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<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" background="4fefd5a3.jpg"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="66e7c250.png" border=0 width="124" height="37" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">|     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Silk Brass (AstraZeneca)"><U><B>home</B></U></A><B>       </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="7e6c9290.jpg" border=0 width="713" height="41" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Us"><U>About Us</U></A>   |   <B>News</B>   |   <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Player Profiles"><U>Player Profiles</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Engagements 2008"><U> Engagements 2008</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Photo Gallery"><U>Photo Gallery</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Recordings Shop"><U>Recordings & Shop</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id61.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Guest Book"><U>Guest Book</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=160 BGCOLOR="#FFFF99" TEXT="#080000" background="4ffd2b03.jpg"> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Silk Brass (AstraZeneca)"><U><IMG SRC="6ec7f1f0.png" border=0 width="127" height="31" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Us"><U><IMG SRC="6ed7f1f0.png" border=0 width="127" height="31" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="News"><U><IMG SRC="6ee7f1f0.png" border=0 width="127" height="31" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Player Profiles"><U><IMG SRC="6f07f1f0.png" border=0 width="127" height="31" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Engagements 2008"><U><IMG SRC="6f17f1f0.png" border=0 width="127" height="31" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Photo Gallery"><U><IMG SRC="6f27f1f0.png" border=0 width="127" height="31" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Recordings Shop"><U><IMG SRC="6f37f1f0.png" border=0 width="127" height="31" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U><IMG SRC="6f47f1f0.png" border=0 width="127" height="31" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id61.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Guest Book"><U><IMG SRC="6f57f1f0.png" border=0 width="127" height="31" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="74d6f530.jpg" border=0 width="111" height="83" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFCC" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I><IMG SRC="64f633e0.png" border=0 width="99" height="62" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="7585e2f0.jpg" border=0 width="94" height="47" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I> <A NAME="071108_silk_brass_prepare_for"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>07/11/08 Silk Brass prepare for Christmas</I></div> <div> With the nights drawing in and festive displays appearing in shop windows, Silk Brass (AstraZeneca) are getting ready for yet another busy Christmas concert season. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="7d4ca0d0.jpg" border=0 width="202" height="269" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"></FONT></div> <div> Festivities start early in the Marton band room with new Christmas music arriving on the stands in early November, but by the time the first concert kicks off on 5th December at Bosley Church, new pieces and old favourites will have been polished to perfection for the packed audiences to enjoy. Sue Howell, Silk's Secretary says,<I> “every year all of our concerts seem to be getting more popular - last year every concert was packed and we're hoping that we have the same fantastic audiences this year. So many people tell us that Christmas starts when they've heard Silk Brass - I think it's because our concerts really are wonderfully festive, with sing-a-long carols, Christmas songs and seasonal tunes that would get even Ebenezer Scrooge digging out the holly and tinsel”</I></div> <div> After Bosley, the Band next appears on 6th December at the United Reform Church, New Mills and then at the Daneside Theatre, Congleton on 13th December.The final concert and the highlight for the Band is their own Christmas concert at St Michael's Church in Macclesfield on 20th December. Sue continued <I>“the Macclesfield concert is always a sell out. Last year we had all the church candles lit and it made everything so pretty we're doing the same again this year, but one change we've made is that we're not going to able to serve refreshments - last year there were so many people in the audience it took ages to get through everybody and so this year we took the decision to just use that time to pack even more great music into the concert.”</I></div> <div> In between the concerts, Silk's players are also in great demand for “busking” around the area and they've already got dates arranged at Gawsworth Hall, The Coach and Horses at Timbersbrook, The Royal Oak at Rushton Spencer and The Windmill at Whiteley Green, plus many others. Sue added<I> “it is an incredibly busy time of year for the Band - but we love it! The concerts are great, but we all love the busking as well - when you get a whole load of people singing along and shouting out for more it's a lovely feeling and we never have a shortage of volunteers to turn out on a cold winter's night.” </I>Tickets for the Macclesfield concert on 20th December are available from any band member, from Sue on 07710 406002 or from Macclesfield Tourist Information Centre.