Hathern Band

News update February 2012

Feb. 9, 2012

This time of year is traditionally a quiet period for Bands, at least for Bands appearing in public. The Senior Band are preparing the Midland Area Brass Band Championships of Great Britain to be held in Bedworth, Warwickshire on 10th March. A group from the Senior Band did play in Shepshed last week at the wedding of Tom Hill and Kelly Taylor, who’s family have been associated with the Band for many years.

Concert Brass are preparing new music for this years programme and the Training Band will also be facing new challenges following their appearance on 5th February at the Family Service in Hathern Church.

One Band that hasn’t been mentioned is the Youth Band. The Youth Band does not appear in public, all the players being members of one of the other Bands in the organisation. The sole purpose of the Youth Band is to improve all aspects of Band training, equipping them more readily for Concert Brass/Senior Band. Where as our other Bands practice a piece of music with a view to performing in public, as soon as a piece of music has reached that standard with Youth band it is immediately replaced with something else, the idea being to present fresh challenges to the young players on a weekly basis.

The Senior Band will, as always, have an open rehearsal at Hathern Church on Tuesday 6th March at 7.45, prior to the Area Contest on the following Saturday. Everyone is invited to come and listen to the Band rehearsing Mountain Views composed by Bertrand Moren.

LOROS Concert

Jan. 14, 2012

There was a packed audience at Burleigh Community College, Loughborough for Hathern Band’s Charity concert in aid of LOROS, the Leicestershire & Rutland Hospice. This is the Band’s 11th concert in support of LOROS and as in previous years, the concert has benefited from support by Barclays Bank under their ‘£ for £ Scheme’.

The Band was certainly in sparkling form for their first concert of 2012 and together with Musical Director David Newman, treated the audience to a lively programme in variety of musical styles, which emphatically demonstrated that brass bands don’t just play marches!

There was a lovely selection from the musical My Fair Lady, a big band number, Swing When You’re Winning and we were treated to the Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel, which had been arranged by Neville Buxton, the Band’s solo euphonium player. Unusually, Neville’s arrangement included a part for keyboard and this was expertly played by the multi-talented Susan Robinson, a member of Hathern’s cornet section.

The concert included a number of solos; Jack Hardy gave a very soulful and moving performance on cornet of the Michael Bublé hit Cry Me A River and the flugel horn solo of the song Alfie was beautifully played by Lesley Bentley. The Band’s principal cornet player Mike Wood swapped his cornet for the post horn and stunned the audience with his brilliant rendition of the Post Horn Gallop and all without the aid of any sheet music! It was a busy evening for Mike as he and the rest of the cornet players, plus the horn section set the toes tapping with the Jackie Wilson number Reet Petite and Mike also featured in Someone To Watch Over Me, a great jazz classic brought to prominence in recent times by the late Amy Winehouse.

The solo, Zirkus Renz performed by percussionist Joe Southgate proved that he is certainly a virtuoso xylophone player but his talents also extend to excellent arrangements. The Band played Joe’s arrangement of the Dr Who theme, which was very evocative and one almost expected the Tardis to make an appearance. To conclude a great evening’s entertainment for a great cause the Band played the powerful hymn How Great Thou Art, which perhaps should be sub-titled “as seen on TV” following the Band’s performance of the hymn on The One Show a few months ago. Indeed, it was a superb evening of uplifting music and David Newman’s amusing anecdotes and introductions to the numbers certainly added to the entertainment.

The concert was a huge success and raised £2,105.00 for LOROS, including a donation of £750.00 from Barclays Bank under their match funding scheme. The cheque was accepted by Adrian Walker of LOROS who thanked everyone for achieving such a splendid amount and said that both he and his colleague Peter Barnes had thoroughly enjoyed the evening’s entertainment. Mr Walker went on to say that in addition to its 300 employees, there are 900 volunteers and each year the Hospice needs to raise £4 million to continue its work within the local community to provide free care to terminally ill patients and also give support to their families.

On behalf of Hathern Band, David Newman thanked Barclays for their on-going support of this concert, which has now raised over £23,500.00 for LOROS since the first one 11 years ago. He also thanked everyone involved with the concert, particularly the audience, as without such support it would not have been possible to raise over £2,000.00 for the Leicestershire & Rutland Hospice.

Press release

News update December 2011

Dec. 12, 2011

By the time that you read this, the Hathern Band will have been very busy during December.

