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The past few months have seen the bands doing very well in the contesting world. While we pride ourselves in putting on exiting and entertaining concert programmes, contesting is the sporting side of our music making and it is great to get a good result in any contest. This year has been particularly satisfying.

The successes started off with a trip over to Blackpool in May when the Senior Band took part in the 99th Spring Festival. This was the third appearance of the band in this contest but with a draw in the morning half of the contest and the winners traditionally coming from the second half there was a hill to climb. The test piece was Triumphant Rhapsody by Gilbert Vinter and this is a piece that rewards control and delicate approaches from bands rather than an all out attack.

The overall result saw the band take 4th place behind VBS Poynton, City of Bradford and Verwood Concert Brass. The band had been leading the contest right up until the 2/3 mark in the contest and 4barsrest described the performance as a “quality marker” in their write up. The adjudicators said “the best bands brought out the colour, detail flow and wit of the music, making it flow.” This result sees the band promoted from the Senior Trophy to the Senior Cup for the centenary contest in 2020.

We must congratulate VBS Poynton on their win and especially congratulate their MD, Ryan Watkins the principal trombone player at Brighouse and Rastrick Band who began his playing career with Shepherd Group Band.

The Easingwold march contest in 2018 went down as one of the wettest on record and saw the senior band just miss out on the overall prize to Fishburn Band from the North East. 2019 was a drier day and all the Shepherd Group Bands turned out to take part in the contest and to offer support to each other on the stage.

The format of the contest is that each competing band plays a road march as they head for the contest square and are marked on their deportment as the go. On the stand they then play a march and a hymn tune. The contest is growing in popularity and 2019 saw 14 bands competing including some strong competition from Marsden Band, a regular prize winning band in the Saddleworth Whit Friday competitions.

The day was going to be a busy one for the Youth Band as they had played earlier in the day at the Ripon Entertainments contest. What nobody knew at the time was that they had come third at Ripon and had beaten the current Yorkshire Third Section champion band and National Finalists into fourth place.

The Concert Band and Youth Bands both produced very creditable performance and the very last band to play on the night was the senior band. It was quite blustery as the  band took to the stage and played their hymn and march. The hymn tune was the lovely Prelude on Lavenham, a piece that has been played out by many bands this year and a very popular if challenging choice. The march was the classic contest march Knight Templar. As the players came off the general feeling was we had played as well as we could have on the night, and the results were in the hands of the adjudicator.

After their earlier successes in Ripon (and the unexpected cheers from them as their Ripon results came through), the Youth Band took the unregistered prize and a very creditable 8th overall, just beating the Concert Band into 9th and beating a few of our local 3rd section friends as well. The senior band had a great night winning the Best Basses prize, Best Championship Section Band and Best band overall on the night. The adjudicator, Martin Heartfield commented as the Basses prize was being collected that he had really enjoyed the performance from the band.

We are looking forward to 2020 and to see which other bands come along to this contest. It is very well run and is a great evening out. Congratulations to the organisers and thanks to all the players in the Shepherd Group family for making this a great day for all our players.

The Shepherd Group Youth Band have completed their second successive tour, this time to world famous Disneyland, Paris. Throughout 2018 and in to 2019 the band worked exceptionally hard organising fundraising events, sponsorship, and concerts to help get them to their destination.

The band embarked on the 12 hour journey early on 23rd February, taking coach then ferry to their accommodation just outside the Disneyland park, they were even greeted by a sneak peek of the firework show as they checked in to the hotel.

The following day started with a trip to Montmarte, taking in stunning views of Paris, a guided tour pointing out local history, a visit to Sacre Coeur, and plenty of Crepes. Then it was on to the first of two concerts. The weather, audience, and atmosphere at the Luxemburg Gardens was top notch and the band entertained a crowd of around 500 people with a set consisting of pieces such as the theme from Game of Thrones,
Eye of The Tiger and Alan Fernie’s Prismatic Light. We then headed across the river for an unmissable trip to the Eifel Tower before heading back to the hotel.

