News

10th at Yorkshire Area 2011

The band came 10th out of 12 bands in the 2nd section of the Yorkshire Area National Contest. The piece was Eric Balls Resurgam and the band gave a very good performance for their first contest as a newly promoted second section band. The piece was very tricky, especially as all principle players in the band had major solo's but everyone stepped up to the plate to produce a very high level of perfomance. Next year the band will aim for 6th place to maintain the progression they are making year in year out.

Band MD Alan Seymour said " I was very pleased how the band tackled a very difficult piece in the higher section. Although we had the weakest band on paper we showed some great character to produce a musical performance and provide a foundation for next year."

Second Section:


Test Piece: Resurgam (Eric Ball)
Adjudicator: Philip Harper & John Roberts

1. South Yorkshire Police (Leigh Baker)*
2. Barnsley Chronicle (Rob Straw)*
3. Knottingley Silver (Dr Owen Wedgewood)
4. Strata Brass (David Hirst)
5. Lindley (Neil Jowett)
6. Clifton & Lightcliffe (John Clay)
7. Dodworth M.W. (Eliot Darwin)
8. Slaithwaite (Tabby Clegg)
9. Rockingham (Roland Spencer)
10. Wetherby & District (Alan Seymour)
11. Garforth Brass (Steven Bailey)
12. Emley (Garry Hallas)

Best Instrumentalist: Leisa Mallalieu (cornet) - South Yorkshire Police

Results from 4barsrest.com

3rd at Yorkshire Area 2010

The band came 3rd in the 3rd section of the Yorkshire Area National Contest. The piece was Percy Fletcher's Labour and Love and the band played superbly off the number 1 draw. The piece was very tricky, especially as all principle players in the band had major solo's but everyone stepped up to the plate to produce a very high level of perfomance. The band narrowly missed out on a place in the finals, as only the first two bands qualify. However the band soon worked out they are now promoted to the second section which cushioned the blow.

Band MD Alan Seymour said "This is a fantastic result for the band and the players deserve credit for the hard work they have put in and the progress they have made over the last few months. The band are enjoring a run of success and everyone is playing with a smile on their faces.

On a personal note it was an honour to conduct at the St Georges Hall for the first time and hear the band put in such a super performence. We must not look to the future and build and develop further so that we can compete in the higher section next year."

Full Results

SECTION 3 Test piece : LABOUR AND LOVE by Percy Fletcher

1. Chapeltown (Andrew Dennis), 2
2. Clifton & Lightcliffe (John Clay), 11
3. Wetherby & District Silver (Alan Seymour), 1
4. Crofton Silver (Tim Sidwell), 12
5. Elland (James Shepherd), 8
6. Gawthorpe Brass '85' (John Edward), 3
7. West Yorkshire Police (Captain Gary Clegg), 4
8. Skelmanthorpe 'B' (Philip Garlick), 7
9. Maltby Miners Welfare (Terry Clifford), 9
10. Lofthouse 2000 (Andrew Whitaker), 5
11. Gawthorpe (Stephen Bradnum), 10
12. Armthorpe Elmfield (Haydn Griffiths MBE), 6

Best Soloist: Andrew Yeomans Solo Cornet, Wetherby Silver Band

Andrew Yeomans Best Soloist 3rd Section Areas

Principal cornet player Andrew Yeomans scooped the solo prize at the area contest in a quality field. This was a major honour for both Andy and the band and also proves that nice guys do win. Andy has been with the band for many years and everyone in the band were elated when his playing was recognised by adjudicators Alan Morrison and Lynda Nicholson.

Andy said "This is a very proud and special moment for me and it a big honour to receive this award". Band MD said "The band and myself have always known what a special player Andy is and I am so pleased that this has now come to the attention of a wider audience. He thoroughly deserves all the plaudits that come his way and hope that this is the start of futher success for both Andy and the band."

Durham Brass Band League Section C Champions
Wetherby Silver Band won the Durham League Section C on the 22nd of November 2009. This was the first time the band had entered the contest and won by a clear 3 points, which was the biggest margin in all sections. We also won Best Solo Cornet, Best Euphonium and Best Trombone Section. Band Chairman Steve Ramsbottom stated "This was a fantastic result for the band and proves how far the band have progressed over the last few months". Band MD was especially deighted as it was his home soil and stated "The band have worked very hard in rehearsal and deserve this success. We can now look forward to the Nationals in March with extra confidence". Full Results SECTION C Test piece : MUSIC FOR A FESTIVAL by P. Sparke POS BAND CONDUCTOR POINTS 1ST WETHERBY SILVER A. SEYMOUR 184 2ND FERRYHILL TOWN S. NORRIS 181 3RD DUNSTON SILVER S. MURRILL 179 4TH BACKWORTH COLLIERY T. GRIFFITHS 178 TROPHY FOR BEST EUPHONIUM – WETHERBY TROPHY FOR BEST PRINCIPAL CORNET – WETHERBY TROPHY FOR BEST TROMBONES – WETHERBY TROPHY FOR BEST BASS SECTION –FERRYHILL
Durham Big Meeting July 2009
	The band took part in the 125th Durham Big Meeting. This year was bigger than ever with bands still arriving into Durham as other bands were departing at 2.30 pm. Wetherby Band band must put on record a big thank you for the fantastic hospitality laid on by Chilton Lodge as well as appreciation for the players from Emley Band who helped us out.
Alan Seymour Named As New MD July 2009
	The band have appointed Alan Seymour as musical director and webmaster. More detail about Alan can be found here.
Gary Hallas Resigns as MD June 2009
	The band have reluctantly accepted the resignation of Gary as musical director. Gary is full time conductor of Emley, musician in residence in Harrogate School as well as a much sought after professional musician. He therefore felt he could no longer give the band the commitment that he feels it needs. The band have progressed so much in the time Gary has been in charge and everyone in Wetherby wishes him well in the future. We also look forward to seeing him from time to time in practises both as a player and conductor when available.