal that, during one of his many conversations with Vinter, the composer said he had regretted writing ‘as fast as possible’ on the score in the last movement because he realised that some bands would take it too quickly, thereby obliterating the triplets. “I didn’t want to say anything about Vinter’s comments until after the regional series was over, because it’s up to conductors what they do,” he commented, concluding: “Some conductors understood the piece better than others, but the players didn’t respond, whilst some played the piece quite well, but the conductors didn’t understand the piece.”

Throughout the eight regional events, it seems that less than a handful of conductors really had ‘Salute’ taped. Among these are Garry Cutt, who tucked two victories under his belt with Foden’s in the North West and Camborne Town in the West of England, Dr. Roy Newsome, who sashayed in to the West with after several years of virtual retirement from contesting to claim qualification with Flowers, Ian Porthouse, who claimed two qualifications with Tredegar and Hepworth (Cookson Homes) and Robert Childs, who secured two wins with Cory in Wales and EYMS in the North of England.

At the conclusion of the event, top section adjudicator revealed: “Bob Childs’ has the reading of this piece just right for the reasons he stated in the report that appeared on the website for the National Brass Band Championships. Bob’s reading has all the notes and he doesn’t go over the top with the piece.” David Read should know – he’s listened to 30 performances of Vinter’s tricky test in the North West, Wales and the North of England, in addition to several other sections across the country.

Robert Childs has a special affinity with EYMS Band, which formed as the City of Hull Band under his baton in 1989 to revive brass banding in the City, as well as to underpin brass tuition in local schools and colleges. In just a year, the band had qualified for the 4th Section National Final as Yorkshire Champion and hasn’t looked back since. By 1992, EYMS had risen through the sections to qualify again from the Yorkshire ‘Area’ as 2nd Section Champion and went on to become National Champion of the Section later the same year. Regional boundaries were then redrawn; EYMS transferred into the North of England Region and eventually worked its way up to the Championship Section. The band went on to become North of England Champion in 1995, achieving a remarkable third place in its first attempt at that year’s ‘Final’. EYMS then qualified for the top section ‘Final’ under a variety of different batons between 1996 – ’99, 2001 – 2004 and 2007 – 2009, but has never bettered that prized third place in the 1995 ‘Final’.

EYMS was clearly elated to be the North’s Champion and chanted its delight from the stage afterwards. The band is populated by a lot of couples including the Kennedy clan, which is related to Robert Childs. Robert’s sister, Melanie Kennedy, is the Vice-Chair of the band, her husband, Stewart, plays on the front row and their two nephews, Thomas and Andrew, play second cornet and second euphonium respectively.

Speaking afterwards, a delighted Tony Newiss, told us: “It was a pleasing result and it’s been a long time coming.”

Also reflecting on the band’s interpretation of the test-piece, he commented: “Bob Childs found things in the score that a lot of bands didn’t. Bands under-estimated the piece when they first looked at it and thought that it looked easy when compared to, say, a piece like St. Magnus or Harrison’s Dream. The technical challenges weren’t that difficult, the difficulties of the piece lay in getting it right stylistically and everything together. Bob also treated the last movement like a dance – a scherzo. He had done his homework and we knew that the adjudicator, David Read, liked his interpretation the week before in Wales, so it gave us a bit of hope.”

Tony Newiss attributed EYMS’ rise to winning form this year to the number of different professional conductors that the band has worked with in the past year, which have included Frans Violet, Phillip McCann, Jim Davies, Jason Katsikaris and, of course, Robert Childs. He commented: “The band is now used to having the level of concentration needed to work with these professional conductors and seems to progress more quickly as a result of that process.” He added: “Bob stepped in to lead us at the last ‘Area’ contest, at the last minute. His arrival really seemed to kick off a good year for us, which has seen us win the Kippax Entertainment competition and the Senior Cup.

More Congratulations

28 March

Seven days later than expected, BBb Bass Player Stephen Gibson and wife Emma, are now the proud parents of their second daughter - Harriet Theresa Gibson. Born last night at 11:02pm, and weighing in at 8lbs 2oz, mother and daughter are both well. Father is tired, and first daughter Penny is wondering what all the fuss is about. Congratulations Emma and Stephen.

Harriet Theresa Gibson

Area Win - At Last

23 March

For the first time since 1998, the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band returned to Hull from Darlington as winners of the Championship Section in the North of England Brass Band Championships. The Band won this contest in its first three years as a Championship Section Band - 1996, 1997, 1998 - but since then has had to be satisfied with the runners up place on seven occasions - 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 & 2007. Whilst this is a record to be proud of, it was to regain the title of North of England Champions that the Band has been aiming for. The adjudicator David Read wrote the following notes during the Band's contest performance.

1 Correct! Well done. Piu Mosso - neat. Take your time Soprano otherwise good. Well done Solo Cornet. All accurate & measured with a good sound. 90 Fine. 100 Semi motif fine. 140 Effective, Allargando - fine.

2 Good (if loud). Expressive and sweetly played. 20 Onwards all well shaped. 30 Lovely & well balanced (fp - loose) Be careful to play 4 semiquavers Soprano & Flugel otherwise very fine playing, through to close.

3 Not quite - but good! Bar 4 lumpy but overall fine well disciplined playing. 50 Splits - be careful. All goes well - good link. Andante - expressive Euphonium & loyal accompaniment. All very expressive as cornet joins in. Con Primo - excellent! A fine band so well directed by someone with an excellent grasp of of the piece. Well done to all.

As well as winning the contest, the Band also won the Doug Cairns Trophy for the Best Bass Section (David Fox, Gareth Hughes, Sam Kind, and Peter Arden), and the Colin Frater Memorial Soprano Trophy (John Belton).

The full results are:

East Yorkshire Motor Services Band 1st

Reg Vardy 2nd

NASUWT Riverside 3rd

Fishburn 4th

Felling Band 5th

Lockwood 6th

Easington Colliery 7th

Kirbymoorside Town 8th

Westoe Brass 9th

Greggs' Bakery Withdrawn

The Colin Frater Memorial Soprano Trophy - John Belton EYMS.

The Tim Holmes Memorial Principal Cornet Trophy - Tina Mortimer NASUWT Riverside.

The Doug Cairns Trophy for the Best Bass Section - EYMS.

The Dolphin Centre Percussion Trophy - Lockwood Brass

The EYMS Band - plus the Reg Vardy Band as runners up - will represent the North of England at the 2009 National Brass Band Championships, to be held at The Royal Albert Hall, London on Saturday 17th October.

Open Rehearsal

20 March

Wednesday evening saw the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band present an 'open' rehearsal before the weekend's trip to Darlington, to compete in the 2009 North of England Brass Band Championships - the area. A top two placing there will see the Band qualify to represent the North of England at the National Brass band Finals, to be held at the Royal Albert Hall in October.

The rehearsal - taken by Dr Robert Childs - was held at the Civic Hall, Cottingham. After warming the Band up with a special arrangement of Abide With Me, (a special arrangement that included the percussionists using the instruments found in the test piece, to stop them from reading the paper or texting whilst the rest of the Band worked!) Bob gave the large audience a short introduction to this year's test piece Salute To Youth by Gilbert Vinter, and demonstrated his explanations with short sections of the music.

Following this the Band left the stage and there then followed an enforced gap of no blowing to replicate the contest conditions. We then performed the piece as a whole, even having an 'adjudicator' to pick up on any faults with the performance. The adjudicator Stan Lippeat, hadn't heard the Band perform the test-piece before, so a fresh pair of ears was a bonus to the Band's preparation. After this performance, Bob and Stan conferred about the performance, before the rehearsal put some of these thoughts into action. All the time Bob explained to the audience what was going on. After this the Band once more ran the piece through, before the rehearsal ended.

After the rehearsal some photographs of the Band were taken, along with their current trophies, and these should appear on the website shortly. Also performed last night was the March 100 Club draw. Drawn by Stan Lippeat, the winning number was 78, held by Mr P. Nicholls. Congratulations.

Although a top two placing will see the Band qualify for London, we are aiming to win the competition for the first time since 1998. Our main rivals the Reg Vardy Band (formerly the Ever Ready Band) are going for an eighth successive win, but outside of the area contest it is sometime since the Reg Vardy beat EYMS, with EYMS having the best results at London over the past few years. The results, feedback, photographs, and the adjudicators remarks will feature on the Band website early next week following the contest on Sunday.

Christmas Concert

19 March

The following concert report was written by Brian Carter for the January edition of the Parish News Magazine of The Benefice of Elloughton & Brough with Brantingham, following the Band's concert at St Mary's Church in December 2008. A copy of the magazine has only just reached the Band, hence its slightly delayed publication on the website.

A frosty night, a full church, and a strong smell of mulled wine boded well for a night of good music but I don't think anyone realised what an exceptional evening it was going to be. Once the musicians were seated, Peter Shipp introduced the guest conductor Mr Jason Katsikaris who, while being very professional, also had a wicked sense of humour. The adventurous programme included Christmas Carols and music from J. S. Bach, to the Rolling Stones. During the first half, we were treated to three superb soloists', Neil Day (cornet), Mark Unsworth (Trombone), and Kathy Newiss (Flugel Horn) who played during the truly wonderful 'Hymn For Africa'.

During the interval, while we were being treated to the excellent mince pies, mulled wine and orange juice, some of the audience mingled with members of the band, who, when told how good the music was, said and I quote, "Just wait until the second half".

How right they were, the first tune, 'Jubilee' caught us all by surprise, starting at full volume (the Reverend Richard nearly fell of his chair), then 'Michaelangelo' featuring Neil Johnson on Euphonium, and many other pieces of music finally finishing with 'An American Trilogy' in which the guest Percussionist Sarah Burn - who normally plays for the Leyland band excelled, and it was a joy to watch the expression on her face as she beat the Gong harder and harder until it reached a crescendo at the end of the piece.

After the applause died down, Jason announced that for an encore, the band would play a very moving tune written during the final days of the writer (Deep harmony - Stuart Pullin). This wonderful piece of music brought a tear to many an eye and also to the end to a fantastic evening.

The Band would like to thank Brian Carter for writing this article, and also the Reverend Richard Walker for permission to reproduce the article from the Parish News. The Band will be returning to St Mary's Church, Elloughton on Wednesday 22nd April to present a St George's Day concert, starting at 7.30pm.

Kippax Band Entertainment Contest 2009

18 March

After the Band's success in the 2008 Kippax Band Entertainment Contest, the Band Committee decided that we should enter the 2009 Contest and defend our title. The draw for the order of play was held at the Kippax Band Club on Sunday 15th March, with the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band being drawn to play in the 2nd Qualifying round.

The full draw is:-

Round 1 April 12 : Drighlington Band -V- Barnsley Building Society Band

Round 2 June 12 : East Yorkshire Motor Services -V- The Harrogate Band

Round 3 July 14 : Old Silkstone Band -V- Shepherd Group Band -V- Thoresby Colliery

The winning bands from each round will qualify for the Final, which will be held on Sunday November 8th.

New Conductor Appointed

5 January

The Band is pleased to announce that their search for a new conductor is over. The new man in the middle will be conductor James Cunningham. James is a skilled orchestral conductor, his previous appointment being as Principal Conductor with the Birmingham Concert Orchestra. James studied conducting, and trumpet, at the Birmingham Conservatoire, and worked as an instrumental brass teacher in Birmingham. James also conducted the Birmingham Schools’ Brass Band and Central England Ensemble. He played trumpet with the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, and function band ‘All Funked Up’, and still plays Cornet with the Desford Colliery Brass Band.

Since moving to the East Riding of Yorkshire in September, James has been courted by a number of ensembles and the Band are very pleased to be announcing this exciting appointment. Band Chairman Tony Newiss continues, “We have been looking for a suitable candidate to fill our vacant conductor role for some time, and would like to thank all the talented musicians who applied for the post. We were very impressed with James’s audition and look forward to a successful future together”. James adds, “EYMS are working with an impressive list of professional conductors this year, and I am looking forward to building good relationships with these outstanding musicians. EYMS are a Band with an exciting future”.

James will begin his role as Associate Conductor in January 2009.

2008

Kippax Band Knockout Entertainment Contest

10 November

On Sunday evening 9th November, the Band took part in the Final of the 2008 Kippax Knockout Entertainment Contest. The Band qualified for this after winning their heat in July of this year. Conducted for the evening by Jim Davies, the Band - drawn to play number 2 - were up against the Harrogate Band (3), and the Drighlington Band (1).

After a very entertaining evening, the adjudicator - Mr Alan Morrison - decided on the following result.

Best Soloist - Neil Day (EYMS)

Best Instrumentalist - Mark Unsworth (EYMS)

1st - East Yorkshire Motor Services Band

2nd - The Harrogate Band

3rd - The Drighlington Band

Alan Morrison wrote the following comments about the Band's performance:-

Sing Sing Sing - a slick and successful entry. Percussion had some conflicting rhythms at times and the dynamics often over-powered the room. However the style was mostly successful, and the ending was very impressive. What a great opening!

El Cumbanchero (Cornet Soloist - Neil Day)- a very confidently played solo that was hard to criticise really. All well controlled accompaniments as well. Bravo!

Concertino For Brass Band Mvt II - sensitive in approach and consistently safe in delivery. Solo contributions were mostly assured and the attempted pp was appreciated although some tuning problems were exposed. However a well shaped reading that was most welcome, although the final chord should not be muted? Some atmospheric playing nevertheless!

Jubilee - very tight in ensemble and dynamically active in a lively tempo that found the style and character effectively.

Ruby Tuesday - a little edgy in ensemble of triplets. (A) Solo lines all just a little under pitched. (E) untidy start and EEb Bass rhythmically inaccurate. It doesn't always have poise and clarity as blemishes develop after (J). A well organised reading but not the most convincing piece, and playing of the programme.

The Joker (Trombone Soloist - Mark Unsworth) - a lot of fun and the playing doesn't suffer once. Well done to all for keeping concentration, and entertaining.

Toccata - could have more 'bite' initially but it was most clear. Kit sets off with wrong rhythm and style after the cut, but soon adapts. It has the drive and control to be exciting with excellent tuned percussion. (K) didn't quite work in ensemble, but the ending was conclusive!

A very well prepared and thought out programme, superbly presented by Jim in such a relaxed and informative way, which puts the audience and band at ease. Many highlights were apparent including entertainment value for all tastes, from extended comedy (although, was it wise to terrorise the judges family??) to top class original music. Perhaps a slight low spot in Ruby Tuesday but nothing major in a programme that was obviously well enjoyed by all for its diversity and content. Super soloists throughout!

Thank you all and very well done.

Maurice Metcalfe

26 October

On Thursday 23rd October, the Family, Friends, and Band gathered at the Large Chapel, Chanterlands Avenue Crematorium, Hull, for the service to say farewell to, and mark the passing of Band Secretary Maurice Metcalfe. Also, to remember the many and varied contributions he made, to life in and around the City, including being a stalwart member of the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band.

Before the day, Maurice’s family had requested that the Band play during the service. It is a mark of the high regard in which Maurice was held, that more than a full band arrived to play – including former players Liz Hatton, Danny Hatton, Wendy Orr, Barry Mathews, Dean Addinell, and Steve Ornsby, all appropriately conducted on this occasion by Dixon Laing. The family selected four pieces to be performed during the service, ‘Memory’ from Cats, the March ‘Death or Glory’, ‘Cavatina’ the Theme from The Deer Hunter, and the Theme from the film ‘Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines’. At first glance, it may appear that this was an unusual selection, however, as the service progressed it became apparent that not only had a great deal of thought gone into this selection, but their positioning during the service meant that no other music could have been so appropriately selected.

The congregation entered the Chapel as the Band performed 'Memory' to be met by local clergyman Alan Craven. Alan then took the congregation on a journey through Maurice’s life, from its start in West Hull in 1935, to his time at British Aerospace Brough, National Service in the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, back to working as an engineer at Brough, getting married, and having a family. In 1989, Maurice became involved when the City of Hull Band started, initially helping out as the parent of a young player, but over time becoming chief instrument repairer, Treasurer, and finally Secretary. During this time, the Band changed its name from the City of Hull Band to the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band, and progressed to the highest level of performance, both on the concert and contest stage. Maurice, was immensely proud of the Band’s achievements, but as all those associated with the Band would readily admit, these successes couldn’t have happened without the hard work, encouragement, and support, that Maurice put in week in, week out. It was at this stage that to acknowledge Maurice’s love of the Band, and brass music in general, that the Band played R. B. Hall’s March ‘Death or Glory’.

Alan Craven then read out some of the tributes received by the family and the Band, and whilst the congregation reflected on these, the Band performed Cavatina. Alan then spoke of Maurice’s family, leading up to the glider flight that they paid for to celebrate Maurice’s 70th birthday. This flight combined with Maurice’s many years spent at British Aerospace was the cue for the Band to play ‘Those Magnificent Men’. Alan then let out the not so secret fact, that Maurice was taking his final journey smartly turned out in his Band walking out uniform, complete with British Aerospace tie. Before the service ended, Alan made the point that we should remember Maurice for the ‘gentleman’ that he was, and that we should remember our happy times throughout his life, rather than the sadness experienced on this day.

The Metcalfe family had requested that flowers be from the family only – and these included a special wreath with a stand banner as a centrepiece – and that all donations should go to the Dove House Hospice, a charity close to Maurice’s heart.

September 2009 will mark the 20th Anniversary of the Band’s formation, instead of the planned celebration concert, the Band will be holding a Maurice Metcalfe Memorial Concert at the Middleton Hall, University of Hull. This will take place on Saturday 26th September, with proceeds going to the Dove House Hospice. Alan Craven, who presided over Maurice's funeral and has been associated with the Band for several years, will add a touch of continuity and the dignity that such an event will require, as well as providing the humour that Maurice would appreciate, whilst hosting this concert.

“ This is not my area of skill, I'm only an aircraft engineer you know”.

Maurice Metcalfe 1935 - 2008

"Take care, play hard, and make my Granddad proud!"

With love

Stephanie Metcalfe (Granddaughter)

Maurice Metcalfe

17 October

The funeral for Maurice will be held at the Crematorium, Chanterlands Avenue, Hull, on Thursday 23rd October, at 2.30pm. His family have requested that flowers be limited to the family only, but any donations to the Dove House Hospice would be greatly appreciated.

Maurice Metcalfe

13 October

It is with great sadness that the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band announces the death of long serving Band Secretary Maurice Metcalfe.

Maurice had been involved in the administration of the Band since its formation in 1989 and has been an integral part of the Band's development and success. Band Chairman Tony Newiss said, "Maurice has been a very special part of what has become the EYMS family, and has been the cornerstone of the organisation. He will be missed for his organisational skills, his unstinting support, his ability to return mangled instruments to usability and his irrepressible sense of humour. All our thoughts are with his family at this sad time".

Maurice was admitted to hospital last week during the Band's preparations for the Finals, and passed away on Sunday morning.

Amongst the many tributes received by the Band is one from former players Wendy & Russ Orr, that sums up Maurice's character, "Just to say how sorry we were to hear the sad news that Maurice Metcalfe had passed away. Such a lovely man, a real gent - he will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to his family".

The Band learned of Maurice's passing on their return from London. Details of the funeral will be placed on the Band website www.eymsbrassband.co.uk as soon as they become available.

Open Rehearsal

4 October

As part of the Band's rehearsal schedule this week, they will be holding an Open (and free) Rehearsal on Thursday 9th October at The Town Hall, Hessle, starting at 8pm and ending around 10pm. This rehearsal forms part of the Band's build up to their appearance at the Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, held at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 11th October. The Band will be conducted by Frans Violet, the Belgian conductor who worked with the Band earlier this year when the Band won the Senior Cup contest in Blackpool.

New Signings Welcomed

19 September

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Band has been busy during the transfer window with four new signings to strengthen the ranks ahead of the Nationals.

The relocation of Kevin and Jayne Moxon in September left vacancies on Soprano and 2nd Cornet. The Band have been fortunate in securing the services of John Belton on Soprano Cornet who has helped the band out previously, playing with distinction at The Spring Festival 2007, and comes to EYMS from the Wakefield Metropolitan Band. On 2nd Cornet, Thomas Kennedy joins the Band from the Powerfuel Hatfield Colliery Band, following in the footsteps of his brother Andrew (2nd Euph), and Uncle Stewart (Front row cornet) - considerably lowering the average age of the cornet section in doing so!

With 2nd Baritone Steve Ornsby standing down recently to spend more time with his family, the Band have enlisted the talented Sarah Evans who has recently moved back to Hull having until recently, been playing 2nd Euphonium for Bournemouth Concert Brass.

The icing on the cake for the Band is the filling of the Principal Cornet seat, which has remained vacant since Steve Rudhall returned to New Zealand after “The Nationals” in October 2007. The Band were fortunate to be able to call on several players who have helped out on the end chair, notably the Band’s own Stewart Kennedy who excelled on Festival Music at the areas, and Jef Vermeiren for Elgar Variations at The Spring Festival 2008.

The first round of the Kippax Band Club Entertainments Contest saw Neil Day filling the seat in the Band’s winning performance, and the Band are very happy to announce that Neil has accepted the position of “Top Man” with immediate effect, moving from the same position with the Thoresby Colliery Band, bringing with him a wealth of talent and experience.

Band Chairman Tony Newiss said” We have operated without a permanent Principal Cornet for almost a year as we were looking to add that (something special) to enhance the talent already present in the bandroom to move the Band forward. We believe we have now found that.

We are approaching a very busy period both in terms of Contest/Concert work and in the Band’s history with our 20th Anniversary next year. All four will make their contest Debut at The Royal Albert Hall in October having already cut their teeth with Concerts at Cockermouth, and The Sage, Gateshead, in September.

We wish John, Thomas, Sarah, and Neil a hearty welcome and a long and successful time at EYMS.

