CORNWALL YOUTH BRASS BAND, 50th Anniversary Course
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Brass Musicians of all ages enjoyed four days of music making over Easter as The Cornwall Youth Brass Band held its annual Residential Course, fifty years since the first one was held in 1959. Fourteen of the original musicians on that Course joined other past players and the present members of the Band at a Reunion Evening on Easter Saturday. Many of the original musicians had not seen each other for several years and were delighted to meet again and pore over the exhibition of photographs and memorabilia from 1959, when the Band camped at a youth centre at Porthpean near St Austell.
The 2009 Course saw Philip Harper making his third appearance as Guest Conductor, once again bringing inspirational leadership to the fifty five strong Band. Camping has long since been abandoned and this time the Course was held at The Truro High School for Girls involving the musicians, whose ages range from eleven to twenty, in an intensive programme of full band and sectional rehearsals throughout the four days. The aim of the Course is to challenge and stretch the young musicians with music they may not come across in their parent Bands and this was certainly achieved, with Philip Harper bringing together the results of the monthly Rehearsals taken by Band's team of Local Tutors led by the Music Co-ordinator, Brian Minear.
The social side was not neglected with swimming, bowling and an Easter Egg throwing challenge amongst the activities enthusiastically supported. Music however was the main focus and in particular pieces chosen to highlight the various sections of the Band who each had an individual feature to work on and play, to demonstrate the particular characteristics of their instrument.
These items were particularly enjoyed by the large audience at the End of Course Gala Concert held at St Michael?s Church in Newquay on Easter Monday. The Concert began with a special Fanfare, Golden Years, written by Christopher Bond, a member of the Band. This was as a result of a competition, open to members of the Band, to write a Fanfare to mark the 50th Anniversary Course. This was judged by the Band?s Music Advisor, Dr Goff Richards, himself a member of the 1959 Band.
During the Concert the Chairman, Leonard Adams, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Joanna Rowe, the Principal Cornet, who was retiring on reaching the upper age limit. He also presented the Band's Annual Awards. Youngest Player, Charlie Hodge. Most Improved Player, James Hammett. Most Promising Player, Charlie Hodge. A R Trudgian Youth Awards, Joanna Rowe and Dominic Turner. W A Hunt Cup for Conspicuous Contribution to the Band, Adam Bond. Player of the Year, Matthew Julian. Players Player, Tilly Tomkpins.