28th December

Meeting for prospective Committee members

On Sunday 4th January 2009 the Youth Band will be having a workshop between 9.30am and 3.30pm. There will also be a committee meeting on that day at 1.30pm, and I would like to invite any Parent, Grandparent, or anyone else interested in being on the committee next year, to this meeting.

Committee meetings are held on a Tuesday evening during band practice times, so as not to disrupt our busy lives!!! If you are interested please call me on 07720886577.

Jane Stubbs (Chair Person, Lions Youth Brass)

28th December

Busking Results for Christmas 2008

We have collected £2,238 on the 21st and 24th December, which is to be divided between band funds and tour. Many thanks to all players, parents, grandparents and committe members who helped out; your contribution was very much appreciated.

Lions Youth Brass Committee

27th December

Merry Christmas from all at LYB

With the year now over for Lions Youth Brass we all hope that you had a great Christmas and look forward to a fantastic 2009.

Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

13th December

Raffle Winners Announced

The results of the Christmas Raffle were drawn last night and were as follows:

1st prize - number 12 - Sophie Barwick
2nd prize - number 83 - P Condiffe
3rd prize - number 526 - Olive Davis
4th prize - number 523 - Janet Davis

Congratulations to all winners and thanks to all who took part raising much needed funds for the Bands.

Lions Youth Brass Committee

7th December

New CD Released

The latest Lions Youth Brass CD titled 'Entertain You' has now been released. The CD was recorded on 31st October and 1st November by Doyen recordings and features many of the entertaining pieces that feature in concerts and on tour.

The CD is priced £10 and is available at all concerts or by mail order. Please email lionsyouthbrass@yahoo.co.uk for details. (£1 for postage and packaging will be added).

See the Recordings page for full track listing.

Lions Youth Brass Committee

26th November

Tour Confirmed

Lions Youth Brass will return to Spain again this summer following the successful 2008 tour of the Costa Blanca. The Youth Band will travel on 18th July and return on 25th July spending a week playing concerts. More details will be announced as they become available.

In addition to this arrangments for this years christmas carol playing have been confirmed; this is a vital part of the fund raising process which enables the band to go on tour, buy instruments/uniforms/music etc. and provide the learning experience that members enjoy.

Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

14th November

2 New Workshops

Lions Youth Brass and their Musical Director Nigel Birch would like to announce two events which are open to all band's and schools within the area. Firstly, on Saturday 6th December from 10am until 3pm they will be holding a percussion workshop, which will be run for them by Simonne Rebello. Any percussionists or non percussionists can take part and the cost is just £3. The event takes place at The Maxwell Davies Centre, within The Sandbach Boys School.

Also on the same day in the same buiding, Brett Baker will be giving a demonstration on the art of trombone playing. This is aimed particular players having just started or who want to take up playing the trombone. The demonstration is from 11am until 12noon, but following the session their will be instruments for people to try and also Brett will give some one to one advice for anyone who would like to know more information. This demonstration is available free of charge as it is sponsered by The British Trombone Society.

To take part in either of these workshops please email Nigel at ncbirch@btinternet.com

Nigel Birch (Musical Director, Lions Youth Brass)

5th November

Details of Christmas Cabaret Announced

Organiser Dannielle Unwin has requested that members attending the Cabaret Evening on December 12th should let her know what their contribution will be by November 11th.

So far confirmed acts are:

Delta Brass
Danielle Unwin Dance Group
Abi Unwin Dance Group
Friend called Fred
Full Monty (Ashley Taylor, Jack Robinson)
Charlotte Birch (Vocalist)
Lions Mass Band finale

Tickets will be on sale shortly, price £5.00. The event will now be held at Sandbach Girls School (not Rode Heath Hall as advertised).

Lions Youth Brass Committee

30th October

New look Website launched

Welcome to the new look Lions Youth Brass Website!

You'll find all of the usual news, articles updates etc. Along with several new features including a new look photo gallery.

