Over 250 players, supporters and brass enthusiasts enjoyed a
‘Test Piece Festival’ at the Newstead Centre on Saturday, February 22nd, when
five Midland’s brass bands performed the five pieces of music set for the
regional qualifying rounds of the National Brass Band Championships.
Hosts Newstead Brass and musical director Duncan Beckley
were joined by Enderby (Simon Jones), Shirland (Lynden Cooper), Newhall (Kevin
Holdgate) and Pleasley (Keith Buxton).
Experienced adjudicator John Roberts listened to all the
performances, complemented the bands, conductors and soloists and advised on
further improvements each band could make in the remaining two weeks of
rehearsals. He announced his ‘best soloist’ of the night as Patricia Woodings,
principal horn of the Newhall Band.
A Newstead band spokesperson said, “The Newstead Centre
proved an ideal venue for the event and is also available for other community
events, dances and presentations. For
more details call the centre on 01623
720140. Our thanks also to the bands and
conductors for their participation. Good
luck to all the bands in the championships taking place in Bedworth on March
8th and 9th.”
There’s another chance to hear Newstead play the
championship set piece ‘St Magnus’ in a short concert called ‘Saintly Brass’ at
Kirkby in Ashfield’s St Wilfrid’s Church on Saturday March 8th at 7.30 pm. Admission to the concert is free but a
collection will be taken for the work of the Children’s’ Society.