Trombonists Tie The Knot

25 August

Congratulations go to the Band's Bass Trombonist Alistair Shipman, who married Heather Williams in a ceremony at the Royal York Hotel, York, on Sunday 24th August. Heather - also a trombonist - is an ardent fan of Sunderland FC, and red & white featured throughout the day. However, Alistair wasn't to be out done, and the cake was tastefully decorated with black and amber ribbons, for Premiership new boys Hull City.

Music for the ceremony and reception was provided by a brass quintet (Neil Day, Kirsty Fox, Garry Oglesby, Mark Unsworth, and Gareth Hughes). After an excellent evening, Mr & Mrs Shipman left to honeymoon in Salzburg, romantically travelling by sleeper train - apparently another one of Alistair's passions according to information supplied by the best man! We wish Alistair and Heather well for their future together.

Good News for Kathy

25 August

After following a course of antibiotics, Kathy was discharged from the hospital in Cleveland, and was able with Tony to return home to England. The good news is that the virus that caused the meningitus wasn't caused by the West Nile Virus. Kathy is now feeling much better, but still has a way to go. Hopefully, it won't be too long before she is able to return to the Band again.

Blow the Trumpet and Bang the Drums

23 August

Congratulations to Band percussionist James Hendry who received his GCSE results this last week. James received an A*, 3 A's, 2 B's, and 2 C's, as well as a merit and distinction star. The results came through shortly after James had found out that he had passed his Associated Boards Grade VIII Percussion exam with Distinction.

Good News from Ohio

18 August

The doctors treating Kathy have decided that her condition has improved so much, that the course of antibiotics will be shorter than originally anticipated. As a result of this, it is anticipated that Kathy and Tony will be able to return to the United Kingdom sooner, rather than later, hopefully within the next few days.

Kathy Improving

15 August

After several days of treatment, the news from the United States is better, in that Kathy has been allowed 'home' from hospital. Her treatment continues by way of antibiotics taken intravenously via a mobile drip which will continue for at least a further five days. Meanwhile in the hospital, the tests continue to try and discover from the samples, exactly which virus caused the meningitus.

Horror Bite for Kathy

14 August

Whilst on holiday in the United States of America, Band Flugal player Kathy Newiss was bitten by a mosquito suffering an adverse reaction. Husband Tony confirmed that after arriving at hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning, Kathy has been diagnosed with Aseptic Meningitus/Encephalitis. The virus that caused this illness still has to be confirmed, but doctors are looking at the possibility of West Nile Virus, but this will take some time to be confirmed due to the nature of the tests involved. At the present time Kathy has had two CAT Scans, two lumber punctures, x-rays, and a host of other tests and treatments, and has responded to some of the treatment and is now able to sit up, talk and eat under her own steam again.

The Band's thoughts are with Tony & Kathy, and we hope for a speedy recovery.

Double Congratulations

11 August

On Sunday 3rd August the wedding of former Band members Liz Grosvenor and Danny Hatton took place in Keele, Staffordshire. Several current members of the Band, Alison Grantham, Garry Oglesby, and Mark Unsworth, joined with former members of the Band Melanie Ornsby and Craig Gaskell, and Band founder Dixon Laing, to provide music during the service and at the reception.

As well as the players mentioned previously, several other members and former members of the Band attended the wedding, including Nick and Gaynor Laing, Steve Ornsby, Dean Addinell, and Sally Westwood. After a fantastic evening, and an early breakfast, Mr & Mrs Hatton headed off for Stoke, Singapore, and Bali. We wish them well for their future together.

As well as providing the music, some members of the Band also provided an impromptu cabaret.

Congratulations also go to Craig and Ruth Gaskell on the birth of their daughter Emily Ruth.

Kippax Band Knockout Entertainment Contest

14 July

Last night the Band took part in the 3rd and final heat of the 2008 Kippax Band Knockout Entertainment Contest. Only two bands were contesting this heat, EYMS, and Pennine Brass, with EYMS drawing to play second. Conducted for the evening by Phillip McCann, the Band made a rousing start to their programme with Paul Drury's up tempo march 'Jubilee!'. This was followed by the Band's soloist Kathy Newiss (Flugel Horn) playing the theme music from the film 'Children of Sanchez' arranged by Reid Gilje from the original by Chuck Mangione. The Band showed off another side of their playing skills in Goff Richards big band style arrangement of 'Mack The Knife' from Kurt Weill's Threepenny Opera. In complete contrast, featuring a quartet of players - Kathy Newiss (Flugel), Alison Grantham (Tenor Horn), John Mathews (Baritone) and Neil Johnson (Euphonium) - Stephen Bradnum's arrangement of Joyce Ellers Bacak's 'Irish Blessing' met with loud approval from the large and very knowledgeable audience. Changing style once again to feature the Band's Trombone section of Mark Unsworth, David Howarth, and Alistair Shipman, in Roger Harvey's 'Temptresses for Trombones'. As the compere for the evening accurately observed the title refers to the girls in the music (Georgia, Girl from Ipanema, and Lulu's Back In Town), rather than the three players. For their final piece, Phillip McCann had chosen the Finale from 'Glorifico Aeternum' by Dean Jones.

The Adjudicator for the evening, Mr Colin Hardy, wrote:-

Jubilee - Neat and tidy start with good dynamic contrasts all in place, with super contrasts all way to close.

Children of Sanchez - Very effective opening. A super flugel & accompaniments well in control. B+ all so well balanced & in control. D+ very neat & tidy & so effective. I am now just enjoying. H+ Well done flugel only odd blip, well done only last chord out of tune!!

Mack the Knife - Lovely easy swing style with good dynamic contrasts. Octaves again some intonation in upper cornets do take care, builds to close - great!

Irish Blessing - Lovely balanced start & flows nicely & well in control. Very effective from A+. C+ again well done & lovely close - Thank you

Temptresses for Trombones - Flows nicely & Troms are well balanced. B+ all ok also D+. Well done EEb Basses. J well balanced accompaniments. This is all so well in control & good dynamic contrasts & super mood changes. Very catchy number - Super.

Glorifico Aeternum - Good dynamic contrasts & all well executed, percussion throughout is well integrated with the band well done. I do like the dynamic contrasts, just odd touch of intonation felt but overall well well played. Super close

Overall a very good performance and all so well in control. Many thanks all for a magnificent performance so well directed.

After a short pause so that the Band could pack up, the results were announced with the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band coming First. A result which qualifies them for the final of this competition, which will see the Band competing against the winners from the first two rounds, Drighlington, and the Harrogate Band. The final takes place in the Kippax Band Club on Sunday 9th November.

Annual Awards Evening

14 July

On Saturday 5th July following an afternoon concert for our sponsors, the East Yorkshire Motor Services Group Limited, the Band got together at their 'local' pub 'The Minerva', for a social evening to celebrate the past year at the annual awards night.

There were various light hearted 'silly' awards presented to several members of the Band for their contributions in the last 12 months, in an awards ceremony hosted and presented (using the latest cutting edge technology) by the Band's answer to Davina McCall - Alison Grantham. Once the tears of laughter had been dried, the build up to the serious awards began. The Band has in the past presented two awards, 'Most Improved Player', and the 'Presidents Award for Outstanding Contribution'. The second award is voted for by members of the Band, and the first is decided upon by the Band's Musical Director, - however, as we have recently been going through the process of appointing a new Musical Director, it was decided to place this award on hold until next year's Awards evening. The committee decided that there should be a new award, to be presented to the 'Players' Player Of The Year'. Along with the Outstanding Contribution Award, this was voted for by the Band by secret ballot. The results were known only to one person, Band Secretary Maurice Metcalfe, and he made the presentations to:-

Stewart Kennedy - Players' Player Of The Year.
Mark Unsworth - Presidents Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Congratulations to the winners, and also to BBb Bass player Pete Arden who became engaged to Margot, following the evenings celebrations.

Gibbo's Goodbye

19 June

Stephen Gibson informed the Band earlier this month of his intention to stand down as a playing member of the Band. Stephen joined the Band in 2004 in time to play at the Grand Shield Contest in Blackpool, following a period at Aunt Bessies East Yorkshire Brass, during which time he helped the EYMS Band out on several occasions. Stephen made the decision to stand down after considering his work commitments, as well as his commitment to his young family.

Stephen has indicated that should his work commitments change, and a vacancy exist, he would hope for a return to playing with the Band. The Band would like to thank Stephen for his contribution to the Band and wish him well for the future. In the meantime, Stephen is maintaining his connection to the Band by remaining as a Committee Member, and Band Librarian.

Stephen's place in the Bass Section will be filled for the forthcoming Kippax Contest, and the National Brass band Championships by Tim Atkinson.

Senior Cup - The Judge's Rulings

12 May

Drawn to play number 12, the two adjudicators - Derek Broadbent & Christopher Wormold - wrote the following about the Band's performance of the set test-piece 'Elgar Variations' by Martin Ellerby.

Derek Broadbent

A compact opening. A Stylish - I do hear the general detail - but some looseness creeps in & spoils. B - C effective. C Opens well - Tasteful Solo Cornet, plays with good shape & style - not quite blemish free. Div just works - Close - pleasing. D Drives along in good style 73 gets a bit wild. E Don't hurry please - F Quite neat - but some inner detail gets lost in the excitement. G Has good conviction. H Gains tempo I So much hurrying! Two before J good percussion. J Flugel soloist plays in good style - well supported by all. 165 builds well. Controlled playing in this section to 171. A pleasing ensemble - this is nicely thought out and so musical. A lovely close. Two before K well done. K Has vivacity and good detail is heard. L Is skittish - a good contrast - Close is fine. M Chording fine, Euphonium soloist very tasteful - just the odd blemish - but that was musically done. N Good tempo - good style and detail ensues to ff - then a bold sound - but nothing overdone. Two before P lovely chording. P A spot of tuning spoils the opening chord - so much time & space in the solo lines - yet they all link so well - worth listening too. Div cornets - nicely done - lovely pace accel & dynamics to follow. Two before R beautifully done. R In good style - well balanced quartets. S Well worked - good detail to T. I do hear this - controlled to U Nothing overdone. Crescendo to ff fine. This is bold and stylish - Closing Fanfares - of the highest standard.

A performance of merit. Just a blip or two earlier on, but much music to commend. Thank you very much indeed.

Christopher Wormold

A reasonably tidy opening with detail and balance generally all in place. Good attempt at b43 Cornet soloists, not without blemish as you know. Very bright tempo chosen at D but on the whole this works! Balance not always secure at b78 but some very good contributions around the sound. All works well to H but here the band starts to really accel and head towards out of control? - There are some very uneasy moments as J approaches. Well played Flugel at J, you are slightly flat and underpitch but generally very stylish indeed. Tuning is not entirely secure at b171 or in the final few bars leading into this either but into b182 there is some beautiful shape, balance and tuning with very secure intonation too - your best so far. This performance is growing - not without blemish - but it is improving consistently. L was generally well handled and M was a brave attempt in Euphonium. N was outstanding (unfortunate blemish or two in Soprano is unfortunate but not costly) with some great stuff and technique here. The chords into P are excellent and P itself is so good. Well played all of you - Horn, Flugel, Soprano etc. - This is wonderful stuff. What a pity the first third of this piece was not as good as it is now - this is really excellent playing and direction!! One solo cornet at R? (Two?) very loud and safe for 'p' here. The section through to T is not particularly convincing to be honest, T is far better. This is a band with a superb sound and balance but perhaps needs more technical work to compliment its excellent foundations. Fantastic close and wonderful penultimate bar - all the detail is here for sure. This was a cracking performance which started out much less obviously for what was to follow. Well played!

The leading brass band website 4Barsrest had a reporter providing 'live' coverage of the competition. His review of our performance said :-

A very impressive opening. Full of detail and the MD allows the musical lines to flow. Great tempo. Effective trombones – the ensemble work is so well delivered and is so tight. The Elgar is vivid. The detail continues. Lots of contrast and the dynamics are so well observed. Euph does well and lovely ensemble to be heard. Closing section maintains the quality.

Overall: A show of real quality by both band and MD. Right up there.

The reporter - Malcolm Wood then predicted the result in his opinion after listening to all 19 performances.

A piece of music that certainly tested the bands. For us though the cream should come to the top in the shape of EYMS coming out as winners with Skelmanthorpe and Pemberton in the mix. Behind them we plumb for Stocksbridge, Ratby and Wire.

1.     EYMS
2.     Skelmanthorpe
3.     Pemberton
4.     Stocksbridge
5.     Ratby
6.     Wire Brass

At the conclusion of the contest, the results were announced as follows.

The soloist prize was awarded to the Euphonium player with the Jaguar (Coventry) Band, and the top six places in the 2008 Senior Cup are :-

1	East Yorkshire Motor Services Band
2	Bactiguard Wire Brass
3	Jaguar (Coventry)
4	Pemberton Old Wigan JJB
5	Skelmanthorpe
6	Ratby Co-operative

EYMS Band Motor to Cracking Victory

11 May

East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band gave a ‘cracking’ performance to win one of the country’s leading competitions in Blackpool. The victory on Saturday was masterminded by Frans Violet, a top musical director specially ‘imported’ from Belgium to lead the Band’s assault on the Senior Cup at the Winter Gardens. He had only one week to prepare the Band – after making an air, sea and road dash for Hull straight after leading Belgium’s Brass Band Willebroek in the defence of its European title in Stavanger the previous weekend. After the announcements of the results in Norway, he flew from Stavanger to Brussels, took a speedy taxi to his car at home - and then headed for Rotterdam to catch the ferry to Hull.

With him was Jef Vermeiren, a Willebroek player who was principal cornet on Saturday for EYMS. Willebroek finished third in the European, ironically behind winners Cory of Wales, conducted by Dr Robert Childs, founder of the Hull band in 1989. But Frans got back into the winner’s enclosure with EYMS after a thoroughbred reading of the set test for 19 bands at Blackpool, Martin Ellerby’s Elgar Variations. The victory promotes the Band next year into the Grand Shield, the ‘feeder’ for the British Open Brass Band Championships; the oldest, most famous, and highest-profile contest in the world.

Band chairman John Mathews said: “It is our 20th anniversary in 2009 and it would be a fantastic birthday present for us to qualify for the British Open. “We would have to finish in the top two in the Grand Shield. It would be a tough task, but not impossible, and the anniversary gives us every incentive to go for it.” The adjudicators at Blackpool, Derek Broadbent and Chris Wormald, were both highly impressed with the Band’s showing. Wormald, who praised EYMS for its ‘superb sound and balance’, added: “This was a cracking performance.” Broadbent, delighted with the ‘stately playing’ and ‘lovely chording’, declared there to be ‘much to commend in a performance of merit’. The leading website 4barsrest.com said: “The Elgar is vivid – a show of real quality by both band and MD.”

Willebroek, Frans’ own band, won the European contest with a performance including the same music last year, when it was written to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Edward Elgar, widely regarded as Britain’s finest composer. The Belgian band had been on a hat trick of European wins in Stavanger. Frans spent two nights in Hull with the Band late last month to get to know the players at first hand after accepting the EYMS invitation to take them to Blackpool.

In between, Norman Law, the former Black Dyke trombone star, helped prepare the band in readiness for Frans’ arrival on Bank Holiday Monday. The Blackpool success confirms EYMS’s rich vein of form, which has seen them qualify for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall in October, against the likes of Yorkshire big guns Black Dyke, and Grimethorpe Colliery. Last October, EYMS, in its 10th appearance in London in 13 years, and the nationally lowest-ranked of the 20 finalists at the RAH, finished12th.

Tony Newiss, Frans Violet, and The Senior Cup.

John Mathews continued, “On behalf of the band and committee, I would like to thank both Frans Violet, and Norman Law for all of the hard work they each put in, to secure a first place in the Senior Cup for EYMS Band. Norman has been training the Band for some weeks now, and when Frans came over to Hull from Stavanger on Bank Holiday Monday, they proved to be a force to be reckoned with. After the initial language barriers were crossed, Frans really started to put his artistic flair on the piece. By contest day the band really were up for the challenge. We have had a fantastic start to the year. Qualifying for the finals under the baton of the Band’s founder Bob Childs was a great experience, and now a win under Frans Violet. As a longstanding player of the band, I never imagined that I would work with two of the worlds leading brass band conductors in such a short period of time.”

Thanks must also go to the East Yorkshire Motor Services Group Ltd., the support we receive from the company, and Chief Executive Peter Shipp, makes all of these dreams come true. EYMS, which rehearses twice a week at the Popple Street HQ of the St John Ambulance, have a number of concerts later in the year, starting with Cottingham Civic Hall on Saturday 7thJune.

Stavangar - Hull - Blackpool

28 April

Frans Violet is preparing to make an air, sea and road dash for Hull - straight after leading Brass Band Willebroek in the defence of its European title in Stavanger this weekend. Frans, who led the Belgians to a stunning victory last year, with Martin Ellerby’s Elgar Variations as one of the tests, will hardly have time to draw breath before setting off for England to join up with the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band.

He is set to arrive on Bank Holiday Monday, ready for an intensive week of rehearsals in preparation for the EYMS challenge at the Spring Festival in Blackpool. In an inspired move by the Band, Frans has been brought in, as the Senior Cup chosen work is the same Elgar Variations with which this top conductor has been so successful.

After the announcements of the results in Norway, he will fly from Stavanger to Brussels, take a speedy taxi to his car at home - and then head for Rotterdam to catch the ferry to Hull. With him will be Jef Vermeiren, a front row player with Willebroek who is to be principal cornet on the day for EYMS as they look to move out of the Senior Cup and back into the Grand Shield after a two-year absence.

Frans spent two nights in Hull with the Band late last month to get to know the players at first hand after accepting the EYMS invitation to take them to Blackpool. Currently putting the Band through its paces in readiness for Frans’s arrival is Norman Law, the former Black Dyke trombone star. He is the second former Queensbury player to be associated with EYMS this year after Bob Childs, the Hull Band’s founder, returned as special guest conductor to lead them to this year’s National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October, which will be the Band's 10th appearance in London in the past 13 years.

London via Darlington

31 March

Yesterday the Band took part in the North of England Brass Band Championships, which are the regional heats for qualifying for the National Brass Band Championships held later in the year. Drawn to play the dreaded number one, the Band - under the direction of Dr. Robert Childs - gave an extremely competent, musical, and detailed performance, which laid down the standard for the remainder of the competing bands. The test-piece was Eric Ball's Festival Music, a three movement (Overture, Romance, & Impromptu) work, a piece that found favour with both bands and audience. The adjudicator (Mr. David Horsfield), wrote the following about the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band's performance.

Overture: Confident style with good style and flow. Tidy ensemble in 6. The tempo gives the music space. 9 ok but untidy slightly 10. Great style in ff 12. Some good dynamic contrast throughout. Good close.

Romance: Well balanced if not exactly together in entry. 1 balance in troms with excellent bass line. In the solo sections some secure contributions with finely spaced lyrical moments. We just lose a little flow in 5 + 1 & 2, but some great dynamics before6. In 6 sonorous sounds are created, with movement good in 7. 8 mp ,and euph and only the occasional blemish noted but a brave attempt. Trombone feature is musical with good pp & p behind. Balance fine again in trombones. Untidy a little final pause.

Impromptu: Attention to note values. Tempo good; only slight blemishes noted. Delightful pp 5. 8 has quite nice expressive feel, and the cantabile sings well. 10 excitement to the close, just slightly untidy towards the trill close. Thank you.

The final results were:-

Best Bass Section - Reg Vardy Band

Best Soprano Cornet - Tom Glendinning (Reg Vardy Band)

Best Cornet - Jimmy Hayes (Reg Vardy Band)

Best Percussion Section - East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band

4th Place - 190 points - The Fishburn Band

3rd Place - 192 points - The Felling Band

2nd Place - 193 Points - East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band

1st Place - 194 points - The Reg Vardy Band.

These results mean that both the EYMS Band and the Reg Vardy Band will represent the North of England at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, to be held at The Royal Albert Hall, London, on Saturday 11th October 2008. Since attaining Championship Section status, this will be the 10th time out of 13 attempts that the Band has qualified for the National Finals. Congratulations go to the Band Percussion Section of Jonathan Chapman, Shaun Davey, and James Hendry, for retaining the prize for the best Percussion Section.

Congratulations also go to our banding neighbours, the Barton Band for their success in winning the North of England 2nd Section Contest. Their resident conductor Garry Oglesby - the EYMS Band's 1st Horn player - has been instrumental in Barton's success.

Frans Violet

9 March

Born in 1954, Frans showed much early musical promise and started to attend the Music Academies of Boom and Willebroek at the age of 8, before moving to the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp, from which he graduated with several diplomas, as well as prizes in both Trumpet, and Piano performance.

Frans started his professional music career in 1972 as a Trumpet soloist with the Muntschouwburg (Brussels Opera), before joining the symphony orchestra of the Belgian National Radio and Television Company. During this time his passion for Brass Band music grew, until in 1984 he decided to leave the orchestral world and concentrate on teaching at the Music Academy of Willebroek, and on conducting Brass Band Willebroek. As well as his work at the Music Academy of Willebroek, Frans also holds 'professorships' at the Lemmens Institute of Leuven, and the Royal Music Conservatoire of Antwerp.

Frans founded Brass Band Willebroek in 1979, and has led the Band to many successful results, including 14 Belgian Brass Band Championships, and two European Brass Band Championships (including the 2007 Championships which had as its set test piece Martin Ellerby's 'Elgar Variations', the piece that Frans will be taking EYMS on at this year's Spring Festival).

Frans arrives in Kingston Upon Hull on Monday 10th March, to take the Band for two rehearsals, before returning to the city in early May as the contest build-up reaches its final stages.

Frans Violet to take Band to Blackpool

5 March

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band are delighted to announce that they have secured the services of Frans Violet to conduct them at the 2008 Spring Festival.