The Band have played at New Parks Methodist Church, Melton Mowbray Christmas Tree Festival, Loughborough Town Hall, around Hathern streets, Hathern Christmas Tree Festival, Loughborough Masonic Hall, Christmas Concert at Hodson Hall (tickets still available from Lesley), Hathern Church Carol Service, Loughborough Hospital, Loughborough Care Centre, The New Inn, Peggs Green and Quorn Village Hall.

The Concert Brass have also been playing in Loughborough at the Rushes and Biggin Street, at Abbey Park and at the Christmas Concert at Hodson Hall.

After a well-earned rest over Christmas, the Hathern Band will again be doing their annual concert supported by Barclays £4£ scheme, all money in aid of LOROS – the Concert will be at Burleigh Theatre on Saturday 14th January 2012 and tickets at £6.00 can be ordered from Lesley Bentley, 672 029. Since beginning this annual event 10 years ago, the Band has raised £21,500 for LOROS.

The members of the Management Committee, the Hathern Band, Concert Brass, the Youth Band and the Training Band thank everyone for their support throughout 2011 and wish you all a Happy New Year.

(the picture shows the Hathern Band playing at Melton Mowbray Christmas Tree Festival)

Concert Brass - Santa Special

Dec. 11, 2011

The Concert Brass had a great time at their annual visit to Abbey Park in Leicester to play at the Santa Special organised by the Leicester Society of Model Engineers. They are always looked after so well and this is one of their favourite events and they are already looking forward to next year. Is this really Andrea conducting the Band!!

News update November 2011

Nov. 10, 2011

All of Hathern’s Bands are currently gearing up for December, every Bands busiest month of the year.

The Senior Band gave its annual concert in aid of Hathern Church on Saturday 29th October at Burleigh College. The Concert was very well received by all and over £400 being raised for Church funds. The Band has a close link with the Church with the Band playing at the Armistice Service on the 13th November and they will be back there on December 18th for the annual 9 Lessons and Carols Service, always a great occasion. In addition a group from the Band will be playing on Sunday 11th December in the Church at the Christmas Tree Festival.

The Bands annual Christmas Concert at Hodson Hall on Saturday 17th December is an exciting time especially for the Training Band, many of whom make their concert debut in front of a full house, and normally steal the show.

The Training Band rehearse 6 – 7 p.m. on a Monday evening and is composed mainly of very young people. No previous musical experience is required so if any young people would like to join the existing 30+ members please contact Lesley Bentley at www.Lesley.Bentley@dsl.pipex.com

News update October 2011

Oct. 15, 2011

The Senior Band competed at the National Finals in Cheltenham on Sunday 25th September and they finished 12th. A pleasing performance but the Band is determined to do even better next time.

Two young players in the Band featured in National organisations this year with 13 year old Jake Baum (percussion) playing for the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain and 9 year old Freddie Buchanan (cornet) playing for the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain. Both players also took 1st Prize, along with Rebecca Simms (Eb Bass) at the recent Leicestershire Brass Band Association Solo/Quartet/Duet Contest. Our congratulations on all these achievements.

The Patrons Evening was held on the 8th October when our guests were given an insight into the new programme with first performances of 8 new pieces including solo’s from Hathern resident Jack Hardy and Xylophonist Jake Baum. Also on this evening the Senior Awards were presented – Stu Ratcliffe received the Player of the Year and Graeme King was awarded the Bandsman of the Year. A special award this year was to David Newman from Leicestershire Brass Band Association for 50 years loyal and dedicated service to the brass band movement – this was presented by honorary Patron of Hathern Band, Betty Anderson, who is also President of the LBBA (the pictures shows Dave receiving his award from Betty).

You may have missed it but the Band were on the One Show on BBC1 on Friday 7th October filmed at the Great Central Railway, which was a lot of fun to do.

The Concert Brass gave their Annual Concert on the 1st October at the Parish Church and this was a great success. The Conductor’s Award was presented to Dean Onyon and Young Bandsman of the Year to Christopher Mulvaney.

We neglected to mention last month that the Training Band played at the Family Service in Hathern Church on the first weekend of September. This they do every year along with the service on the first Sunday of February, a performance enjoyed by players and congregation alike.

After a weeks break for half term all the Bands will be preparing for a very busy December, along with a Contest for the Senior Band at the end of November.