Our final day was the one we were most excited about, we had an early breakfast and headed to the Disneyland park. We were shown straight to our dressing rooms, given a backstage tour of the stage area, and then taken front of house in our performance venue – The Videopolis Stage. What a venue! The thousand seater auditorium was such an impressive space and the band’s excitement was building. Our performance coordinator took us to the best spot in the park for photos before getting changed and preparing to perform. We met the technical and stage managers who talked us through our performance, then began our rehearsal and sound check. After a short break it was then time to play, with the band giving a stellar 20 minute performance, representing themselves, the Shepherd Group, and York in immaculate fashion. Still riding high from the performance the members then had the rest of the day to explore the park, visit the attractions, and ride as many rollercoasters as possible!

The trip was a complete success and each member contributed towards an unforgettable experience. The band have moved from strength to strength and continue to build and develop. They are now looking forward to a busy year of concerts and contests, starting with a sold out concert only next week!

Players from all 5 Shepherd Group Bands enjoyed themselves last night at the annual SGBB and friends party to celebrate 2018.

Congratulations go to the SGBB EEb Bass player and Youth Band MD, Craig Brown, Concert Band Flugelhorn Soloist, Louis McLaren, Youth Band Solo Horn, Daniel Wilton and Academy Band Solo Horn player, Toni Powell, who won the “Players’ player of the Year” award from their respective bands.
Other award winners on the night were, Flugelhorn soloist Paul Stamp ‘Performance of the year’, Solo Horn, Jenny Mansell ‘Most improved player’, Euphonium & Baritones ‘Section of the year’ and Edward Easthaugh, received a special award from Brass Roots MD, Sally Mansell.

Huge thanks must go to Audrey Brown for organising another hugely successful event. Here’s to a brilliant 2019! 

On Friday 21/12 and Saturday 22/12 all the bands in the Shepherd Group Brass Band family came together to round off 2018 in fine style with our Christmas concerts at Joseph Rowntree Theatre.

Both nights were completely sold out and the enthusiastic audiences were treated to some marvellous, festive music and fine playing from all our musicians.Brass Roots, under the expert tutelage of Sally Mansell, entertained the audiences as they took their seats on both evenings and proved just how well they are progressing with some lovely playing that drew loud applause.

The Academy Band then wowed the audiences with great performances and it was so noticeable that, under the baton of Richard Wilton, their band sound and approach to the music is maturing at an impressive rate.

Then it was the turn of the prizewinning Youth Band and they certainly did not disappoint. Craig Brown has guided his band to a very high standard and the playing again showed so much maturity and in the horn soloist, Daniel Wilton, they surely have a star for the future.The first half was then concluded by the Concert Brass Band and they gave the audience their usual highly entertaining programme, full of energy and also featuring a guest appearance on vocals from Eric Daines.

They also featured stunning soloists in Jenny Mansell and Louis McLaren and, on the ‪Saturday night‬, the band took part in the Jingle Bell challenge for charity, shown live on the band’s Facebook page. The audience absolutely loved that and joined in enthusiastically.

In the second half it was the turn of the Senior Band, under Richard Wilton, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. From the opening Fanfare and Flourishes to the finale of Dies Natalis, this was playing of the highest standard. The possible highlight of the set being the moving Mary, did you know? played with subdued lighting and creating an ethereal atmosphere. But, of course, all SGBB Jo Ro shows are not complete without the massed bands encore and WOW, was this one spectacular!The setting of Christmas Eve, Sarajevo, complete with Cello, Electric guitar, smoke and light show had to be seen and heard to be believed and on both nights rounded off a fantastic evenings entertainment.Huge thanks to everyone who made all this possible.

Looking forward to 2019.

WOW!! Tonight saw the arrival of the first instalment of brand new instruments for the Shepherd Group Academy. After securing funding through the Patricia and Donald Shepherd charitable trust, Steve Greenfield from Band Supplies (Leeds) hand delivered them personally. Thanks Steve. The future of brass playing in York is looking even stronger today!

On Sunday 14th October the Youth Band returned to Elland for the 33rd Annual Pogson Bray Entertainment Contest. Last year the band were given special mention and awarded ‘Best Youth Band’, a prize which they retained this year. Their programme consisted of pieces from well known musicals including Phantom of the Opera, Oliver, and Les Miserables. The band were also placed 5th, above other contesting and non-contesting bands. The band are going from strength to strength and are looking forward to a busy Christmas!

On Monday 16th July members of the band took to the stage at our fantastic bandroom to demonstrate their individual skills as soloists.

