Newhall Band was pleased to take part in anniversary celebrations for St John's Church Newhall, the church the band was founded for over 100 years ago.
On 28 April, members of the Newhall congregation took a walk across fields to Stapenhill church, just as their forerunners had done more than 175 years previously.
Unfortunately, the weather wasn't very kind, and hot drinks were served before and after the service. A reminder of why the Newhall folks must have been delighted to have a new church in their own village, known as St John's, exactly 175 years ago. Another possible reason for the building of St John's church was suggested during the service - that the crime rate was quite high in Newhall and they needed a church to bring a little goodness into the town!
In the nineteenth century and at the start of the twentieth, Newhall Band was known as the Newhall St John's Band, and still maintains links with the church, and so it felt very fitting for the ten-piece version of today's band to join in the celebration.
More about the history of Newhall Band >>
For some members of the band, a solo contest was a new experience, for others not, but we all had a great day out at the Leicestershire Brass Band Association Spring Festival. Members of the band took part in the Junior Slow Melody section, the Open Duet section, Open Slow Melody section, Open Air Varie section and the Open Quartet section.
The new Newhall Quartet (Tricia Woodings, Becky Stonehouse, Jo Priestley, Shiela Dixon) were delighted to collect the prize for third place on their first time out.
LLBA Spring Festival >>
More photos from the day >>
We are pleased to announce that we have appointed Kevin Holdgate as our permanent Musical Director. Please see the news item below (14 January) for more about Kevin's background.
Work will begin right away on the programme for our forthcoming concerts; the Tamworth lifeboat appeal and Stapenhill Spring Festival.
Thank you to the others who were interested in the role and came to spend some time with us.
We were very pleased with our performance at the Area contest on Sunday 9 march, and would like to thank Kevin Holdgate who has done a sterling job at rehearsals and on the day. He stepped in just three weeks beforehand to pick up the baton from Allan Morris.
Unfortunately the judges didn't select us for a prize, but we have been praised by independent reviewers, including 4 Bars Rest:
http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2008/art824.asp
Kevin Holdgate will be conducting Newhall Band at the Midlands Area contest on 9 March.
Yorkshireman Kevin is an accomplished player. Since the age of 6 he has played with many bands and orchestras, including solo trombone at Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band and a 12 year stint as solo trombone at Grimethorpe Colliery Band. Since leaving Grimethorpe he has played as a freelance trombone player with a number of championship brass bands and jazz big bands in the Midlands.
During the day he is a brass teacher and combines this with composing and arranging.
The band members are sorry that Allan Morris has found himself unable to carry on, but are extremely grateful for the very hard work that he has put in.
Newhall Band are pleased to announce that Allan Morris has agreed to come out of retirement to knock the band into shape for the Midlands Area contest in March.
Allan comes with a wealth of experience in the brass banding world.
Rehearsals are underway and going well. The band are very pleased with this appointment and are optimistic about their chances in the contest under the new leadership.
Two new trophies were awarded at Newhall Band's recent annual social event.
Every member of the band had a chance to vote for their 'Bandsperson of the Year'. The award went to Patricia Woodings, the band's librarian, treasurer and solo horn player.
Second cornet player Sam Halton, one of the band's younger players, was awarded 'Most Improved Player' after a unanimous committee decision.
Denis Riley, president of the band, awarded the trophies.
Congratulations to both players; both awards were very much deserved.
We are very sorry to announce that Mark Phillips has decided to leave the band after seven years as MD, because of family and work commitments.
We are sad to see Denis Riley step down after playing with the band for 29 years. He has been a dedicated player, was chairman of the band for 14 years and has also stepped into the middle to conduct when necessary.
Denis will continue to make a contribution to the band, as he has been recently been re-elected President. He'll also be kept busy with his work as MD of Wilnecote St John band.
At the recent AGM, the band decided to name an annual trophy after Denis in recognition of his service to the band.
On a happier note, we are very happy to welcome Mark Smith to the band's second euphonium seat.
The band is rehearsing hard in preparation for the Pontin's contest early next month. The third section test piece is Peter Graham's Northern Landscapes, and our section will start at approx 2pm on Saturday 3rd November. The top cash prize is £1,750 so there's everything to play for!
Newhall Band are band number 9 out of 14, and have been drawn to play 14th out of 14, so we won't have a very long wait to hear the adjudicators' results.
Read more about the Pontins Contest (3rd section) >>
The band is pleased to welcome two new members.
Alan Gifford, who also plays with Amington Band, came along with us to the Whit Fridays and has guested with us since. He will now be playing regularly with Newhall Band in the top trombone seat.
Braden Stonehouse also joins the band on cornet. Braden has made great progress since joining our junior band and will now be playing regularly with the senior band.
A great time was had by all at yesterday's Whit Friday Marches. Teaming up to form The Newhall & Wellington United Brass was a huge success. The weather remained sunny and warm, players had a great time and spectators in a dozen or so villages enjoyed the huge free show. We had 6 on our agenda, and managed 4; Greenfield, Friezland, Uppermill and Delph, playing Mephistopheles as the contest piece and marching to the slightly less traditional 'Sex Bomb'.
Our results: Friezland: 12, Greenfield: 40, Uppermill: 39, Delph: 46
Full results table >>
Read more about the Whit Friday Marches >>
Members of Newhall Band and Wellington (Telford) are teaming up next Friday for the Whit Friday marches.
The Newhall & Wellington United Brass will be seen taking part in "the greatest free show on Earth" in the Saddleworth area next Friday.
Read more on 4 Bars' Rest >>
Read more about the Whit Friday Marches >>
MD Mark Phillips recently spoke to Peter and Lucas at Brasscast about the past, present and future of Newhall Band.
In the podcast released on May 13th 2007, you can hear four pieces from our CD, Lord of the Dance, as well as the interview with Mark. To hear the podcast, visit www.brasscast.com. To find out more about the CD, click the picture on the right.
The year was again quite busy with the first event of the year being the New Year Party. Great way to start!!
Preparations for the Area contest are always intense with no concerts beforehand. After that the year took off with a rush of concerts at venues spread far and wide.
The junior band having worked so hard under the guidance of Patricia Woodings, had five players progress to the senior band. Well done to all of you and of course to Patricia for training you!!
This web site is receiving messages, e-mails and many visits from around the world. Thank you to everyone who has been keeping in touch.
As always the 2007 calendar is beginning to fill up with concerts and contests so anyone wishing to book the band needs to get details to the secretary very soon.