I'd be keen to hear views on the new site. Please feel free to email us at lionsyouthbrass@yahoo.co.uk.

Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

13th October

New section on the LYB Website

A history of the Lions Youth Brass including 'A Brief History', Achievements and Honours, Tours and CD Recordings have been added on the About Us page

The details listed show an insight into how the organisation has grown and developed into the structure we run today. If former members / supporters have any additions / alterations to suggest please email us at lionsyouthbrass@yahoo.co.uk

The eagle eyed amoungst you will noice that the information previously held on the 'About Us' page can now be found on a new Youth Band page

Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

9th October

2008 Awards winners announced

Lions Youth Brass are very pleased to announce their special awards for 2008 as follows:

Youth Band

Most Improved Players: Wesley Ashbrook, Alex Flanders, Abbie Unwin
Showing Promise: Ellie Baker, Ellis Peake, Sarah Edwards
Band Person of the Year: Matthew Darlington (this award was presented in July following tour)

Junior Band

Most Improved Players: Jessica Barnes
Showing Promise: Natasha Sherratt, Rebecca Preston, Laura Jones
Band Person of the Year: Edwin Morris

Beginner Band

Most Improved Players: Isobel Capewell, Kathryn Webb
Special Effort: James Bennett
Band Person of the Year: Lauren Barnes

Lions Youth Brass Committee

5th October

Christmas Cabaret Evening - 12th December

Rather than have a Christmas concert where all bands play in concert format, this year the bands will provide entertainment of a different kind.

We have many individuals within the band who are talented at other art forms, other than brass playing, and they will be displaying these talents on this evening.

The evening will take place at The Rode Heath Village Hall, and will be co-coordinated by Danielle and Abbi Unwin.

All those interested in taking part should see Danielle or Abbi. The evening will finish off with some community carol singing when all three bands will play together.

The price of the tickets will be £4, which will include a drink and a mince pie, and will be available shortly.

Please support this event; this idea has come from Danielle and Abbi so get behind them.

Lions Youth Brass Committee

5th October

Fundraising Duck Race - Sunday 19th October

Youth band members will have 15 ducks to sell each for the race, and we hope that everyone will do their best to sell them, as this is an easy way to raise funds for the band.

On the day there will be a tombola stall and a raffle. If you can supply anything, it does not have to be extravagant, then give them to Nigel, who has organised this event.

If you can come on the day please do, it starts at 2.00pm with the race at 2.30p.m. but we only need a few people for that, the most important thing is to sell the ducks, which is where we will make our money.

Lions Youth Brass Committee

5th October

Slow Melody Contest Results

On Saturday 4th October the annual Lions Youth Brass Slow Melody Contest took place adjudicated by David Thornton and Sheona White. Here are the results:

8 Years and Under

1. Catherine Flanders
2. Gavin Finch
3. Alice Murphy and Sophie Barwick (shared)

9 and 10 years

1. Oliver Smedley
2. Isabel Capewell
3. William Murphy

11 and 12 years

1. Jack Gresty
2. Alex Flanders
3. Michael Davies
Best Junior in section - Jessica Barnes
Best Beginner in section - Charlotte Birch

13 and 14 Years

1. Wilson Taylor
2. Michael Potts
3. Rory Rolfe

15 and 16 Years

1. Alex Holsgrove
2. Neil Raisbeck
3. Amy Ball

17 years and older

1. Matthew Darlington
2. Sarah Edwards
3. Charles Gorse

Open Section

1. Alex Holsgrove
2. Tim Bartley
3. Neil Raisbeck

2 or more players from beginner / junior band

1. Catherine Flanders / Catherine Metcalf
2. Gavin Finch / Ewan Kerry

Open 2 or more players

1. Matthew Darlington, Charles Gorse, Amy Ball, Ashley Taylor, Tim Bartley, Michael Potts
2. Jenny Hindle, Alex Flanders
3. Morgan Smedley, Cerys Finch

Adjudicators most promising player

David Thornton - Rory Rolfe
Sheona White - Jack Gresty

27th September

Details of Slow Melody Contest announced

Players will be told the outcome of the draw, and which order they will play, when they sign in on Saturday. Facilities will be available to copy your score, and all players must sign in no later than 20 minutes before the start of each section.