The Band is competing in the Senior Cup, and is determined to improve on the 6^th and 5^th placings gained in 2006 and 2007. To help achieve this, it was decided by the Band’s Management Committee to approach Frans with a view to taking them to Blackpool this year. Frans was only too delighted to accept, and will be visiting Kingston Upon Hull in early March to start rehearsing the Band on the set test-piece ‘Elgar Variations’.

Band Chairman John Mathews said, “The appointment of Frans, a conductor with a proven track record – not just as the highly successful conductor of Brass Band Willebroek – but also as a winning conductor on Elgar Variations, demonstrates the determination of the Band not only to move out of the Senior Cup, but to be challenging in 2009 for a place in the British Open”.

Echoing these comments trombonist Mark Unsworth added, “Knowing that Frans will be conducting the Band, combined with some new players arriving, has given the Band a real lift. There is now an excitement around the bandroom, something that has been missing for a few weeks. All we need now is to sort out a replacement Musical Director and Principal Cornettist, and the jigsaw will almost be complete, though I have to say the input of temporary conductors Duncan Beckley & Garry Oglesby – and Stewart Kennedy for sitting on the end chair – has been magnificent”.

Bob Childs Back at Helm

11 February

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band are delighted to confirm that Bob Childs will be conducting them at next month’s North of England Brass Band Championships. This will be Bob’s first contest with the Band for over 10 years; his last appearance was at the 1997 National Finals, although he has conducted the Band since then on the concert stage.

Bob, along with fellow peripatetic teacher Dixon Laing, was responsible for the formation of this Band in September 1989, and conducted it regularly until 1997, when Bob’s other commitments had to take precedence. During this time, the Band went from a fledgling Fourth Section Band to an established Championship Band with two Albert Hall appearances to their name. Bob also oversaw the Band change its name from the City of Hull Band, to the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band following the financial support provided by the local coach company – support that still continues to this day.

Only four players remain in the Band from Bob’s last contest conducting work, the husband and wife teams of John & Julia Mathews, and David & Kirsty Fox. Solo Baritone player John was delighted as Chairman to announce to the Band that Bob would be returning to conduct the Band at the North of England Area. He continued, “Following the sudden departure of Jim Davies, this announcement gave the Band a real, and immediate lift. We all realise that Bob has exacting standards, and that we all have a huge amount of work to complete both prior to his first rehearsal, and with him in the Bandroom, but it is a great opportunity for the Band to regain the momentum created at last years Albert Hall performance”.

As reported elsewhere, Duncan Beckley will be working with the Band prior to Bob’s arrival, but as Duncan already has a full diary, the Band will also be using other conductors, including Garry Oglesby who will be taking some rehearsals and a concert in Grimsby on the 16^th February.

Band Chairman John Mathews said “The Band hasn’t advertised for a replacement MD at the moment, as we have made arrangements for the Area, and will be announcing shortly who will be taking the Band to the Spring Festival. This planning for the short term, gives the Band the opportunity to consider all of the options for replacing Jim, including speaking to several parties who have expressed an interest, and then if required to advertise the position”.

Music with Bite

10 February

So read the headline in a recent edition of The Grimsby Telegraph www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk Written by Band member Simon Blow, Sports Editor with The Grimsby Telegraph. The article is reproduced here in full with kind permission of Simon, and The Grimsby Telegraph.

Here is a band with plenty of bite, and this picture proves it! It shows the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band performing at The Deep, in Hull - which was music to the ears of this shark.

The band, based in the city, will be crossing the tamer waters of the Humber on February 16th to appear in a Brass and Voices concert with the Humberston Singers. It will take place at the Central Hall, Duncombe Street, Grimsby.

Although the band - known as EYMS for short - is relatively young, being formed in 1989, it has come a long way in a short time and is now ranked as one of the best in the world. It is conducted by the former Cory and Brighouse cornet virtuoso Jim Davies. (In fact this concert will be conducted by Garry Oglesby). Although EYMS is in demand for many concerts during the year, in competition it is a part of the Championship Section - the equivalent of soccer's Premier League. Noted for its fine solo players, the band had appeared at the Royal Albert Hall a dozen times in recent years, in the finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. It has been the movement's northern area champions on four occasions.

The Humberston Singers meanwhile, celebrated its seventh birthday last year and usually performs with 60-plus voices. It was formed by Richard Bradley with the assistance of members of the then Group 15 of the National Association of Choirs (now the Lincolnshire Group). The choir rehearses in the village church at Humberston but travels over a wide area to perform in concerts. The past seven years have been busy but the highlight so far has been a visit to the Czech Republic where the choir sang in three concerts.

Tickets for the concert, at the Central Hall, Grimsby, on Saturday, February 16 are priced Ł10, Ł8, and Ł6, available from the Caxton Ticket Office, Grimsby Central Library on 01472 346251.

Simon Blow - reproduced from The Grimsby Telegraph, Monday January 21 2008 edition.

Jim Davies Stands Down

4 February

It is with regret, that the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band announces the resignation of their Musical Director – Jim Davies with immediate effect.

Band spokesman Tony Newiss said, “Jim arrived at the Band in June 2005, after a particularly difficult time in the Band’s history – we had struggled to put a band together to take part in that year’s Grand Shield, from which we were ultimately relegated, and had lost several players, both before and after this contest. However, Jim combined well with the Band Management Committee who attracted new players, and the Band once more took steps in the right direction”.

Highlights of Jim’s time with the Band include recording two CD’s (The Deep, and Reformers), a tour of The Netherlands in 2007, working with Philip Wilby at the World Premiere Performance of his work ‘Reformers’ during the 2007 Wilberforce Festival, and of course qualifying for the 2007 National Finals and the well deserved 12th place at the Royal Albert Hall.

Jim spoke directly to the Band giving family commitments, and other conducting obligations, as the reasons behind his decision to leave.

Band Chairman John Mathews said, “On behalf of the Band, I would like to pay particular tribute to Jim for all of his hard work in giving the Band back its confidence, pointing us back in the right direction, and giving us the opportunity to enjoy our music making once more. I would also like to wish Jim all the best for his future, and should the opportunity arise we will be able to work with Jim again.”

The Band are currently speaking to several interested parties and will announce in the very near future who will be taking them to its forthcoming appearances at the North Of England Championships, and at the Spring Festival in Blackpool.

Congratulations All Round

19 January

Members of the Band had a double reason for celebration recently. First of all, new Soprano player Kevin Moxon, and 3rd 'Man' Down Jayne Wright visited a small town in Southern Scotland - Gretna Green, and they came back over the border as Mr & Mrs Moxon. Then BBb Bass player Sam Kind and his partner Sarah, announced the arrival of their new daughter Thea Grace.

For those requiring the full technical details, Monday morning (14th January) at 5:24am, weighing 7lb, 7˝ozs, (3.9kg). Apparently mother and daughter are doing very well, Dad's just delirious.

The Band would like to send Kevin, Jayne, Sam, Sarah, and Thea Grace their congratulations, and wish them all a very successful and happy future.

2007

Comings & Goings

23rd December

The end of 2007 has seen several changes of personnel within the Band. Vicki Kennedy decided to leave the Band - where she has been playing 4th man on the front row - and move to the Rothwell Band based in Leeds. The BBb Bass section has been rejoined by Sam Kind. Sam left the Band in 2006 when he was unable to offer the commitment required due to pressures of work, however, now that he has changed jobs and is once again in a position to commit, the Band is delighted to welcome Sam back. Our longstanding Soprano position has been filled by the arrival of Kevin Moxon, and his partner Jayne Wright who plays Cornet is also joining on the front row. Erin McVittie has been offered some regular playing on the French Horn which is her first instrument, and so has decided to vacate the 2nd Baritone position

The departure of Steve and Alice Rudhall has been felt especially hard by the Band. Tony Newiss - instrumental in their arrival at the Band - wrote the following:-

So long! Farewell! Auf weidersehn! Goodbye!

The time has come, unfortunately, to say So long! Farewell! Auf weidersehn! Goodbye! to Steve and Alice Rudhall, who have been with the Band now for two years. In the nicest possible way, I have to say it seems longer!

Picture the scene…., sitting at my computer screen in the early hours of the morning, scouring brass band online information sites wondering where we are going to find a new Principal Cornet, when winging its way into my in-tray, comes an e-mail from the Brass Band Web-ring with a question. “Does any one know of a Championship Section band within 1 hours drive of Grimsby? Steve Rudhall will be working in Grimsby for about 18 Months from Sept/ Oct 2005. Steve is the current National Cornet Champion of New Zealand.” Needless to say it took me all of 20 seconds to answer with the details of our Band website, the fact that we were a lot less than an hour away, and that we were looking for a Principal Cornet. I have to say when I looked at the website of the band he was currently playing for in Nelson, New Zealand, it appeared Steve was our kind of guy! He was pictured sitting behind a table, which was full of empty beer glasses and he looked happy.

The rest – as they say – is history! Steve duly arrived, and came to a rehearsal, and in the meantime we had learned that Alice – his wife – was a tenor horn player and we also had a gap for a horn player. In one fell swoop, we had potentially filled two vacancies. At that stage, we didn’t know how or whether things would work out. How little we knew.

It would be fair to say that in their time with us Steve and Alice have become very much part of Band life, and not just from a playing perspective. They have both contributed to the Band’s administration, as well as the (extensive) social arena. Steve’s propensity for a good curry at the drop of a hat fitted in perfectly with the Band ethos! Since their arrival, they have quite simply been brilliant. They are talented, committed bands people and it has been a pleasure to have them aboard for two years. They are now firmly part of the EYMS Band “family”.

We wish them all the best in everything they do when they eventually get back to New Zealand, and an enjoyable month travelling and holidaying whilst on route.Our attempts to get their passports cancelled having failed we have to say “Au revoir” to Alice and Steve with thanks to them, both for their contribution to the Band and commitment to the cause. I am reliably informed that an accurate translation of Au revoir is “until the seeing again”.

Here`s hoping!

The Band would like to welcome Sam, Kevin, and Jayne, and thank Vicki, Erin, Steve, and Alice for their contributions to the Band, and wish them all every success in the future.

First Steps

7th December

Band Secretary Maurice Metcalfe took his first steps today following an operation yesterday. Maurice (on a planned hospital visit) is recovering well, but as expected is quite tired. The Band wish Maurice well, and hope that his recovery continues, and that we see him back at rehearsal soon.

Yet Another Tough Break For Band

7th December

Following in the footsteps of Iain McKnight, Sophie Rees, and Steve Rudhall, 2nd Euphonium player Andy Kennedy became the latest member of the Band to appear on the stage on crutches. Apparently, whilst on a weekend break (no pun intended) to Dublin, Andy's foot was hit by a plastic table blown over by the wind, resulting in a broken 5th metatarsal. As ever, fashion guru Andy put his appearance first, by having a hot pink coloured cast.

Success in City Hall

11th November

On Tuesday 30th October the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band played in a combined Concert & Lecture at the City Hall, Hull.

As far as the Band was concerned, the major item on the evenings programme was the World Premiere of Philip Wilby’s ‘Reformers’. The Band, commissioned this work in 2007 with financial assistance from Kingston Upon Hull City Council, to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, and the leadership of the reforming William Wilberforce.

Before the lecture, the Band conducted by Jim Davies played a short programme of music introduced by the Bishop of Hull, Richard Frith. Starting with the March Death or Glory by R. B. Hall, the Band immediately showed its softer side by performing Howard Snell's arrangement of Winter from Vivaldi's Four Seasons. The first soloist for the evening was the Band's Principal Cornettist Steve Rudhall, who performed Mark Freeh's arrangement of the Harry James Carnival of Venice. This will be Steve’s – and his wife Alice’s – last public performance with the Band, before sadly, they return to New Zealand. Following this the Band played a selection from the Mask Of Zorro, before it was time to introduce the second of the evenings soloists, Principal Trombonist Mark Unsworth, who performed Darrol Barry's ever popular arrangement of the Wind Beneath My Wings. The last piece before the lecture was Mark Freeh's sparkling arrangement of Ol' Man River, which gave Percussionist Jonathan Chapman the opportunity to display his talents.

The lecture presented by Dr John Sentamu the Archbishop of York, was a typically inspiring and topical event, covering such topics as education, politics, William Wilberforce, and the current regime in Uganda.

Following the lecture, the Archbishop took some questions from the floor, before it was the Band’s turn again, this time to perform Reformers. The performance was made even more special as Philip Wilby was given the opportunity to address the audience before the piece started. During this address, Philip was able to give the audience an insight into the piece, and his thoughts about the composition. After this, Philip joined the Band for the performance by playing the magnificent City Hall organ during the premiere. At the conclusion of the performance, the audience gave a very positive reaction by giving the Band and Composer a standing ovation. A delighted Philip Wilby told the Band, "What a success! Definitely the band at the centre of the community! I couldn't have been more pleased! A standing ovation! Thanks for all the hard work and preparation!"

The Band drew the evening’s event to a close, by performing the Finale from the William Tell Overture, which again drew appreciative applause from the large audience. Amongst the audience was the Band President and Sponsor Peter Shipp, who was delighted with the evening, “Not only was the Band playing to a large audience, but to a largely new audience, as the majority of people had come primarily to listen to the Wilberforce Lecture”.

Flying Slides

1st November

The Band have recently had to say a temporary farewell to 2nd Trombonist Jez Kearney, who has decided to further his musical career with the Bands of The Royal Air Force. If the plan works Jez - once his training is complete - will return on posting to Lincolnshire, and once again play with the Band. This will be Jez's second period of military service, as prior to joining the EYMS Band, he played with the Band of Her Majesties Irish Guards. We wish him well during his time away.

In the meantime, whilst he gets measured for his flying jacket, and grows a handlebar moustache, his Band committments will be taken over by Dave Howarth, with some assistance from Steve Armitage and Simon Percy.

Listen To The Band

28th October

On Friday the 26th October, the BBC Radio 2 programme 'Listen To The Band', featured an interview with the Band's Principal Cornettist Steve Rudhall, as well as broadcasting the Band's performance of the middle movement from 'Music For Battle Creek', the test piece at this years National Brass Band Championships held at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 20th October. This broadcast is a rare privilege for the Band, as this programme generally broadcasts the winning performance only.

Reformers Premiere

14th October

'Reformers' commissioned by the Band will receive its World Premiere performance at Hull City Hall, on Tuesday 30th October. The Band will be presenting a short concert - starting at 7pm - prior to the 2007 Wilberforce Lecture, this year to be presented by the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu. Following the lecture, the Band will perform 'Reformers', a three movement work composed by Professor Philip Wilby, who will be taking part in this performance playing the City Hall Organ. This commission was made possible with financial assistance from Kingston Upon Hull City Council, and commemorates the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, and the leadership of the Reforming William Wilberforce. The composer was given the challenge that the music should reflect the four themes of the City Council's Wilberforce Festival - Pride, Freedom, Belief and Change.

Philip Wilby wrote about this commission. “Although he was involved in many charitable projects, not least establishing the RSPCA, and London’s National Gallery, it was Wilberforce’s successful campaign to abolish the slave trade, which has secured his reputation. This new composition is inspired by his work, and his belief in the saving power of evangelism to change prevailing attitudes and establish freedom for all. John Newton, sometime slave captain, was one of Wilberforce’s mentors in early life, and composed many well-known hymns. ‘Amazing Grace’ has become the text most associated with black musicians, and forms the centrepiece of my score. Wilberforce was based in Clapham, and his rallies and marches were a regular feature of the ‘Clapham Saints’ in the early years of the 19^th Century. Accordingly the outer movements contain echoes of these marches, as well as some African ‘call and response’ drumming. Originally conceived as a work to play its part in a major civic occasion, Reformers contains some features which may be thought to be unusual additions to the standard brass band formation. The melody of ‘Amazing Grace’ is here played off stage, whilst the climax of the work is marked by the dramatic entry of the famous City Hall Organ. The emphasis of my music has been on the positive aspects of Abolition rather than the negative issues surrounding slavery. Although it contains some reflective aspects, the defining message of Reformers is triumphant.”

Coinciding with this concert will be the release of the Band's latest CD 'Reformers'. As well as featuring the title piece, this CD features a selection of light concert music, many of which have featured in recent concerts. This CD will be on sale in the foyer of the City Hall, both before and after the performance.

Tickets for this event are available from the City Hall Box Office, Carr Lane, and are free of charge.

Open Rehearsal

8th October

As part of their build up to the National Brass Band Championships, the Band will be holding an 'open' rehearsal on Sunday, 14th October, in the Town Hall Hessle. This rehearsal will give any interested parties the opportunity to hear the test piece selected for this contest, Music For Battle Creek, by Philip Sparke, whilst it is rehearsed by the Band's Musical Director Jim Davies. The rehearsal starts at 8pm, and goes through until 10pm, and entry is free.

Awards Evening

28th August

On Saturday the 4th August, the Band met at its usual hostelry - The Minerva Hotel - on the sunlit banks of the River Humber. Apart from several awards of the more jocular variety, two main awards were presented by Band Secretary Maurice Metcalfe. The Most Improved Musician Award (judged by the Band's Musical Director - Jim Davies) was presented to BBb Bass player Stephen Gibson. The Award for the Person Contributing Most To The Band (voted for by members of the Band) was presented to Melanie Kennedy.

Summer Holiday! What Holiday?

27th August

Following one of the busiest summer periods in the Band's history, the hard work continues with intense preparations for the 2007 National Brass Band Championships, to be held at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 20th October. Immediately after the Band's return from the Netherlands, it was straight to work on a new CD. This CD was recorded at Ackworth School over the weekend of 16th & 17th June. Entitled 'Reformers', this CD has been recorded to be released as part of the Wilberforce 2007 celebrations in Hull. Reformers is the name not just of the CD, but also the title work, which was commissioned in 2007 by the Band, with financial assistance from Kingston Upon Hull City Council, to commemorate the 200^th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, and the leadership of the reforming William Wilberforce. The composer Philip Wilby, was given the challenge that the music should reflect the four themes of the City Council’s Wilberforce Festival – Pride, Freedom, Belief, and Change. Reformers will receive its World Premiere performance at the Wilberforce Lecture presented by the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, on the 30^th October 2007, in the Hull City Hall. The CD will also be released that day. Tickets for this event can be obtained free of charge from the City Box Office, Carr lane, Hull.

June also saw the Band make its annual trip to Cockermouth to perform in its Annual Arts Festival. Once again the Band performed to a full house, and has already been engaged to return again in 2008. Like many bands, our summer programme was affected by the inclement weather. The first of three 'wet' concerts was the Picnic in the Park, to be held at Ackworth School. Fortunately, there was a dry alternative, so the Band's performance - complete with sandwiches and pork pies - was held in the school's music centre. Two other engagements were not so lucky, at Elloughton the garden party had to be postponed, not because of falling rain, but because the ground was so wet, chairs holding sylph-like bandsmen would have sunk straight down. And the Howden show performance had to be cancelled by the organisers because of the lack of a covered venue.

The Band also made several trips to the seaside, firstly to Bridlington to take part in the Old Town Festival. This was the first time the Band had played in this resort, and the magnificent Priory Church proved to be an ideal venue. The Band also performed twice in Withernsea, both performances on the same day. During the afternoon the Band performed a traditional concert, and in the evening played several sets in a 'Last Night On The Prom' concert that also featured local vocalists.

The Band's next performance is on Saturday 8th September at the Streetlife Museum, High Street, Hull. The East Yorkshire Motor Services Group, together with the Museum are holding a 'Big Bus Day'. In the morning a quintet from within the Band (Cornets - Tony Newiss & Kirsty Fox, Horn - Erin McVittie, Trombone - Mark Unsworth, Tuba - Gareth Hughes) will be playing, and then during the afternoon the full band will perform.

Pete Drives Off

25th August

It is with regret that the Band has accepted the resignation of Peter Wilson, the Band's 2nd Horn player. Peter has spent several years with the Band in two periods, mostly as a very successful Soprano player. Peter moved on to the Horn earlier this year, but has found recently that the commitment required by his new job as a coach driver for East Yorkshire Motor Services, has clashed with his commitment to the Band.

The Band would like to thank Peter for his time with the Band, and wish him success in the future.

We're Back

3 June

The Band today returned from a very successful ten day tour of The Netherlands. Crossing by overnight ferry from Hull to Rotterdam by P & O Ferry on Thursday 24th May, and returning by DFDS Ferry from Ijmuiden to Newcastle on Saturday the 2nd June. The Band were initially based in Haren in the North of the country, playing joint concerts with Brassband Immanuël Eemsmond, De Lofklank Ureterp, and Brass Band de wâldsang, as well as an outdoor concert at Delfzijl on the north coast. Moving down to the Amsterdam area on Wednesday 30th May, the Band played an outdoor concert at Zaanse Schans, as well as a further joint concert with Amsterdam Brass. The Band travelled around the Netherlands in a coach provided by our sponsors, The East Yorkshire Motor Service Group, and would like to thank them for their support in this venture, and also to thank our two drivers, Peter and Paul. Whilst in the Vollendam area, the Band took the opportunity to pose for a photograph in traditional Dutch costume, (look carefully - some of the men got a little confused when Dutch dress was mentioned!).

Back Row - Mark, Peter, David, Pete, Stewart, Thomas, Tony, Steve, Jez.

Middle Row - Kathy, Shaun, Alice, Gareth, Alison, John, Erin, James, Simon, Tim.

Front Row - Andy, Paul, Kirsty, Melanie, Julia, Vicki, Neil.

Front - Liam, Emily, Joshua, Paul.

As well as the concerts, the Band took the opportunity to visit several cultural areas (Camp Westerbok - a World War II concentration camp, the Seal Sanctuary at Pieterburen, windmills at Zaanse Schans), as well as a canal trip, and some window shopping in Amsterdam. The Band, directed by Jim Davies also completed several rehearsals for their forthcoming CD recording.

Bass -v- Baby

6 May

Congratulations go to Stephen (BBb Bass) and Emma Gibson, on the birth of their new daughter - Penelope Alice - who arrived safely on Friday 4th May. Their neighbours will now have the difficult task of deciding who makes the most noise, Stephen whilst practising, or Penelope Alice whilst screaming.