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="081008_contesting_success_for_silk_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>08/10/08 Contesting success for Silk Brass</I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="7c1f8ba0.jpg" border=0 width="248" height="186" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="15" VSPACE="0">Silk Brass enjoyed success at the recent Bolsover entertainments contest with second prize, and the prize for “most entertaining programme”.</div> <div> Sunday 5th of October saw the band competing in the Bolsover entertainments contest in Derbyshire. The programme opened, not in traditional brass band style (with a march), but with music from the big screen. “Pirates of the Caribbean” by Klaus Badlet, arranged for Brass Band by Bruce Fraser, has always been a popular item on the concert programmes of the band, and therefore a good choice to set the scene in Bolsover. This was followed up with original music written for Brass, by Alan Fernie, “Stál Himmel” (“Steel Skies”), a favourite of the band and recently recorded on the CD <A HREF="id21_a_decade_of_silk.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Recordings Shop"><U>`A Decade of Silk'</U></A>. Andrew Snelson, the bands' principle trombone player, played Adrian Drovers' arrangement of  “Annie Laurie” with particular panache to the delight of the enthusiastic audience. The band continued with the Rolling Stones hit “Ruby Tuesday”, and then slowed things down with Kenneth Downes' wonderful chorus setting, “In Perfect Peace” which showed off the bands capabilities of pianissimo playing. The band finished off their programme with the rousing finale from Suite L'Arlésienne, “Farandole” by Bizet.</div> <div> After the first Entertainments contest for more than three years, the band have now decided to participate in more similar competitions in the future. No doubt a selection of these pieces will be featured in the upcoming concerts in the busy Christmas period ahead, along with the traditional Christmas favourites.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="150908_silk_in_joint_concert_with_the"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>15/09/08 Silk in joint concert with the Rossendale Trust</I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Arial" ><I><IMG SRC="7ce36e90.jpg" border=0 width="310" height="233" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"></I></FONT></div> <div> Saturday the 6th September saw Silk Brass perform their autumn concert at St Michaels church in Macclesfield, in conjunction with the <A HREF="http://www.rossendaletrust.org/newsandevents.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.rossendaletrust.org/newsandev"><U>Rossendale Trust</U></A>. </div> <div> The band opened their performance with a whit Friday contest march Bramwyn. Music from the hit movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean” was a special request and proved very popular with the younger members of the audience. The Bands principal cornet player Mark Davis, played the solo “People” which he recorded earlier this year for the BBC.  Other soloists of the evening were Claire Gooder (Flugal Horn), Andy Snelson (Trombone), & Andy Ingleby (Euphonium). </div> <div> Other highlights were the piece “Stal Himnel”, one of the bands favourite numbers. The bands tone and clarity depicts the grey stormy skies, and it's mellow tune left the audience with a sense of awe. </div> <div> Being the night of the percussion sections' `Swan Song', they requested “StingRay”, and after Saturday night the audience knew why! It's all percussion; with the three percussion players dashing from one side of the stage to the other, grinning like Cheshire cats!!!!</div> <div> The band concluded the first half with Ruby Tuesday an old Beatles hit arranged for Brass Band. </div> <div> The second half of the concert was opened with the piece “Be a Clown”, a light jokey piece which heavily featured the trombone section, followed by various entertaining items, culminating in the ever popular Pomp and Circumstance by Edward Elgar.</div> <div> After a very successful evening for both Silk Brass and the Rossendale Trust, the audience left on a high looking forward to the forthcoming Christmas Concert in this fabulous auditorium on the 20th December 2008. </div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="310808_changes_to_the_percussion"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>31/08/08 Changes to the percussion section personnel</I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="7b2bba20.jpg" border=0 width="187" height="162" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"></FONT>Changes to the percussion section at Silk Brass are nearing completion with the departure of two players, and the arrival of three. The band is sorry to see the departure of Tim Newbould who is due to leave the band after the Autumn Concert at St Michaels Church on 6th September. Tim joined Silk in October 2005 and settled in straight away as the Band's main tuned percussion player. However, Tim is a primary school Headmaster and he will shortly be moving to Wrexham to take up a new position. The band has been very privileged to have Tim with them, and will miss his company as well as his playing. All at Silk Brass wish Tim and his family well for the future and hope he won't be a stranger through the doors of Resurgum House. The band are to lose another face from the percussion section after the Autumn Concert as Rob Livsey leaves for an academic year when he moves to London to study to be a teacher. His wife Kathryn will still be a regular visitor to the euphonium section, and once Rob has completed his training he'll be back with his percussion team mates.