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Towcester Studio Band... Spring update!
| Author: Kevin Hawkins | Published: 27th February 2017 12:43 |
Towcester Studio Band... Spring update!
As we all look forward to the change in season and hopefully warmer weather, the members of Towcester Studio Band have been working hard to prepare for the Regional Qualifying contest of the National Brass Band Championships. The Midlands Area contest is held over the weekend of 11th & 12th March 2017 at Bedworth.
This year’s Third Section Test Piece is Darkwood, composed by Dan Price.
Darkwood was commissioned in 2012 by Neil Ashcroft a life-long member of Blackley Brass Band and was presented to the band in recognition of their 75th Anniversary. The work is in three movements and was conceived as either an extended concert item or as an own choice test-piece. Blackley Village is a northerly district of the city of Manchester, and is the home of the last remaining city centre brass band. Blackley appears in the Doomsday book and its name is a derivative of the Anglo-Saxon Blæclēah which means 'Darkwood' or 'Dark Clearing'. The piece has three movements ….
The Boggart - The first movement of the suite is named after Boggart Hole Clough, which is a local urban nature reserve. A clough is a local colloquialism for a steep sided valley or gully and this particular clough is believed to be the home of a Boggart, a mischievous spirit or imp.
The House on the Hill - The second movement is subtitled 'House on the Hill' and evokes images of St. Andrew's Church which is located in Higher Blackley and is commonly referred to by this name. Perched high on the hill, it overlooks the village and across the valley towards Manchester city centre.
Blackley Village - The final movement depicts Blackley’s historic evolution from its medieval roots, as a small residential hamlet, through to the present day and its importance as an industrial part of the city.
In addition to preparing for the contest the Band is also focused on two other upcoming concerts. The first of which is a private function. SNC, who continue to be very supportive, asked if the Band could perform at a Civic Dinner on 17th March 2017. Our friends from Brackley & District Band are opening the event and TSB will provide music for the closing ceremony!
Moving further into Spring the Band will return to St Michael’s Church Silverstone on Saturday 1st April to give a concert. We were last at Silverstone for an Armistice Concert during November 2015 and so everyone is looking forward to this ‘Fools Day’ event! The concert commences at 7:30pm, tickets are available on the door.
If you are interested in becoming a ‘Friend of Towcester Studio Band’ please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Details can be found on our website www.towcesterstudioband.co.uk
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