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Wainstones Cup
The Reg Vardy Band rounded off the first half of their 2010 contesting season by taking the honours at the inaugural Doctor Martin Trust Entertainment Contest at the Gala Theatre in Durham on the weekend.
Prize pot
Although there was disappointment that the contest, which benefits from a £300,000 legacy from a local GP, could only attract four competitors in its first year, the organizers hope that the event will grow in significance with its appealing £7,000 plus prize pot.
Busy weekend
With bands facing stiff economic times, the chance to pick up the substantial £4,000 first prize saw Reg Vardy conducted by Ray Farr, round off a busy weekend of music making by taking the title and the fine Wainstones Cup by a clear two point margin from Pemberton Old Wigan DW, Wire Brass and Fishburn.
The contest format saw each band perform a march, solo item and own choice test piece, in a programme set that did not exceed the 30 minute time limit.
Impressive
Reg Vardy opened with an impressive rendition of 'The President', which saw them pick up the £250 'Best March' prize, followed by Tina Mortimer giving a finely phrased performance of Rachmaninov’s 'Adagio' arranged by Ray Farr. The band rounded off their programme with Edward Gregson’s 'Rococo Variations'.
Bravura
Second place and £2,000 went to Pemberton Old Wigan DW conducted by Mark Bentham. Their half hour programme included the own choice test piece, 'Music of the Spheres', whilst euphonium star, Matthew White picked up the £250 'Best Soloist' Award for his performance of 'Bravura' by Peter Graham.
Third placed Wire Brass also chose 'Rococo Variations', whilst Fishburn performed 'Year of the Dragon'.
Very busy weekend
Reg Vardy spokesperson Laura Jackson felt the victory was a great way to round off a very busy weekend: "We gave a concert on Friday night, rehearsed again on Saturday and then played at the contest."
Laura added: "It’s been a busy time for the band and although the contest does come at an awkward time with holidays, we made sure we left nothing to chance."
With adjudicator Colin Hardy impressed by the bands quality of musicality and technical proficiency, Reg Vardy will now look ahead to the challenges of the second half of the contesting year.
"Although we didn’t qualify for the British Open, we have been showing really good form of late," Laura added.
"The performances here and at the English Nationals in Preston have set us up for the rest of the season and we are really looking forward to the National Finals and Brass in Concert."
Not quite finished
Reg Vardy’s work wasn’t quite finished either as they provided the audience with short 30 minute concert before the announcement of the results before they finally had the chance to celebrate a hard, but highly successful weekend’s banding work.
Results:
1. Reg Vardy (Ray Farr) - 193
2. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Mark Bentham) – 191
2. Wire Brass (Paul Andrews) – 186
4. Fishburn
Adjudicator: Colin Hardy
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Busy Time as Durham University Brass Band in Residence
This year’s short conducting course held by Ray Farr at Durham University has proved to be a major success once more judging from the feedback of both students and visiting lecturers.
Delegates
Ray Farr once again led the part time conducting course for delegates Colin Hoodless, Simon Jones, Roland Spencer, Per-Erik Petersen, Rowland Little, Steve Erley, John Wood, Paul Fisher, Dominic Brennan and Huw Thomas.
Masterclasses and workshops
Guest lecturers this year were Philip Sparke, Edward Gregson and Paul Patterson and the Reg Vardy Band in their capacity as Durham University Brass 'Band in Residence' provided music for the masterclasses and workshops.
Works studied this year included 'Music of the Spheres', 'Rococo Variations' and 'Chromascope' by Paul Patterson.
Exam Test
Meanwhile, The band performed in MA student Dominic Brennan’s final recital concert, held at the Palace Green based music department of Durham University on Sunday 20th June.
The band accompanied Dominic performing Gordon Jacob’s “Concerto for Timpani and Band” and were then conducted by Dominic in a performance of Philip Sparke’s “Tallis Variations”.
Front row cornet player Les Palmer’s contribution to the performance was especially appreciated by the band as he had just returned from a two week holiday the previous day.
Reg Vardy continue their hard work with a return to the bandroom this week to put the finishing touches to John Pickard’s popular “Eden” in time for Saturday’s English National Championship.
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Sykes Returns Home
Gareth, who left in 2007 after 6 very successful years, said "I am excited to be back in the band after an absence of three years. I have spent the last twelve months broadening my musical horizons with various engagements on both tenor and alto trombone. I’m looking forward to returning to my first love, bass trombone and working with the Reg Vardy Band on some interesting new projects. It’s nice to be home!!"
Gareth replaces Jeff Bryant, who is stepping down due to family commitments.
Principal trombone Chris Bentham said "I am delighted that Gareth has agreed to come back to the band. He is a terrific bandsman and great friend to the band. Jeff will be missed but will still remain a signed member and will play with the band when he can. We'd like to thank him for his hard work and dedication, especially over recent months which have been particularly difficult for him."
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Passionate Times
The newly crowned North of England Regional Champion, Reg Vardy Band recently took to the road to help in the performance of Philip Wilby’s 'A Passion for Our Times' in Harrogate.
It ended a busy month for the band, which has seen them perform in concert as well as contest format in recent weeks.
Honoured
The band were honoured to take part in the performance which was conducted by Philip Wilby and joined by The Fisher Singers, narrator Darren Roberts and organist Paul Dewhurst as well as dancers from St John Fisher School.
Laura Jackson, Publicity Officer said: "It was a really incredible performance to be involved in. The sound of the organ and choir mixed with the brass sounds made the whole performance a magical experience."
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