News
21st June 2008
West Of England Bandsmen's Festival
Bugle, Cornwall
http://www.buglebandcontest.co.uk/
On a day when when the weather was the worst seen at the annual Bugle contest for years Soundhouse Brass bravely took to the stage early afternoon just as the rain started to come down in torrents and the wind picked - a bad omen perhaps for the results to come later!
The band played two set pieces - the hymn tune arrangement of 'Crimond' by Peter Graham and then the test piece 'Three Saints' written by Goff Richards.
In both pieces the band produced an excellent band sound and played with a level of confidence that belied the conditions that they were playing in particularly given that some of the band were playing in their first ever contest... Needless to say the rain stopped just after our performance was complete....
Unfortunately, despite some very good ensemble playing by the band, a number of uncharacteristic slips by individuals and a concern voiced by the adjudicator Stan Lippeat over tuning in some sections resulted in the band being placed 3rd in the hymn tune and 4th in the set test piece. Overall a damp result on a very damp day!
Our congratulations to Anna and Jack on their first contest and acquitting themselves so well - bravo! - and many thanks to Graham Pascoe for his help on solo cornet which made entering the contest a possibility.
Next contest - The Exmouth Entertainment Contest on 6th September.
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17th May 2008
May Magic - A Spring Concert of Brass and Voice held at The Soundhouse with special guests the Sterts Singers and Soundhouse Youth Band
A capacity audience filled the Soundhouse for this concert. The band entertained with a mixture of music to suit young and old alike from 'Army of the Nile' through 'Fantasy on British Sea Songs' to 'A Disney Fantasy'.
The arrangement of Shenandoah by Len Ballantine entitled ' 'mid all the Traffic' was particularly liked by members of the audience. The Sterts Singers entertained with a selection of songs including 'What a Wonderful World' and 'Deep River'.
A hit with the audience was the performance of the Soundhouse Youth Band described by some listeners as "playing well above their age" who contributed 3 fantastic numbers including 'A Rhumba Do'.
A rousing and well read interpretation of the Edward Gregson classic 'Variations on Laudate Dominum' was the Finale from the senior band bringing a superb evening to a conclusion.
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Results for the 2008 West of England Regional Championships from the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay. Saturday 8 March
Adjudicators: Alan Hope & Colin Hardy
Test Piece: 'Three Part Invention' - Kenneth Downie
1. Bristol East and Kingswood, R. Curran, 188
2. Shrewton Silver, M. Dunford, 186
3. Soundhouse Brass, G. Pumford, 185
4. Michelmersh Silver, M. White, 183
5. Camborne B, A. Pope, 181
6. Forest Of Dean Brass, J. Gwynne, 179
7. Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne), P. Slator, 177
8. Gillingham Imperial Silver, A. McRae, 176
9. South Molton Town, T. Treherne, 175
10. Filton Concert Brass, B. James, 174
11. St. Pinnock, S. White, 173
12. Solent Concert Brass, W. Garner, 171
13 Torbay Brass, B. Cole, withdrawn
With only one point separating second and third, this was the indication from the judges that there wasn’t much to divide the two bands. Soundhouse Brass missed out on a trip to the National Finals at Harrogate in September 2008.
The adjudicators thought that the band produced some "good stuff with a common sense approach from the man in the middle (Gary Pumford)".
The band has been consistent challengers at the Regional Championships now for a while which has earned them promotion and they are now looking to life in the national First Section in 2009.
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29th February 2008
Some kind words form Michael from Munich, Germany.
Hello, my name is Michael from Munich, Germany. I want to thank Soundhouse Brass for having the opportunity to play with you during my short term study visit here in Plymouth. I've got a good impression what makes a good British brass band and it was real fun to join you. I'll transport my impressions to my German band colleagues to sound and perform better! If anybody is travelling through Germany don't hesitate to step by or join our band. For some news you can visit our pages on the internet www.brass-bbm.de
I wish you a good performance for your competition on the 8th March in Torquay and a healthy long breath for the future.
Best Wishes,
Michael
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Southwest Brass Band Association annual contest at The Riviera Centre, Torquay
Saturday 3rd November 2007
Set Test Piece for Second Section: 'Hollywood' by Goff Richards
The band was delighted to achieve 2nd Place under the newly appointed Musical Director, Gary Pumford
A spectator commented:
"I enjoy brass band music although I am not a player. I thought Soundhouse Brass Band gave an excellent performance at the South West Championships in Torquay and were extremely close to the first prize. It would take a professional ear and the score to separate the first two bands. Perhaps a very good xylophone player in St Stythians band helped to tip the result in their favour. A bandsman, with 54 year playing experience, next to me said "They are a very good band and will be in the first three". He also commented on the excellent flugel player and very good solo trombone - he was right.
I look forward to the contest next March when I hope they will take another step up"
John
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