Senior Band - Player of the Year 2011

Oct. 8, 2011

Awarded to Stu Ratcliffe – well done from us all

Senior Band - Bandsman of the Year 2011

Oct. 8, 2011

Presented to Graeme King – congratulations

Concert Brass

Oct. 1, 2011

Hathern Concert Brass were performing on home territory recently when they presented their annual concert in the Village. Under the baton of Musical Director Andrea Allen, the Band presented an interesting programme in a variety of musical styles.

The concert set off at a lively pace with Breezin’ Down Broadway and Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines, which contrasted well with the smooth rendition of Mood Indigo. The Band’s performance of the Beatles hit Ticket to Ride certainly evoked memories of the days of steam, it was definitely a journey enjoyed by the audience. Amongst other numbers in the programme were Cruella de Vil from the Disney film, 101 Dalmatians, the Barry Manilow hit, One Voice, and Love Changes Everything which featured some fine playing by Freddie Buchanan on cornet. The brass band traditionalists were not forgotten however, with the inclusion of the toe tapping March, Kenilworth.

During the evening Andrea Allen presented The Conductor’s Award to Dean Onyon and Christopher Mulvaney was named as Player of the Year (picture shows Christopher, Andrea & Dean). The final item to end a most enjoyable evening was the popular Michael Bublé song, Sway, which sent the large, appreciative audience home with a spring in their step. A big thank you to Hathern Church for the use of this lovely building.

Hathern Band - NATIONAL FINALS

Sept. 25, 2011

Dear Patrons & friends

You’ll be pleased to hear, I’m sure, that, after being one of the winning bands in the Area Contest last February, Hathern Band has just taken part (yesterday) in the National Finals for the First Section. It was held at Cheltenham Race Course (and the price of beer had to be seen to be believed!).

All 18 Bands were to play the same test piece – La Forza del Destino (The Force of Destiny) Verdi arranged F Wright – and the draw for order of play placed Hathern last, not a great place to be playing we thought, although the winning band played 17th. We played well and were placed 12th. As the announcer said, “Don’t forget that to even get to the finals means that each band has excelled”, so we take pride in being 12th best band out of some 150 bands in the UK who are in the First Section. Congratulations to Musical Director David Newman and all the players for the results of their hard work over the past few months.

This coming Saturday, Concert Brass, under their conductor Andrea Allen, are holding their Annual Concert in Hathern Church. Tickets are £5 (children £2) and are available by phoning Andrew, 01509 265 258, or Jenny, 01509 828 719, or can be bought on the door.

And, of course, we have our Annual Patrons’ Concert on the following Saturday, 8th October, at Hathern Community Centre. If you are are Patron of the Band and you haven`t let Lesley know if you will be attending, its not too late!

With best wishes,
John Worsfold
Chairman – The Hathern Band

Hathern Band`s moment of fame!

Sept. 17, 2011

Hathern Band were approached by Mark Ashton, who works as a Producer/Director for the One Show. He said they were are planning to do some filming in Leicester and Loughborough on Sat 17th September as part of their “Claim to Fame Series” where they look at a moment in History that brought fame to a village or city or town. The films are 5 minutes long. They were keen to look at the first sortie by Thomas Cook in 1841 when he took his first paying guests on a train from Leicester to Loughborough. On the train there was a brass band, thats where Hathern came in! as they were looking to re – create the atmosphere of the time. The players were keen on their moment of fame! and turned up at 9.30 a.m. at the Great Central Railway in Loughborough to start filming, starting off with a very entertaining journey on the train from Loughborough to Leicester. A great time was had by all – we are waiting to see if we can spot David Newman, our Musical Director on any of the filming!!

The film is due to be broadcasted on the One Show Friday 7th October.

Croc's wedding!

Aug. 20, 2011

Christina finally made a decent man out of 'Croc’ (Hathern Bands famous Australian bass trombone player Dr Mark Terner, to give him his full name) over in sunny Germany last weekend. A brilliant time was had by all the travelling 'Hathernites’ and a truly international feast involved lots of German wine and pickled platypus! with the Fosters flowing like water. David Newman cut a fine dash in Church sitting on the bridegrooms side wearing his hat with corks! Can`t wait for the next visit.