Stephen has taken a short spot of 'paternity leave' from the Band to help out at home, and so misses the Senior Cup Competition, and the Tour. His place for these has been filled by Tim Atkinson.

New Concerts for Band

3 May

Concerts at three venues have recently been added to the Band's Engagement list, one each for the years 2007, 2008, and 2009. The 2009 concert will be held at The Middleton Hall, Hull, to celebrate the Band's 20 year anniversary. It is expected that several former members will be invited to join the current Band on the stage.

The concert in January 2008, sees the Band return to the Plowright Theatre in Scunthorpe, to take part in fundraising project for the children of Maleala, Lesotho. The money raised from this concert - and one the previous evening featuring the winners from the Scunthorpe Musical Festival - will be used to sponsor the education of those children orphaned as a result of HIV Aids. Attending both concerts will be HRH the Prince of Lesotho.

The third concert will take place on the 3rd November this year, at St Margaret's Church, Ilkley, when the Band will appear as guests of the Steeton Male Voice Choir. The Band will perform during the concert, as well as joining with the Choir to provide a 'Last Night of The Proms' style finale.

Liz and Dan Bid Farewell

28 April

It is with much regret that the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band, announce that two of its longest serving members – Danny Hatton (Back-row Cornet) and Liz Grosvenor (Solo Euphonium) – have decided to take a break from playing with the Band.

Liz joined the Band in 2000 when she moved to the area after obtaining a full time teaching post with the Kingston Upon Hull Music Service. Initially playing 2nd Euphonium, Liz moved onto the Solo seat in 2004. As a regular soloist with the Band, Liz impressed with her musicality and technique, and was one of three soloists to feature on the Band’s last CD ‘The Deep’, performing James Curnow’s Rhapsody for Euphonium.

Danny is the last continuous serving, founding member of the Band. He started at the first rehearsal in 1989 and has featured on the back row ever since. Famed for his almost anorak-like encyclopaedic knowledge of the Band's history, especially in the contest field, and test pieces used by the Band, Danny's other specialist talent lies in doing impressions of some of the conductors and players from the Band's past.

Both Dan and Liz have served as members of the Committee, and will both be greatly missed not only for their playing ability, but for their all round contribution to the Band. We would like to wish them both every success for their future together.

The Armed Man

7 April

Following last year’s successful collaboration between the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band and the Northern Friends Schools, at Wakefield Cathedral, when the Band joined the choirs in a performance of Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’, the Band was again invited by the Ackworth School Director of Music, Rhiannon Davies, to take part in this years Choral Festival.

Last year’s concert featured the three Northern Friends Schools of Ackworth, Bootham and The Mount. This year was the National Friends festival, so as well as students from the three Northern Schools, students from Saffron Walden, Sidcot, Sibford, and Leighton Park Schools, all came together at Ackworth to prepare for a performance of Karl Jenkins Mass for Peace, ‘The Armed Man’.

The concert was held in the 250 year-old Meeting House at Ackworth, with the Choir and Band taking up the majority of the ground floor, leaving the upper tier for the audience. Whilst this wasn’t the first performance of this work using a brass band instead of an orchestra, it was one of the first, and Andrew Wainwright’s arrangement showed off the Band to its full effect. Unusually though, the Flugel Horn and Euphonium solos in the Benedictus, returned to the original instrumentation, with the Cello solo played by Beth Walters, and the Violin Solo (Stephen Flatman) sensitively accompanied by the Band. Rhiannon Davies once again took up the baton to direct the performance, whilst husband Jim (EYMS Band Musical Director) again dusted off his cornet, to play the Last Post at the end of The Charge. Completing the Davies family contribution to the performance was young Jack, singing the Boy Soprano part for The Kyrie. The whole performance featured a visual display of scenes to match the mood of the music, from World War 1 battle scenes, to a young ballet dancer, to the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Soloists featured from the Band, included a duet between Kirsty Fox (Repiano Cornet) and Steve Rudhall (Principal Cornet) in The Angry Flames, whilst guest Soprano player for the day Claire Taylor (YBS) had the unenviable task of starting The Mass off with an unaccompanied solo. The Band’s percussion team of Shaun Davey, James Hendry, and Jonathon Chapman all featured heavily during the performance, with Jonathon also taking the Bass vocal solos throughout The Mass.

In her programme notes Rhiannon wrote “...to present a work that not only had musical merit, but also conveyed values that carried contemporary relevance. Issues surrounding war and peace, though seemingly perpetual in nature, have been prominent in the thoughts and concerns for many of us lately. Rare is the day that our conscience is not tugged by news of turmoil, whether in our cities or elsewhere around the globe…” Certainly at the end of the performance, there was a noticeably emotional atmosphere, created in part by the music, but also by the multimedia display running throughout, and as Rhiannon had mentioned in her notes, by current world events.

Jim Davies – apart from his short playing contribution – had that rare opportunity to sit and listen to his own Band perform, and he was swift to pass on both his congratulations, and those received from members of the audience. From the Band’s point of view, this was an exciting project to be involved in, as it gave the Band chance to perform a different style of music to usual, as well as reaching a different audience.

One member of the audience, David King (A Viola player) contacted the Band to say, “I travelled from Oxfordshire to watch my daughter singing on Sunday and would like to congratulate you for the quality of performance from the Band. Having only heard this work played by an orchestra, I was expecting you to be too powerful for a school choir, but this was not the case. You might have easily drowned the choir, but instead the playing was sympathetic, with a lovely tone and depth. Many thanks.”

Whilst the Band now moves on to its next challenge of a very busy year, it hopes that this won’t be the last link up with the choirs of The Friends School, and Ackworth School in particular.

All Change In Horn Section

30 March

The Horn Section at the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band has recently seen a change, with one player leaving, and his replacement being found from within the Band. Though this unfortunately creates a vacancy elsewhere.

The player moving on is Garry Oglesby, 2nd Horn with the Band, and Resident Conductor with the up and coming Barton Town Band, based at opposite ends of the Humber Bridge. Garry, a very experienced and travelled musician (Jones & Crossland, Brodsworth Colliery, Black Dyke, amongst others) has had two spells with EYMS, the latest since the summer of 2005. Ideally, Garry would have continued playing with the Band, but a clash between the rehearsal schedules of both his bands, meant that this option wasn’t possible. Forced to make a decision, Garry decided that his future lie with the baton, and so reluctantly decided to stand down. The Band would like to publicly thank Garry for his contribution over the past years, and to wish him and Barton Town Band every success during their future together.

The player moving around the Band is Peter Wilson. Peter has, in two spells been the Soprano player at EYMS for nearly ten years. Before Christmas, Peter informed the Band that he was intending hanging up his soprano cornet, and should the opportunity arise would like to take on the challenge provided by the tenor horn. This opportunity has come around much quicker than anyone anticipated, and Peter has responded to the challenge, moving from soprano to horn, in the gap between two rehearsals. This has of course created a vacancy for soprano cornet, one that the Band is busy trying to fill at the present time.

Brains Unpacked

24 March

The quiz night held at last night at the Ideal Standard Sports & Social Club was a great success, and quite entertaining too. Quizmaster/Band President Peter Shipp, selected the ideal match of general knowledge questions, combined with some brain teasers. The winning team of Tony & Kathy Newiss, and Kathy's Mum and Dad, Derek & Gina Jones, under the team name of 'Codgers in the Corner', blending age and experience, with age and experience, took the plaudits for winning by clear points.

David Fox proved to be the master of the camel race, winning a re-run final after an initial photo finish. Chairman John Mathews, won Kirsty's 'Face of East Yorkshire' photo fit competition, though he did have the advantage of being the same age as some of the subjects. Finally, Stewart Kennedy won the bottle of whisky, after throwing his pound coin closest to the bottle.

Many thanks to Kirsty and Melanie for organising the night.

Watch Out London!

19 March

Yesterday the Band took part in the 2007 Northern Area Contest, at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington. Drawn to play number 4 out of 8, the Band finished the day in the highly creditable position of 2nd. This position means the Band have an invitation to play at the National Brass Band Championships, to be held at the Royal Albert Hall, in London, on October 20th. Whilst this result was met with great excitement and happiness by all members of the Band, and their Musical Director Jim Davies, the result probably meant just a little more to Steve and Alice Rudhall, who have postponed their return to New Zealand, so that they can take part in this wonderful occasion. As well as receiving a trophy for coming 2nd, the Band were also awarded the prize for the Best Percussion Section. Our section of Jonathon Chapman, Dean Addinell, Shaun Davey, and our debutant James Hendry were delighted to accept this award.

Percussionists James Hendry and Shaun Davey, display the silverware.

This is the first time since 2004 that the Band has qualified for the finals, and the 9th time out of 12 since reaching the Championship Section. The Band playing at the contest yesterday was:-

Soprano Cornet	Peter Wilson
Solo Cornet	Steve Rudhall
Solo Cornet	Tony Newiss
Solo Cornet	Stewart Kennedy
Solo Cornet	Victoria Kennedy
Repiano Cornet	Kirsty Fox
2nd Cornet	Julia Mathews
2nd Cornet	Simon Blow
3rd Cornet	Andrea Grace
3rd Cornet	Danny Hatton
Flugel Horn	Kathy Newiss
Solo Horn	Alison Grantham
1st Horn	Alice Rudhall
2nd Horn	Garry Oglesby
1st Baritone	John Mathews
2nd Baritone	Erin McVittie
Solo Trombone	Mark Unsworth
Sludgepump 2	Jez Kearney
Kid Shifter	Alistair Shipman
Solo Euphonium	Liz Grosvenor
2nd Euphonium	Neil Johnson
Eb Bass	David Fox
Eb Bass	Gareth Hughes
Bb Bass	Steve Gibson
Bb Bass	Peter Arden
Percussion	Jonathan Chapman
Percussion	Shaun Davey
Percussion	Dean Addinell
Percussion	James Hendry

Clever? Then Try This

19 March

The Band are holding a 'Quiz Night' evening this coming Friday - 23 March 2007 - at The Ideal Standard Sports Club, on County Road South, Hull starting at 7:30pm. Teams can made up of up to 4 members, and entry is Ł10:00 per team. The question master for the evening, will be the Band President, Peter Shipp.

Is It A Conspiracy?

13 March

For the second time in recent years, during the run up to a major contest, the Band arrived at their Popple Street Headquarters to find the whole area in darkness. A major power cut had occurred earlier in the day, and the Electricity Board were still struggling to fix the fault. Unlike the previous occasion, the band didn't retire to the Minerva Hotel to discuss what might have been, but moved across to the Humberside Police Band rehearsal facilities. So slightly later than intended - unlike the Electricity Board - normal service was resumed.

The Band would like to express their thanks to the Humberside Police Band, for the loan of their rehearsal facilities at such short notice.

Congratulations

4 March

The Band was thrilled to discover that Liz Grosvenor (Solo Euphonium), and Danny Hatton (Back Row Cornet), have recently become engaged.

The Band would like to wish them every happiness and success in their future together.

Have You Heard This One?

4 March

A recent survey listed the top ten worst excuses for being late. How many have you heard?

There was a strong head wind.
I dreamt that I'd been fired.
Punctuality is so passé, don't you think.
I am extremely sensitive to a rise in interest rates.
I thought you'd appreciate a little more time alone.
The hamster had escaped.
All things come to those who wait.
I thought it was spring back, fall forward.
You must have told me the wrong time.
My wife was getting pregnant and I wanted to be there.

One of our 'late' (no longer with the Band, but always arriving after the expected time, but not late as in deceased) used at least two of these excuses, or as appropriate for a musician - variations on a theme.

Stunt Conductor Stands In

11 February

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band will have a new man wielding the white stick at their next concert. Stand in ‘Stunt’ conductor Mark Unsworth will be deputising for regular Musical Director Jim Davies, who will be away on holiday. Mark, the Band’s Solo Trombonist, has conducted the Band on several occasions, including engagements, but this will be his first at an indoor concert. Band Spokesman Tony Newiss said, “This should be an interesting experience for all concerned. I know that Mark studied conducting whilst a student at Salford, but I’m not too sure where he studied his selection of dodgy jokes.”

Also conducting during the evening will be Liz Grosvenor, Solo Euphonium for the Band. Liz will be conducting the City of Hull Youth Brass Band, who along with a percussion group from the Hull City Music Service, are the Band’s guests at this concert, a fund raising event for St John Ambulance. Tony continues “St John Ambulance have provided the Band with rehearsal facilities for several years, and this concert gives us the chance to say thank you, to raise the profile of both organisations, and raise some much needed funds for this well known charity.”

There are several links between the two bands – several of the current EYMS players started their brass band careers with the youth band. These include Kathy Newiss (Flugel), Kirsty Fox (Rep), Mark Unsworth (Solo Trom), and Danny Hatton (Back Row). Due to the gap created by Mark conducting, regular 2nd trombonist Jez Kearney will move onto the end chair, with his place being taken by Megan Roberts. Megan is the Solo Trombonist with the Youth Band, and has played with the Band before at the 2006 Wychavon Festival of Brass.

The concert on Sunday the 25th February will be staged at the Albemarle Music Centre, Anlaby Park Road South, Hull, starting at 7.30pm.

New Bass Player Signs

28 January

The Band is delighted to announce that Gareth Hughes has signed for the Band on EEb Bass. Gareth, originally from the East Riding of Yorkshire, has recently moved back into this area, after taking up a new position with the East Riding of Yorkshire County Council, as a Senior Research Officer. Gareth moved from the area to attend Newcastle University. Whilst studying there, and later as a post-graduate student at Leeds University, Gareth played with the Northumbria Police Band. Relocating in 2002 to London, Gareth played with several of the capital's bands, including Aveley & Newham, Redbridge Brass, and most recently Thundersley Brass, for whom he competed at the 2006 National Finals.

Gareth's arrival means a shuffle around within the Bass section. Stephen Gibson moves from the EEb Bass onto Principal BBb Bass, and Gareth moves onto this now vacant seat. The other players - section leader David Fox (EEb Bass), and Peter Arden (BBb Bass) stay on their respective seats.

Informal Puppet Show

28 January

In the busy run up to Christmas four current members of the Band, together with Dixon Laing a former member of the Band, performed at Market Weighton Church, with the singing group 'Weighton Waits'. The Brass players Peter Wilson, Garry Oglesby, Stephen Gibson, and Mark Unsworth, together with Dixon, make up the Brass Quintet 'Kingston Brass'. (Mark was deputising on this occasion for the quintet's regular trombonist Dave Howarth). The quintet played a mixture of traditional brass pieces, as well as a few festive numbers for good measure. During one of the breaks in their playing, the group discovered a very interesting box, called the Magical Monkeys Music Experience. Playtime ensued!

Who is working who? - The Magic Monkey and Mark! Not necessarily in that order!

L to R. Charlie the Crocodile, Mark, Magic Monkey, Ossie the Owl, Dixon, Garry the Gopher, Peter, and Harry the Hippo.

Shirt Travels Down South

28 January

Following on from the 2006 travels of the Band polo shirt, the following pictures have recently arrived at the Band website. Possibly the furthest travelled shirts so far, the first picture shows Principal Cornettist Steve Rudhall, with his parents Reg & Lesley at Auckland International Airport, New Zealand.

The second picture shows Alice Rudhall (1st Horn) on the beach, in the background is Mount Maunganui, also New Zealand.

Both Steve and Alice enjoyed their break down under, and have both now returned back to England, ready for the busy Band year ahead.

News from NZ

15 January

The Band's Principal Cornettist, Steve Rudhall, and his wife Alice (1st Horn), are currently enjoying a four week break back in Steve's homeland New Zealand. The news from down under, is that they are having a great time with family and friends, and are apparently not missing the British Winter. That's quite correct, they'll be back over here before it starts properly! With this news arrived the following pictures.

The picture on the left is Steve allegedly getting a sun tan - though it looks from here as though his legs have been washed with the same powder as his shirt. The second picture is Steve preparing fresh mussels for tea, under the close supervision of Alice.

Band to Broadcast

13 January

Following the Band's appearance on BBC Look North on Wednesday 13th December 2006, which featured the Band playing The Deep in the Deep, they also appeared on the boxing day edition of the same programme. This time playing Philip Sparke's arrangement of The Christmas Song. This was also recorded in Hull's Submarium 'The Deep'. The connection with the BBC will continue on Monday 15th January, when Tony Newiss (Solo Cornet) and Mark Unsworth (Solo Trombone), will feature with the Band's latest CD on the BBC Radio Humberside afternoon show with Lara King. The Band are donating Ł1:50 proceeds from each CD sold during December and January to the BBC's Making Waves Appeal. This appeal is raising money for the eight lifeboat stations within it's broadcast area, and it is quite appropriate to link our CD with this appeal, as the second movement of the suite The Deep, is entitled Requiem for Lost Mariners. There is another link with the Band and BBC Radio Humberside, as they broadcast live, the first performance of The Deep, when it was played at the official opening of the Deep on the 23rd March 2002.

2006

Band 'In Deep' for the BBC

9 December

Following the release of the Band's latest CD 'The Deep', which was picked up on by BBC reporter Jo Makle, the Band were invited to The Deep in Hull, to be filmed for the local news programme - Look North. This piece is due to be broadcast on the BBC, at 6.30 pm on Wednesday 13th December. The Band were filmed playing excerpts from the second and third movements of their specially commissioned piece, The Deep. Tony Newiss - who was heavily involved in both the commissioning of the piece, and the first performance of it at the opening of The Deep - was interviewed by Jo, and spoke about the Band, and it's connection with the area, the piece and it's history.

This is the second time in recent weeks that the Band have made the headlines. The Hull Daily Mail ran a feature on the Band, and its efforts to fund raise to replace some of the older instruments currently being used. As well as the feature, a photographer visited the Band at rehearsal, taking several photographs, including the following which appeared with the article.

Soprano Cornettist Peter Wilson, Solo Trombonist Mark Unsworth, and Principal Cornettist Steve Rudhall.

Picture by Jerome Ellerby, and is used with kind permission of the Hull Daily Mail.

Delight as New Euphonium Player Signs

9 December

The East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS) Brass Band is delighted to announce that Neil Johnson has signed for the Band, filling the vacant 2^nd Euphonium seat.This seat has been vacant since the early summer, and whilst several players have shown an interest, no one of the right calibre has until now, been prepared to give the required commitment to the Band. The Band would like to thank those players that have stepped into the breach for our concert and contest commitments, especially Andrew Kennedy, and Dave Howarth.

Born in 1971 in Wakefield, Neil started to play the baritone at the age of 8 with his school band. This band progressed, and developed into an adult band, now known as Knottingley Concert Brass. Established in 1976, Knottingley Concert Brass is still directed by the original MD, Mr Graham Dean who was a big influence on Neil’s early banding career. Neil had a spell on Solo Horn for a couple of years before settling on Euphonium in 1990. Whilst at KCB he also played for three years with the Yorkshire Schools Brass Band, conducted by the likes of Major Peter Parkes, and Roy Newsome, and appearing with soloists such as Jim Shepherd, Alan Morrison and the Childs Brothers.

Neil joined his first competing band, Sharlston Colliery Band in 1994, (ironically sponsored by West Yorkshire Motors). After joining initially on 2^nd Baritone, he found himself promoted to Solo Euph within a couple of months. It wasn’t until Neil was 30 that he joined his hometown band, Knottingley Silver in 2002. He enjoyed almost immediate success by helping them to win the Yorkshire Area 1^st Section in 2003 and promotion to the Championship Section.

Neil joins EYMS after helping out at the recent Pontin’s contest, and being impressed not only by the high playing standard of the Band, but also by the bandroom atmosphere and enthusiasm of its members.

Neil currently works as a Hot End Process Operator at Saint-Gobain Glass UK Ltd, a Ł65m float glass manufacturing plant at Eggborough, near Selby. When not working or banding, he enjoys spending time with his two young sons, going to the gym, is an avid rugby league fan (Castleford Tigers) and enjoys coarse fishing.

It's That Shirt Again!

19 November

The yellow Band shirt, bravely owned by Stephen Gibson has recently been spotted in France. Once again at a National landmark, the Eiffel Tower, in Paris.

We Couldn't Have Done It Without You

6 November

The Band would like to thank Neil Johnson and Tim Atkinson for helping us out in the run up to, and on the day itself for the 2006 Pontin's Contest. Neil (2nd Euph) and Tim (BBb Bass) both made significant contributions to the performance (and also to the singing on the coach). Drawn number 9, the Band performed well, and was rewarded with fifth place out of the twenty two bands competing on the day. To read the adjudicators remarks, please visit the Pontin's 2006 page in the gallery.

Sam Kind-ly Steps Down

4 November

Sam Kind (BBb Bass) has decided to call it a day with the Band, for the present time. Sam, has found things difficult juggling his family, work, and banding committments (both playing with EYMS, and conducting at Cottingham), and to add to that he has recently moved house. As it was apparent that something had to give, Sam has decided to step down from his position with the EYMS Band. The Band wishes him well for the future, and thanks him for all of his efforts during the last fifteen months.

On first glance it may appear that the timing of this departure couldn't have been worse, with the Band being involved in this weekends Pontin's contest, the Band was fortunate in having a replacement readily available. Pete Arden, following a spell in hospital, has recovered more quickly than anticipated, and was delighted to be given the opportunity to resume playing with the Band. Pete's deputy - Tim Atkinson, has therefore now become Sam's deputy. Tim a former member of the Band, is making the long journey from Skipton to Hull for rehearsals, and the Band would like to place on record their thanks to Tim for showing this commitment. His reward for this, he is moving onto EEb Bass for the Band's tour of Holland next May, to dep for another player - Steve Gibson, who due to impending fatherhood, will not be making the trip.

