Autumn is more or less with us!

So we can hope for good weather now everyone is back at school (except me- that’s why I want good weather!!)

Congratulations …

…on all those fantastic exam results!  We knew you’ll all do brilliantly.  After all you must be bright to have joined the band!

And to those heading off to Uni – we shall expect to see you out carolling getting cold and wet with the rest of us!!

 YHBBA Brass Band Workshop

A last call for anyone wanting to go to the annual workshop led by members of Grimethorpe Colliery Band will take place at South Minsthorpe on 25^th October.  I can’t emphasise strongly enough how worthwhile a day this is!  No matter what your experience you will get a great deal out of it.  Great teaching, the experience of playing under a first-rate conductor, making new friends and excellent food – don’t miss it!

And additionally it’s FREE!  A sponsor has come forward to pay the costs of all Swinton members who’d like to go.  So what’s stopping you?

For information and booking forms ask Dorothy or look on www.yhbba.org.uk.

Vacancies

If you know or hear of any experienced cornet (or trumpet even!) players looking for a band please try and point them in our direction – the more the merrier!

Of course players on any brass band instrument are always welcome!

Learners’ Group

The Learners will have their first playing jobs for some years in July. As well as playing for Old Malton Garden Fete on 12^th July, they are playing in Malton Market place on the morning of Saturday July 19^th.  Any members of main band who can join them for this will be very welcome!  For learners who have not got band uniforms, please can you wear black trousers and shoes and a white shirt, together with a black jumper or jacket if you have one.

There will be a practice for all those who are playing for these jobs on Sunday 6^th July from 2.00-4.00 p.m.  Please try to be there so that Nigel and Cliff know what resources they have.

The Market Place engagement will be playing outside Hoppers, so space is very limited.  Please leave your instrument cases in the car and be  prepared to stand to play!  If you really MUST have a chair, please let Catherine know!

Spiralling Fuel Prices!

Given the increased cost of fuel, it would seem a good idea to try and economise by taking as few cars as possible to band jobs.  So it would make sense to share cars as much as possible – please be prepared to offer lifts, and if you are given a lift, please try and make a contribution towards the driver’s costs!

Another Workshop Day!

This one, “Focus on Brass and Percussion”, is at the Sage, Gateshead and has an amazing line-up of tutors, including Sheona White, Brett Baker and Simone Rebello  It is on Saturday 15^th November starting at 9.30 and, best of all it’s completely free!  If you are interested please ask Dorothy for application forms  It looks really good.

Committee Meeting

The next committee meeting is Thursday 25^th September.  If you have items you want discussed please let Dorothy or a committee member know!

Thank you…

…to all those who turned out to serenade Colin on his birthday!  He clearly enjoyed it immensely, and it was well worthwhile.

Hardraw Scar Contest

The coach for Hardraw will leave Dorothy’s at 8.00 a.m.  Please be there on time as we have to be at Hardraw by 11. a.m.

On the day, please be sure your jacket is in its cover with your name on the cover and in your jacket.  It goes without saying that both your shoes and instrument should be polished, your socks should be black and your shirt ironed!  Please, also ensure that your instrument case has some form of identification – if it doesn’t have one of the band stickers on it, please ask Dorothy or Catherine for one!

As well as the main pick-up at Dorothy’s, there will be pick-ups at Broughton Rise, Swinton and Slingsby.  Dorothy will assume that you are coming to Norton unless you let her know to the contrary.  Please let her know if you want picking up at one of the other points, as we don’t want to hang around waiting for you at Norton if you are waiting at Slingsby!

Do remember to bring  plenty of warm clothing (hoodies are ideal!) and waterproofs  - it can be very cold and wet and there’s no shelter to speak of!  You will also need to bring lyres for the massed bands playing at the end (marches and hymns).

When we get there and (almost more important) when we have finished playing, please remember that all the percussion has to be transported between the coach and the bandstand.  With the best will in the world, Mike, Derek and Mary can’t carry it all.  So please make an effort to help carry stuff – many hands make light work!

While food is available both on the field and in the pub, you may want to bring a pack-up.  It’s up to you!

Nigel has said he wants extra practices on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (the last won’t be a long one!) so please try and keep these days clear!

Birthdays

                                                     

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

Happy Birthday to:
 
           Lizzie                4^th September
           Rachel             11^th September
          Jessica             16^th September
           Kath                 17^th September
           Hedley             19^th September
           Holly                 25^th September
           Will H.              27^th September

     
 
As usual to anyone else I have missed – 

                             Happy Birthday!  

Attention all learners!

Two practices are cancelled this month – that of 13^th September – as there will be a main band practice for the contest the following day – and that of 27^th September, because we have a main band concert that evening.  If you feel like coming to listen to the band practice do feel welcome, and as for the concert at Stamford Bridge, it’s a great evening out, Bring drinks and nibbles and enjoy a lively evening!

If anyone wants a pull-through or valve oil they are available from the Bandroom.  Just ask Dorothy, Catherine or Steve and they will be glad to sort you out!

Black Dyke at the Sage

Tickets have arrived and a bus is booked for Black Dyke’s concert on 1^st November.  Please can you pay Dorothy as soon as feasible. Tickets are £22.50 to include transport.  There are two tickets still available if you’d like to go.  Please see Dorothy as soon as may be if you’d like one!

Availability for jobs

PLEASE, PLEASE let Dorothy know as soon as you know that you won’t be available for a job!  It makes it much easier for her to find replacements if she knows well in advance.  Dropping out at the last minute for any other reason than death is not acceptable!!  OK we’ll accept broken bones, too!

Please check your diaries now with regard to Malton contest – it’s even more difficult to organise replacement players for contests than it is for ordinary jobs.  Let her know now if you have a problem! 2^nd November may seem a long time away but actually it will be here sooner than you think.