THERE’S been precious little time off for brass band players this summer.
Hepworth Band has returned from its break to start preparations for next month’s British Open Brass Band Championships.
The competition is on September 1 at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, where 20 of the top bands in Britain will compete for the coveted title.
Michael Fowles returns to lead the band in its performance of the set work Electra, a new commission by composer Martin Ellerby.
With the competition firmly in its sights, the band will also be polishing up the programme for a concert at St Paul’s Parish Church in Mirfield .
On September 15, the church will ring to the sound of brass when the band will play in concert.
It’s an event which offers a chance for concert goers to request the music to be performed.
It’s a format that’s proved popular with audiences and you can email your requests and dedications to be included in the programme to the band:secretary@hepworthband.com.
Tickets are £6 from William Sykes and Sons in Holmfirth and from Colin Fretwell on 01924 526711.
Just a week later, on September 22 the band will be in concert once again, this time at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield.
The band will celebrate the best of English music from Arnold To Vaughan Williams with the help of two other musical groups.
They will be joined by the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Foundation Chorus and female vocal group Cantabile.
Tickets are £6 and are available from William Sykes in Holmfirth and from Wakefield Tourist Information Centre.
By early October, the musicians will be heading for a concert in St Paul’s Hall in Huddersfield.
On October 7, the band will play a Brass and Voices From The Valley concert with New Mill Male Voice Choir and the Hepworth band. They will be raising money for New Mill British Legion.
