Lydbrook Training Band
One of Lydbrook's success stories in recent times has been the formation of its Training Band.
The Band meets on Monday Evenings in the Lydbrook Bandroom from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
The Training Band consists of about 30 players ranging in age from 8 to 70 (a few retired players help the youngsters out on a few key instruments - Bb Bass for instance).
All players are welcome from Grade 2 upwards, but we really never turn anyone away.
Training Band Members
Cornets: Stephen East, Oliver Pugh, Mollie Gwynne-Duggan
Jacob Day, Adey Wildin, Briony de Wit Hannah Stratful,
and Sam Horton
Tenor Horns: Jack Neale, Jack Lythaby,
Anita East, Alice Gwynne-Duggan and Keziah Morgan
Euphonium: Otis Williams
Baritone: Petina Fitchett, Reuben Arnison and Chris Hyatt
Trombones: Ryan Morgan and Lauren Howell
Tubas: Ieuaf Griffiths, George Stratford and
Kieran Morgan
Percussion: Rebecca Stratful
Latest News - 9th February, 2012
I mentioned to you all in the last news update of a busy time ahead for the Training Band and what a successful couple of weeks it was too.
First of all we attended the contest at Crosskeys, competing against eight community/independent bands, where we were awarded a very creditable third prize from adjudicator Brian Buckley. Otis Williams, our principal euphonium player, gave a magnificent performance of Grandfather’s Clock which won him the best soloist in the section prize plus some outstanding praise from the adjudicator.
It’s always a pleasure for me to conduct and work with the Training Band, but this performance was really outstanding and one of the best contest performances from the band in recent years.
The following week we attended the GBBA Entertainments Contest in the new venue at Ross-on-Wye where again the Training Band gave an excellent performance and were awarded a Gold Certificate from adjudicator, Philip Harper.
At both events George Stratford and Ieuaf Griffiths gave excellent performances of “The Elephant” from Carnival of the Animals and Ollie Pugh a superb rendition of the solo in “Highland Cathedral”.
Stephen East gave his first solo performance playing “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and Ryan Morgan also his first contest solo performance with “The Acrobat”. They both played very well indeed and were highly praised by the adjudicator.
Well done to the Training Band, the soloists and a special mention to the new members, Adey Wildin, Sam Horton and Reuben Arnison, who did very well in their first contests with the band.
Thanks to the members of the band and committee who at short notice provided refreshments for the GBBA Entertainments Contest at The Larruperz Centre, Ross-on-Wye.
Robert Morgan
Secretary
Letter from Grandparents
Dear Robert,
What a wonderful experience the National Youth Championships were, and I'm referring to our enjoyment of the occasion as members of that audience. Lord knows what the boys and girls of Lydbrook Youth Band made of it; to face an auditorium packed to standing and to receive such an ovation when they entered!
The excitement amongst all the bands as they thronged the public areas outside the concert halls was palpable; but nothing like the air of expectation we in the audience felt as the time for 'our band' approached. We didn't see the whole concert of course, but we heard the six bands preceding Lydbrook. And there were some big bands there. But size isn't everything. Invidious to mention names but we knew our boys and girls were as good as - if not better - than at least two that we heard. And then came Rochdale Borough Youth. Beautiful, sublime music and we thought, there's a prizewinner. Now Lydbrook, follow that! And they did. Your selection of programme was an excellent climax to the afternoon. It had pace, rhythm, light and shade, control. A village band? Gosh we were so proud of you. The wall of sound that greeted Ben and the band at the conclusion of 'Grandfather's Clock' - not just from the Lydbrook contingent but from everyone in the audience, that literally spoke volumes!
As you can tell we were pretty excited by the whole event. You must be very proud of your boys and girls. To enter that arena as a national event, with all the additional pressures of competing on a big stage with 'big bands' is a daunting prospect but I have no doubt they - you - can compete for a major prize with these boys and girls. I hope so because we want to come and cheer you on again on the 10th April next year.
Meanwhile congratulations on your Bronze certificate, and thank you for a brilliant day.
Sincerely,
Brian and Judy Jackson
(Jack Lythaby's Nan & Grandad)