Hathern Band on Quorn Banks

Aug. 14, 2011

Quorn’s BAND ON THE BANKS was again a huge success on August 14th when the famous Hathern Band under its Musical Director, David Newman, treated the audience to a wonderful performance of their music. The occasion was made even more special with four of its gifted musicians being Quorn residents. Several impressive solos were performed during the afternoon and the last being a sparkling and prize winning performance of William Tell by one of the Quorn residents, Jake Baum, on Xylophone (see picture).

The weather was again kind to us and as well as Hathern Band our grateful thanks go to members of Quorn Cricket Club for their teas and generous portions of excellent home made cake. Thanks also for the use of the Church Room facilities and to the members of the public for again supporting this Parish Council sponsored even. Also thanks to those who helped with the clearing up afterwards. This is now becoming a regular event and we look foreword to next years event on August 19th when Hathern Band will again treat us.

Look out for details of this years Carol Concert in Quorn Village Hall when Hathen Band will perform Carols accompanied by the audience and generous Christmas Cheer!

David Cawdell – Quorn Parish Council

News update August 2011

Aug. 5, 2011

On the 26th June, you may remember one of the hottest days for some time, the Senior Band gave a Proms in the Park performance at the Birstall Gala. We have been flooded out in the past but on this occasion due to the scorching weather a huge crowd of around 3000 were there waiting for us. The programme featured many of the Bands fine soloists and concluded with Jerusalem, Fantasy on British Sea Songs and Pomp and Circumstance. This year were were again joined by Soprano Miss Jenny Saunders who as always was on scintillating form as she sang Gershwin’s Someone to Watch over me and Bernstein’s I feel pretty from West Side Story.

The Concert Brass performed at Kegworth Carnival, again in very hot weather, this is a return visit for the Concert Band who played last year at the same event.

Senior Band, Youth Band and Training Band are now on holiday for 3 weeks, although Concert Brass will continue. For the Senior Band this comes in the middle of preparations for the National Finals.

Finally if we could mention that the Band were presented with a lovely clock and commemorative plaque in memory of Michael Spencer a long time supporter and helper of the Band. A big thank you to Maureen and the Spencer family from the Band.

Hathern Band - National Finals

June 8, 2011

The National Finals Testpiece has been announced – The 1st Section will be
Verdi’s ‘La Forza Del Destino’.

Doctor Antony Edwards

June 2, 2011

Antony (Doctor Antony!) congratulations from us all at Hathern Band – no more exams!!

Concert Brass

May 20, 2011

Many people are of the opinion that brass bands only play marches; however, this is definitely a misconception as far as Hathern Concert Brass is concerned. The Band was in fine form at their concert on 20.05.11 in St Mary’s RC Church, Loughborough, which was held to raise funds for the recent re-decoration works. Under the baton of Musical Director Andrea Allen, Hathern Concert Brass presented a lively programme in variety of musical styles.

Compositions by Andrew Lloyd-Webber were well represented and included No Matter What from Whistle Down The Wind, which featured the expert playing of Steve Matthews on cornet. Steve’s playing was also prominent in Old Gumbie Cat from the popular musical, Cats and was complemented by the smooth and melodious tones of Dean Onyon on euphonium.

The evening saw the Band’s premiere performance of the Beatles hit Ticket to Ride, which certainly evoked memories of the days of steam, or perhaps a visit to the Great Central Railway and it was definitely a journey enjoyed by the audience.

Amongst other numbers in the programme were Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines; Cruella de Vil from the Disney film, 101 Dalmatians and the Robbie Williams hit, Angels, which included some fine playing by Chris Mulvaney on flugel horn. The brass band traditionalists were not forgotten however, with performances of the toe tapping marches, Kenilworth and Star Lake.

It was a most enjoyable evening and Andrea’s amusing anecdotes and introductions to the numbers certainly added to the entertainment. The audience also needed little encouragement to join in the fun during YMCA and Amarillo, and were sent home with a spring in their step after the Band’s stylish rendition of the popular Michael Bublé song, Sway, which featured plenty of Latin rhythm from Vicky Jones on cornet.

Concert Brass was established three years ago to develop young players in readiness for progression to the Main Hathern Band, by giving them the opportunity of playing a wide variety of music and gaining performance experience. It is also an ideal forum for people not wanting the pressure of competitions that goes with being a player in the main band. Concert Brass has grown steadily and there are currently over 30 members, ranging in age from 8 to 70 but new players are always welcomed.

