News

25/03/2011

A Murder in Midsomer ? (with the new DCI Barnaby)
- no band members were harmed in this production...
If you have a keen eye, you may have spotted some familiar faces on television recently... Our friends at Sussex Brass were asked to participate in the filming of an episode for a new series of the ITV show 'Midsomer Murders'. To make up the numbers required for filming, BTB members were invited to change into a different coloured jacket for the day to help out. Louise Edwards, Claire Nichols, Alison Earls, Michelle Eldridge, Janice Honeysett, Rosie Wilcock, Jon Penton, Jim Alexander and Owen Radley took part. The episode was shown on ITV1 on Wednesday 23rd March 2011. It will be available to view for a short period on the itvplayer - the band appear from 53min, playing "In An English Country Garden" and "Sussex By The Sea"
20/03/2011

London & Southern Counties Regional Competition (3rd Section) 2011
- upwards and onwards !
On our first EVER outing in the 3rd Section, BTB achieved a very good result of 4th place. In the words of the adjudicator (Major Paul Morley) "There was very little to separate the bands placed 2,3 & 4" - potentially so close to qualifying for the National Championships in September, well done everybody! A recording of our performance will be available soon - listen out especially for 'Cardiff Bay Ice Cream', described as:

"Light and stylish, moving well and detail secure. Some very nimble and convincing playing. This is real quality"


(We like Major Paul Norley...)
20/02/2011

SCABA Solo, Quartet & Ensemble Contest 2011
BTB were represented at this contest by the fantastic four of Louise Edwards, Russell Kemp, Cheryl Goodsell and Jon Smith. Competing in the (SCABA) 2nd section quartet competition, choosing to perform 'Timepiece' by Peter Graham. They were rewarded with 2nd place by adjudicator Melvin White, whose comments included:

"style and beauty" and "a genuine sparkle"


No silverware this time perhaps, but we'll be back!
02/12/2010

SCABA Cornet Worshop with Richard Marshall (Black Dyke Band)
Battle Town Band's principal cornet, Louise Edwards, recently took part in a cornet workshop organised by SCABA. The workshop was led by the principal cornet of Black Dyke Band, Richard Marshall, who also brought along his wife, Rebecca (another Black Dyke cornet player). As part of the day, the 12 delegates took part in a warm up and then rehearsed a cornet quartet entitled Espana Cornetta. After lunch, Richard gave a wonderful recital and this was followed by a masterclass in which 3 delegates (including Louise) played a solo and then Richard helped them improve their performance. Louise played The Shepherd's Song, arranged by Eric Wilson and Richard praised her tone, phrasing and dynamics while suggesting ways she can improve her breathing - which is the key to becoming a good player. Later, there was a question and answer session when Richard gave his thoughts on mouthpieces, high note playing, pedal note playing and vibrato. The group then performed Espana Cornetta to finish the day.
08/10/2010

Battle Town Band at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain 2010