</div> <div> These changes were planned for some time and therefore the band is delighted to announce that it has managed to secure replacement players in the form of Sue Madden, Matt Spall, and a new young percussionist, Adam Carter.</div> <div> Sue, as a previous member of the band, returned before the BBC recording in May, Matt first joined Silk Brass when he was a mere youngster and has subsequently returned to the fold as multi-skilled percussionist, and Adam Carter is only 15, but he is already a talented instrumentalist, working equally well on drum kit and tuned percussion.</div> <div> Silk Brass are also pleased to announce that Rob Churchill has joined the band on the front row cornet section. Rob previously spent time with Biddulph based brass band, Greenway Selectus and Congleton's Berisford's Band, so he's already a well known face to many of the Silk players. Following his attendance at the last Silk concert, he was so impressed with the Band's performance that he signed up as a new member that night and has thrown himself back into banding scene with great enthusiasm.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="150808_brass_on_the_grass_at_crewe"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>15/08/08 "Brass on the Grass" at Crewe Golf Club</I></div> <div> Amazingly the clouds rolled away and sun shone brightly for a wonderful evening concert at Crewe Golf Club last month. In true “Brass on the Grass” style - Silk set up outside the Club House in a beautiful setting as the audience enjoyed a picnic supper.</div> <div> Luckily the sun kept on shining through one of the Band's earlier pieces “Steel Skies” and the Soprano Cornet player, Tim Brocklehurst, certainly got into the seasonal spirit with his solo performance of the George Gershwin piece “Summertime”.</div> <div> The audience really enjoyed the first half, which consisted of many of the Band's favourite pieces - but they had their flags ready and vocal chords warmed up ready for the second half when Silk unleashed a rousing selection of sing-a-long favourites, culminating in a typical “Last Night of the Proms” finale of Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Pomp and Circumstance.</div> <div> The audience at the Golf Club did the Band proud and sang at the top of their voices and the comments from them certainly showed that they'd had a fantastic evening - so much so that they are hoping that the band will return next year, to participate in a Bavarian evening concert. </div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="080808_daily_mail_comments_on"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>08/08/08 Daily Mail comments on "Polished Debut" for the band on BBC Radio 2</I></div> <div> Members of Silk Brass (AstraZeneca) and their families, friends and supporters settled down to listen to the BBC Radio 2 programme “Listen to the Band” in late July with added interest and anticipation. Earlier in the year the Band had recorded a session for this popular half hour programme and the time of their debut broadcast had arrived.</div> <div> Mark Davies, the Band's Principal Corner player, who performed the Barbra Streisand hit “People” during the show, said <I>“making the recording was really exciting, but listening to yourself on the radio is something quite special. The Band sounded very impressive and I'm really proud of every member of Silk Brass”. He continued “we've had some great feedback from people that heard us and it would be lovely to think that we could do it again in the future”.</I></div> <div> Fans and supporters of the Band weren't the only ones impressed with the show - even a national newspaper thought it was first class.  The Daily Mail's weekend TV and Radio supplement said that Silk had made a “polished debut” and listed it as the pick of the day's radio listening - a huge compliment for this group of dedicated and very talented amateurs.</div> <div> If you weren't lucky enough to catch Silk's broadcast you will be able to see the Band at one of their biggest concerts of the year, at St Michael's Church Macclesfield on September 6th starting at 7.30pm. The concert is in aid of the Rossendale Trust, a Macclesfield based charity that provides care and support for people with learning disabilities. Tickets are priced at £7 and are available from Congleton and Macclesfield Tourist Information Centres, from Sue Howell on 07710 406002 or from The Rossendale Trust on 01260 252500.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="230708_the_davenport_arms_at_marton"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>23/07/08 The Davenport Arms at Marton continue their music sponsorship of the band</I></div> <div> Silk Brass (AstraZeneca) are delighted that, at a recent photo shoot, Ron Dalton and Sara Griffith, the Landlord and Landlady of the Davenport Arms at Marton, announced that the popular local pub and restaurant would be continuing as the Band's music sponsor for another year.