A Retrospective view of 2004

Another full and entertaining year at Grimethorpe with plenty of high quality concerts, a few conductors and numerous player changes.

With James Gourlay now conducting Brighouse & Rastrick, the band engaged the services of Frank Renton as Professional Conductor for this year. Frank conducted at two contests, The Yorkshire Regional Areas in Bradford playing Martin Ellerby’s “Tristan Encounters” gaining a 5^th place off an early Nr 2 draw and the British Open playing (out of a choice of three test pieces) Wilfred Heaton’s “Contest Music” gaining a 9^th place from a Nr 9 draw.

As well as contests, Frank did conduct at many concerts throughout the year with one of particular note being when the band accompanied the world renowned Harpist Catrin Finch in a three movement Gareth Wood composition of “Concerto for Harp and Band” at the Bury St Edmunds Music Festival.

In May Richard Evans took over from Russell Grey’s temporary position to become the bands permanent Resident Conductor. Richard took charge of the bands regular concerts with the exuberance expected of such a natural entertainer. It was also decided that Richard should take the band to the Brass in Concert Contest, which brought with it the re-emergence of his famous cravat to rapturous applause from the capacity audience. The band needless to say were champions for the 4^th consecutive time with Richard Marshall gaining the best soloist prize and the band picking up the “Best Presented Scores” Prize for the first time making the bands librarian, David Barraclough very happy indeed.

Always at the forefront of musical innovation, Sandy Smith (the bands arranger in residence) came up with an idea of combining the comedy item and finale, which, as far as we could remember, had never successfully been attempted. Sandy came across a previously undiscovered work by PDQ Bach titled 1712 Overture, a piece that includes references to just about every other composer you would know. Judging by the audience reaction the piece proved to be an unmitigated success and led Grimethorpe onto victory.

The full programme was as follows –

Los Hermanos De Bop - Arr, S. Smith with the horn section on Mellophoniums

Bonnie Briar Bush - Arr, E. Howarth

Virtuosity – K. Baker, Richard Marshall on solo Trumpet

Little Fugue in G Minor – Bach Arr, S. Smith

I’ve Got You Under My Skin – C. Porter, Arr, S. Smith

PDQ Bach’s 1712 Overture – Arr, S. Smith

The bands CD collection wasn’t expanded much this year although there have been many recording sessions for CD’s with release dates in 2005.

BMG released a compilation CD entitled “The Very Best Of Grimethorpe Colliery Band” which went straight to Nr1 in the Classic FM Charts and subsequently stayed in the top ten for many weeks after.

The second CD in the History of Brass series was released in September titled “Salvation Army Connection”.

The band carried out a further three recording sessions this year, completing the bands own CD production of “Grimethorpe In Concert 2” which is due to be released in April/May 2005.

There has been more recordings completed for the History of Brass series with “The Early Years” containing music covering the 1850 to 1920 period and included authentic instruments such as small bore cornets, G trombone and an Ophicleide which has to be heard to be believed. This recording is planned to be released in March 2005. The band has also partially recorded some tracks for the “Modern Era” including Phillip Wilby’s Jazz, this recording should be completed in April 2005.

There have been the usual round of player changes this year as follows.

Jeff Lewis leaves the band after a short tenure on Baritone for work reasons leaving the position vacant for the return of previous longstanding member Bob Archer after his short stint at Carlton Main.

David Arnold leaves the 2^nd cornet position to spend more time with his family, this position was shortly filled by Michael Green who joins from YBS

Gary Owen leaves to join Hepworth with the Rep position being filed by the extremely experienced and talented Lee Rigg from Fairey’s.

Jamie Ashton leaves the first trombone position. Taking the opportunity to concentrate on his professional music, Jonathan Beatty moves from solo to 1^st trombone with the solo seat being filled by Richard Brown from Leyland

Gavin Prichard joins the percussion section from YBS bringing the team strength up to 4.

Finally Alan Withington is signed on as professional conductor, although he will not make his debut with the band until the British Open in 2005. Richard Evans will take the band to the areas next year.

With more recordings in 2005, including the culmination of the History of Brass recordings, a short tour of Switzerland as well as visits to all our usual haunts and a new Professional conductor, 2005 is sure to be a busy year.

written by Mark Arnold