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Lydney's Outreach Programme to local schools continued last week with a visit to Lydney CofE School. Our planned ‘Proms in the Playground’ turned into ‘Proms in the Hall’ because of the weather but we were joined by Matilda, one of the pupils at the school, on cornet! The school hall was buzzing, especially with the crowd pleasers Baggy Trousers and Sweet Caroline, before the finale of British Sea Songs, which just got faster and faster and faster, much to the kids’ delight.  Over the next week, Kerry Ford, the Band's Youth Development Officer will be visiting local primary schools to try and inspire interest in brass banding amongst the pupils. On Monday 10th July, she will be visiting Woolaston Primary School and on Thursday 13th July, an ensemble of Town Band players will be visiting Lydney CofE School to put on a mini-Proms in the Playground. In September, the Band will also be offering free lessons at Primrose Hill School to try and encourage them along to the Starter Group!
Speaking about the Band's outreach programme, Kerry said: "It's never easy to maintain the development of young brass players so that there is a healthy balance in a brass band. It is a competitive world, with lots of activities to attract a youngster’s time and attention. Getting them interested in playing a brass instrument is can be tricky but once they’re hooked the benefits are endless - learning about teamwork, self-discipline, a new whole language, a sense of belonging and making friends for life. It is a wonderful hobby." If you'd like to know more about introducing brass into your school, please get in touch! The Band has been saddened to hear of the recent death of Jim Cooke (pictured in middle). Jim started played with Lydney Town Band in the 1940s at the age of seven and he maintained his connection with the band until he retired in 2016. During his time with the band, he played Bb cornet, soprano and baritone and in the 1980s Jim took on the role of Conductor. In the mid-2000s, when the Band was at a low-ebb, Jim was closely involved in the establishment of Lydney Training Band, helping to ensure the long-term survival of the organisation. When the Band returned to contesting in 2012, Jim, alongside many of the young players he'd help to tutor, was part of the team that achieved 12th place in the WEBBA Regional Championships. Kevin Ford, Band Chairman, paying tribute to Jim said: "Lydney Town and Training Band has much to thank Jim Cooke for. His involvement, enthusiasm and loyalty were key to the ongoing future of the organisation and its successful Training Band. Thank you, Jim, your legacy with Lydney Town Band lives on".  On Saturday 13th May the annual 53rd Bailey Lane End Music Festival was held at Five Acres High School. As in previous years, the event was organised by A.W. Parker Drybrook Band. The adjudicator for the contest was Jack Lythaby, Principal Horn at Tredegar Town Band, with the music publishers Wright & Round kindly donating prizes for each class. A number of players from Lydney Training Band and our Starter Group took part - Dougie, Jonah, Sadie and Wren (cornet) and Euan (horn). Commenting on this year's event, the Training Band conductor Kevin Ford said: "Lydney Training Band continues to support this event, enjoying the occasion and gaining valuable performance experience. It was a great morale boost for all our youngsters with super playing by them all. As in previous years, we had expert accompaniment by pianist Dorothy Wilson, who helped to make the performances special. Well done Team Lydney, with many thanks to Kerry who helped all players play at their best." The results were as follows - Junior Brass solo under 11: 3rd – Jonah (Daisy Bell) Junior Brass Solo 11-12yrs: 1st – Sadie (When I Fall in Love), 2nd – Euan (Titanic Theme) Junior Brass Solo 13-16yrs: 3rd – Dougie (When the Saints) Brass Duet/Trio 21yrs and under: 1st – Sadie/Dougie (Be Our Guest) Open Duet: 2nd – Dougie/Kerry (Maccadeus)  On Monday evening, our Lydney Starter Group, alongside members of the Lydney Training Band, performed their Spring Showcase for the residents of Rodley House in Lydney! Speaking about the concert our Development Officer, Kerry Ford, said: "It was an absolute pleasure to play for the ladies and gentlemen at Rodley House. The children and adults from the Starter Group were all prepared with their solos and duets, 17 in all. It was a great opportunity to hear five debut soloists too. We had a few helpers from the Training Band and the band pieces of Eventide and Marching Marines were superb. There were so many highlights, here are a few: when the ladies and gentlemen started singing along with Jonah in Daisy Bell, Euan nailing his top notes in Grandfather’s clock, the debut soloists playing along to backing tracks spot on time, Amanda playing superbly in front of the home crowd, and our newest recruit Rhys playing We Will Rock You without music. I had a couple of gulpy moments during Gill’s ‘Where is Love’ and was super proud of Millie grabbing the style of Pink Panther. All the soloists did brilliantly, overcoming nerves and getting out there. It all looks very positive for the future of the band with young and adult learners taking up the mantle. Super happy. Thank you everyone. A big thank you to Rodley House for their wonderful supportive audience, especially my old maths teacher who shook my hand and said what a good job we were doing; another gulp."  