</div> <div> Jim Cant, the Band's Musical Director, said: <I>“This is excellent news and is really important for the development of the band.  This sponsorship has allowed us to purchase some excellent pieces of music, which are improving the band's abilities, overall sound and sight reading skills.  It's great to have local people involved in what Silk Brass is doing and we'd like to thank Ron and Sara for their continued support.”</I></div> <div> After their announcement, Ron and Sara joined the band for an official portrait which will hang in pride of place at the Davenport Arms.</div> <div> The band are also delighted that another local company helped out with a superb location for their photo shoot. David and Veronica Worth of Sandhole Farm on the A34, just outside Congleton, heard that Silk Brass was looking for a venue to have some photographs taken and they gladly agreed that the band could use their Wedding Barn.</div> <div> Bob Goodwin, Silk's Bandmaster, said:<I> “It's been ages since we had some formal photographs taken and so we took advantage of a break between engagements and set a date.  The Wedding Barn is a stunning location, both inside and out, it's just a shame that the weather meant that we couldn't use the lake and the exterior of the building as backdrops, but the pictures we've taken have the exposed oak beams framing the band beautifully.  We'd like to thank David for allowing us to take over the Wedding Barn for an evening and even helping out by taking photos with band members' own cameras!” </I></div> <div> He continued:<I> “We are very lucky to have two local businesses that are keen to help the band out. Without the support of people like Ron, Sara, David and Veronica, and of course the main sponsor AstraZeneca, local organisations like ours would struggle to survive.”</I></div> <div> Silk Brass will be performing at the Davenport Arms on Saturday 2nd August at their annual gooseberry show concert. Tickets are priced at £10 (including buffet) and are available from the Davenport Arms at Marton. So come along and support your local band and a great rural pub at the same time.</div> <div> If you'd like more information on the band and its engagements either contact Sue Howell on 07710 406002.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="silk_brass_says_goodbye_to_a_popular"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>06/07/08 </I><I>Silk Brass says goodbye to a popular trombonist, and a talented young cornet player</I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="78690800.jpg" border=0 width="144" height="128" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="15" VSPACE="5">Regrettably, Silk Brass announces the departure of their second trombone player, Deborah Miles from the band. Deborah joined Silk Brass in 2002 on second trombone accompanying  the trombone section with Andrew Snelson and “Scooby.” Deborah has been a very influential player and  member of Silk Brass, and for a while her husband Jonathan took on the position as treasurer.  Unfortunately, as with many players who have young children, (twins Alexandra and Emily) <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="78873720.jpg" border=0 width="115" height="114" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="15" VSPACE="5"></FONT>Deborah finds there is never enough time for both banding and spending quality time as a family, so she made the difficult decision to take a break from the band. The band is sad to see her leave but wish Deborah and her family the very best wishes, and hope to see her return sometime in the future. </div> <div> The band is also sorry to lose a promising young repiano player, Gemma Rose. Gemma followed her father into the band (Steve Rose) three years ago, but with school exams and preparation for 'A' levels and subsequently university, she has taken a back seat for a while to concentrate on her studies. The bands best wishes go to Gemma and hopefully she will make a return the Brass Banding scene in the near future. (Preferably with Silk Brass of course!)</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="180608_the_date_for_the_bbc"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>18/06/08 The date for the BBC broadcast,"Listen to the Band" is announced</I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="75e6b100.jpg" border=0 width="363" height="272" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"></FONT>The date of Silk's broadcast for BBC Radio 2's programme “Listen to the Band” has now been announced. All the band members, plus family, friends and supporters will be glued to the radio at 9.30pm on Friday 25th July to hear Frank Renton, the show's presenter, play a session especially recorded by the band earlier this year at the BBC's studios in Manchester.</div> <div> The half hour programme is packed with music to suit all tastes and will hopefully impress first time listeners as well as brass band aficionados. On the night, listeners will be able to enjoy the popular Whit Friday march “O.R.B.”, film music from "The Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Backdraft”, the hymn tune “Nicaea” and two wonderful solos - the famous Scottish air “Annie Laurie”, played with great feeling by Silk's solo trombone player Andrew Snelson - and principal cornet, Mark Davies will impress with the Barbara Streisand hit “People”.