The anticipated start times for each section are as follows;

Section 1, 8 and under - 10:00am
Section 2, 9&10 years - 10:30am
Section 3, 11&12 years - 11:30am
Section 4, 13&14 years - 10:15am
Section 5, 15&16 years - 2:00pm
Section 6, 17+years - 11:00am
Section 7, Open - 11:45am
Section 8, Open 2 or more - 1:30pm
Section 9, 2 or more B/J - 1:30pm

Players who require extra tuition with Fodens next Wednesday should contact Nigel direct.

For information a copy of the rules of the contest are here.

Good luck!
Lions Youth Brass Committee

27th September

Congratulations and Good luck to Fodens and Roberts

All at Lions Youth Brass would like to congratulate our friends at the Fodens Richardson Band after they won the British Open in Birmingham earlier this month. The British open is the biggest prize in the world of Brass Bands and Fodens beat off competition from the most famous names in the world. We very much look forward to continuing our workshops and tuition with members of the British Open Champions!

We would also like to pass on our best wishes to the Roberts Bakery Band who will travel to Harrogate tomorrow to compete in the 1st section National Finals. Roberts' has traditionally (and continues) to be a natural progression for LYB players and now contains more LYB players than ever before. In addition to this their Musical Director Colin Cranson is President of the Lions Youth Brass and our Musical Director Nigel Birch is a former player and band manager of Roberts Bakery.

Roberts Qualified for the Finals after winning the North West area contest by 2 clear points. We wish them the best of luck tomorrow.

Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

9th September

CD recording needs sponsors

On 31st October and 1st November the youth band will be recording their next compact disc. As a possible way of offsetting some of the cost we are asking if there is anyone who would like to sponsor one of the pieces, or if they know of a company who may be interested in doing the same. The sponsors name would appear on all the 1000 produced discs. The main theme for the disc is to feature a lot of the pieces the band played in Spain, but there will be a few general pieces as well. The music to choose from is:

Georgia on My Mind
Barcelona
Friends For Life
Scarlet Ribbons
Capriccio Brilliante
Benedictus
Killing Me Softly
Minnie The Moocher
Czardas
Sparkes
Let Me Entertain You
Singin' In The Rain
Backdraft
The Music Man
Can Can
African Funk
Gaudete
A March still to be chosen

There will also be a solo by our Musical Associate; the Principal Euphonium of The Black Dyke Band David Thornton.

Someone could also sponsor the title of the disc, which has yet to be decided on.

If anyone is interested or knows of a company that maybe interested, please contact Nigel.

07734 263194
ncbirch@btinternet.com

Many Thanks

Lions Youth Brass Committee

9th September

Slow Melody Contest Approaches

The slow melody competition is only a few weeks away, so we would like to see completed entry forms returned by next Tuesday if possible. Also, if you need piano accompaniment, you need to let Nigel know, and if you would like some extra tuition with a member of The Fodens Richardson Band on the Wednesday before the event, then again, let Nigel know.

Nigel has also informed us that he will not be adjudicating the junior sections, as he has a number of pupils, plus a number of the Youth Band members in those sections and feels that it would be a conflict of interests.

We have star horn player Sheona White, formerly Principal Horn Of The Yorkshire Building Society Band and Foden's Richardson Band, who will take Nigel’s place as the adjudicator for these sections. As usual in the evening, the prizes will be awarded and all bands will be playing in the concert.

