Tubalaté Workshop

Last Saturday we were proud to host a highly successful Brass Band Workshop day in our hometown of Abergele, with members of the internationally acclaimed tuba/euphonium quartet, Tubalaté.

30 musicians from 6 different local brass bands spent an enjoyable and informative day playing music together under the expert guidance of the tutors: John Powell, Paul Walton, Les Neish, and Jonathan Gawn.

The day culminated with a concert held in St Michael’s Church before a small, but appreciative audience.  They were treated, first, to the technical and artistic brilliance of Tubalaté, joined by percussionist, Matty Roberts, in some fairly challenging pieces.  The workshop band, playing the pieces that they had studied during the day, gave the second half.  Considering that they had never seen most of this music until 10.30 am that morning, theirs was a splendid achievement, especially since it included accompanying a euphonium duet from John and Paul, and a blistering Eb Bass solo “Hora Staccato” from the incomparable Les Neish.  This guy has amazing virtuosic dexterity, and his fingers fairly flew over the valves!

All in all this was a fantastic and unforgettable way to spend time with like-minded people, and proved that music is alive and well, certainly in Abergele.

Bolsover Summer School

Four members from Beulah Brass travelled to Clowne, in Derbyshire, to take part in the Bolsover Brass Sumer School.  Some of the music was very challenging, and there was a lot to get through in a very short space of time. It was hard work, but we had a lot of fun, and the tutors were fantastic.

We played a couple of outside concerts at beautiful venues (and the weather was lovely).  The week ended on a high, with a final concert of the works we had studied , including a premiere of "Triumph of the Cross" by Steven Ponsford.  Our soloist was the great Joe Cook, tuba player extraordinaire, who played a couple of pieces specially written for him.

All in all an extremely enjoyable week.  Roll on 2017!!

David Essex at Pentir

On July 2nd, the Dayband were playing at the Vicarage Fete in Pentir, near Bangor.  The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the guest of honour opening the fete, was none other than David Essex!  He has aged a bit (haven't we all) but what a lovely man.  He came and talked to the band and wandered around the fete chatting with people.  He threw wet sponges at the vicar, John, and seemed to be enjoying himself.  Unfortunately the heavens opened at 3 o'clock, so the band's performance came to an abrupt end, as we and the music were getting wet.  Pictures are on our Gallery page.

Memorial Concert

On Wednesday 25th May we held a memorial concert in the bandroom, to remember two of our past members, Fred Williams and Reg Moon.  We were joined for the occasion by the Gele singers, so it was an all Abergele event.  The evening was a great success, and we raised £200 for St Kentigern's Hospice.  Many thanks to St Michael's Church for the loan of their chairs.

Annual Dinner 2016

We thought we would have a change this year from our usual visit to some local hotel.  We had spent a lot of money last year kitting out members with waterproof, windproof coats for our outdoor winter jobs, so funds were a bit depleted, and the treasurer's face was glum!.

When Beulah Brass was first in existence, the annual dinner was a visit to the local chippy, and we thought we would "go back to basics" and try to cut costs.  Martin did a great job of organising the event, which took place in the bandroom.  The fish and chips (and a variety of other dishes) were cooked over the road by Trawlers chippy, and brought across.  Howard Hughes, a local magician came and entertained with his magic tricks while people were waiting to be served, and background music was provided by "Strictly Saxes" with whom Allen (principal euph player) plays drums. Band members brought along a good selection of puddings, and there was tea and coffee a-plenty. Despite the fact that numbers were down, chiefly due to illness, those members that did attend had an enjoyable evening, and it was certainly different! And the treasurer has a smile back on his face!