</div> <div> Join in the “Big Listen” on Friday 25th July at 9.30pm on BBC Radio 2!</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="180608_forthcoming_engagements_for"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>18/06/08 Forthcoming engagements for Silk Brass (AstraZeneca)</I></div> <div> Silk Brass (AstraZeneca)'s summer is starting to hot up nicely with some great jobs and a radio treat to please their local supporters.</div> <div> On June 29th the Band will be performing at an afternoon concert at "The Coach and Horses" at Timbersbrook. Previous summers have seen the band playing in the cold, wind and rain, so the pub's Landlord, David Cropper, has finally taken pity, and has completely changed the format of the concert. This year he has hired a marquee for the concert (which is to start at 2pm), and there will also be a BBQ at the event.</div> <div> July will see the band taking part in Congleton's “Blooming Big Green” Carnival procession on 19th.</div> <div> Another annual local pub engagement takes place on Saturday August 2nd, when Silk helps its local community of Marton celebrate the annual Gooseberry Show at The Davenport Arms. This is definitely as close as the Band gets to performing on its own doorstep, as all it has to do is cross the road to set up for a very enjoyable evening concert. The Davenport Arms has always been a great supporter of the band and last year became Silk's music sponsor. The concert starts at 8pm and a buffet supper is served in the interval. Tickets are priced at £10 (including buffet) and are available from the Davenport Arms, Marton (01260 224269).</div> <div> Finally, Silk will be closing its summer season with a concert in aid of The Rossendale Trust on Saturday September 6th at St Michael's Church, Macclesfield. Tickets are priced at £7 and are available from Congleton and Macclesfield Tourist Information Centres, from Sue Howell on 07710 406002 or from The Rossendale Trust on 01260 252500. Please note that refreshments will not be available at this concert.</div> <div> Sue Howell, Silk's Secretary said <I>“We've got a great summer season lined up, with some really exciting, new music for our audiences. We travel all over the place, but it's always nice to be back on home soil, playing to our local supporters. Both the Coach and Horses and the Davenport Arms have made sure that they've prepared for the worst of the summer weather by arranging for marquees and they'll both be laying on some great food as well - so come along and support the band and some great rural pubs at the same time.” She continued, “We are also delighted to be working with the Rossendale Trust for the final big concert of the summer. It is an incredibly worthwhile local organisation and we hope to have a sell out audience so that they can benefit as much as possible from this concert.”</I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >If you'd like to know more about Silk's engagements please contact Sue on 07710 406002 or email her at:- </FONT><A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U><U>music@susanhowell.net</U></U></A><U> </U> .<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >If you would like more information on the Rossendale Trust visit www.rossendaletrust.org" </FONT><A HREF="http://" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://"><U><U>www.rossendaletrust.org</U></U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="010508_silk_brass__astrazeneca__make"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>01/05/08 Silk Brass (AstraZeneca) make a recording for the BBC - "Listen to the Band"</I></div> <div> Silk Brass (AstraZeneca) are to hit the radio airwaves later this year after they recorded a session last weekend for the BBC Radio 2 programme <I><B>Listen to the Band</B></I>.</div> <div> Regular listeners of the popular Friday evening show will have already heard the presenter, Frank Renton, playing tracks from the Band's new CD - “A<I> Decade of Silk”</I>, but they were thrilled to receive an invitation to be guests on the show and have a programme devoted to their music.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="52e7d1e0.jpg" border=0 width="381" height="286" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></FONT></div> <div> Jim Cant, Silk's Conductor said “this is probably one of the biggest events in the Band's history. It's a great honour to be asked to record a programme for the BBC, as the majority of bands never get that opportunity.”</div> <div> The recording took place in studio 7 at the BBC's Oxford Road studios in Manchester, which is believed to have one of the best acoustics in the country and regularly accommodates the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, but Jim is no stranger to these impressive surroundings as he recorded many sessions here during his playing days with the Fairey Band. Jim went on to say “it can be quite an awe inspiring experience, the acoustics are excellent and all the recording equipment can be a little intimidating, but the Band performed extremely well - I'm very proud of them. We're all really looking forward to hearing the finished article on the broadcast”. </div> <div> After two and a half hours of hard work, interspersed with a few breaks, the Band had recorded the seven tracks for the programme and retired en masse for some well earned refreshment at a local watering hole, followed by a visit to Manchester's famous “Curry Mile”, where they virtually took over one restaurant as the waiters tried to accommodate a table for 35!!