There will be a raffle on the night and if anyone would like to donate a prize, it would be most welcome. The cost of tickets will be £3 only, and please pay on the door.
The concert takes place at The Sandbach Boys School.

On Saturday October 18th all three bands will be performing again, including our guests for the evening, The United Co-op Band (Crewe), and their Musical Director Jeff Sparkes. It should be an excellent evening as they are very fine band.
Tickets will be on sale from Tuesday night, and are £5 with a £4 concession.

Lions Youth Brass Committee

5th September

Extra Slow Melody class added

Please note that we have added another section to the contest for members of the Junior and Beginners bands. This is Section 9. Two players or more; members of Junior or Beginner band only, and any combination of instruments and conductor allowed.

Please find revised entry form on the Home page

Lions Youth Brass Committee

28th August

New Principal and all star Tutor team for next workshop

I am pleased to announce that Matthew Darlington is staying on with the band for another year, as he will be studying at Manchester from September. This a major boost for the band, and we wish him all the best in his new position as principal cornet, and I’m sure all his friends within the band will fully support him.

I am also pleased to announce that I have secured the services of some very high profile tutors for the forthcoming workshop. Unfortunately Foden's can not be with us this time as they have a recording commitment.

The tutors are;

Front Row & Soprano: Stuart Linguard
Back Row Cornets: Mike Eccles
Horns: Sheona White
Baritones, Euphoniums and basses: Peter Christian
Percussion: Simonne Rebello

At this time I’m still trying to sort a trombone tutor, but I’m confident that this will be done shortly.

Richard Evans will be taking the afternoon session.

28th August

Wedding for LYB couple

I am pleased to announce that on 16th August I married Katie Smallwood at St. Marks Church Shavington. As many of you will know I was formerly Principal Cornet of the Lions Youth Brass and Katie was Solo Baritone; we met through Lions Youth Brass.

Since finishing playing with LYB we have both kept a close connection with the organisation; since 2003 I have held the position 'Composer in Residence' and also Webmaster. Katie spent two years as Musical Director of the Junior Band and still teaches many LYB members.

We would like to thank all at LYB for their best wishes and gifts.

Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Composer-in-Residence, Lions Youth Brass)

13th August

Raise money for LYB with your Waitrose shopping

For the next four weeks starting 11th August Waitrose at Sandbach has a fundraising scheme which will assist Lions Youth Brass.

Whenever you shop at Waitrose you will be give a token and asked to choose one of three local organisations, Lions Youth Brass being one of them. All you have to do is put the token in the right container, and Waitrose will donate a sum of money based on the total tokens collected to Lions Youth Brass.

Please try and support this scheme and the band.

Paul Darlington (Committee member, Lions Youth Brass)

7th August

LYB players in National Youth Band

This weekend will see Lions Youth Brass players Neil Raisbeck, Tony Boardman and Tim Bartley perform with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. All three players have been on a residential course at Bromsgrove School all week playing alongside the most talented young brass players in the country. It is an honour for Lions Youth Brass to have players in the band and we hope that even more LYB players will pass auditions in the future

Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

7th August

Nigel's Summer Letter

By now you will all be enjoying your summer break from the band, but for me its assessments of the Youth and Junior Band every Tuesday.

2007/2008 was once again a very enjoyable and busy year for us all, with numerous competitions, concerts, workshops and of course our trip to Spain. We performed very well at all three competitions, maintained our position around 5/6 in our category with 5th place at Tameside and a Silver award at the Nationals. At Gwent in January we were clear winners and I hope we shall return next January to defend our title. The concerts, as usual were very well received and our trip to Spain was a great success. We continued to be associated with the very best musicians within our movement and hope to build on those partnerships with The Foden’s Richardson Band, Richard Evans, and our musical associate David Thornton.

As we are usually a busy band I thought it might be useful if I gave you dates for extra rehearsals, etc. now, so it gives you a chance to plan. You can access all the engagements on our website, but this will help us be a little more organized.