Another Arrival in the International Lounge

22 October

The Band is pleased to announce the arrival of Erin McVittie to fill the vacant 2^nd Baritone seat. Erin, from Hope, British Columbia, Canada was travelling around the world, when she successfully applied for a brass peripatetic position in Kingston Upon Hull. Primarily a French horn player, Erin also has some experience of the baritone from her time at the University of Saskatchewan, and was delighted to accept the offer to join the Band, when the previous incumbent – Jo Lenthall – left the Band to start at Oxford University.

Erin is the latest in a growing group of global musicians to join the Band – Steve Rudhall (Principal Cornet) is from New Zealand. His wife Alice (1^st Horn) is from Holland, and of course our Musical Director Jim Davies is Welsh!

Racing Success for Band

12 October

Last Friday - 6th October - saw the third fundraising race night for the Band, organised by Kirsty Fox, and assisted by Julia Mathews & Melanie Kennedy. As with the previous nights, the event was held at the Ideal Standard Sports & Social Club on County Road in Hull. There were 9 races on the card, with the first 8 sold off prior to the evening, and the last one sold off by auction on the night. The night was even more of a success when the fish and chip supper arrived, and then when the final whistle went in the Rugby League Elimination semi-final, which saw Hull FC beating the Bradford Bulls, to win a place in the Grand Final. The official results are:-

Race	1st	2nd	3rd
1	Shed Builder - Shaun Davey	Mr Wonderful - John Mathews	Jo-Jo - Maurice Metcalfe
2	Fluke - John Lawrence	Chester's Revenge - Mrs M Hatton	Noels Nag - Barry Mathews
3	Child's Play - Mrs M. Childs	.	.
4	Luke Skywalker - Sam Kind	Happy Holidays - Sue Lawrence	Murphy's Muff - Alison Grantham
5	Tonal Tragedy - Tony Newiss	El Caracol - P. Nicholls	Squiffy - S. Smith
6	Fandango - Pam	.	.
7	Taff's Delight - Melanie Kennedy	The Reynard - J. F. Fox	Black Boy - Kathy Newiss
8	Ethel - Pete Arden	.	.
9	Easter Baby - Gibson/Shipp Syndicate	.	.

The owners of the winning horses all received a prize of wine and chocolates, and the winning syndicate of the last race, won half of the money bid in total for the horses in that race.

John Lawrence, winner of race number 2.

To view more pictures click here.

This event raised Ł1,112 for the Band, who would like to thank all of the people who supported this event, by buying horses, sponsoring races, and turning up on the evening.

Simon Blow's Back

11 October

The Band is pleased to announce the return of cornettist Simon Blow, to fill the vacant seat on the back row. Simon, a very experienced player, last played for the Band at the 2005 Grand Shield contest, but decided to take a break from playing. Previously playing for the Grimsby Band, the Ransome Band, and Rhodian Brass, Simon has decided to return to playing, and comes back in time to play at this years Pontin's contest.

I Don't Believe It!

8 October

This weekend's edition of The Daily Telegraph featured an article discussing what instruments are advisable for children to take up. Generally the article lent heavily towards those that were easily transportable, and would produce some early success. However, the article finished up with the following quote "As the wife of a trombone player, I recommend the drums." She's got to be kidding!!

Audience Laps Up Impressive Brass Band

8 October

So read the headline in a recent edition of The Grimsby Telegraph www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk following the Band's concert at St. Matthews Church, New Waltham. Written by a former member of the band Simon Blow, a reporter with The Grimsby Telegraph. The article is reproduced here in full with kind permission of Simon, and The Grimsby Telegraph.

EYMS, one of the finest brass bands in the region, made an impressive return in what has become a much-anticipated annual concert.

St Matthews's was full to the rafters to welcome MD and former Cory and Brighouse cornet hero, Jim Davies, the latest in a line of Welshmen to lead the band, and his fine musicians.

The mark of a good band is its ability to attract ambitious players from a wide area, and the Hull-based EYMS does, including several from north Lincolnshire, including three from New Waltham itself.

Another pointer is the calibre of its "corner players" and here the band is equally blessed, including New Zealand cornet champion Steve Rudhall, solo trombone Mark Unsworth and Kathy Newiss on flugel horn.

Rudhall was in sparkling form with the tricky Napoli, while there were confident silky sounds from Newiss and Unsworth with Here, There, and Everywhere, and Wind Beneath My Wings.

The meat of a varied programme was in Borodin's Polovtsian Dances and Friedemann's Slavonic Rhapsody No 2. They showcased a band with powerful and energetic cornet sections, and a rounder sweeter "middle" ensemble featuring the horns, euphoniums and baritones. If the bass end was not quite so prominent in the mix it may have been that they were one light due to illness and the sound disappearing into a rise in the roof above them.

The odd glitch here and there did not worry an audience which lapped up the Magic Flute with zest, showy Bugler's Holiday, whirlwind Paddy's Wake, jaunty Kletzmer's Karnival and a trio of great film pleasers, Let's face the Music and Dance, Puttin' on the Ritz and Singing in the Rain.

Windows of the World gave the percussion section the chance to let down the hair, especially in the mambo, while Nicaea (Holy, Holy, Holy) and Alford's march Army of the Nile were bang on the money.

Next year's date has probably already been pencilled in.

Simon Blow - reproduced from The Grimsby Telegraph, Monday 25th September edition.

Band Shirt Spotted

8 October

Not to be outdone by Tony's American photo shoot, Band Bass player Steve Gibson had the following picture taken by his wife Emma on the Kaizergracht, in Amsterdam, during a recent Dutch dash. You may need to turn down the brightness setting on your computer to view this picture.

Jo says 'Farewell'

1 October

The recent concert at St Matthew's Church, New Waltham, proved to be the last - for the moment - for 2nd Baritone player Jo Lenthall. Following a successful 'A' level examination period, Jo leaves the Band to study at Oxford University. A presentation was made during the concert to Jo, and we wish her all the best for her future.

They're Back!

18 September

Despite the presence of a large container to block the unused end of Popple Street off, a group of travellers have once again colonised this area of Hull city centre. It was the presence of a group of travellers around this time last year, that caused St John Ambulance to board up the building and move out, thus rendering the Band temporarily homeless. (See below for the News from 2005 for full details).

Several of the Band members have already discussed the situation with St John Ambulance officers, and at the moment it is hoped that the widespread disruption of last year will not be repeated. The City Council, and Humberside Police are aware of the position, but for the moment it remains very much a wait and see situation.

Band Shirt Spotted in the U.S.A.

10 September

Recently the Band have had some polo shirts made, which feature the Band name and logo. On a recent trip to the United States of America, Tony Newiss wore his, and raised the profile of the Band to new heights! Here, he is modelling one of the shirts with the Grand Canyon as a tasteful background.

On the other side of the camera was wife Kathy.

New Trombonist Signs

7 September

Owing to work committments the Band's 2nd Trombonist Jez Kearney is unable to play for the Band at the forthcoming Wychavon contest. Fortunately the Band have been able to sign Megan Roberts to play at this event. Megan is a student at St Mary's College in Hull, and plays in several of the bands and orchestras based at the Hull City Council Music Centre. Previously Megan has helped out at the Cottingham Band, and has also deputised with the Frank Cleveland Orchestra, a local big band, voted the 4th best big band in the country by readers of The Times.

Car Quiz Winners

2 September

Congratulations go to the joint winners of our car quiz, Rachel Langridge from Manchester, and Pete Arden from the Band, both scoring 39 out of a possible 40. Both winners will receive copies of the Brass Compass, Time Travel and Jubilee CD's.

New CD Released

2 September

The Band is pleased to announce that its new CD 'The Deep' was released yesterday, the 1st September. Although this is somewhat later than first anticipated, the final product is one that the Band is very pleased with. The CD is initially only available from the Band, via its members or at concerts, or by ordering through the website. However, we hope that in the near future it will be available through other outlets.

The CD features many items that have featured in the Band's recent concerts, including the march 'Honest Toil', the overture 'Ruy Blas', and several solos, as well as the premier recording of the suite 'The Deep', commissioned by the Band to celebrate the opening of Hull's world first Submarium.

For full programme details please visit our recordings page, or to order via the web please email the Band

Webmaster Interview

9 August

Following on from the Band's win in the Website of the Month Award (see below), themouthpiece.com interviewed the Band's webmaster Mark Unsworth. This interview can be read by clicking here.

Website Award

6 August

It has been recently announced that the website of the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band, has won the tmp (themouthpiece.com) website of the month of the award, for July 2006. This award is awarded following a poll carried out by themouthpiece.com of its members. This website carries up to date news, as well as providing an open forum where members can discuss all aspects of brass playing, and other topics of interest to its members. To visit themouthpiece.com click here.

Thank you to all members of themouthpiece.com, and to supporters of this Band, who took the trouble to vote.

End of Reviews

26 July

Some of the more eagle eyed readers may have noticed that our 'Reviews' page has been removed. The reviews are still on the website, but have been transferred to the 'News' page of the respective year. This decision has been made, as some review items were already appearing as news items, so it made sense to streamline the site, and place them all together.

Awards Evening for Band

24 July

On a wonderful sunny evening the Band held its annual award evening on the banks of the Humber at the Minerva public house. The awards used to held annually, but for some reason where not held in 1997, and until now haven't been resurrected. The two principal awards were decided upon by the musical director Jim Davies - for the Most Improved Musician, and by a vote of all the playing members for the Person Contributing most to the Band.

The Most Improved Musician Award was presented to Shaun Davey, one of the Band's percussionists.

The Person Contributing Most To The Band was presented to Repiano Cornettist, Kirsty Fox.

Several other awards of a distinctly less serious nature were awarded to Peter Wilson, Victoria Kennedy, Steve Rudhall, Shaun Davey, Tony Newiss, Stewart Kennedy, Jez Kearney, and Danny Hatton.

The final presentation of a Band shirt went to the Band's Secretary Maurice Metcalfe, as recognition of his contribution to the Band.

The evening followed on almost straight away from an afternoon concert at Withernsea, the final concert of our summer before we take a well earned break, before coming back in time to prepare for our concerts in St James Park, London.

New Commission for Band by Professor Philip Wilby

12 July

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band are pleased to announce that they have commissioned a major new piece of music, from the pen of Professor Philip Wilby. This commissioning follows a successful bid for funding by the Band, from the Wilberforce 2007 Project, organised by Hull City Council.

The Wilberforce 2007 Programme is launched on 6^th September 2006, and runs until 30^th October 2007, and is designed to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the abolition of slavery – mainly due to the efforts of William Wilberforce – and also to draw attention to the fact that slavery in many forms still exists around the world today.

Hull, along with several other cities including Liverpool and Bristol have launched major festivals, but Hull being the birthplace of Wilberforce as well as being the constituency he represented in parliament, is expected to take the lead. A full programme of events is taking place including a visit of Sir Willard White, the launch of Wilberforce Free Trade Coffee, book launches by William Hague and Richard Adams, the Yorkshire Day celebrations, several new compositions written for various musical groups, and the visit of the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu to deliver the 2007 Wilberforce lecture. The premier performance of Philip’s new piece is expected to take place on the 30^th October 2007, at the same event as John Sentamu’s lecture. Given the profile of Wilberforce 2007, this will be a highly prestigious event for the band to be involved in, and one in which they are delighted to take part.

The EYMS Band have worked with Philip Wilby previously, in 1994, he conducted the Band on several occasions, including 2^nd place in an entertainment contest. Both the Band and Philip are looking forward to renewing their relationship, and to the success of this project. Obviously, at this early stage, the piece of music is still very much on the drawing board, but it is expected when finished to be a substantial work, reflecting the ‘Pride, Freedom, Belief, and Change’ themes adopted by Hull City Council for this project.

This is the second piece to be commissioned by the Band in recent years; in 2002, they premiered ‘The Deep’ by Bram Wiggins, written in response to a commission by the Band, for the opening of the world’s first submarium – The Deep – in Hull. This was also completed with the assistance of a Hull City Council Grant. This piece has since been used as a test piece at several contests, and has recently been recorded by the Band on a shortly to be released CD.

Philip has also written music in this style before – writing a Millennium Commission for Opera North, based on an original text by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. There is a link there to this new commission, as Archbishop Tutu has previously given the Wilberforce Lecture in Hull, and is a patron of the Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation.

As well as this commission, the Band expect to be involved in several performances throughout the year linked to the Wilberforce 2007 project, but it is this new piece, and the opportunity to work with Professor Wilby that has excited and lifted the Band.

Busy Period For Band

11 July

The past few weekends have flown past for the Band as they have undertaken a full programme of summer concerts - both inside and outside. Following the Christmas recording the Band played it's annual concert at St Matthews Church, the Boulevard, Hull. The Band has a long association with this church, at one time they rehearsed regularly in the church hall, they recorded the CD 'Brass Compass' here, and this was the fifteenth year that the Band have presented a summer concert, and once again it proved to be very popular with the audience.

Following this, the Band played in Hull's East Park on Sunday 25th June. This performance was part of the celebrations to mark the restoration of the park by Hull City Council. Once again the Band proved to be very popular, though it has to be said some of the audience started to drift away towards the end of the programme. The reason? England's second round match in the World Cup kicked off at four o'clock.

Saturday the 1st of July saw the Band heading off to the Lake District for it's sixteenth annual concert at Cockermouth's United Reform Church. This concert marks the start of the Solway Arts Festival, and the Band's arrival coincided with the kick off of England's quarter final game. Even with the penalty shoot out the Band were ready for the 8:00pm start, and performed with a much better result than the football. This concert also gives the Band time to relax and socialise together, and after a well deserved curry, this is exactly what we did.

Last weekend (8th & 9th July) the Band performed two outdoor concerts, the first at Elloughton, and the second one at Howden. All of the concerts have featured a selection of the Band's soloists: Steve Rudhall (Principal Cornet) performed La Belle Americaine, Kathy Newiss (Flugal Horn) played Here There and Everywhere, Mark Unsworth chose between The Wind Beneath My Wings and In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning, and Liz Grosvenor played Softly As I Leave You, on some occasions as a solo, and on others as a duet with Andrew Kennedy. The Band have one more concert before they take their summer break. This is at the Valley Gardens, Withernsea, on Sunday 23rd July starting at 2:00pm.

Band Back In Studio

10 June

This weekend sees the Band back at Ackworth School to record their second CD in a short period of time. This one has an exclusively Christmas feel about it, featuring such favourites as Leroy Anderson's 'A Christmas Festival', Ray Farr's arrangement of Prokofiev's 'Midnight Sleighride', and Philip Sparke's arrangement of 'The Christmas Song'. Several of the Bands soloists will feature, Liz Grosvenor plays the Euphonium Solo 'O Holy Night', Kathy Newiss features in Peter Graham's arrangement of 'Away In A Manger', David Fox plays the ever popular Eb Bass solo 'Frosty The Snowman', and Mark Freeh's new arrangement of 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' features Mark Unsworth on Trombone. The Band have chosen to record this CD now so that it can be ready for release in time for this years Christmas concerts.

The latest news on the last CD 'The Deep', is that all being well it should be released in July. Mark Unsworth and Tony Newiss have spent several days at Reelsound Studios, and now have a master disc which they are now checking thoroughly.

A third disc is in the initial stages of planning at the moment, hopefully to be recorded during August/September 2007. Although the content is yet to be finalised, the music will have a connection to the Wilberforce2007 celebrations in Hull. These celebrations are to mark the two hundredth anniversary of the 1807 abolition of slavery.

Paul says Goodbye

6 June

The Band were informed at last Sundays rehearsal, of the decision made by Paul Donoghue, to resign from the Band with immediate effect. Paul has made this decision based on his current personal and business situation, which was making his attendance at rehearsal more and more difficult. Paul joined the Band in 2001 playing 2nd Baritone, moving in 2004 onto 1st Horn, then onto Solo Baritone, and lastly onto 2nd Euphonium in the summer of 2005. The Band would like to thank Paul for his commitment in the past, and wish him well for the future.

Band Podcast Again

30 May

Earlier this month the Band's Solo Trombonist Mark Unsworth was interviewed by Peter Ryan from the Brasscast website. This short interview - recorded by a cross Atlantic telephone call - features in this weeks podcast, as well as four pieces from previous CD's recorded by the Band. The first three are from Brass Compass - Death Or Glory, Rondeau, and Spitfire Prelude. The fourth piece is Perspice Christicola, featured on the CD Time Travel. To hear this broadcast, presented by Lucas Burns, click here.

More From The Senior Cup

21 May

Following on from the article below, the 4barsrest website have published a retrospective view of the Senior Cup Competition on their website. Once again they have given a very positive view of the band's performance. To visit this, please click here, and scroll down to almost the bottom of the page. Given the number of the Band that returned from Blackpool with a flu like virus, their comment of "a snorter" of a performance was slightly prophetic!

Senior Cup Competition

14 May

The Band today returned from Blackpool, where they had been taking part in the 2006 Spring Festival competition. The event has three contests, Senior Trophy, Senior Cup, and The Grand Shield. The Band was taking part in the Senior Cup, which is the qualifying contest for the Grand Shield, which in turn is the qualifier for the British Open. The Band finished in 6th position, so stays in the middle tier of competition for next years event (to be held on May 19th). Whilst this is quite a creditable result, the band was quite disappointed with its performance, but has been able to take many positives away to build on. The two adjudicators - Stephen Mead and Frank Renton - produced quite differing remarks, but both made such comments as good sound, nice sound & confident, Solo Cornet, lyrical, excellent, lovely moments with Horn & Sop, very impressive, good work from the M. D. here and the band respond well. The 4barsrest.com website also produced a live critique of the performance, which again was very complimentary.

New Signing

10 May

The Band are delighted to announce that Andrea Grace has signed up as a permanent member of the Band. Andrea fills the back row vacancy created by the departure of Alexine Cutting. Originally signed for cover for the Senior Cup Competition this coming weekend, Andrea has enjoyed the playing so much, that she has decided to stay with the Band. Andrea returns to playing following a break from brass banding, previously she was the Repiano Cornet player for The Cottingham Band.

Race Night

10 May

The next race night has been provisionally booked for Friday 6th October, at the Ideal Standard Sports and Social Club, County Road North. This event in the past has been a great evening as well as a tremendous fundraiser for the Band.

CD Progress

2 May

Whilst we had hoped that the band's latest CD 'The Deep', would be released earlier this year, the process of checking all 279 tracks, took a lot longer than anyone expected. However this has now been done by the Band's Solo Trombonist Mark Unsworth, and rechecked by the Band's Musical Director Jim Davies. We have now booked time with Reelsound Studios in the studio for the master copy to be made, on the 16th/17th May. Hopefully, the CD will be ready for release soon after that. To find out more about Reelsound why not visit their website.

Open Rehearsal

2 May

On Monday 8th May, The Band will be holding an open rehearsal at the Town Hall, Hessle. This rehearsal is in preparation for the Senior Cup Competition, held in Blackpool on Saturday 13th May. The test piece is Philip Sparke's 'Harmony Music'. The rehearsal starts at 7.30pm.

Changes for Contest

23 April

Following the recent Northern Area Contest when the Band had just about completely changed from its previous contest outing, only two changes have been made for the forthcoming Senior Cup Contest, at Blackpool. Pete Arden comes in on BBb Bass to replace John Gillam, who has stood down due to work committments, and Andrea Grace joins the Back Row Cornet section, to replace Alexine Cutting who has recently left the Band.

Brass & Voices at Wakefield Cathedral

23 April

Recently the Band were invited to take place in a concert at Wakefield Cathedral. The invitation was extended by Rhiannon Davies, the Director of Music at Ackworth School. This concert is a joint concert by The Northern Friends Schools of Ackworth (Near Pontefract), Bootham, and The Mount (Both based in York). The concert happens every third year, with each school hosting it every nine years. In a break from tradition - normally an orchestra accompanies the choirs - the Band were asked to accompany the choir, as well as performing some Band items.

The concert opened with William Rimmer's quick march 'Honest Toil', followed by the Overture 'The Magic Flute'. This overture was chosen by the Band's Musical Director Jim Davies, to mark the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth. William Himes setting of the hymn tune 'Nicaea' was performed next, and it is hard to imagine a more appropriate setting for such a wonderful arrangement. To conclude their contribution to the first half, the band performed Ray Farr's arrangement of J. S. Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.

Almost before the band were off the stage, the 129 voice choir were ready to perform Haydn's 'Little Organ Mass' (Kleine Orgelmesse). This five movement mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei) was accompanied by readings in both English (Chris Bailey) and Latin (Taras Anthony), with James Robinson at the organ. The Benedictus featured the soprano soloist Charlotte Fowler, with a cornet obligato performed by Jim Davies. Hearing such wonderful cornet playing was a real treat for all present, and it was easy to see why Jim had been described by the website 4barsrest as "the great Jim Davies".

The second half opened with the band performing Berlioz's Overture 'The Corsair', and Shostakovitch's 'Serenade', often referred to as The Romance from The Gadfly.

The Band now joined with the choir (now 130 strong as they were joined by one of the Band's percussionists Jonathan Chapman) to perform Vivaldi's 'Gloria'. This 12 movement Mass had been rearranged by Rhiannon Davies for the Band, and as husband Jim joined the Band cornet section, Rhiannon conducted - Rhiannon is no stranger to working with brass bands after studying at Salford on the Band Musicianship course. Several of the movements featured soprano solos, performed by singers from the Ackworth School. Charlotte Fowler, Katie Stainsby, and Angelika Ketzer, all proved to be very accomplished soloists.

This concert was very well received by a large audience, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the Band, in that it was a concert with a difference, certainly not a traditional brass band programme. Next year sees Ackworth School staging the National Friends Concert, when nine schools - some 500 voices - will join together. It is hoped that the Band will also be performing at this concert too.

Quote Of The Year

18 March

Following our last pre contest rehearsal, our Musical Director, Jim Davies issued a few wise words of caution. These were aimed at moderating the normal Saturday night behaviour, so that everybody arrived at the contest fresh and wide eyed. Following this one player rang his wife to let her know that the regular Saturday night "performance" would have to be cancelled on the conductors orders.