The theme for the evening was ‘Slow Melody’ and players from all five of the Shepherd Bands demonstrated great tone, control and musicality. For many of our members this was their first experience of playing stand up solos without any accompaniment, and for others this was opportunity to really show off!

The judge for the evening was Soprano cornet superstar Kevin Crockford who gave extremely helpful comments, playing tips, as well as sublime demonstration of his playing. We were also joined by Gevena Instruments who provided a range of instruments for members to try, this was in preparation for some trials in the new year.

As well as top three placings in each band category, Mr Crockford was also tasked with award the ‘Bousfield Cup’ which was to be awarded to the stand out performance of the evening.

Results

Brass Roots

1st – Isaac Ellis

2nd – Jean Wilkinson

3rd – Cohen Wheeler

Academy Band

1st – Henry Bate

2nd – Juliet Powell

3rd – Luke Hindle / Adam Knowles

Youth Band

1st – David Walters

2nd – Imogen Fewster

3rd – Lizzy Morritt

Concert Band

1st – Louis McLaren

2nd – Rachel Fox

3rd – Adrian Fox / Joely Mosses

Senior Band

1st – Craig Brown

2nd – Mike Pratt

3rd – Jenny Mansell

The Bousfield Cup for stand out performance – David Walters (Youth Band)

On Friday 6th July the Youth Band ventured over to Birmingham to take part in the Music For Youth National Festival.

The players took the day away from school and met at the Shepherd Group band room at 5:30am, before two coaches carrying players, family, and supporters headed to Birmingham’s magnificent Symphony Hall. The day was full of youth bands from across the country who had been selected from regional festivals to be showcased here, and the talent on display was inspiring.

When it came to the turn of the youth band they put on a great show performing ‘Prismatic Light’, ‘Under the Boardwalk’ featuring Isabel Thompson and Sam Flemming, ‘When I Grow Up’, and finishing with ‘Game of Thrones’.

Before hearing feedback from the music tutors, the final band of the day, Youth Brass 2000, provided an electric close to the days music making. Extremely positive comments form the judges and some impressive feedback made for a very happy youth band. It was an absolute experience for Craig and the band to represent the Shepherd organisation and we are all incredibly proud of all they have achieved this year!

The Joseph Rowntree Theatre was once again the venue for the organisation’s sell-out Spring Concert. Brass Roots (conducted by Sally Mansell), Academy Brass (conducted by Richard Wilton), Youth Band (conducted by Craig Brown) and our Concert Band (conducted by Mike Pratt) gave us a scintillating first half of this ever popular event.

Brass Roots opened the show, boasting over 30 members, playing a short classical set as the audience took their seats. At curtain up, our Academy Band took to the stage starting with Rimmer’s ever popular march, Slaidburn, finishing with Stuart Johnson’s test piece, A Circus Suite. Then it was the turn of our award winning Youth Brass Band. The band played a set from their recent contest successes, the highlight surely being Under the Boardwalk, featuring Flugelhorn soloist, Isabel Thompson and rising Tuba star (6 feet 8 inch 17 year old) Sam Flemming. Bringing the first half to its conclusion was the highly entertaining Shepherd Group Concert Band. Mike Pratt was once again in fine form with another high energy set including Tenor Horn soloist, Jenny Mansell, in a stunning performance of The Lark in the Clear Air. The first half was brought to a close with the capacity audience singing along to the classic Abba Gold.

After a well deserved interval it was time for Richard Wilton and the wonderful Shepherd Group Brass Band to take the stage. Resplendent in evening wear, they opened their Strictly Brass themed set with the iconic Strictly Come Dancing TV theme. After a highly choreographed set that saw the band move from tango to paso-doblé and even a cha-cha, bringing the set to a conclusion with Matt Hall’s Nightingale Dances as their finale. Many of our audience members’ highlight though had to be Flugelhorn soloist Paul Stamp’s classy and controlled performance of Bacharach’s Alfie.

The band were then joined on stage by members of all bands and, keeping the dance theme alive, gave an encore of Lord of the Dance, the title dance of the 1996 show of the same name, that even featured a guest appearance by Michael Flatley (Mike Pratt) and Bernadette Flynn (Scott Dawson). This really had to be seen to be believed!