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News 2011
January 2011 |
February 2011 |
March 2011 |
May 2011 |
Previous Years |
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The Reg Vardy Band were delighted to win the Grand Shield on Saturday 14th May and regain their place in the British Open after 4 years in the Grand Shield.
The win came after a thrilling performance by the band and outstanding contributions from cornet soloist Tina Mortimer and Liz Pope on euphonium, of Hermann Pallhuber's "Titan's Progress".
Band Press officer Laura Jackson said "We knew when we came off stage that we couldn't have done any more and hoped it would be enough. We have been working really hard with Nick since the area and it is a testament to Nick and the hard work that he and we have all put in together. It was a true team performance and we are are so glad that we will be heading back to Birmingham in September."
Band sponsor, Sir Peter Vardy said shortly after the win, "This is great news, congratulations to everyone involved in the performance. I am very proud of you all yet again."
The band hope to continue with their contest success, looking towards the English National Championship in Preston in June.
May 2011
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Sunday 20th March saw the band become North of England Regional Champion for the 33rd time, taking the title for the 10th time since the year 2000.
Led by professional Music Director, Dr Nicholas Childs on Philip Wilby's ever popular Paganini Variations, the band saw off some tough competition to take the title and also an invitation to represent the North of England at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain held at The Royal Albert Hall in October.
In addition to their win, the band also scooped individual prizes for the Bass Section and Percussion who were deemed by adjudicator Jim Davies to be the best of the day.
Band spokesperson Laura Jackson commented; "We came off stage delighted. Nick Childs really brought something out of the score and we were happy that we were able to deliver what he wanted. The main feeling was that if anyone could better it, then they fully deserved to take the title."
And whilst it gave a very happy MD another North of England title, Dr Nicholas Childs still has a long way to go to meet the personal tally of Area wins now notched up by Colin Dye on 2nd baritone. The victory gave him a personal tally of 28 wins at the contest in 38 years.
As Laura added: "I don’t think anyone will come close to beating that record – and he wants to add some more to the total too!"
1. Reg Vardy (Dr Nicholas Childs)
2. East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison)
3. Felling (Stephen Malcolm)
4. NASUWT Riverside (Ian Robinson)
5. Lockwood (John Roberts)
6. Fishburn (John Ward)
7. Easington Colliery (David Hirst)
8. Barton Town (Richard Evans)
9. Kirkbymoorside (John Woodward)
10. GT Group Peterlee (Norman Law)
March 2011
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A Tribute to Major Peter Parkes
After the death of Major Peter Parkes on Saturday, 12th February, the sad news filtered through to the band whilst they were in the studio together recording a CD for the Clarence Adoo Trust.
'The Major's' contribution to the band was abosolutley collosal which spanned some 20 years with successes too numerous to mention.
Ever Ready/Reg Vardy stalwart David Carr remembers some of the performances he took part in under The Major's baton.
"Contest Music at the area contest 1985 was a cracking performance. His reading of the taxing second movement was absolutely brilliant. Another fond memory was playing Seascapes at the National Finals at the Albert Hall in 1988 where he took all sectionals and every rehearsal on the run up to the contest where the band gained a credible 6th placing. This was one of the few times he was able to take us to the Finals."
The Major in Action with The Ever Ready Band
It was a pleasure and a priviledge for the band to have had the chance to work with such a wonderful musician who was also a true gentleman.
Our thoughts go to his wife, Birgit and sons, Christopher and Jonathan at this sad time.
As a mark of respect the band will hold a minutes silence at the band's centenary dinner at the Ramside Hall Hotel on Saturday 26th February.
Feb 2011
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The Reg Vardy Band recently completed the recording sessions for a new CD project in aid of the Clarence Adoo Trust. Entitled 'Crusader', this is the first CD recording devoted exclusively to the music of renowned SA composer Dean Goffin. The current North of England Champion was directed by John Ward (who has managed the entire project) and was joined by guest soloist Richard Martin, Principal Trumpet of the Northern Sinfonia.
