"Concert" to preview the the North West Regional Brass Band Championships

Milnrow Band in action

On Thursday evening (7 March) the second scheduled "concert" to preview the contest pieces to be played at the North West Regional Brass Band Championships at Winter Gardens Blackpool was held at Dobcross Band Club.

The event was similar to that which was previously held at Boarshurst Band Club last Sunday, except that in the absence of a 1st Section category band, the audience was treated to two separate performances of the 4th Section piece "Devon Fantasy" by the late Salvationist Eric Ball, with both Dobcross Youth Band and Greenfield Band showing how well they were prepared for the "battle of the bands" on Sunday 10 March.

Eccles Borough Band, under the baton of Mareika Gray was on stage at 8.25pm to give a polished performance of the 3rd section test piece "Hollywood" written by the late Goff Richards.

This piece encouraged one’s memory to wander back to the sounds associated with film comedies, westerns and other film genre.

It was then the turn of the resident band Dobcross Silver under the direction of Kenny Pain to give us its well rehearsed version of "Plantagenets" (Edward Gregson), reckoned to be the hardest piece for 2nd section bands for many years, having previously been played as a Championship section test piece.

The final item to be previewed was "Harmony Music" by Philip Sparke played by local Champion Section Band Milnrow.

Before the band commenced its performance Musical Director Russell Gray treated us to a short description of what we were to expect.

Russell told how the composer was adept at setting difficulties for players and why "Harmony Music" was rated as very difficult for most bands. However, from the first bar to the last, Milnrow Band players showed their technical ability and composure both in open and muted playing and gave a very polished performance, a repeat of similar quality will, it is hoped, reap rewards at Sunday’s Championships.

Well known brass band stalwart, band tutor and MD Malcolm Brownbill was "adjudicator" and gave food for thought to all present with his in depth remarks, and concise and constructive criticism, which was very much appreciated and given in time for the bands and MDs to fine tune their performances before Sunday 10 March.

Thanks must go to Dobcross Silver Band and MD Kenny Pain for organising the event and to the committee, members and bar staff of Dobcross Band Club for making the event such a success.