</div> <div> Silk's Listen to the Band programme will include some banding favourites, like the famous Whit Friday march O.R.B., as well as some new additions to Silk's repertoire, such as a beautiful rendition of the Barbra Streisand hit '<I>People'</I>, performed by the Band's new Principal Cornet player <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Principal Cornet"><U>Mark Davies</U></A>.</div> <div> The date of the broadcast will be confirmed in the near future and details will be posted on this site.</div> <div> Listen to the Band can be heard every Friday on BBC Radio 2 at 9.30pm</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="030408_silk_brass_welcome_their_new"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>03/04/08 Silk Brass welcome their new Principal Cornet player - Mark Davies</I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="31773880.jpg" border=0 width="115" height="136" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="15" VSPACE="5">After a only a few short days without a principal, the band are pleased to announce they have managed to secure the services of a new face to the principal chair. As an ex Fodens player, and renowned soloist,  <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Principal Cornet"><U>Mark Davies</U></A> will be a great influence to the players in the band as leader of his section, and of the band. The last eighteen months have seen Mark playing with his local band 'United Co-Op 2000 Band', in his home town of Crewe. Previously he held the position of Principal Cornet for eight years at the Roberts Bakery Band, leading them to successful European tours and contest performances. After negotiations with Mark, Jim said he was delighted to welcome him to the band and looked forward to working with him as the band prepares for the challenges ahead. With Mark joining the ranks, the band is well placed with a strong arsenal of key soloists.  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="310308_silk_brass_says_goodbye_to"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>31/03/08 Silk Brass says goodbye to their Principal Cornet Player</I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="31b73880.jpg" border=0 width="115" height="136" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="15" VSPACE="5"></FONT>It is with regret that Silk Brass (Astra Zeneca) have to announce the decision of their Principal cornet player, Carl Gratty to leave the band. Carl joined the band in June 2002 on the front row. He took the principal chair in 2004 and helped to progress the band through to the First Section. In the six years he's spent with the band, he's seen many progressive changes, and leaves the band on a very stable footing under the directorship of Jim Cant. Whilst at Silks, he's participated in two CD recordings, (recording his first Solo, Buster Strikes Back on  the album "A Decade of Silk"), European tours and numerous contests. Upon his decision to depart, Jim said that he was disappointed to see him go, but thanked him for his contribution to the bands success over the recent years, and acknowledged the progress he had made as a soloist. Carl hasn't disappeared from the scene completely and hopefully will, from time to time be playing within the ranks of the band. He acknowledges  the time and commitment required to make a successful ensemble work, and therefore due to work, home commitments, he is currently unable to offer the same commitment that he has done so relentlessly in the past. All of us at Silk Brass wish him the very best for the future and hope to see him soon.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="261107_the_new_cd_a_decade_of_silk"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>26/11/07 The new CD, "A Decade Of Silk" is released</I></div> <div> The band have now released their new CD <I><B>"A Decade Of Silk"</B></I>, recorded last month at the Sir James Black Conference Centre in Alderley Edge. Amongst other tracks, a few examples are:</div> <div> <I><B>Harlequin. </B></I>Harlequin was probably the most popular comic character from the historic Italian comedian dell'arte. Although renowned as a slow thinker, he was acrobatic and nimble and would add a cartwheel or backflip to even the simplest task. These characteristics are perfectly portrayed in this arrangement of Bruce Broughton's mini overture. </div> <div> <I><B>Buster Strikes Back</B></I>. You can't help but smile when you listen to Carl Gratty's jaunty rendition of Alan Morrison's cornet rag. Morrison dedicated this composition to his young nephew who was fighting against a serious illness at the time. <IMG SRC="3fc00f70.jpg" border=0 width="256" height="247" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="15" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Stal Himmel  (Steel Skies). </B></I>Written by the Scottish composer and musician Alan Fernie<I><B> </B></I>for the Norwegian Band, Musikkorpset Gjallarhorn. </div> <div> <I><B>A Time For Peace.