The response?

"Ring the conductor up.......and thank him!!!"

New Line Up at EYMS

18 March

Following a recent post rehearsal discussion we can now reveal that yes, there have been a few changes in the Band since our last contest. The Line up for tomorrow's contest is as follows:-

Soprano Cornet	Peter Wilson
Solo Cornet	Steve Rudhall
Solo Cornet	Tony Newiss*
Solo Cornet	Stewart Kennedy
Solo Cornet	Dixon Laing
Repiano Cornet	Kirsty Fox*
2nd Cornet	Julia Mathews
2nd Cornet	Danny Hatton
3rd Cornet	Alexine Cutting
3rd Cornet	Vicki Kennedy*
Flugel Horn	Kathy Newiss*
Solo Horn	Alison Grantham
1st Horn	Alice Rudhall
2nd Horn	Garry Oglesby
1st Baritone	John Mathews
2nd Baritone	Joanna Lenthall
Solo Trombone	Mark Unsworth
Sludgepump 2	Jez Kearney*
Kid Shifter	Alistair Shipman
Solo Euphonium	Liz Grosvenor
2nd Euphonium	Paul Donoghue
Eb Bass	Dave Fox*
Eb Bass	Steve Gibson*
Bb Bass	Sam Kynd
Bb Bass	John Gillam
Timpani	Dean Addinell
Percussion	Shaun Davey
Percussion	Arjan Bakker
Vibraphone	Jonathan Chapman
Xylophone	Kris Wright

Those in bold lettering played at our last contest (The Grand Shield, May 2005), and those with an asterisk are playing in the same position. So to summarise, only 15 of the last line-up remain in the Band, with only 7 still in the same position following instrumental moves. The list below is the last contesting line-up that the Band played. To complete the list, the last band was conducted by John Gillam, and tomorrow we are conducted by Jim Davies.

Soprano Cornet	Graham Drury
Solo Cornet	Mark Sidwell
Solo Cornet	Tony Newiss
Solo Cornet	Sophie Rees
Solo Cornet	David Nichols
Repiano Cornet	Kirsty Fox
2nd Cornet	Stewart Kennedy
2nd Cornet	Simon Blow
3rd Cornet	Danny Hatton
3rd Cornet	Vicki Kennedy
Flugel Horn	Kathy Newiss
Solo Horn	Miles Davison
1st Horn	Alison Grantham
2nd Horn	Julia Mathews
1st Baritone	Paul Donoghue
2nd Baritone	John Mathews
Solo Trombone	Stephen Turton
Sludgepump 2	Jez Kearney
Kid Shifter	Mark Unsworth
Solo Euphonium	John Powell
2nd Euphonium	John Smith
Eb Bass	Dave Fox
Eb Bass	Steve Gibson
Bb Bass	Tim Atkinson
Bb Bass	Pete Smith
Timpani	Jonathan Chapman
Percussion	Mark Knight
Percussion	Tim Button

Late News Just In From November 2002

17 March 2006

Just discovered! An online version of a magazine article which appeared in Hull In Print, back in November 2002. This article was written following a Sunday afternoon concert, at the Civic Hall, Cottingham, prior to a rehearsal in the build up to the National Brass Band Finals, held at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Click here

Dutch Percussionist Completes International Line-up

12 March 2006

The Band rehearsal on Sunday 12th March saw the arrival of Arjan Bakker. Arjan, from The Netherlands has joined the Percussion Section in readiness for the forthcoming Northern Area Contest. Not only does Arjan complete an International line-up, he also completes a family line-up too, as he is the brother of 1st Horn player Alice Rudhall and brother-in-law of Principal Cornettist Steve Rudhall. Arjan (Tam-Tam) joins Dean Addinell (Timpani), Kris Wright (Glockenspiel), Shaun Davey (Side Drum), and Jonathan Chapman (Vibraphone) in our already very experienced and talented Percussion Section.

CD Release Date Delayed

21 February

The Band are disappointed to announce that the planned February release date of it's new CD 'The Deep' has had to be put back for a short time. The start of the editing process was delayed initially to a communication breakdown caused by some people being out of the country due to holidays and work commitments. Since then the editing has progressed well, but as people will realise it is a long and time consuming affair, especially when combined with other commitments. The Band has taken the view that to delay the release is better than to rush the editing and production process, and release a less than perfect CD.

Your Help Needed to Raise Funds - Without Moving From Your Chair

26 January

The Big Box is a new scheme aimed at raising funds for Registered Charities - of which The East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass band is one. In a nutshell, all you have to do is register, wait for an email to arrive, and then cast your vote. So far we have three votes, which have raised just under Ł4:00. Obviously, the more votes we have, the more money we will receive when the funds are sorted out in December. This does NOT cost anything to register. PLEASE follow this link, register (the charity name is - EAST YORKSHIRE MOTOR SERVICES BAND, and the charity number is - 1107164). www.bigcharitybox.com

Concert Cancelled

26 January

The Band have this week been contacted by the organisers of the concert to have been held in the Shire Hall, Howden on the 2nd September 2006. Unfortunately they have had to cancel this concert due to its close proximity to the Howden Festival.

Band To Return To Bandroom

22 January

Following a period of uncertainty regarding the band room, it has been confirmed that the Band will once again be rehearsing at the facilities provided by St John Ambulance at their Headquarters in Popple Street, Hull. St John's and the Band had to leave this building in early October 2005, when the Executive Officers of St John had to take the sad, but understandable decision to close the building as a result of ongoing problems with a group of travellers, who had taken up residence in the street outside. These problems included damage to the building, damage to cars parked outside the headquarters, and threats to staff. An eviction order was granted by local magistrates, and the travellers moved on shortly before the end of a 28-day period given to leave. Although they have now left Popple Street, the actual problem of unofficial sites continues, as the travellers have only moved a short distance away, so that some other group will face the same type of disruption.

The end of Popple Street has now been blocked off by the subtle placing of a large container across the street. However the disgraceful collection of litter, excrement, household appliances, gas cylinders and unwanted food remains, to be cleared by the local council.

The Band are delighted to be returning to their 'home', ready for the main part of their preparation for the forthcoming Northern Area Contest. A Band spokesman said, "This has been a difficult time for the Band. As we only had a short time to remove items from the building and no idea of how long we would be out, it was inevitable that some things would be left behind - sleigh bells for instance, you don't think of those in October! We would like to thank those groups who have helped us whilst we have been away from Popple Street. The Zion Newland United Reform Church and Maybury School for allowing us to use their facilities to rehearse in, and The Cottingham Band and Hull City Music Services for allowing us to use their equipment when we have been unable to access ours. We would also like to thank St John Ambulance for their continued support, and we will be presenting a concert shortly to raise funds for them, as they too have been reliant on the good will of other groups, and subject to a large outlay of funds to secure the building whilst it has been out of use."

Congratulations - Potential New Bandsman Arrives

22 January

Congratulations go to Dean and Becky Addinell on the birth of their first child. James Christopher, weighing in at 8lb 12oz, was born at 6:22pm on the 16 January 2006. Both mother and child (and father) are doing well, though it appears young James is sleeping better than Mum and Dad!

This news is combined with the good news that Dean has re-signed for the Band in time for the forthcoming Northern Area Contest.

New Signing Announced

18 January

The Band is delighted to announce that Pete Arden has joined on BBb Bass. Pete who has helped the Band out during the busy Christmas period, was offered a permanent place by the Band's Musical Director - Jim Davies, and was delighted to accept. Pete's arrival completes the search to give the Bass Section a full complement. In the past, Pete has played for both of the other competing bands in the region, East Yorkshire Brass and The Cottingham Band.

Fashionable 'Break' for International Soloist

12th January

Steve Rudhall - the Bands New Zealand Principal Cornettist - has become the third member of the Band in the last fifteen months to arrive at rehearsal mounted on a pair of crutches. Following on from Iain McKnight (broken leg) and Sophie Rees (broken foot and bone graft from her tibia), Steve managed to break his fifth metatarsal after falling over on Christmas Day. This is the same fracture that David Beckham had some time ago, and the same that Michael Owen suffered whilst playing for Newcastle against Tottenham Hotspur on the 31st December 2005. Whilst Michael expects to be out for between eight to ten weeks, Steve fortunately, is able to continue his playing with the Band, and has now been fitted with a small flexible foot cast, rather than the lower leg cast originally fitted.

EYMS Cross The Pennines This Week

12th January

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band would like to confirm that the date of their forthcoming concert at Formby Hall, Atherton is this coming Sunday, the 15^th January, and not as advertised on some websites the 22^nd.

Musical Director, Jim Davies has picked a programme that whilst testing the Band, will have something in it to appeal to all musical tastes. He has included no less than three overtures (Ruy Blas, The Corsair, and Mack and Mabel), the traditional march (Honest Toil) and hymn tune (Nicaea). The concert also features four of the Band’s many soloists. Current New Zealand Cornet Champion Steve Rudhall plays Napoli, in an arrangement by Robert Childs. Principal Euphonium Liz Grosvenor has chosen James Curnow’s Rhapsody for Euphonium and Brass Band, Mark Unsworth (Solo Trombone) plays Alan Fernie’s arrangement of the Sinatra standard In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning, whilst Principal EEb Bass David Fox will charm the audience with his rendition of Roy Newsome’s ever popular Bass In The Ballroom.

The remainder of the programme will include some items recently recorded by the Band, such as The Russian Sailors Dance, and A Klezmer Karnival.

The concert starts at 7:30pm, at The Formby Hall, Alder Street, Atherton. M46 9EY.

Change To Concert Date

3rd January

The concert originally scheduled for Sunday 26th March, has now been moved forward 24 hours to Saturday 25th March. This concert in Wakefield Cathedral, will feature a performance of the oratorio Messiah. Written by George Frideric Handel in less than a month, it was first performed in Dublin, in 1742. Featuring words taken from The Bible, one of its most recognisable sections is The Hallelujah Chorus.

This performance will see The Band join with three choirs based in West & South Yorkshire, including the choir from Ackworth School, near Pontefract. Further details will be added to the Engagement page as they become available.

2005

Local Court News

28th December

On Monday 19th December, Kingston Upon Hull City Council went to court to seek an eviction order in respect of the travellers who have taken up residence in Popple Street. This eviction order was granted, and so those caravans and their occupants have 28 days to leave the area. So hopefully, St John Ambulance will be back in their headquarters shortly into the new year, which hopefully means that the Band will be able to return to their band room, ready for the important period leading up to the 2006 Northern Area Contest on 19th March.

Christmas Draw - Lucky Winners

21st December

At the concert at Hull City Hall on Wednesday 21st December, the Band Christmas Draw took place. The following is a complete list of the prize winners and their prizes. Congratulations to those who were lucky enough to win, and many thanks to those who bought tickets.

1	Ł50:00 Cash	Mark Gray
2	DVD Player	Kirsty Fox
3	Christmas Hamper	Melanie Kennedy
4	Foot Spa	Rebecca Ruddick
5	Case of Wine	Jean Ledger
6	Ł20:00 Argos Vouchers	Mrs M Mathews
7	Family Pass to the Deep	Stewart Kennedy
8	Discount Voucher for Chiquitos Restaurant	Tim Button
9	Limited Edition Christmas Jigsaw	Mark Unsworth
10	Wine and Chocolates	Sue Leins
11	Voucher for New EYMS Brass Band CD	Margaret Unsworth
12	Bottle of Wine	Janette McCulloch

New Signing Completes Section

23 November

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band is pleased to announce the signing of Andy Steele, to fill the longstanding Bass Trombone vacancy. Andy a 26-year-old project engineer based in Crewe joins the Band from United Co-op 2000. Andy’s banding career started at the age of 12when he joined the Lions Youth Band, moving to Greenway Selectus and then to Roberts Bakery Band. Whilst here, he had a spell on Solo Trombone, before returning to the Bass Trombone position prior to moving to United Co-op.

Andy has played for EYMS in several concerts this year, as well as the recent CD recording ‘The Deep’, and was delighted to accept a position in the Band, completing the trombone section with Jez Kearney (2^nd Trombone), and Mark Unsworth (Solo Trombone).

CD On Track

6th November

The Band are firmly on course for the recording and production of their latest CD. The recording is being produced by Hull based recording company Reelsound (click here to visit the Reelsound website.). The producer John Rowley has already visited two of the Band's rehearsals, making sample recordings, and taking some publicity photographs - some of which can be seen on the Gallery page. The recording is taking place at Ackworth School, near Pontefract. The programme has been finalised, and is listed below. We hope that all tastes have been catered for, and that it proves to be popular when it goes on sale in early 2006.

1	Quick March - Honest Toil	William Rimmer
2	Overture - Ruy Blas	Felix Mendelssohn
3	Cornet Solo - Napoli (Soloist - Steve Rudhall)	Herman Bellstedt arr. R. Childs
4	Film Theme - Somewhere Out There	James Horner, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weill arr. Darroll Barry
5	Latin Feature - Valero	James Swearingen arr. Sandy Smith
6	Suite - The Deep 1) Bridge Across The Humber 2) Requiem for Lost Mariners 3) Storm and Thanksgiving	Bram Wiggins
7	Trombone Solo - In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning (Soloist - Mark Unsworth)	Dave Mann/Bob Hilliard arr. Alan Fernie
8	Novelty - Paddy's Wake	Stephen Tighe
9	Hymn Setting - Nicaea	William Himes
10	Euphonium Solo - Rhapsody for Euphonium and Brass Band (Soloist - Liz Grosvenor)	James Curnow
11	A Klezmer Karnival	Philip Sparke
12	The Russian Sailor's Dance	R. Gliere arr. J. T. Dodd

We hope that once this CD is released that it won't be too long before the Band is back in the recording studio. Have you any suggestions for any items that you would like to see recorded by the Band. If so please contact us via our email address eymsbrassband@yahoo.co.uk

NZ Connection Return

1 November

Fresh from a two day trip back from Nelson, New Zealand, both Steve and Alice Rudhall arrived back to rehearsal on Sunday 30th October. Steve and Alice are now starting the process of settling in the area for at least the next eighteen months (longer if they can't find their passports again!!) as well as preparing with the rest of the Band for the forthcoming CD recording.

Unofficial Caravan Site Back

1 November

Just when it looked as though St John Ambulance and the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band could think about a return to Popple Street, the street has, once again been colonised by those 'gentleman' of the road, (and their 'ladies'). At the latest count there were 8 caravans obstructing the road, and the hard standing at the front of the headquarters building. The unusual thing is that there appears to be only one white transit van, which begs the question, how were these caravans transported here. The executive officers from St John Ambulance are in negotiations with Hull City Council for a quick end to this problem which has now dragged on for almost a month. We hope that the situation will resolve itself soon.

Christmas Draw

1 November

Kirsty Fox has organised a Grand Christmas Draw 2005, with a first prize of Ł50:00 and several other top prizes. Tickets are 20 pence each and are available from any Band member or by ordering through the website eymsbrassband@yahoo.co.uk

Ł50:00
DVD Player
Christmas Hamper
Foot Spa
Case of Wine
Ł20:00 Argos Vouchers
Limited Edition Christmas Jigsaw
Wine and Chocolates
Voucher for the new EYMS Band CD
Wine

The draw will take place on the 21st December, and prize winners will be contacted as soon as possible after the draw.

EYMS at Minster/Dave calls it a day

24 October

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band, along with the joint choirs of Beverley Male Voice Choir and Driffield Male Voice Choir, and local soprano Wendy Goodson, presented a concert at Beverley Minster, last night (Saturday 22 October).

The concert was to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, and also featured three local naval cadets dancing the original naval hornpipe in period costume. Both the massed choirs, and Band featured music with some naval connection, the choir with ‘The Fisherman of England’, and the Band with the quick march ‘Trafalgar’ by W. Zehle.

The Band – conducted by Jim Davies - also performed the T. Bidgood’s march ‘The British Legion’ whilst local Standard Bearers paraded through the Minster, in preparation for the last post and reveille.

Also featured were the overture ‘The Poet and Peasant’ during which the Band’s Soprano Cornet Peter Wilson, and Flugel Horn Kathy Newiss shone, William Rimmer’s march ‘Honest Toil’, Alan Catherall’s arrangement of Jurassic Park, and the ‘Hoe Down’ from Aaron Copland’s ‘Rodeo’. Featured soloist was Mark Unsworth who presented Alan Fernie’s arrangement of ‘In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning’. All of which were well received by the capacity audience, raising much needed revenue for the East Yorkshire branch of The Royal British Legion.

The Band, Soprano and Choirs, joined together for a rousing Rule Britannia at the end of the Band’s rendition of Henry Wood’s ‘Fantasia On British Sea Songs’. This performance featured a different version of the ‘Hornpipe’. Arranged for the Band by it’s Principal BBb player – Sam Kind – as well as the Hornpipe, other tunes making fleeting appearances include Charles Widor’s ‘Organ Toccata’, and Thomas Arnes ‘Rule Britannia’, making it indeed a ‘Hornpipe Humoresque’.

One flat note to the evening, was the announcement before the concert that front row cornettist David Nichols had decided to resign from the Band with immediate effect. His work commitments have meant that he has struggled to attend all rehearsals, and a move down the line whilst practical, was not in keeping with Dave’s desire to play with the Band. He therefore decided to resign. The Band thank Dave for the work he has put in over the last twelve months, and wish him well once he recovers from his injuries sustained on Mount Snowdon.

No Sadness as "Guests" Depart

11 October

It is with some relief that we are able to inform you that the unwanted caravans and occupants previously occupying Popple Street have departed for pastures new. The street is now needing a good clear up, but, happily two large concrete barriers have been put in place to prevent access to the end of the street. However, access is still not possible to the Bandroom, as the building remains boarded up whilst St John Ambulance continue talks with Kingston Upon Hull City Council, so that a proper solution to this problem can be found. For anyone who had their ponds lined by these gentlemen of the road - they have (according to a well placed source) taken up residence in the closed down Courts car park, on Clough Road. Apparently the padlock just fell to pieces as they looked for a new caravan site.

Temporary Rehearsal Venues

7 October

Following on from the article below, the Band will be rehearsing at the following venues. On Sunday evenings at the Zion Methodist Church Hall, King Street, Cottingham, and on Wednesday evenings at the school hall, Maybury Primary School, Maybury Road, Hull.

Wednesday directions. A63 eastwards, come over Myton Bridge (over the River Hull), straight across at the roundabout (as you leave the roundabout the Bandroom will be on your left). Straight across the next two roundabouts, and at the third turn left on to Marfleet Avenue. Follow this road until you pass a petrol station on your right, 50 yards on and the school entrance is immediately right after driving over the drain bridge.

Sunday directions. From the roundabout on the north bank of the Humber Bridge, head on the A164 towards Beverley. Straight on at the first four roundabouts. At the fifth (shortly after passing Skidby Windmill on your left) turn right onto Harland Way, follow the road down to the mini roundabout. Turn right, follow the road to the next mini roundabout, go straight on, onto Hallgate. Just past the entrance to George Street on your left, the church is on your right hand side, set back a little from the road. There is some car parking at the front of the church. Go down the path at the left of the church to the hut at the back. Any problems please give Tony or Mark a ring.

Band Lose Access

7 October

The Band were informed yesterday that we are to temporarily lose access to the Bandroom. St John Ambulance, who provide our Band with a home have reluctantly decided to close up their headquarters building in Popple Street. This is due entirely to problems caused by gypsies camped in the old entrance to Victoria Dock, at the closed off end of Popple Street. For some time now St John Ambulance has had problems with broken windows, damaged signs, eggs thrown, and staff verbally abused. Until Kingston Upon Hull City Council take out an eviction order to move the gypsies on, the Chief Executive of St John Ambulance in Hull, has taken the decision to close the building and have it boarded up, to avoid any possible backlash.

Whilst faced with the problem of finding a temporary home to rehearse in, and also somewhere to store the percussion equipment, the Band do understand the problems that are being caused, and fully support the action that St John Ambulance have taken.

Steve Makes Short Trip Home

1 October

The Band's new Principal Cornet player, Steve Rudhall, made his farewells after Wednesday night's rehearsal, before returning home to New Zealand. This short trek across the world will take (according to Steve) 45 hours and 22 minutes, taking into account flight changes and airport hanging about - the actual flying time is around 27 hours. Steve will be spending about three weeks back in Nelson, before returning to England with his wife Alice. Apparently the flight back takes a little longer due to the uphill factor! We wish Steve all the best for his long journey, and look forward to seeing him, and Alice back in the band room at the end of October.

Bob Looks Back

23 September

The following quote appeared in the British Bandsman, issue number 5370, dated 17^th September, and looks at the success of Bands that have won the lower section Finals, and the conductors that took the bands to that success. In the article it refers to these as being members of the ‘Double Club.

The final member of the ‘Double Club’ only joined in the Millennium year, when Dr Roberts Childs followed-up his 1992 Second Section victory with the City of Hull Band by winning the Championship title with Buy As You View Cory at the Royal Albert Hall.

He too has great memories of that time, when he led the band that he had formed just eight years previously and which he had taken through the sections before it win on Eric Ball’s Holiday Overture.

“We were a real family band, with my wife on flugel horn, my brother-in-law on soprano, my sister and son on baritone and my daughter on cornet. The rest of the band was also full of mums and dads, brothers and sisters, and it made for such a wonderful and exciting time, as we were like one huge family together.”

The band had never won a National title, even though it had made it to numerous finals before. However, this time it wasn’t to be denied and, with a wonderful performance of Eric Ball’s test-piece, City of Hull took the 2^nd section title, which gave it further momentum on its way to the Championship Section.

“It was a great achievement for everyone connected with the band” Bob recalls. “All the hard work, fund raising and hard practice all paid off and, within four years, we had finished 8^th at the Royal Albert Hall on Isaiah 40 and had beaten Black Dyke. The memories of great people and great days will remain with me forever.”