Sunday 31st August 10am until 3pm workshop at the boy’s school. By the time we have this workshop I will have appointed a new principal cornet and reorganized the cornet section. I know a couple of people are still away, but can anyone who is not available for the workshop; please contact me, even if you have already told Jane.

Tuesday 2nd September - 7pm until 9pm, First rehearsal for all bands

Tuesday 23rd September - There will be no Youth Band rehearsal on this night. This is because the Roberts Bakery players are rehearsing for their National Championship Final in Harrogate, and we want to give them our full co-operation in trying to win this major event. If anyone wants to practice their solo, duet or quartet for the slow melody competition then the practice rooms will be available on that night.

Saturday 4th October all day - Slow Melody competition and evening concert
This is our third annual competition and this year I hope to see more entries in the lower age groups. As usual you will be entered into the relevant age group, but if you have a problem, which may prevent you from taking part, then please come to see me and talk about it.

This year players will only be able to enter their own age section and the open section. This is to give more players the opportunity of gaining a prize. You may also enter the ensemble section, which is for two instruments or more.

If you require any assistance with your preparations for this event please come to see me, as there are always people willing to help. If you require piano accompaniment, Kevin Birch will be available again at a cost of £5 per piece and he will be available to rehearse with you on Monday 29th September. Anyone who requires any extra tuition on their solo can a have a session with Mark Wilkinson and other members of The Foden’s Richardson Band, on Wednesday 1st October. Please see me for details.

Download the entry form here

Friday 31st October 6pm until 10pm & Saturday 1st November 9.30pm until 4pm - Recording with Doyen Recordings. This will takes place in the drama studio at The Boys School.

Extra rehearsal Friday 24th October 7pm to 9pm - I intend to use a lot of the pieces we played on tour for this recording, but if anyone has any suggestions then please forward them to me. David Thornton will also be performing on the recording with us.

Sunday 23rd November - Tameside Contest all day

Extra rehearsals
Friday 14th November 7pm until 9.15pm at school
Sunday 16th November 6pm to 8.30pm at Church Hall Sandbach
Friday 21st November 7pm until 9.15pm at school
Saturday 22nd November 6pm until 8.30pm

Saturday 6th December 10am to 2pm - Percussion workshop with Simone Ribello
This is for all percussionists from all bands, but any brass players who wish to take part can.

As usual please let me know if you are unavailable for any of the above events, as soon as possible.

Nigel Birch (Musical Director, Lions Youth Brass)

28th July

Friends of Lions to feature in recital

This Thursday (31st) will see Ian Raisbeck (current composer in residence and webmaster and a former principal cornet player with the band) and Katie Smallwood (former musical director of the Junior band and former solo Baritone player in the youth band) perform at St. Mary's Church in Nantwich in a lunchtime recital starting at 12:30.

Entry is free and it would be great to see as many people as possible supporting this event as it was a resounding success last year. Ian and Katie will be accompanied by the pianist James Batty who will also perform a solo during the recital.

Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

27th July

Youth Band return from Tour!

The Lions Youth Brass have just returned from a historic tour of the Costa Blanca in Spain. The week was a massive success and plans are already in motion for a return journey. Full Tour diary, pictures and much more will appear on the Tour pages of this website over the coming days. Some photo's of the tour can already be viewed by clicking here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=140130&l=62a6a&id=795360152

Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

3rd July

Beginner Band Update

The Lions Beginner Band are pleased to announce the appointment of Olivia as their new Principal Cornet. Olivia has been a part of the organisation for around 18 months and in that time has become a fine young player with a lovely tone. Olivia has now had a couple of rehearsals on the chair and is already doing well!

Also we need to congratulate William and Henry for moving up to the Junior Band and then we were sad to lose Sam and Jack off the front row due to a clash with their football practices. The loss of four strong players such as these has led to a massive revamp of the front row cornets. Our new look row now consists of Richard, Tim (both boys have only been with the band a matter of months!), William, Lauren and Joe. We are sure that they will be up to the task and help progress the band even further.

