Many of you will know that we have been working with the Black Dyke Band conductor Dr. Nicholas Childs for some time now which has been a revelation for the band. The Black Dyke Band, and Dr. Childs in particular, have a strong musical relationship with international composer, Prof. Philip Wilby and it is Philip that I wish to tell you about this month. Philip and his wife recently moved from Yorkshire to Bristol where Mrs. Wilby has been appointed by the Queen as Canon Precentor, the priest with oversight of the music and musicians at the Cathedral. Now, in 1993, Philip was commissioned by the City of Liverpool to write a piece of music to commemorate the life of James Bulger, the little lad that was abducted and so brutally killed by two young boys. The piece that Philip came up with was "Passion for our Times" which he wrote for wind band and choir. It was subsequently performed in Liverpool Cathedral and has now become a popular piece of music that is performed regularly around the world. It has long been an ambition of Philip’s to arrange this piece for brass band, which he has now done, and it is to our great pride that Philip has invited our band to give his ‘Passion’ its world brass band premier at Bristol Cathedral. The piece is of enormous proportions lasting over 50 minutes which will be a huge test of the band’s concentration, although thankfully, the band is not required to play continuously as the choir and organ give the band a rest by performing alone in some of the movements. Philip will be conducting some rehearsals with the band during March and the concert takes place on Sunday 5^th April. If you would like more details give me a call.

Brian Easterbrook Tel: 01722-710074

This month, we are in limbo, Christmas and the holidays are behind us and the contest season is just around the corner. So, we shall bring you news of a concert that the band is involved with later this month on Saturday 31^st January. We shall be sharing the stage with the Test Valley Youth Band, they are a very enterprising young band with a well rehearsed entertainment routine of African Funk etc. We also shall be performing an entertaining selection of music and the concert will finish in grand style with both bands playing in a massed formation. The concert will take place at the John Hanson Community School – Andover, Floral Way, Andover, Hants, SP10 3PB. The conductors will be Melvin White and Steve Large. Tickets are available from Steve or Alison Large on 01264 324056 or by e-mail on youthband@testvalleybrass.co.uk

On Saturday 7^th February, the band will be competing in the annual Yeovil Entertainment Contest where it is drawn to play 7^th from a line-up of 12 bands. The contest takes place at the Octagon, Yeovil.