The band later became East Yorkshire Motor Services and still competes successfully at the top level.

We are grateful to the British Bandsman for allowing us to reproduce this article. www.worldofbrass.com/acatalog/british_bandsman.html

New Principal Cornet & Horn Jet In

11 September

It is with some delight that the Band are able to announce the double signing of Steve and Alice Rudhall, as Principal Cornet and Horn player respectively. Both players join us from Nelson City Brass www.nelsonbrass.org.nz in New Zealand, where they both occupied solo chairs. Steve is also the current New Zealand Cornet Champion.

Both Alice and Steve have played in the United Kingdom before - during the early nineties, they were members of the Hillingdon Band, (now Denham-Hendon) conducted at the time by Phillip Sparke. Steve is now in the area for around two years due to a temporary work secondment, Alice has returned short term to New Zealand to take care of a few things before returning to join her husband, and the Band towards the end of October.

This vacancy created when Craig Gaskell the previous incumbent resigned, has taken a long time to fill. During the last twelve months we have had several one-off players, who whilst doing an admirable job, have not been able to provide long term stability or leadership to the Band. Special thanks, must however go to Tony Newiss who filled the seat, at short notice - 20 minutes before a concert started - during the Band's busy Summer period.

Tony, the Band Chairperson observed "This is a tremendous boost for the band to sign two players of this calibre. To fill our longstanding vacancy for a Principal Cornet with a player of Steve's quality and experience is brilliant. The icing on the cake is to sign Alice on the Horn bench, to strengthen an already strong section, which allows Julia Mathews to return to her first instrument on the back row. We wish both Alice and Steve an enjoyable and successful stay (we may have to confiscate their passports if our attempts to persuade them that this is were they should settle fails). The whole Band is looking forward to educating them in the best banding traditions, and in the other banding traditions of Yorkshire beer, and band curries!"

Garry Returns

8 September

The Band are delighted to announce the return of Garry Oglesby on Solo Horn. Garry, who left the Band in July 2002, has recently been helping the Band out during it's busy period of Summer engagements, and has recently confirmed that he has accepted offer to fill the vacant position of Solo Horn. Garry, a peripatetic music teacher also conducts the Cottingham Band, and has been instrumental in keeping this local village band of championship standing going. He is also a founder member of the locally based Kingston Brass Quintet.

Tony Newiss, Band Chair said "It is a pleasure to welcome back a player of Garry's ability, and experience to lead the horn section".

Sophie Moves On

8 September

It with some considerable regret that the Band has to announce the resignation of front row player Sophie Rees. Sophie has decided to relocate to Cheshire, and despite some attempts to suggest a twice per week commute, Sophie has signed for the United Co-op Band (Crewe).

Sophie joined the Band in 2002, initially on the front row, before moving onto 2nd Cornet, returning to the front row in 2004. Until recently Sophie was playing bumper up, a position which used to the full her previous playing experience, as Principal Cornet at the Rowntree's Band, back row at First City Brass, and Soprano at Regent Brass. As well as playing for the Band, Sophie took a full part in the administration side, serving as a committee member, and Treasurer.

Band Chair, Tony Newiss said, "Anyone following the Band website will know Sophie has had a fairly hard time of things over the past four months since badly breaking her foot. She has not missed a rehearsal (with the one exception of the day she was operated on, which is understandable) or engagement throughout her one legged status, and has kept us all amused with her crutch antics. Sophie is leaving to begin missionary work over the Pennines, and we wish her all the best."

Julia Hands In Horn

22 August

After an interesting eight months on the Horn bench, Julia Mathews is returning to the Cornet Section as Principal Second Cornet. Although this creates a vacancy in the Horn section, it does strengthen the back row.

Hopping On

21 August

Continuing the saga of Sophie's foot. Sophie returned to the hospital last week and was unfortunately informed that she must keep the pot/cast on for another six weeks. However after mastering walking with a pair of crutches, Sophie is now able to move around with some weight on her foot, cutting down on the use of her crutches.

New Soprano Returns

18th July

The Band is delighted to announce the return to the Band of Soprano Cornettist, Peter Wilson. Peter takes over the hot-seat from Graham Drury who left the Band earlier this year. Peter has played for the Band before, leaving in December 2002. Since then Peter has been playing for The Cottingham Band, as well as fulfilling a busy schedule with the Humberside Police Band. All of the Band are pleased to welcome Peter back, and hope that his stay is both successful and happy.

New Musical Director Appointed

11th July

Since the departure of Gareth Pritchard, several people expressed an interest in conducting the Band, with even more applying once the position was formally advertised. The committee haven't rushed to appoint a replacement, but have considered several options. After much thought, and consideration of all applicants the Band are delighted to announce, that they have appointed Mr Jim Davies as the new Musical Director. Jim needs little introduction after many years as principal cornettist of the Cory Band, and then at the Brighouse & Rastrick Band. All members of the Band are looking forward to working with Jim, and we wish him a long, productive, and successful time as Musical Director.

New Signing

20th June

The Band are pleased to announce their latest signing. Sam Kind joins the Band from the Ransomes Band on Bb Bass. Originally from London, Sam has spent many of years of his life based in North Yorkshire, but with an imminent change of location to East Yorkshire coming up, Sam has decided to move to the EYMS Band. We wish Sam well for his future with the Band.

New Banners On Display

13 June

This Wednesdays concert at St Matthews Church, will see the first appearance of the Band's new stand banners. These new banners, feature the East Yorkshire Motor Services Group kite logo, in

the corporate colours of burgundy and gold, on a black background. Special thanks must go to Kirsty Fox, as it was due to her efforts in organising last years race night, and then again with the Christmas Fair (working with Mel Kennedy and Julia Mathews) that raised the funds to purchase these banners.

New Signing

10th June

The Band are pleased to announce the signing of Alexine Cutting, who joins the Band on 2nd Cornet. Alexine a teacher at one of Hull's secondary schools is a former pupil at Cheethams School of Music in Manchester.

Jim Davies Takes Up The Baton

10th June

The Band are extremely pleased to confirm that Jim Davies has agreed to conduct them during June and July, whilst the search continues for a permanent Resident Conductor. Jim has selected an entirely new programme for the first of these concerts on Wednesday 15th June, at St. Matthews Church, Hull. Whilst challenging for the Band, the programme should also prove entertaining for the audience, containing several popular brass band classics (such as the march - Mephistopheles), solos (Over The Rainbow, Georgia On My Mind), music from the orchestral repertoire (Morning, Noon & Night) and music from the stage (Mac and Mabel).

Sophie Hops Home

10th June

Following an operation to her broken foot, Sophie Rees has been discharged from the Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham. Sophie had to endure a bone graft from her leg as well as the actual operation on her foot. A new heavy duty pot covers both sites, and Sophie expects to remain in plaster and on crutches for at least ten weeks. She hopes to play a full a part in the Band's summer calendar of engagements, but is taking things one step at a time.

Sophie Cracks It

30 May

Those of you seeing the Band in concert over the next few months may notice one of the front row cornettist's taking the stage with the aid of crutches. This is due to Sophie Rees breaking the navicular bone in her right foot. This is quite an unusual break, more associated with having your foot trampled on by a horse, than playing in a brass band. Sophie has spent the last two weeks in and out of Hull Royal Infirmary whilst the course of treatment has been decided on. For the time being, Sophie's foot is in plaster prior to an operation. Meantime Sophie has played her "I'm not going to the bar" trump card!

Tim Atkinson

30 May

It was with some regret that the Band had to accept the resignation of Tim Atkinson. Tim joined the Band in 2000 from The City of Oxford Band when he moved up to East Yorkshire, and since then has been a genuine stalwart member of both the Band, and of The Last Viceroy Curry Club. The resignation is due to Tim relocating to Skipton, North Yorkshire to set up his new business. It is a little known fact that Tim was originally a cello player before seeing the light! We of course all wish Tim the very best for his new venture, and hope that he manages to find a new band - our loss will surely be their gain.

Miles Away

17 May

Even by Miles's standard this was a particularly short stay. After a six week stay, Miles has decided that his future in Banding lies with a white stick, rather than blowing his horn. We wish Miles well in his quest to find another Band, in the mean time the Band has approached a replacement, and we hope to announce this new signing in the very near future.

Simon Blow's Out

15 May

It has been announced within the last hour that Simon Blow (Assistant Principal 2nd Cornet) has decided to resign from the Band. Simon, a Grimsby based sports journalist has been with The Band for several years, and was it's elder statesman, a role which now falls to Tony Newiss. We wish Simon well for the future.

Podcast Goes Live

15 May

To hear the Band on it's first internet podcast, click here. Peter Ryan who runs Brasscast, selected Death or Glory, I'll Sail This Boat Alone, Especially For You, and Fugue from Graduation Day, as the featured pieces.

Band Back From Blackpool

9 May

Despite the result, the Band returned from The Grand Shield Contest at Blackpool, in high spirits, looking very much to the future. The Band, drawn to play number 11 finished up in 20th place, with certain relegation to next years Senior Cup competition. It has to be said that whilst the performance was not perfect, it probably wasn't on reflection one that was the worst on the day - a fact borne out by the adjudicators remarks, which were a lot more positive than normally received by a last placed band. However, with all of the problems we have had over the past few weeks, it was an achievement to get to Blackpool and compete with a full band.

Huge thanks must go to John Gillam, who initially stood in to do a couple of rehearsals, but finished up taking to the stage with the Band. We hope that John really enjoys his holiday, postponed to take part in the contest, and that his wife, Iglika and family will forgive the Band for the disruption caused, and the fact that they started the holiday without John. A lesson in commitment that many of us could learn from.

We would also like to thank John Powell on Solo Euphonium, for standing in at the last minute to play a fine Falstaff. We are only a little disappointed that we never heard his rendition of a Yiddish funeral song. Also John Smith (2nd Euphonium), Stephen Turton (Solo Trombone), Peter Smith (Eb Bass) and Mark Sidwell (Principal Cornet) who made a lovely Nanette.

The Band now has a reasonably quiet few weeks in which to continue moving forward. We have to decide what direction to take regarding a Resident Conductor/Bandmaster/Musical Director, as well as attracting a couple more players to bring us up to full strength.

Band to Podcast

1 May

Earlier this year Peter Ryan, from the United States of America, contacted the Band with the intention of gaining permission to podcast the Band. This is not some form of sealing the Band in a box and launching us to Uranus (although I can name some people who would smile if that was the case!), but a new form of broadcasting over the world wide web. Either by a specifically done recording session, or as in our case, by sending Peter some previously recorded material by way of CD's. It would have been great if our new CD had been recorded to use for this innovative form of broadcast, but for the moment Peter has copies of Time Travel(1999) and Brass Compass(1998) from which he will select a short programme to be podcasted early this month. To find more about this, visit Peter's site. We will of course forward a copy of the new CD to Peter, when it is recorded later this year - most likely the weekend of October 15th/16th.

Final Piece of Jigsaw - Almost

1 May

We are pleased to confirm that Jonathan Chapman has signed for the Band to play timpani at next weekends Grand Shield Contest. Jonathan is a local player, who for several years was a member of the Cottingham Band.

Unfortunately we are still not in a position to announce who will be conducting the Band at the contest, as the search is still continuing. Once again........ watch this space.

Band For Blackpool

25 April

After much sterling work done by members of the Band, in particular Tony, Stewart and Mel, all vacancies are now filled for the forthcoming contest. We would again like to thank all of those people that have gone out of their way to assist the Band in it's quest to fill all of the seats. For a time thanks to one or two dropped spanners things looked a little dodgy, but we are now pleased to announce our line up:-

Soprano Cornet	Graham Drury
Solo Cornet	Mark Sidwell
Solo Cornet	Tony Newiss
Solo Cornet	Sophie Rees
Solo Cornet	David Nichols
Repiano Cornet	Kirsty Fox
2nd Cornet	Stewart Kennedy
2nd Cornet	Simon Blow
3rd Cornet	Danny Hatton
3rd Cornet	Vicki Kennedy
Flugel Horn	Kathy Newiss
Solo Horn	Miles Davison
1st Horn	Alison Grantham
2nd Horn	Julia Mathews
1st Baritone	Paul Donoghue
2nd Baritone	John Mathews
Solo Trombone	Stephen Turton
Sludgepump 2	Jez Kearney
Kid Shifter	Mark Unsworth
Solo Euphonium	John Powell
2nd Euphonium	John Smith
Eb Bass	Dave Fox
Eb Bass	Steve Gibson
Bb Bass	Tim Atkinson
Bb Bass	Pete Smith
Timpani	Jonathan Chapman
Percussion	Mark Knight
Percussion	Tim Button

For details of our conductor - watch this space.

For details of our vacant playing positions, please visit our vacancies page.

Exley Out Of Frame

20 April

Alan Exley contacted the Band this afternoon to let us know that due to business problems, he won't be able after all, to conduct the Band at the forthcoming Grand Shield contest. Naturally, the members of the Band are disappointed, after feeling that the last piece of the jigsaw was in place, we now to have to resume the search again.

Musical Director Announced for Blackpool

19 April

The Band is delighted to announce that Alan Exley has been engaged to take the Band to the Grand Shield Contest in Blackpool. Alan - a former cornettist with The Yorkshire Imperial Metals Band, and Grimethorpe Colliery Band - has conducted The Yorkshire Imperial Metals Band, and Sellers Band amongst others in recent years. The Band are looking forward to working with Alan, and building on the excellent work done recently by John Gillam.

Players Announced for Blackpool

19 April

The Band is pleased to announce the following signings, all on a temporary basis to cover the period up to and including the Grand Shield contest in Blackpool, on May 7th. If you have been following the website you will have realised that for a variety of reasons, we have lost several players over the last few weeks. Due to the rules imposed by the contest regulators we have been restricted to who we can use, no borrowed players from bands involved in either the Spring Festival or British Open Contest. We have had many interested musicians in touch with the Band expressing an interest in joining, but only after their playing commitments with their own bands had been completed. This left a slight problem, and countless telephone calls, text messages and emails. Not just in this country either, but as far away as, Withernsea, The Isles of Scilly, Norway, and New Zealand. We would like to express our thanks to all those people who have helped the Band in our search. After this we have engaged the following people to play for the Band.

On Solo Euphonium - John Powell. John is a member of the Euphonium/Tuba quartet 'Tubalaté', who have regularly toured, Europe, Latvia, Russia and the U.S.A.

On 2nd Euphonium - John Smith. John is one of our two allowed borrowed players, and plays regularly on Solo Euphonium for The Hatfield Band.

On Principal Cornet - Mark Sidwell. Mark is the second of our borrowed players, playing normally at Langbaurgh Brass, based in North Skelton, Cleveland. Mark has played for the Band previously, and has also conducted the Band back in 1994 at the Burtonwood Brewery Contest.

We would like to thank both The Hatfield Band, and Langbaurgh Brass for both allowing these players to compete for us.

Although we have had to bring in two euphonium players, we would like to point out that we only have a vacancy for 2nd Euphonium. Our regular Solo Euphonium player - Liz Grosvenor - is unfortunately unavailable for this contest due to work commitments.

Lights Out On Band

17 April

It was a very disappointed EYMS Band that left its Band room on the evening of Sunday 17th April, following the rehearsal that never was. Almost a complete band had to retire to the Minerva two hours earlier than normal due to a localised power cut. Despite suggestions that we rehearse in the dark just to see how well players knew their parts, or that we perform Terry Kenny's 'Trumpet by Candlelight', the only real option was to cancel the rehearsal, as the local electricity company could only estimate the time of reconnection to be in the very early morning. The day wasn't a complete black out though, as John Gillam had earlier put the Horn and Bass sections through their paces, in preparation for the forthcoming contest.

Another New Signing

12 April

After several earlier approaches, the Band are pleased to announce that the percussionist Tim Button has agreed to join the Band. Tim is a local player, and well known to one of the Band's other percussionists Mark Knight. We wish Tim well during his time with the Band.

New Signings Announced

5 April

The Band are very pleased to announce the first two of several expected new signings in the run up to The Grand Shield Contest. Pete Smith, joins the Bass section and brings with him a wealth of experience. Pete has previously played with Askern Colliery, Rothwell and Yorkshire Imperial Metals. After an eighteen month sabbatical, Miles Davison returns to the Band on Solo Horn. Miles is also a vastly experienced player, having previously played with Brodsworth Colliery, Yorkshire Imperial Metals, and Desford Colliery - when they did the hat-trick of National Brass Band Championship wins.

The Band are also greatly indebted to John Gillam who has stepped in to take the Band during recent rehearsals, and has started to prepare Masquerade for the forthcoming Grand Shield Contest. As well as bringing experience, expertise, (and some new and fresh stories) to the Band, John is working the Band hard, but is also making sure that the Band enjoys it's music making.

We hope that Pete, Miles and John all enjoy their association with The East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band.

Changes in the Trombone Section

29 March

As with several Bands around the country, our Band is no different in failing to have a full regular trombone section. However, we are fortunate in being able to call on several players to fill in as and when. For the forthcoming Grand Shield Contest our star dep is Stephen Turton. This contest will see Stephen get the 'full set' of Solo, 2nd and Bass Trombone seats. At last years Masters, Stephen came in and played 2nd, with Mark on Solo and Rob Walker on Bass. For our next contest - the Nationals, Mark was joined by Jez on 2nd, and Simon Evans on Bass. At the Areas in February 2005, Mark and Jez were joined by Stephen, this time playing the Bass part on his tenor trombone.

The trombone section at this years area contest, Stephen, Jez and Mark.

The line up for the Grand Shield will be Stephen on Solo, Jez on 2nd and Mark moving on to Bass Trombone (for one performance only).

CD Recording Delayed

21 March

Given the short term problems caused by the news below, it has been decided by the Committee to postpone the CD recording until later in the year, probably October. The choice of recording company will stay the same, as hopefully will the venue - The Central Hall in Grimsby. The suite 'The Deep' will remain as one of the pieces to be recorded, but it is likely that the rest of the programme will be changed from that originally selected.

Other Player Departures

21 March

Following from Gareth's departure, the remaining two people who travelled across the M62 from Salford to Hull, have also decided to leave. These are Rachel Retallick (2nd Horn) and Phil Pavey (2nd Euphonium). Paul Saggers (Tutti Solo Cornet) who joined the Band recently, when he moved to the Manchester area from St Austell, has also left the Band, deciding to move back to Cornwall and restart playing with the St. Austell Band. Whilst losing these players may seem a lot, there has been a lot of interest shown in the Band during the last week - both from potential conductors and players - and we will be announcing the appointment of several players very shortly.

Iain McKnight To Leave

15 March

Following the news that the Band is to seek a new conductor, Iain McKnight has decided to resign from the Band. Despite travelling from Salford to rehearsals, Iain has played a full part as a member of this Band. As well as his expertise as a BBb Bass player, Iain has also done several arrangements for the Band which have been well received by Band and audience alike. Iain has confirmed that he is to join the Leyland Band on Eb Bass. We wish him well for the future.

MD Gareth Pritchard

15 March

It has been announced today that the Band's Musical Director, Gareth Pritchard, is to leave the Band with immediate effect. Gareth issued the following press statement.

"After four years and over 100,000 miles of travelling between his home in Stockport and the band base in Hull, Gareth Pritchard and the EYMS Band have parted company. A disagreement in relation to the musical direction in which the band is being taken brought the situation to a head and it was agreed to sever the relationship with immediate effect. The decision was taken during a meeting held while Gareth was in Wales helping the Tongwynlais Temperance Band at the Welsh Regional Contest, due to the unfortunate circumstances that befell their conductor Bryn James. The EYMS Band under Gareth's direction had qualified for the National Finals in three out of the past four years and also won the Senior Cup in 2001. Gareth wishes the band the very best in the future in their new direction."

In response, Tony Newiss (The Band Chairman) also issued a press statement.

"On behalf of the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band, I would like to publicly thank Gareth Pritchard for the tremendous work he has done with the band over the last four years. Thanks to his hard work, dedication and commitment he leaves the band a much stronger unit than when he arrived. We have shared the highs and lows (and sleepless nights) of the contesting see-saw and produced many memorable performances. We wish Gareth all the very best for the future.

Family On Stage

28 February

All three members of the Kennedy family performed with the Band at the recent Northern Area Contest in Darlington. Mel, a recent transfer in from The Hatfield Band, joined daughter Vicki (3rd Cornet), and husband Stewart (2nd Cornet) on the stage at the Dolphin Centre. Mel joined the percussion section for the day - playing Bass Drum.

New Music from Bass Player

12 February

As well as playing music from our new composer in residence, the Band is also fortunate in having a talented arranger in the Bass Section. Iain McKnight has had several of his pieces played by the Band, both as trial runs in the band room, and as publicly performed pieces much enjoyed by the audience. These pieces include - Angels from The Realms Of Glory (complete with rock style percussion), Silent Night, and a duet version of Calon Lan. Those tried out so far include a new version of the Finale from the 4th Symphony by Tchaikovsky, and several movements of Saint Saens Carnival of the Animals. On the drawing board at the moment is a an arrangement of the theme to the Glenn Miller Story arranged as a trombone solo. It is suggested at the moment that some of Iain's arrangements may feature on the band's forthcoming CD, full details of the programme will appear shortly.

Principal Seat still Vacant

February 2nd

The Band would like to point out that we are still seeking several players to complete our line up - although we have a full band for the forthcoming Area Contest. Whilst several players have filled the end chair since Craig's departure, including the British Solo Champion, Alex Thomas, and the British Solo runner-up, Kirsty Abbotts, we are still actively seeking a new Principal Cornettist. For full details of this and our other vacancies, please visit our vacancies page. If you would like to know more, then contact the Band on eymsbrassband@yahoo.co.uk

Ex Player Spotted

January 30th

Samantha Hallett who made her contest debut at the 2001 National Brass Band Championships on 'Albion' was recently spotted in one of Hull's refreshment houses. Since leaving the Band, Sam continued her studies and cornet playing and is now studying music at Huddersfield University. Also at Huddersfield, studying music but a year above Sam, is Rosie Nichol who spent time with the Band on 2nd Trombone.