Further exciting news for the band comes in the form of a new piece of music written for the band by the organisations composer in residence, Ian Raisbeck. 'The Rise of the Weaver' is an excellent composition in three movements that describes the river that flows through the town of nearby Nantwich. The band are already hard at work on Ian's work and look forward to performing the world premiere soon!

Chris Thompson (Musical Director, Lions Beginner Brass)

13th June

Details announced for Lions 2008 tour.

Saturday 19th July Lions Youth Brass will fly from Manchester to Alicante in Spain. The band will then travel to Torrevieja where they will stop for two nights. Throughout Sunday and into the evening they will be giving a number of concerts for the local Torrevieja Lions Club to support their chosen charities.

On Monday the band will move approximately 50 miles south to where they will be stopping for two nights in Mazarron, where the band will give concerts throughout Tuesday and the evening.

On Wednesday the band will be on the move again, this time moving approximately 120 miles to just north of Benidorm. where they will be stopping for the final three nights of the tour in Teatro Muniaipal. The final concerts will take place on Thursday, as Friday is a free day with an opportunity for the band to relax and take in the sites! Throughout the tour the band will be looked after by local Lions Clubs.

Finally on Saturday 26th July the band will fly back from Alicante to Manchester. The playing is not quite over as they will give their traditional end of tour concert, which will take place at Sandbach High School Middlewich Road and which will be hosted by Sandbach Rotary Club.

So if you in Spain near any of these locations keep an eye out for the band, and if not keep watching this site for all of the news, stories and pictures of the tour.

Paul Darlington (Committee member, Lions Youth Brass)

12th June

Summer Programme

There are some excellent opportunities for hear the band play over the summer.

On the weekend of the 14th and 15th June the band will be playing on both afternoons between 2pm and 4pm at The Hollies Plant Centre on the A49 North of Tarporley. This event is supporting the Vale Royal Lions who are hosting the event.

On Saturday 21st June the Lions Youth Band is leading the Carnival procession at Alsager, which will take place around mid day. The Band has led the procession a number of times over the last few years and they have always been very well received.

On Saturday 28th June the Band is playing at the traditional Macclesfield Lions Concert at the Kings School Macclesfield. This is an evening concert which is always very well attended, and which commences at 7.30pm. The event is organised by Macclesfield Lions.

On Saturday 12th July the Band is playing on the square at Nantwich from 11am to 2pm. Last year the band played between showers, let’s hope this year it’s hot and sunny. The setting on the square is ideal to sit in the summer shade and listen to the band in the open, with the historic town of Nantwich as the backdrop.

From Saturday 19th July to Saturday 26th July the Band is undertaking their annual tour, and this year they are to visit Spain. Watch out for separate article which will detail where and when the band will be playing, so you can watch out for them when you are on holiday.

When the band returns from Spain they will be giving their traditional end of tour concert at the Sandbach High School on Saturday 26th July commencing at 7.30pm. This event is organised by Sandbach Rotary Club, and is always very well attended, and also features the bands annual awards. It will also be the last opportunity to see some of the members play with the band before they move on to University in September.

Paul Darlington (Committee member, Lions Youth Brass)

14th April

Silver for Youth Band

Yesterday saw the youth band compete at the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, the most prestigeous competition for Youth Brass Bands which has seen Lions crowned twice and place several times in the past.

The Band performed their programme brilliantly but were pipped to the prizes this year recieving a silver certificate for their efforts.

This competition continues to go from strength to strength this year attracting the cream of the UK's youth brass players from Scotland to Cornwall.