</B></I> This Horn solo played by Les Manning, is taken from the original brass band composition “The Essence of Time”, written by Peter Graham. </div> <div> <I><B>Four French Renaissance Dances </B></I>are taken from his collection Terpsichore, (named after the Greek Muse of Dancing), which is an arrangement of 312 dances gathered from French dance masters and musicians. </div> <div> <I><B>For The Love Of A Princess </B></I>is taken from the 1995 Oscar winning film Braveheart, which was produced, directed and starred Mel Gibson as legendary Scot, William Wallace. The Braveheart score was composed by James Horner, who later wrote the music for the blockbuster film Titanic. </div> <div> <I><B>Swing When You're Winning </B></I>brings together many of the songs from Robbie Williams' hit album of the same name,  which was largely influenced by his life-long love of Frank Sinatra. This arrangement combines many “swing-a-long” favourites made famous by the original “Rat Pack” </div> <div> <I><B>I Will Follow Him </B></I>was originally a US number 1 hit for Little Peggy March in 1963, but it came to worldwide prominence after it was featured in the finale of the 1992 comedy film Sister Act, staring Whoopi Goldberg. The trombone section clearly enjoy themselves in this gospel choir arrangement.</div> <div> <I><B>The Children of Sanchez.</B></I> Chuck Mangione is a jazz flugelhorn player and composer, whose successful career has spanned more than 50 years. His powerful, award winning soundtrack to the 1978 film <I><B> </B></I>later became an unofficial anthem to the<I><B> </B></I>people of Poland during their struggle for<I><B> </B></I>democracy. Claire Gooder plays the beautiful<I><B> </B></I>main theme from the film, which develops into a<I><B> </B></I>wonderful jazz finale.<I><B> </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Backdraft. </B></I>Written by Hans Zimmer, this<I><B> </B></I>piece is the theme for the 1991 film about Chicago firefighters. Backdraft has an echo of the Irish community in Chicago and strongly features the percussion section.</div> <div> <I><B>Benedictus. </B></I>Benedicts<I><B> </B></I>is taken from Karl Jenkins' choral suite <I>“The Armed Man - A Mass for Peace”</I>, which powerfully interprets the terrible consequences of war. The suite was commissioned by Britain's Royal Armouries to mark the millennium, and was dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo crisis. Andrew Ingleby and Robert Goodwin play this moving piece with great emotion and passion. </div> <div> <I><B>The Wind Beneath My Wings </B></I>is from the film Beaches, and became a number one hit for Bette Midler, winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year Grammys in 1990. Andrew Snelson's lyricism as he plays this beautiful melody is truly outstanding.  </div> <div> <I><B>Horizons </B></I>As well as being a talented percussionist, Paul Lovatt-Cooper is one of the rising stars in brass band composition. , with its strong rhythms and melodic interlude, was commissioned by the Ratby Co-operative Band for their Centenary in 2006.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="260607_the_davenport_arms_becomes_the"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <I>26/06/07 The Davenport Arms becomes the bands music sponsor</I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="0e9902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="10"><A HREF="http://www.sugarvine.com/cheshire/minisite/restaurant.asp?restaurant=12726" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.sugarvine.com/cheshire/minisi"><U>The Davenport Arms</U></A> at Marton has always been a firm favourite with the players of Silk Brass (AstraZeneca), but now they've got one more reason to love the pub that's just across the road from their rehearsal room, as it has become the band's new music sponsor.</div> <div>  As Barry Worth the Band Chairman explained: “Ron and Sara, the Davenport's landlord and landlady have always been great supporters of Silk Brass but they really wanted to show just how much the band meant to them and how much they appreciated and enjoyed our company - so when they approached us, we came up with the idea of a music sponsor. So now all the music that we buy and perform will be courtesy of <I>The Davenport Arms</I>. It's great that we've got this kind of local support, and this wonderful gesture will help to ensure that our programs will remain fresh and interesting. We're also very pleased that our main sponsor AstraZenenca is happy for other local companies to get involved in supporting community organisations and they've given their full support for this arrangement”</div> <div> Since Silk Brass moved to their Marton bandroom the band members have always ended their Sunday and Wednesday rehearsal nights with a relaxing drink in the bar at The Davenport, but with such a great restaurant, it's also become one of their favourite places to eat out as well. Although some of the band members live as far a field as Manchester and Crewe, they still travel back to Marton for a knock out meal, even when they haven't got a rehearsal. </div> <div> Ron Doulton from the Davenport Arms said: “We feel very proud to have such a talented band frequenting our establishment and felt we wanted to support them in some way. By becoming their music sponsors, we hope to enable them to expand and improve their repertoire for the enjoyment of their audiences in the future. We certainly always enjoy their performances here during the summer and at Christmas time.” </div> <div> You will be able to see Silk Brass performing at The Davenport Arms on 4th August at a special Marton Gooseberry Show concert.