Leicestershire Brass Band Association Solo/Quartet/Duet Contest

April 17, 2011

A great day for players from the Youth Band who took part in the Groby Solo/Quartet/Duet Contest on Sunday at Groby Community College. (The photo shows Freddie & Stephen, half of the winning quartet, proudly holding the trophy).

A 1st Prize for Hathern Youth A in the 14 years and under Quartets – Freddie Buchanan, Stephen Guerin, George Marshall & Jenny Allen saved their performance for the day and John Berryman gave them 1st Prize ahead of the other 10 quartets competing. The B Quartet – Emily Higson, Hattie Hales, Christopher Allen & Katie Simms came a very creditable 5th.

George Marshall showed them how it should be done in the Slow Melody for his age group and took 1st Prize out of a 30+ entries, a brilliant result and according to Adjudicator Mike Fowles an excellent performance.

I`m sure Rebecca Simms didn`t mind going on the programme under Hathern Youth Band and with a superb 2nd Prize in the 15 – 18 year age Slow Melody group, has still got a couple of years competing in this section. A 2nd Prize also for Freddie Buchanan in the 10 years and under, he continues to impress the Adjudicators with his sound. Also Freddie`s first time in the Air Varies and a 4th in the 18 years and under gives him another 9 years in this section to get to 1st place!

A big `well done` to those entering the duet section – Annie Tilling & George Marshall, Katie Simms & Emily Higson, Freddie Buchanan & Stephen Guerin, Christopher Allen & Hattie Hales. There were 35 entries in this section and it was an open section so competing against far more experienced players but some good remarks from Adjudicator Ian Bartram.

All in all a good day, so if you are reading this and you played on the day well done and keep practicing, the next contest is on Sunday 9th October at Groby Community College. If you are reading this and you didn`t enter, see me!!

Thanks very much to you all
Lesley

Training Day

April 10, 2011

Last Sunday (10th April) The Band held its first full Band training day. Players from the Training, Concert Brass, Youth and Senior Bands joined forces for what turned out to be a tremendously enjoyable day of music making and of no lesser value a chance for all members of the Hathern Band organisation to get to know each other a little better.

The session began with 2 hours of section rehearsals in various venues in the village including the bandroom. These were under the guidance of Joe Southgate, Simon Baum, Andrea Allen and Geoff & David Newman.

The music ranged from the traditional march Castell Caerphilly to an arrangement of the music from Harry Potter, in all six pieces were rehearsed.

After the section rehearsals tutors and players met at the Community Centre for tea and a general chat, before sitting as one huge Band to rehearse the pieces and to put into practice all that had been learnt earlier. It was a wonderful sight to see very young members sitting with and sharing a stand with experienced members and getting on together musical and socially.

Lesley, who organised the day, had informed Patrons and Parents of younger players that an informal concert at around 7.30 would be given and it was therefore in a packed Community Centre that the day ended with a performance of all six pieces under the batons of Andrea and David.

A great deal was achieved on this day. A chance for the whole organisation to get to know each other better as well as play together and from the many messages already received from parents of the younger players, they particularly found it inspirational to sit alongside the more experienced players. All in all the day was an unqualified success and we look forward to the next one.

The day was also the first opportunity for everyone to meet the new Hathern Band Chairman, John Worsfold. John has been a long-time supporter of the Band and the man responsible for our very successful Patrons Scheme. We look forward to a long and happy association with John. Whilst welcoming John we must acknowledge the great work done by our outgoing Chairman, Andrew Haworth, who has overseen the Bands progress for many years. Andrew will continue as a playing member of Concert Brass. Our grateful thanks to Andrew and to Louise, who has turned up to all the Committee Meetings and taken the minutes for just as long, but is to continue as the Bands Press Officer.

AREA CONTEST

March 12, 2011

The photo shows 'The Newman Boys’! – star Euphonium player Geoff and Musical Director David.

Hathern’s Main Band under the baton of Musical Director, David Newman took part in the Midlands Area Brass Band competition at the weekend (12.03.11). All 18 bands in the 1st Section were playing the extremely challenging test piece Carnival Romain by Berlioz.

Since the beginning of the year everyone has been working very hard, putting in many hours of extra practice. This dedication and determination certainly paid dividends when the Band was awarded 2nd place.

