It’s the most wonderful time of all the year….....
                                   
It’s that time of the year again folks when we dig out the big jumpers and the woolly hats, decorate our instruments with silly amounts of tinsel and in certain cases fill our hip flasks with weird and wonderful drinks. That’s right, it’s time for caroling again!

Malton Brass

Sunday saw our best result for a long time at Malton with fourth place.  While (of course) our performance on stage could not rival the rehearsal in the Bandroom, it was nonetheless excellent – well done to all!  Especial credit must go to Sarah who played magnificently as principal, Lizzie our soloist and of course to Kevin who worked us hard to give a performance we can be proud of.

Thanks to all, and a special thank you to those players who travelled vast distances to help us out:  thank you to Richard, Chris, Maggie, Peter and Dave for all your help!  Thanks too to Dan and Steve for helping out with the conducting while Kevin was away!

Birthdays
                                           
Ha ha – There is no escape from standing on your chair! 

 Happy Birthday to:

Alice                           21st December
Helen S.                      22^nd December
Andrew  & Chris       1^st Jan (18^th!)

As usual to anyone else I have missed – Happy Birthday!  

A Cornet is for Life, not just for Christmas!!

However if you were wanting to treat yourself this Christmas, Tim has a Sovereign cornet for sale!  If you are interested please contact Dorothy for more details!

Christmas Cards

Dorothy has asked me to remind you all that shortly she will be taking on the role of Christmas Postie! The Christmas card box will open at her house on December the 1^st and final posting will be on the 17^th. So to take some of the hassle out of your Christmas cards, drop them down to Dorothy and she will sort them out.

Fin al call for Webb Ivory...

It is still not too late to order from Webb Ivory, so if you have any last minute requests please get them to Dorothy as soon as may be and certainly within the next two weeks!

The year that was 2006 started well with the appointment of Patrick as our new bandmaster.In March Phil took us to Darlington and we again came 9^th. So 2007 will see us back in the 4^th section!

r   At the Band Dinner, to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the band, Derek, Jane, Steve and Dorothy were made Life Members.

r   Over the summer Patrick was away working in exotic parts of the world and a heroic collection of conductors got us through the summer’s programme.

r   At the end of the summer, Patrick realised that his work at Ampleforth made it impossible to continue as bandmaster and he resigned.  However within weeks Kevin appeared on the scene and took on the role. 

r   Kevin’s first outing conducting the band was to Stamford Bridge with guest soloist Dan Hunt on euphonium – a memorable evening!

r   Over the year we welcomed Luke and Harry on cornet, Jane on euphonium, Andrew B. on soprano, and Mary on percussion. We also welcomed back Lizzie on euphonium as Jane headed south.   We waved goodbye to Will H. as he went off to Uni. and to Martin, Michael, Matthew H., Kathy and of course Patrick. 

r   Now it’s December, the renovation of the Bandroom is due to be completed, so when we return in January it should be in tip-top condition!

Calling all Learners

There will be no more Saturday practices until 13^th January.  This is not because we think you need a rest, but it is so that you can come out and get cold and miserable like the rest of us!
Seriously, we would be very glad of your help at as many of the caroling jobs as possible.  Bring your instrument and a lyre if you have one, and wrap up warm as you can – it is quite possible to play in gloves, though only trombonists can play in mittens.  It would help if you let Dorothy know if you are expecting to come so that you know exactly where we meet and we don’t set off without you.
If any parents, grandparents, relatives, friends could help with collecting Dorothy would be overjoyed, please let her know!

Looking forward to the next contest?

When we get back in January I will be providing you with photocopies of the test-piece for Darlington for practising!  Do feel free to scribble on these but PLEASE try and take good care of the originals, which we will have to take to Darlington.  Music (especially test-pieces) is horribly expensive so don’t crumple it, stand on it or draw all over it in pen !!


PLEeeeeeASE!

TIP OF THE MONTH......

When crossing water hold on to all removable parts of your instrument, this should avoid losing parts such as your mouthpiece in to places like Thornton Dale Beck! You wouldn’t be the first to do so and probably won’t be the last! (Editor hangs head in shame!!)


Christmas Bonus Tip!

When you’re on a street carolling job moving between lamp-posts, put your mouthpiece in your pocket or glove – that way it’s still nice and warm to play on when you next start playing!

 Cards, calendars etc.

Dorothy will have a selection of band Christmas and other greetings cards and band calendars with her when we go out carolling so if you want to get some please let her know then!  More can be printed as required so do let her know if you want them!

A final thought…

If any past members or visiting players are back at Christmas and feel like helping out – you’d be VERY welcome.  Let Dorothy know and we’ll find you something to blow or a tin to rattle!