</div> <div>  If you're interested in finding out more about the band and its engagements please contact Sue Howell on 07710 406002.</div> <bR> <div> <I>18/06/07 New and Refurbished Instruments for the band</I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="0ed902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="10">After a period of serious fund raising Silk Brass (Astra Zeneca) proudly unveiled almost a complete set of new and refurbished instruments at the Whit Friday March Contests in early June. After promotion to the first section and with many of their instruments showing their age, they decided that they really needed to do something to make sure that they could continue to give the superb performances their audiences have come to expect.</div> <div>  </div> <div> The main thrust of the instrument upgrade program was the purchase of eleven brand new York cornets. The Principal Cornet player Carl Gratty said “these new instruments are great and make a huge difference to the sound of the cornet section. Previously we had a mixture of makes and quality of instruments, which definitely had an effect on our overall performance, but now it's a real treat every time we play together as a section. All of our cornet players realise how lucky they are, as many bands aren't able to invest in a complete set of instruments at one time, but we've worked hard to raise the funds needed and we are happy that the investment has been worth it.”</div> <div> The parade of shiny instruments doesn't end with the cornets though, as the band has also had five basses, two euphoniums and two baritones refurbished. These instruments are a lot more expensive to buy than a cornet, with the cost of one bass running to over £4,000, and so the Band felt that the best use of their funds was to refurbish the larger instruments rather than replace them. Barry Worth the Band Chairman (and bass player) explained that they had found a company that took the instruments away, pulled them apart, thoroughly cleaned them, removed any little dents, replated them, put them back together and returned them to the band looking and playing as good as new. He went on to say “these instruments really are a joy to play. For a long time the larger instruments had been suffering with sticky valves, leaky pipes and seized slides, but now you can't tell the difference between the refurbished instruments we're playing and a brand new one.”</div> <div>  </div> <div> Helped by the swathe of shiny new brass, the Band had a great time at the Whit Friday March Contests, competing in 13 contests around the Tameside and Saddleworth areas in just one evening against some of the best bands in the country, including Fodens and Black Dyke. Their great performances on the night saw them walk away with two 4th prizes and another six top ten finishes, as well as the prize for Best Bass Section at one venue. After all the scores, from all the bands, at all the contests were added together, Silk Brass were thrilled to find that their hard work and new instruments had paid off when they were placed 11th out of almost 100 bands. </div> <div>  </div> <div> Silk is now looking to replace the trombone section's instruments, although they may also have to invest in some more cornets and other instruments, as they have received a number of enquiries from players keen to join them. Bob Goodwin, Silk's Bandmaster said “having these new instruments has given the band a real boost. We played really well on Whit Friday and we came away with some great results, beating band's like Black Dyke always gives you a buzz and it seems as though word is getting round that we are a great band to be a part of. Although we work hard, we enjoy ourselves at the same time and we're a very friendly bunch - it's a great atmosphere! We're always keen to welcome new players so if anyone would like to get in touch they can give me a call on 07770 366511”</div> <div>  </div> <div> The next time the band is performing locally is at Congleton Park on 22nd July. If you would like to know more about the Band or its engagements please contact Sue Howell on 07710 406002</div> <bR> <div> <I>16/11/06 Two New Faces But Old Hands</I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="5247bcb0.jpg" border=0 width="123" height="203" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="5237acb0.jpg" border=0 width="122" height="203" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></FONT>Silk Brass AstraZeneca welcome to their ranks two new faces - on Solo Euphonium, <A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Solo Euphonium"><U>Andrew Ingleby</U></A>, and to the Front Row, Nigel Turner. </div> <div> Both players join the band after leaving Roberts Bakery Band, but this wasn't the first time their paths had crossed as they both started their playing careers many moons ago at Burbage Buxton, to say how long ago would be unfair - but they have over 50 years of experience between them and have both played with many of the High Peak Brass Bands since their early days at Burbage. </div> <div> Speaking of the new signings MD Jim Cant says “I’m looking forward to welcoming both players to the band and hope that their experience will help strengthen Silk in its first attempt in the first section next year.”</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>