Hathern will now represent the Midlands Region at the National Brass Band Championships on the weekend of the 24th & 25th September 2011 in Cheltenham. (Publicity Officer L Haworth)

Hathern Band - Annual Charity Concert in aid of LOROS

Jan. 14, 2011

H A T H E R N B A N D
P R E S S R E L E A S E

Hathern Band’s first concert in 2011 was a Charity event in aid of LOROS, the Leicestershire & Rutland Hospice, and the capacity audience at Burleigh Community College, Loughborough thoroughly enjoyed the evening’s entertainment. This is the Band’s 10th concert in support of LOROS and as in previous years, the concert has also benefited from support by Barclays Bank under their ‘£ for £ Scheme’.

The Band and Musical Director, David Newman, treated the audience to a varied programme with some great playing and opened proceedings with the march Freiweg, which had been arranged by the Band’s solo euphonium player, Neville Buxton.

Mike Wood, the Band’s principal solo cornet player had a busy evening because in addition to performing a duet of the Frank Sinatra number ‘Something Stupid’ with flugel horn player, Lesley Bentley, he and other members of the cornet section were featured in The Water is Wide, The Humming Chorus and a very moving rendition of Auld Lang Syne/Last Post.

Another member of the cornet section, Susan Robinson, demonstrated her other musical talents on keyboard when together with Lesley Bentley on flugel horn, they gave a splendid performance of the delightful number, Scarlet Ribbons. The final solo of the evening was from trombonist Simon Baum who gave a very polished interpretation of In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning and all without the aid of any sheet music – most impressive!

In addition to enjoying the Band’s playing, the audience also obviously appreciated the introductions to each number provided by David Newman, whose relaxed and often amusing style certainly added to the evening’s entertainment.

Last year, members of Hathern Band joined the Festival Players, Loughborough in their very successful stage production of the hit film Brassed Off, which had starred the late Pete Postlethwaite. The beautiful number Londonderry Air featured in the production was performed by the Band, in memory of a great actor and as a reminder of the fun of taking part in the play. Music from the film Chicago set the toes tapping as the Band performed All That Jazz with great aplomb and the concert was brought to a rousing conclusion with more film music from The Last of the Mohicans.

The concert was a huge success and raised £1,860.66 for LOROS, including a donation of £750.00 from Barclays Bank under their match funding scheme. The cheque was accepted by Simon Proffitt, Chief Executive of LOROS who thanked everyone for achieving such a splendid amount and said that both he and his wife had thoroughly enjoyed the evening’s entertainment. Mr Proffitt went on to say that in addition to its 300 employees, there are 900 volunteers and each year the Hospice needs to raise £4 million to continue its work within the local community.

On behalf of Hathern Band, David Newman thanked Barclays for their on-going support of this concert, which has now raised over £21,000.00 for LOROS since the first one ten years ago. He also thanked everyone involved with the concert, particularly the audience, as without such support it would not have been possible to raise over £1,800.00 for the Leicestershire & Rutland Hospice.

Christmas Concert

Dec. 4, 2010

There was plenty of seasonal songs and festive fun at Hathern Band’s Christmas Concert, which despite the icy conditions, drew a large and appreciate audience to the Hodson Hall, Loughborough. The Main Band and Musical Director David Newman entertained throughout the first half and included a beautiful euphonium duet, Babe in a Manger, from Neville Buxton and Graeme King, plus Santa Claustrophobia which set the toes tapping and Christmas Joy which Neville had arranged for the Band.

It was the Training Band under the baton of David Newman who received the loudest cheers of the night – many of the youngsters seemed dwarfed by their instruments but gave splendid performances of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Silent Night and We Wish You A Merry Christmas, all of which had been arranged by Main Band Member, Sam Garton. It was a memorable night for cornet player Steven Guerin as he was presented with the Tom Dennis Memorial Cup for being the Most Improved Learner in the Training Band.

Hathern Concert Brass, which also included members of the Youth Band, gave excellent performances of Last Christmas, The Snowman and Christmas Crackers all of which demonstrated the Band’s playing ability and enthusiasm, together with that of their Musical Director Andrea Allen. Throughout the evening the audience obviously enjoyed singing the carols and Concert Brass provided the accompaniment to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

Before the finale, David Newman announced that the Main Band’s first event in the New Year would be a Charity Concert in aid of the LOROS Hospice. The concert is supported by the Barclays Bank ‘£ for £ Scheme’ and takes place on Friday 14 January 2011 at Burleigh College, with all proceeds going to the Hospice. Tickets are available now from Band Secretary, Lesley Bentley on 01509 672029 or email, lesley.bentley@dsl.pipex.com.