Lydney Town and Training Bands celebrated their annual Achievement Awards on last Saturday at 3 Hill Street, Lydney. Kevin Ford, Band Chairman, kicked off the event presenting welcome certificates to two of the Starter Group's newest members: Euan and Amanda. Moving onto the Band Awards, the list of winners featured players from both the Starter Group and the Training Band, across various ages and sections within the band. The winners were: Most Promise Award - Gail Thompson (Cornet) Most Improved Band Player - George (Euphonium) Tutor's Award - Millie & Jessica Waskett (both - Horn) Most Improved Cornet Player - Dougie Player's Player Award - Sadie (Cornet) Conductor's Award - Samuel (Cornet) Musician of the Year - Sadie (Cornet) There were also thank yous to the band tutors: Ken and Roger Powell, as well as Dave Wintle (not present). Following the presentations there was drama in the annual awards evening skittles tournament. After multiple rounds of knock-outs, the game culminated in a closely fought finale between Kevin, Kay and George: with Kay eventually emerging as this year's winner! We are looking forward to our awards evening on 4th February 2023 where we can all get together, socialize and congratulate ourselves on an amazing year at Lydney. We recognize that young people are vital to our future success and acknowledge our role in the community to provide a musical opportunity for anyone who wants to learn. This is why our Training Band consists of a range of ages from 8 to 80. In order for individuals to develop their skills effectively they need to have an encouraging environment in which to learn and a means to gain pride in what they achieve. Our annual Achievement Awards are an opportunity for us to celebrate our success over the previous year. They recognize different levels of achievement and different attributes that contribute to a successful organization. We reward improvement in playing skills and value commitment, team spirit and personal contribution. The award categories this year are:
 Over December, the whole band was busy celebrating Christmas and spreading festive cheer. Lydney Training Band kicked things off by playing at the Lydney Lights Switch-On and later performed as part of a Christmas Concert at St Mary's Church. The Starter Group entertained the residents of the Goode Court with their Christmas Showcase, featuring solos from some of our youngest and newest members. Unfortunately, the Town Band's Christmas Concert at the Mount of Olives' Church, Coleford had to be cancelled due to a well timed but overly enthusiastic snowstorm. As well as having a busy concert schedule, members from all three bands braved the cold and took part in carolling on the streets of Lydney. A number of players also volunteered to help out the Forest of Dean Salvation Army with their Live Nativity service in Ruardean, and a candlelit carol service in Littledean. Today saw the return of the Bailey Lane End Music Festival following a 2 year hiatus. Congratulations to all the competitors and to the winners on the day! Lydney Training Band were there in force, enjoying the occasion and the professional assessment of adjudicator Emily Harding, Principal Cornet at the British Army Band Tidworth. It was a great morale boost for all our youngsters, with special mention for Idris who won each of his 5 sections. Great accompanying by our pianist Dorothy Wilson, who made the performances special. Many thanks also to sponsors Wright & Round, who kindly donated prizes for each class. Junior Brass solo under 11: 1st – Sadie, 2nd – Wren, 3rd - Jonah & Edith Junior Brass Solo 11-12yrs: 1st – Millie, 3rd – Herbie Junior Brass Solo 13-16yrs: 1st – Idris Brass duet under 16: 1st – Dougie/Idris, 2nd – Herbie/Millie, 3rd – Sadie/Luna Junior Brass quartet: 1st - Luna, Dougie, Kerry, Idris Adult/Child Duet: 1st – Idris/Kerry Open Brass Quartet: 1st – Kerry, Mark, Kevin, Idris Last night the Starter Group were in action performing a range of solos and ensemble pieces for the residents of Lydney's Goode Court! It's *so* fantastic to see our next generation of brass players (both youth and adult learners) getting out and about once again.  |
