The junior band held it’s annual concert and prize giving today in the War Memorial Hall, Carrickfergus.
At 10.30am Des Graham, Principal Director of Music of the Third Carricfergus Band welcomed everyone to the concert and introduced the impeccably dressed training band and current Brass Band League of Northern Ireland Junior Band Champions along with their respective conductors, Robin Clinton (Training Band) and Peter Arthurs (Junior Band) to the stage.
To an audience consisting of proud parents, relatives, tutors and senior band members, the combined bands opened the very well attended concert with a rousing rendition of the famous march “Slaidburn”
The concert then continued with each band showcasing their talents under the batons of their respective conductors with a selection of entertaining pieces being played by all concerned.
As a result of the improving standards that are clearly visible throughout the junior bands, this year the concert featured no less than 3 soloists and 1 duet, a first for the annual junior band concert.
The morning’s entertainment was concluded when both bands again combined to perform a selection of well known pieces which had the audience smiling and tapping their feet.
Slaidburn (JB)
Fanfare Open-Up! (TB)
Pop Rock (TB)
Tango Argentino – Soloist: Hannah Copes
When She Loved Me (JB)
African Funk (JB)
Danny Boy – Soloist: Sam Brodison
Ode to Joy – Duet: Daniel Loudon & George Stokes
Out N’ About (TB)
Gospel Rock (TB)
Charleston (TB)
Whirl – Soloist: Andrew Barkley
The Muppets (JB)
Batman & Co. (JB & TB)
After the concert came the awards, with the prizes being given out by the band’s special guest, Mr Ivor Stevenson, from Armagh Old Boys’ Silver Band and chief organiser of the annual Brass Band Summer School in conjunction with the Fodens Band. The band would like to thank him and his wife for their attendance and continued support and interest in the advancement junior players.
The band would also like to thank all those who attended the concert today and hope that you will continue to support the players of tomorrow. Thanks also to all who supplied and served tea and buns. Last but not least special thanks to Peter Arthurs, Robin Clinton, Des Graham and all the other tutors and helpers without whom this excellent work could not take place.
The list of prize winners for 2010/11 are noted below;
THE TRAINING CUP
Winner: Hannah Robinson
Runner up: James Kerr
MOST PROMISING BEGINNER
Winner: Matthew Lam
Runner up: David Lam
JUNIOR BANDSMAN OF THE YEAR
Winner: David Ervine
Runners up: Euan Watson & Aoife Burgess
MOST ENTHUSIASTIC MEMBER
Winner: David Doherty
Runners up: Leah Forsythe & Joseph Parkes
COMPENDIUM CUP
Winner: Sam Brodison
Runners Up: John Coulter, Hannah Copes, Andrew Barkley & Simon Howard
CONDUCTORS PRIZE
Winner: Adam Taylor
Runners up: Daniel Loudon & Jonathan Boggs
HELEN WARNOCK TROPHY
Winner: Hannah Copes
Runner up: Andrew Barkley
Congratulations to all winners, runners up and all players involved today. Keep up the excellent work.