All good things must come to an end but what a splendid end – the hugely popular Snow Waltz – which saw audience and musicians alike swaying along with the music. The whole evening was certainly a great start to the festive season.

Hathern Band - Patrons Evening

Oct. 16, 2010

The recent Patrons Evening proved to be a great success following a number of changes, due to retirement and University, in Band personnel plus an ambitious programme of 9 new works. There were 2 arrangements by our Principal Euphonium player Neville Buxton, a German March and a Michael Jackson number. New arrangements in the form of Polovtsian Dances, a trombone solo by Simon Baum 'In the wee small hours of the morning’ as usual played without music! a feature for solo cornets called 'The Water is Wide’ and a further one for around half the band with a lovely arrangement of the 'Humming Chorus’ from Puccini’s Madam Butterfly. New music was not neglected with a parting gift from Antony Edwards, who has gone to York to work, of Rock Music III. Also a terrific new composition called 'An American Tale’ which very cleverly features songs from the American Civil War.

Whilst the Patrons Evening is not often a request concert, due to persistent cries from Patron Helen Buck we did perform 'The Gael’ which is music from the film The Last of the Mohicans. This last piece also requires a keyboard and this addition to our programme was made possible by the return of Susan Robinson from York University.

The evening proved to be a great success from my point of view giving the new players an early opportunity to play together and I hope the evening was just as enjoyable to the Patrons, to whom we are indebted for their continued support.

David Newman

The photo shows Dave presenting the annual awards – Mark Tanser receiving the 'Players Player’ trophy and Sam Garton receiving the 'Bandperson of the Year’ award

Concert Brass - Annual Concert

Sept. 25, 2010

Hathern Concert Brass performs regularly in the locality but they were on home territory recently for their annual concert in the village. The Band was in fine form and under the baton of Andrea Allen, presented a lively mix of music, including Old Gumbie Cat and Skimbleshanks from the popular musical, Cats; Angels, the Robbie Williams hit and Cruella de Vil from the Disney film, 101 Dalmatians. The brass band traditionalists were not forgotten, with the inclusion of the toe tapping marches, Kenilworth and Star Lake

It was a very enjoyable evening and Andrea’s amusing anecdotes and introductions to the numbers certainly added to the entertainment. The audience also needed little encouragement to join in the fun during YMCA and Amarillo, and were sent home with a spring in their step after the Band’s stylish rendition of the popular Michael Bublé song, Sway, from the film Shall We Dance.

The evening also saw the presentation of awards for Player of the Year and Bandsman of the Year. It was certainly a case of ‘girl power’ with Rebecca Simms named as Bandsman of the Year and Player of the Year went to Annie Tilling. Rebecca’s hard work has paid dividends as she has recently progressed to playing with the Main Hathern Band. (The photograph shows Musical Director, Andrea Allen, handing over the trophies to Annie (left) and Rebecca (right).

Concert Brass was established three years ago to develop young players in readiness for progression to the Main Hathern Band, by giving them the opportunity of playing a wide variety of music and gaining performance experience. It is also an ideal forum for people not wanting the pressure of competitions that goes with being a player in the main band. Concert Brass has grown steadily and there are currently over 30 members, ranging in age from 8 to 70 but new players are always welcomed. Further information can be found on the Band’s website www.hathernband.co.uk.

Hathern Band - Kedleston Hall

Aug. 25, 2010

The Band gave a private concert at Kedleston Hall for the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering. They were extremely well received and were delighted to play in such a beautiful setting.

Concert Brass - Hathern Church Garden Fete

Aug. 21, 2010

Hathern Concert Brass in fine form at the Church Garden Fete. Some very nice comments so obviously the rain didn’t affect their performance. I do believe Andrea is smiling, so no wrong notes!!

Hathern Band - Nottingham Arboretum

Aug. 15, 2010

The Band played to a large appreciative audience on their first visit to the Aboretum in Nottingham.

Excellent venue, audience and weather!

