|
Today has seen two of our members competing in the Durham County Brass Band Association solo, duet and quartet competition. Our Solo Trombone player Dan Nixon was awarded 1st place and our Soprano player Alex Cockling came 2nd in the junior solo up to 17 years category, whereas Alex went on to win the junior up to 17 duet section. A fantastic result and achievement for both of them, and we are extremely proud to have both Dan and Alex in the band. Congratulations from us all! Our very own David Young also accompanied many of the soloist today on the piano. Photos are courtesy of Hugh Stephenson
0 Comments
Ray Lee, one of our euphonium players, celebrates his 90th birthday on Monday (27th April) and the band couldn't let this special birthday pass without taking him to his favourite restaurant, Le Raaj at Chester-le-Street tonight. Who doesn't love a good Indian and a quiz all about Ray. A big thank you goes to Joanna for yet another fantastic quiz and for sorting decorations and Lindsey, our chairman, for booking and coordinating everyone. Ray was also awarded a special award, in recognition of his 40 years continuous and outstanding service to the Band. Ray actually has been in the band a lot longer but broke his service and then returned. Marion, our secretary, wrote the following which was included on his award. We think this sums him up perfectly. "A committed and dedicated “old-style” bandsman in every way, Ray has enjoyed a playing career spanning many years, both in service in the RAF, the EverReady band and as a member of Bearpark & Esh Colliery Band. He has been a true team player. He has moved within the sections as required playing flugel horn, Eb bass, Tenor Horn and Euphonium. His knowledge, expertise and generous nature know no bounds and should never be underestimated." Always ready to help and a true gentleman, whom we will never forget. Ray’s willingness to share his talent will be a lasting legacy to the band. He always has a twinkle in his eye and can be very mischievous. "Thank you for your time, enthusiasm and being a true constant within the band. Words will never be enough!!" Ray has now decided to hang up his instrument and retire from playing. He wants to take life a little easier now he has reached the ripe old age of 90. Ray continues to support the band by coming along and listening to our concerts and promises to visit the bandhall regularly. Congratulations on all of your banding achievements over the years Ray and we will miss seeing you every week. Tonight has seen the band and the amazing Ushaw Chapel Choir perform to a sell out performance of The Armed Man - A Mass for Peace, by Karl Jenkins. The atmosphere in the chapel was absolutely fantastic and it was great to see many people who had come to listen to the stunning work by Karl Jenkins. To get a full audience standing ovation at the end was very emotional and very touching. It's always a pleasure to work with the choir but last night was something very special. Well done to all of you and especially the soloists, you all sounded amazing. We especially want to say a massive thank you and well done to Mark Anyan, musical director of the choir, who conducted the band and choir for the performance. We also want to say thank you to our own MD Gavin Brown for all his hard work preparing the band for last night as well. Thank you to our deps Andrew H, Andrew P, Paul, Tracy and good friends of the band, Gareth and Ben. Your help and time is very much appreciated. Another thank you goes to Steve Jack who came and recorded the performance. A final thank you goes to Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens. The support you show us as your local band is fantastic. Thanks to Charlotte, Mark and all the team for everything that goes on behind the scenes and to our Secretary, Marion who has worked hard alongside them to make tonight happen. |
