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Joanne Johnson wins the Championship Soloist Prize and the Senior Band finish Second at Wychavon .... The senior band attended at Wychavon festival of brass on Sunday 21st September 2008 in an attempt to retain the first place they had secured at the same contest twelve months ago. It was felt that the bands who had entered the contest this year posed a stronger threat than those last year. The contest is entertainment and the bands are required to play a programme of not more than twenty-five minutes in duration. One of the pieces has to be a solo. Pemberton were drawn towards the end of the contest and commenced with a strong first performance of Valero. This was followed by a cornet solo, ‘I’d Rather Have Jesus’, played by the bands principal cornet Joanne Johnson. The next piece, Bombasto, which was arranged by Dave Timmins is what is described as a Circus march, it was played in fine style by the band, and at a jolly good pace. A novelty item was the next piece, 'Bare Necessities', taken from the Jungle Book was supposedly to be played by the bands principal Eb bass Steven Parfitt, all the other players in the band however had different ideas, and this resulted in Steve leaving the stage only to return and conclude the piece on Sousaphone. The final piece of the programme was Paul Lovett-Coopers composition of 'Vitae Aeternum'. This is a fantastic piece of music and was received well by the full house. The band obviously didn't impress the adjudicator this year and were only awarded 2nd place but that isn't bad considering that the winning band was the current champion band of Wales, and Welsh Eisteddfod champions Tradeagar. Joanne Ashleys playing, however did impress the adjudicator as he awarded her the Soloist prize in the championship section. |
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B Band finish Eighth at the National Finals .... The B band qualified for the finals of the National Brass band Championships of Great Britain earlier this year, and over the weekend of the 27th and 28th September the players attended the international conference centre Harrogate, Yorkshire, where the finals were to be held. On Saturday morning the fourth section bands were the first to play and so the B band had ample time to relax and rehearse their test piece while they waited for the draw to take place for the third section. Peter Ashley the B band conductor took the band through a short rehearsal and said that he did not need to rehearse any longer as the band were ready. Drawn to play number four out of nineteen bands the players made their way to registration. On reaching the sign in desk panic set in when the registration team announced that they had a list of players which did not match in any way the names of the players that were waiting to sign in. it was quickly realised that the registry had obtained a copy of the senior bands players. The problem was quickly resolved and the band made their way onto the stage. The band commenced to play the first movement and it was full of life and bouncing along, there were the odd clips and split notes which were evident and it was felt that this may have been due to nerves. The stage in the International centre is one that gives the feeling that one is playing alone. The players seemed to grow in confidence as the piece progressed and the third and fourth movement were played without any problems. The remaining bands left to play, meant that the B band players were now free to relax and wait for the results. Several players and supporters remained in the hall to listen to the contest, the majority making their way to a nearby hostelry to quench their dry throats. Late evening and the results were finally announced. The top six places in reverse order. Many people fancied Oldham Lees band to have taken the honours on the day, and when they were awarded fourth place it was believed that Pemberton may have done enough to secure a top three place. It was not to be and eighth place was the bands final placing. All in all the band did not disgrace themselves and can now look forward to life in the second section nationally as they had already been promoted. |
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Mark Bentham Appointed as New Musical Director The Pemberton Old Wigan JJB Senior band, are pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Bentham, as their new musical director. Mark was contacted and asked if he would be available to take two or three rehearsals, and a concert, due to the fact that our conductor Mark Peacock was unable to attend. During the time that Mark was assisting the band, we received the news that Mark Peacock would be unable to continue conducting the band. (see below) Mark Bentham was asked if he would consider taking up the position as resident conductor to the Senior band on a permanent basis. Mark was given time to consider the request and we are pleased to announce that he has accepted the position. Quote from Mark Bentham. "I have long been an admirer of the Pemberton Old JJB band and the organisation as a whole. I am very proud to be given the opportunity to continue the good work of my predecessor Mark Peacock." |
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Mark Peacock Resigns as Senior Band Conductor It is with much regret that we have to report the resignation of the Senior bands conductor Mark Peacock. Mark has not been feeling to well over the last couple on months and has been unable to attend rehearsals. He has therefore tendered his letter of resignation to the band. Due to the fact that rumours abound as to the reason a conductor and band part company, it was felt that it was only right that Marks letter should be posted on the bands web site. 11 Bank House Close Mosley Park Tyldesley Manchester M29 8RB Tuesday 22nd July 2008 To the Committee and Bandspersons of Pemberton Old Wigan JJB Band, It is with much regret that I wish to inform you of my intention to resign from the position of Musical Director with immediate effect. This has been a very difficult decision to make but I feel that it is in the best interests of my health, family and the band itself. I have had many happy times with the band during my four and a half years as Musical Director - the many contest successes; the promotion to the Championship Section; the CDs we have recorded; the many concert performances, and becoming part of the special ‘Pemberton family’. It is truly a unique organisation and I have been tremendously proud to have had the opportunity to lead the band. I would like to pay tribute to the back room personnel who have helped in the day to day running of the band, and of course to all the players in the band who I have had the pleasure of conducting. I hope that the band continues to flourish and progress and that in the future we may have the opportunity to work together again. I sincerely hope that we are able to keep in touch and hope to see you all in the near future. With all my best wishes and thanks, Mark Peacock Mark came to Pemberton Band just over four and a half years ago in order to ‘HELP US OUT’ at a couple of concerts and a contest at the Preston Guild Hall. He must have enjoyed the association with the band because he stayed with us until this time. The band had many successes under Marks direction on the contest stage, in his first year the band were crowned 1st section National Champion Band of Great Britain. Other successes, being promotion from the Senior Cup and Senior Trophy to the Grand Shield. The work that Mark has put in to his Concert programmes, in order that the audience were fully aware of the background to the music the band were playing, was exceptional. Over the years Mark has become a friend to all of the playing members of the band and we are all sorry to see him leave, he will however always remain a good friend of Pemberton Old Wigan JJB Band and the organisation. We all wish Mark, his wife Alison and the boys well for the future and it is hoped that Mark does not stay away from brass bands for too long as his talent would be a great loss to our movement. |
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New Sponsorship Deal We are pleased to announce that JJB Sports have been good enough to see fit to sponsor the Pemberton Old Wigan JJB Bands for a further 3 years. We would publicly like to thank Mr. Chris Ronnie the owner of JJB Sports and the Directors for their continued support. |
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Mission Accomplished! At the beginning of the year Mark Peacock the Senior Band's conductor said that the main mission for 2008 was for the band to be promoted from the Senior Cup, in the British Open Contest at Blackpool, to the Grand Shield. .......... read the full story (click here). |
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Senior Band Success at Buxton Contest! The Senior band scored another victory with Elgar Variations in the build up to the Senior Cup at Blackpool. .......... read the full story (click here). |
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And so the Flemish Open and the Senior bands trip to Belgium. It was an early start for all the players on the morning of Friday 11th April, most people having to leave their beds about 5am but a few having to rise even earlier than this in order that they could arrive at the band room on time in order to assist with the loading of the coach. .......... read the full story (click here). |
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| The Senior Band | The B Band | The Youth Band |
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| Next Engagement | Next Engagement | Next Engagement |
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May 31st St Helens Concert March and Hymn Time TBC June 20/21/22 CD Recording |
June 1st Walking Day St Lukes Orrell 2pm June 15th Walking Day St Michaels Swinley 2pm |
TBA |
| Contest Results | Contest Results | Contest Results |