Engagement Announced

January 30th

It has been recently announced that Rachel Rettalick (1st Horn) has become engaged to Gavin Pritchard (Percussion - Grimethorpe). We wish them well for the future.

First Visit by Composer In Residence

January 22nd

Tomorrow, Sunday 23rd will see the first visit to the Band of Neil Bowden, since the announcement of his new position with the Band. Neil will be taking this rehearsal and several others whilst Gareth visits Norway preparing a band for the Norwegian Brass Band Championships. It is expected that Neil will be bringing some sketches of new compositions - which the Band is looking forward to. Not just for the challenge of some new music, but also to provide a short break from the challenge of preparing Rienzi for the forthcoming Northern Area Contest.

More Recording News

January 22nd

The Band are pleased to announce that after considering several recording companies to produce their forthcoming CD, they have chosen local company Reelsound. Reelsound has been established in Hull for about twenty years and is operated by John Rowley. To find out more about Reelsound why not visit their website.

Latest On New Recording

January 19th

It has been confirmed tonight that Band's planned recording session in April will go ahead. Whilst the final music programme has to be finalised, the three movement suite 'The Deep' by Bram Wiggins, commissioned by the Band in 2002, will be included.

New Signing Joins Cornet Section

January 5th

The Band are pleased to announce their latest signing. Paul Saggers joins on the front row and has made an immediate impact. Previously principal cornet with The St Austell Band, we hope that his stay with the Band proves to be a fruitful one.

2004

New Players Join & Other Moves

20th November

The Band are pleased to announce their latest signings. Driffield based Dave Nichols has accepted the offer to join the Band's cornet section. Previously Dave has played at the Harrogate Band, and also for Aunt Bessies East Yorkshire Brass. Also joining the cornet section is Vicki Kennedy. Vicki joins her Dad Stewart on the back row, after leaving The Hatfield Band where she played with her Mum, Mel.

Joanna Peacham has had to take an enforced break, to allow some dental work to be carried out. We all wish her a speedy come back. In the meantime the Flugel chair has been occupied by Kathy Newiss, moving across from the front row. Paul Donoghue has also moved back across the Band, from First Horn to Solo Baritone. Other moves include Sophie Rees returning to the front row, and Simon Blow moving to assistant principal 2nd cornet. Fourth 'Man' down Julia Mathews has stood down from contest duties in order to spend more time with her family. Julia will continue to play a full playing role for all other rehearsals and engagements.

However many of these moves appear to be temporary as the Band's Musical Director, Gareth Pritchard is operating a 'squad system' amongst the cornet section, until the search for a new principal cornettist is concluded and he has considered all of the permutations of other seating positions. So, if you visit any of our forthcoming engagements, and the cornet players appear to be doing a festive version of musical chairs, then you now know the reason why.

New Signing with a Difference

12th November

At their recent concert in the Guildhall, Hull, the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band, were pleased to announce a new partnership between themselves, and the composer Neil Bowden. Neil is a young, and successful highly regarded composer, who is pleased to become the Band's first composer in residence. During the concert two of Neil's works were performed - Conquest, and Another World - Neil himself stepping on to the rostrum to conduct Conquest. Both, the members of the Band, and Neil are looking forward to working together on a regular basis in the future.

EYMS raise more than Ł500 for St. John Ambulance

7th November

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band, Conductor Gareth Pritchard raised more than Ł500 for the local branch of the St. John Ambulance in a concert at The Guildhall, Hull on Saturday 6^th November 2004.

The Band and Conductor were in fine form after their recent set back at The Nationals in London. The Band’s “tie-up” with St. John Ambulance comes from the Band having use of a room at their Regional Headquarters in Popple Street, Hull. This, the first venture of its kind, proved to be very successful event for both organisations, with the Band gaining a new audience and St. John able to swell their coffers with more than Ł500.

The evening got off to a swaggering start with the March “Viva Birkinshaw” by the March King, William Rimmer. This was followed by a very controlled performance of “Jubilee Overture” by Philip Sparke with brilliant ‘fanfares’ from the Cornets & Trombones and subdued ‘choral’ playing from the lower band, followed by an exhilarating Allegro section where the Euphonium and Baritone sound excelled. As conductor Gareth Pritchard informed us, this was to be a night of firsts and lasts. We were then introduced to the first soloist of the night (making her last performance as Flugel soloist for a short time while she has some repair work done to her teeth) Joanna Peacham, who performed (just in the right style) an arrangement by the Norwegian Reid Gilje of Chuck Mangione’s “The Children of Sanchez” , well accompanied by the Band, with some excellent percussion playing by Mike Godber and (guest for the night) Gavin Pritchard, who then also helped to carry us through an electric performance of Stephen Tighe’s “Paddy’s Wake” leaving us “in a spin”. A complete change of mood then with “Li’l Darlin" Neil Hefti arr. Philip Sparke during which guest Principal Cornet, Alex Thomas showed off his quality of sound and style (little did we know that we were listening to the next Champion Soloist of Great Britain – a title Alex won just the day after – must have been a good warm-up!). At this point in the Concert, we were introduced to the newest and youngest member of the Band, making her debut sitting on ‘the back row’ with her dad Stewart, 13 year old Vicki Kennedy. Then straight on to another young man quickly making a name for himself on the Soprano Cornet, Graham Drury, who gave a very tasteful and controlled showing with Allison’s “Silver Threads Amongst the Gold”. The first half was brought to a close with Dr. Peter Graham’s “Dimensions” with Alex Thomas and the Band’s new Principal Euphonium, Liz Grosvenor excelling in the Solo passages.

After the interval, the audience was introduce to the Band’s new Composer in Residence, Neil Bowden who took up the baton from Gareth Pritchard to conduct one of his own compositions, “Conquest”. A very bold piece with lots for everyone especially Percussion and all the major soloists – a composer with lots of real talent for sure. We were then introduced to the next Soloist, Mark Unsworth. Mark is a very experienced player and showed this to the full with a very accomplished performance of Tommy Dorsey’s “Trombonology”. Next was Allan Street’s arrangement of the music of Henry Mancini aptly entitled “Mancini Magic” where the whole band seemed to be having great fun, all the soloists, Graham, Alex, Jo, Liz, Mark and the Band’s Solo Horn Alison Grantham all played with class and we all felt like dancing our way to the end during Gareth Pritchard’s mood catching interpretation of ‘I love you and don’t you forget it’. After the all important raffle (where first prize was a Monopoly board game – Hull version!) the Band played a rhythmically and musically strong version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Love Changes Everything”. David Fox, the Band’s Solo EEb Bass player brought the house down with Rossini’s “Largo al Factotum” in an arrangement by Stephen Roberts. Played with flair – Gareth told us a quote from Rossini that said ‘Oh how wonderful, really wonderful, opera would be if there were no singers’ – Rossini would for sure have confirmed his quote had he heard Dave tonight. The Band showed off its improving sound with “’mid all the Traffic” an arrangement by Leonard Ballantine of the American Folk Song ‘Shenandoah’ where Alex and Liz again played beautifully as did the accompaniment before bringing to an end a really enjoyable concert with another of Neil Bowden’s compositions, “Another World”. Written for David King and the University of Salford Brass Band and first performed by them, this was an excellent piece to finish the concert. Recently described by David King as ‘a cracker’, we were left in no doubt by the confident playing that the band felt this too. After a rapturous applause Gareth Pritchard led the Band through a ‘foot tapping’ performance of Death or Glory until he left the stage close to the end with the Band finishing on its own.

A really enjoyable experience and full credit to the Band for donating all proceeds to St. John Ambulance. The Band is next in Concert at The Shire Hall, Howden on Saturday 20^th November at 7:30pm.

Players Leave

31st October

It was with some regret that the Band accepted the resignations of two long serving members. Steve Ornsby (Solo Baritone) and Craig Gaskell (Principal Cornet) have both decided to leave the Band following the recent appearance at the National Brass Band Finals. All of the Band wish Steve, and Craig well for the future and thank them for the time, commitment and effort, that they have both put in during the past years.

New Player Signs

25th September

The Band are pleased to announce the signing of Jeremy Kearney from Derwent Brass to fill the vacancy on 2nd Trombone. Jeremy has recently moved on to the South Bank following service with the Band Of H. M. Irish Guards.

Changes In The Euphonium Section

19th August

Following the decision of Melanie Ornsby to retire from the Band at the end of our summer season, the Band would like to announce the following changes. Liz Grosvenor will move from 2nd Euphonium on to the Solo Euphonium hot seat, and joining the band on 2nd Euphonium is Phil Pavey. The Band would like to acknowledge the contribution that Melanie has made to the band over several years, and wish her well in the future.

End Of Reign

7th July

The Band was saddened by Linda Addinell's decision to stand down as treasurer with effect from July 4th. Linda has put in many hours of hard work to ensure that the Band has had substantial off stage help and support. All of the Band wish Linda, and her husband Mel, well for the future and hope that we will continue to enjoy their support at our forthcoming engagements.

Player Departure

28 June

The garden party at Dove House saw the last appearance with the Band of Dean Addinell, one of the few percussionists who insisted on being called a drummer. Dean, a very popular and lively member has been with the Band throughout it's rise, and all members of the Band wish him well as he continues building a shed - oops - drumming with other ensembles.

Wedding Bells

1st March

Following the wedding of Dean Addinell (Drummer) and Becky last year, the Band certainly seems to have caught the wedding bug.

The picturesque village of Goathland (snow covered and two days before Christmas) was the perfect setting for the wedding of Craig Gaskell (Principal Cornet) and his fiancé Ruth. A small group from the Band played carols during the ceremony and later at the reception in Scarborough.

After Christmas, the Band was thrilled to discover that Steve Ornsby (Solo Baritone) and Melanie Pattison (Solo Euphonium) had tied the knot in a quiet ceremony in Kingston Upon Hull.

Another wedding will be on the horizon as Mark Unsworth (Solo Trombone) and Sophie Rees (2nd Cornet) have recently become engaged.

We wish all of the couples happiness in their future lives together.

2003

The National Finals - A Novice's View - by Alison Grantham

31st October

In April of this year, I joined the horn section of the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band. Although my previous band - Cottingham - were in the championship section, this was brass banding in a different league! I couldn't believe my luck when I realised that I would be taking part in the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall. Back in March of this year the Band qualified for the Finals by claiming runners-up spot in the North of England Championships in Darlington.

The piece chosen was Elgar's Enigma Variations. This had been arranged as a Brass Band test piece by the great Eric Ball and chosen for the finals as 2003 was Eric Ball's centenary year. However, we were not able to play the piece in its entirety as it was too long, so a shortened version entitled Theme and Eight Variations was produced especially for the contest. Elgar had written each variation about a different friend, of course the most well known of these variations being Nimrod.

Rehearsals started in earnest at the beginning of October. Quite a few extra rehearsals were slotted in which players managed to juggle around home and work commitments - all of the Band's players have a 'real' life as well as a brass banding life! We even managed to rehearse in the Hull City Hall in order to gain an understanding of playing the piece in a large venue - our band room is much, much smaller than the Albert Hall!

The Band travelled down to London on Friday 17th October. This gave us a chance to settle into the hotel and have a rehearsal before retiring to bed early ready for the big event! On the day itself, the Band was drawn to play 13th. Lucky for us, we hoped! Walking out onto the Albert Hall stage was a tremendous experience. We followed on the Buy As You View Cory Band conducted by Bob Childs, who were one of the favoured bands (and in the event placed third). A large audience remained in the hall to hear our performance.

On stage, the Band gave a really good performance of the test piece, leaving Musical Director, Gareth Pritchard smiling at the end and receiving an enthusiastic reception from the audience. The hard work really was all worth it! The performance was thought by many to be the Band's best performance to date.

A total of twenty bands took part in the contest - the best from each area in the country - including established and famous names such as Black Dyke and, Brighouse & Rastrick. In the event we were placed a creditable 14th and received some favourable comments from the three judges. That evening we celebrated our performance in true Yorkshire style.

Playing with the Band on the Albert Hall stage was the highlight of my playing career so far - and one I would love to repeat next year!

T.V. Stars

October 2003

Some of you may have recently seen the Band featured on local television. After hearing about the Band's impending visit to the Royal Albert Hall, Look North decided to do a short feature about the Band. Jane Birch from BBC Look North came and recorded part of the concert at Middleton Hall. This was followed up with a recording made at one of the Band's rehearsals during the run up to the Finals. Some members of the Band were interviewed - Dean Addinell, Tony Newiss, Kathy Newiss, and of course the Band's Musical Director, Gareth Pritchard. The programme went out as a feature on Look North on Thursday 16th October. It seems to have reached a wide audience - members of the Band were spotted by the public whilst loading the coach in Hessle for the National Finals trip!

Player Departures

31 August 2003

The Band is saddened that after a period of relative stability, it has to announce the departure of two key players, on Solo Horn Miles Davison, and on Bass Trombone Chris Trinnaman. News from Miles is fairly sketchy, but it appears he is taking a break from playing to concentrate on his Barton based scooter business. Chris, however has been successful - following a lengthy interview process - in obtaining a position in the civil service. Unfortunately, this position is based in Bedford which obviously means that he will be unable to continue as a regular member of the Band.

2002

Hull In Print

November 2002

Follow this link to an article written in October 2002, prior to the Band's appearance at the National Brass Band Finals at the Royal Albert Hall, London. It followed an interview with members of the Band after a Sunday afternoon concert, held at the Civic Hall, Cottingham.

Click here

Trombones Meet The Sons

20th August

Following a guest appearance the following review appeared on The Sons Of The Desert Website. For those in the dark, The Sons Of The Desert are one of Hull's premier groups.

Brassed On

Well I did suggest a surprise or two for the month of August, but even I didn't see this one coming! With Rob motoring off to Milan, and Dave a distant memory, we were staring at the prospect of a quiet night from the brass section.

Enter the mighty EYMS Brass Band, well two of them anyway! Mark and the lovely Rosie added a whole different sound to the Sons with 2 tremendous trombones. Trombones? I hear you ask. Well the Sons are nothing if not adaptable, and with Matty back on guitar it all made for a very interesting night.

Sutton Fields, which is not known for excitable audiences, is always a difficult place to play and even I took the stage with a little trepidation, (no, little trepidation is not another new member). We had nothing to fear, it was one of the best nights we have had in the place. It's always great to have the sight of several people bopping below the "strictly no dancing" notice!

We hope to have the return of the trombones for the Springhead, so if you missed them this time, be ready for a couple of top-notch musicians on stage with Hull's most eclectic band!

Senior Cup Winners 2002

May 2002

Formed in 1989, the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band have had a remarkable climb through the sections until they achieved Championship Section status in 1996. Not content with this, they went on to claim a hat trick of North of England Regional Titles, and several respectable placings at major contests. A small lapse saw them fail to qualify for the National Finals in 2000, but they were back in 2001 and saw a very deserved 14th place. 2002 saw them qualify for the sixth time (in seven attempts) with a very good performance of Whitsun Wakes to finish runners-up to Ever Ready by the smallest of margins. With these results under their belts, The East Yorkshire Motor Services bandwagon rolled in to Blackpool to tackle Frank Wright's masterful arrangement of Le Carnival Romain in the senior cup.

Despite an early draw (I wonder who was responsible for that Linda?) they gave a tremendous performance of the test piece. A bold opening from the Cornets, and some superbly executed trills from the Flugel and Horns (pre contest reports about valve problems proving unfounded) led in to the famous Euphonium solo. This was excellently played by Melanie Pattison, and, in a skilfully crafted interpretation by Gareth Pritchard, the various sections of the band played their parts in a way that left adjudicators Dr Roy Newsome and Malcolm Brownbill in no doubt as to the quality of the performance.

Fifteen bands and some four and a half hours later, they were still unanimous, and the title went to Hull. This time last year, the band suffered a very poor result in the Grand Shield and were demoted. Instead of idling their time dwelling on Epic Symphony and what might have been, they have shown true Yorkshire grit and tenacity, strengthing the band to show that they are now very much a force to be reckoned with once again.

After the contest the band were in celebratory mood, however, the impending Black Dyke concert meant that the Winter Gardens, and more importantly the Galleon Bar had to be cleared. This resulted in many of their band and myself wandering back to our hotels rather earlier than we may have liked. I quickly discovered that I was staying only four doors away from the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band hotel. The prospect of a party, free beer (it never materialised), a curry and the promise of a pizza in the South Kensington branch of a well known Italian food emporium come October was too much for me, and I found myself in the bar of their hotel amid the celebrations.

Firstly, can I say that the Band are a thoroughly nice group of people, a mix of youth and experience, and enhanced by the looks of nine members of the fairer sex. After extracting a pint out of Soprano player Pete Wilson (there's a first!!), I set about the task of finding out what makes this band tick.

Some of the band are known quantities to me. Solo Trombone Mark Unsworth, (he played with Ever Ready in the early nineties and was my roommate for four years before he returned to Hull), has lost none of the razor sharp wit that he was renowned for. Indeed, it appears that the Joker, and an amazing penchant for loud snoring are also very much in evidence from Mark.

Mark, (ably assisted by Band Chairman Tony Newiss), took it upon themselves to introduce (or was that insult) the various members of the band to me. Despite the banter that goes with this sort of thing (especially considering my band has stopped them achieving a fourth area title on three occasions) and a drummer that actually insisted on being called a drummer (another turn up for the books), they welcomed the opportunity of some good PR that this article will hopefully produce.

The Band's sponsors were obviously delighted with the victory, and all eyes will be on them in 2003 when they compete in the Grand Shield once more. Further evidence of the bands continued improvement, was strengthened by a last minute invitation to the 2002 All England Masters Contest at Cambridge. Sadly, due to holidays and work commitments, not to mention the short timescale, the band was forced to decline the invitation but hope to be invited in 2003.

Finally, the band paid tribute to the excellent contribution that Gareth Pritchard has made to the band since his appointment of Professional Conductor earlier this year.

This article was composed by Les Palmer the Soprano Cornet player from the Ever Ready Band. Les attended the Senior Cup contest in his role as reporter for the website 4barsrest.

In at "The Deep" End

March 2002

Saturday 23rd March 2002 saw the opening of probably the biggest visitor attraction the city of Kingston Upon Hull has ever seen. The submarium, 'The Deep', cost Ł43,500,000 to develop, and the skyline on Sammy's Point has become almost as famous as that of the Sydney Opera House.

To mark this occasion, the band (with financial assistance from the Hull City Council Live Music Fund) commisioned a new work for Brass Band entitled 'The Deep'. The work is written in three movements entitled 1. 'Bridge Across The Humber' 2. 'Requiem For Lost Mariners' and 3. 'Storm And Thanksgiving'.

To recognise the support given by Hull City Council, it is hoped that the following acknowledgment will appear on the score and parts when published: - Commissioned by The East Yorkshire Motor Services Band for the opening of the world's first submarium in Hull, 23rd March 2002. With financial assistance from Hull City Council through the Hull City Arts Live Music Fund.

The work was written by Bram Wiggins, who is a well-known and highly regarded composer within the Brass Band genre. Bram attended the opening and despite the bitter wind blowing in off The Humber enjoyed the band's performance. The second movement was broadcast live by BBC Radio Humberside. The band played a varied programme to the waiting crowds, which in spite of the cold was very well received.

Special thanks must go to Jackie Holden and the residents of Humber View, for allowing us to rehearse there on Friday night, and for looking after the instruments over night. The endless cups of tea and coffee were very much appreciated.

In the near future the band hope to produce a CD, which will include 'The Deep'.

We've Done It Again

18th March

Playing to a packed auditorium in Darlington on Sunday 17 March, the Band have once again qualified to represent The North Of England, in The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, at The Royal Albert Hall, London on 19 October 2002. This is the sixth time in seven years that the band have qualified, and is a reflection, on just how good the band is.

The test piece Whitsun Wakes is notoriously difficult and on the day proved too hard a test for some of the competitors. It was amazing to feel the atmosphere in the auditorium during the band's performance and it was obvious from the start that the crowd were in for something special. They were held spellbound by the playing and erupted in cheering, clapping and whistling, whilst the band were still holding the last note of the piece.

The band's talented soloists shone throughout the performance and were ably assisted and accompanied by the rest of the band. Mention must be made at this stage of those soloists. Craig Gaskell (principal cornet) and Melanie Pattison (solo euphonium) were faultless in the very demanding duet passages which the adjudicator (Malcolm Brownbill) described as excellent and so musical. Garry Oglesby (solo horn), Steve Ornsby (solo baritone), Mark Unsworth (solo trombone) and David Fox (solo Eb bass) all elicited comments of well played, well shaped and good from the adjudicator who found little to criticise in the whole performance. In very exposed cadenzas, Pete Wilson (soprano cornet) received "well played sop", and Joanna Peacham (flugel horn) "bravo flugel". The adjudicator's final comments read "A well played and finely crafted performance".

In what is by nature a very negative process, each band starts with 200 points and loses them for faults or passages that the adjudicator doesn't like. It is amazing that the band were awarded 192 points. Included in the words that the adjudicator used in his remarks were, clear, expressive, correct, fine, super, exciting, lovely, fits just right, so athletic from all the band, so musical, sparkles, dignified and fine attention to detail.

Of course the band cannot just turn up and perform at this level without hours of rehearsal and preparation. In this the band had the assistance and expertise of their new Musical Director Gareth Pritchard, who had shaped and built the performance throughout. Gareth joined the band for the first time to conduct at a concert in Cockermouth last July, then took the band to London for the 2001 Finals where they came 14th, just behind Brighouse and Rastrick. In January this year Gareth accepted the post of musical director with the band, despite living in Stockport and having to make the 220 mile round trip to rehearsals twice a week (and every night during the week prior to the contest). The band are delighted with the results and look forward to a very successful relationship with Gareth.

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