Richard Martin (Principal Trumpet of the Northern Sinfonia) performing the final section of Victorious
Clarence Adoo was in attendance on both days of the recording and commented: “I found the experience both humbling and inspirational: the fast learning of some of this difficult repertoire, the attention to detail shown by conductor and producer, and standard of musicianship was really something.” He continued: “ With John's interpretations, coupled with the technique of this Champion band, these masterpieces reached my ears with a fresh vigour that isn't often experienced these days.”
Spokesperson for the band, Principal Baritone Laura Jackson commented: “We were honoured to be asked to take part in the project and thoroughly enjoyed working with John in preparation and the recording of the CD, as well as work with old friend to the band, Richard Martin. We can't wait to hear the final product as well as raise money for Clarence Adoo, who is an inspiration to people all over the world.”
For more information about this project, email deangoffin@regvardyband.co.uk
Top of Page
Feb 2011
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The Reg Vardy Band extends a warm welcome to Dan Knott who joins the band on Bb Bass.
Dan joins after a short playing spell with The Fishburn Band and was previously solo Bb bass with The Felling Band, a position he served with distinction and commitment since 2007.
Dan has been a regular deputy with the band and is a player we have watched progress over the last year or so. When the opportunity arose to gain Dan's services, the band were very pleased to make him a regular member.
We wish Dan an enjoyable and successful time with the band.
Feb 2011
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The band extends a warm welcome to Mark Crisp who joins the band on the Solo Cornet bench.
Mark, 18, joins from the Clifton & Lightcliffe Band where he served with distinction as their Principal Cornet winning many solo prizes at local competitions. He has recently moved to the area to study at Durham University.
We first heard Mark when he played as a guest with the band at last years Brass in Concert Championship where he made a real impression.
We wish Mark a most enjoyable and successful time with the band.
Meanwhile, band stalwart Les Palmer moves to 2nd Cornet. Les suffered some ill health over the Christmas period causing him to miss his first concert in 20 years! Whilst not yet fully recovered, Les has returned on the back row, in his words, to show them how it goes!
We all wish Les the very best and hope he makes a full recovery very soon.
Jan 2011
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We extend a very warm North East Welcome to Fiona Casewell as the bands new 2nd Euphonium.
Fiona has recently moved to the area to be with long term partner who also happens to be the band's Bass Trombonist, Gareth Sykes. Fiona leaves the current Midlands Area Champions, Virtuosi GUS.
We wish Fiona a most enjoyable and successful time with the band.
The band extend their Thanks to Dave Shawcross who returns to Lockwood Brass. Dave joined the band at the beginning of last year to 'just help out' whilst his own band Lockwood, took a break from contesting. Dave soon became part of the fixtures and fittings proving himself a tremendous musician often deputising as Solo Euphonium and as a member of the Baritone section.
We send Dave our very best wishes and also the best of luck for the future.
Jan 2011
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Dean Goffin Recording for The Clarence Adoo Trust
The band will be back in the studio in February for an exciting recording project to support the Clarence Adoo Trust.
A new CD entitled 'Crusader' will be released – the music devoted to Dean Goffin, the renowned Salvation Army composer.
The current North of England champions Reg Vardy Band will perform the works which is being specially produced by KMJ Recordings.
Included in the release will be the first recording of the 2008 revision of ‘My Strength, My Tower’ whilst Richard Martin, the Principal Trumpet of the Northern Sinfonia will perform the cornet solo ‘Victorious’.
Richard and Clarence were the trumpet section of the Northern Sinfonia for several years.
Further information about the release can be found at: www.clarence.org.uk
Jan 2011
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Featuring trombonist: Brett Baker (Principal trombone Black Dyke Band)
Three top brass bands will unite for unique performance in our special series of Massed Brass Band Concerts: The Leyland Band from Lancashire, local heroes Reg Vardy Band and Fishburn band. Ninety top brass and percussion players will be on stage performing a programme of popular brass classics, virtuoso showpieces and entertaining features including a tribute to Glenn Miller and the famous 1812 Overture.
The soloist for the afternoon will be the internationally renowned trombonist Brett Baker who will bring some scintillating pieces from his vast repertory and the concert will be introduced and conducted by maestro Ray Farr.
Jan 2011
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