Concert Brass - Western Park, Leicester

Aug. 1, 2010

On Sunday the 18th of July, Hathern Concert Brass and their conductor Andrea Allen played at Western Park in Leicester. It was a very windy day but the band played well to a good sized audience who, despite being laden with chairs and travel rugs, huffed and puffed their way up the hill to the bandstand.
After a while the ice-cream van came, and as people went to get their ice-creams the band played on longing for their chance to indulge. The shortness of the interval prevented half time ice creams and still the van taunted them until … it disappeared down the hill causing a near mutiny in the Band and a threatened downing of sticks from the percussion section.
The concert finished patriotically with the National Anthem and a standing ovation – a crafty move by Andrea!

Report by Katie (2nd cornet Hathern Concert Brass)

Concert Brass - Kegworth Village Fair

July 12, 2010

On Saturday the 10th July Hathern Concert Brass, under their conductor Andrea Allen, played at Kegworth Village Fair. It was a very hot day with little breeze but they managed to get through the day playing from 12.00 noon until 12.30 p.m. having a 2 hour break before resuming playing at 2.30 until 3.00 p.m. The engagement was Rebecca Simm’s first concert on Eb Bass. With thanks to the helping hands of Senior Band members, we managed to make it a very good and enjoyable event.

Report by Katie (2nd Cornet Hathern Concert Brass)

Hathern Band - Brassed Off

June 29, 2010

4BARSREST REPORT – Hathern enjoy the actor’s life…..........

Members of the Hathern Band have recently enjoyed being part of luvvy darling set after their performances in 'Brassed Off’.
A little piece of Yorkshire came to Leicestershire recently when Hathern Band joined forces with the local Festival Players in their production of 'Brassed Off’ at Loughborough Town Hall.

The stage version of the popular film was played out to packed audiences for all four performances and the Hathern players not only demonstrated their musical abilities but were equally adept in their acting skills too – especially on the re-creation of the Whit Friday marches where a little too much beer was consumed!

All the familiar music from the film was heard including the 'Concerto de Aranjuez’, which was beautifully played 'off stage’ by Hathern’s flugel horn player, Lesley Bentley.

Hathern’s Musical Director, David Newman had also been persuaded to dust off his cornet for the production.

A spokesperson told 4BR: “The play was immensely enjoyable, expertly presented and a wonderful example of two local organisations joining forces to entertain the local community”.

Hathern Band - New News for the New Website! Whit Friday

June 9, 2010

As the last piece of news appears to be a report of my elevation to the level of Robert Mugabe, I thought we should get back to reporting news on the Band.

On Friday 28th May the Band left Hathern at 1 p.m. to take part in the annual Whit Friday March Contest. We took part in 8 competitions achieving some very good results and took one or two scalps of major Championship Section Bands.

Not all went to plan when we began the first march at Audenshaw. When the Band began with Death or Glory, unfortunately Geoff Fletcher didn’t come with us as he was still talking to the bus driver! At the second venue in a pub yard we listened to Fairey’s, Hammonds then we played our contest march The Australasian and were then followed by Leyland Band, in exalted company indeed. This performance is available on youtube thanks to Simon Baum.

As you would expect one or two amusing moments happened during the evening, including two involving Simon. One when he took us the wrong way on the march in Broadoak, then when he began to march before anyone else doing a very passable performance of a flamingo, before the band caught up.

We went round the circuit in very quick time arriving at our final destination of Denton Cricket Club, our 8th performance, with some tired lips, at around 9.30 p.m. and we were then able to relax until departure at 11 o’clock arriving back in Hathern roughly 12 hours after we left.

Unfortunately because of work commitments not all the band were able to make it, but a great job was done by Steve & Jack Hunnybun, Andrew Haworth and Steve Matthews, from Concert Brass, Emily Taylor from the Youth Band, Mark Terner recently deported from Germany, one of our old boys James Fletcher of the little known Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Allan 'Maurice Murphy’ Kent and a special thanks to Christian Lewis on Principal Cornet making a come back from his recent ban!! A special mention should also go to our driver, Gary Ball, who did a great job and kept us amused.

We are now working hard in preparation for the forthcoming production of Brassed Off and a report of the show will follow in due course.

New President!

Nov. 29, 2009

After 30 years of loyal service to the Band, David Newman was given the title of President of Hathern Band at the recent Patrons Evening. This means that he is finally a real member of the band!

For once… Dave was lost for words!