Results were as follows: (courtesy of 4barsrest.com)

Community Championship
Adjudicators: James Scott and Simone Rebello

1. Camborne Youth, Alan Pope, Gold Certificate
2. Youth Brass 2000, Chris Jeans, Gold Certificate
3. Sellers International Youth, Mark Bousie, Gold Certificate

Carnoustie & District Youth, Richard Evans, Gold Certificate
Mount Charles Youth, Simon Dobson, Gold Certificate
Lions Youth, Nigel Birch, Silver Certificate
Dalmellington Junior Band, Ian Taylor, Silver Certificate
Elland Silver Youth, Samantha Harrison, Silver Certificate
Horbury Victoria Youth, Tom Greatorex, Silver Certificate
Poynton Youth, Andy Hirst, Silver Certificate
Tewitt Youth, Craig Ratcliffe, Silver Certificate
Astley Youth, Toby Hobson, Bronze Certificate
Chalford Youth, Steve Tubb, Bronze Certificate
Enderby Youth, Trevor Hounsome, Bronze Certificate
Macclesfield Youth, Bronze Certificate

w, Aberystwyth Youth, Alan Phillips
w, Dobcross Youth, Brian Lamb

Best Instrumentalist: Yasmin Stevens, Flugel, Mount Charles
The Co-operative Community Service Award: Macclesfield Youth
The Brian Hicks Memorial Shield: Kathleen Harrison, Elland Silver


Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

7th April

Easter Update

apologies for the delay in updating the site, after the easter break there is a lot to tell so here goes:

Congratulations to: Alex Holsgrove, Neil Raisbeck, Alex Flanders, Rory Rolphe, Tim Bartley, Matthew Darlington and Tom Hancock who all won trophies at the recent Newcatle-under-Lyne Music Festival. Also Congratulations to the Junior band and their conductor Sarah Raisbeck who won the under 19 ensemble class, their first win under Sarah's direction. And finally well done to The Quartet of Susannah Ball, Amy Ball, Abbie Edwards and Zach Rogerson who won their quartet class.

Pictures of all of the winners are now on the Photo page

Our thoughts are with Bass player Alistair Miles who is recovering from an appendix operation, he is now facing a race to be fit and well in time for this sundays National Youth Brass Band championships in Manchester.

And finally, congratulations to Neil Raisbeck, Tim Bartley and Tony Boardman who were all selected for the recent National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain course in Taunton.

Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

19th March

Congratualtions to Roberts Bakery!

Congratulations must go to the Roberts Bakery Band who were crowned North West Regional 1st section champions 2008 at the recent 'area contest' in Blackpool. Roberts' fielded a band featuring many current and past Lions Youth Brass players and will continue its many links with our Lions bands.

Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

19th February

Junior band in workshop

Last sunday the Junior band had a workshop in preperation for Newcastle festival, this proved to a big success and i was very pleased. We mainly concentrated on the new piece for the band 'The Lion King' but did also work on the '4 dances'. Both these pieces will be part of our performance at newcastle festival in only a couple of weeks. 'The Lion King' is a medley of songs from the film arranged for the band by Ian Raisbeck is a challenge for the band as it doesnt follow the traditional format of the solo cornets having the tune but instead offers solos all around the band. All the players in the junior band are doing really well.

The concert on Saturday saw us play 'The Lion King' out for the very first time and i believe for a first performance went very well.

I would personally like to thank everyone who helped out at the workshop and especially thank all the youth band players who have been helping us out on a weekly basis this has been a big help to all members of the band.

We look forward to the newcastle festival and hope to put on a good show.

So far this year the band have been playing very well and with many changes of instruments within the band players are doing extremely well, well done to everyone for all your hard work.

Sarah Raisbeck (Musical Director, Lions Junior Brass)

5th February

Lions team up for success

Following the success of Lions Youth Brass at the Gwent Youth Festival, last week, the band have had another busy weekend with a workshop with six members of Foden's Richardson Band on the test-piece for the National Youth Championships, Peter Graham's 'Dimensions'.

Richard Poole and Anna Hughes (cornets), Rob Fleming (horns), Natsumi Inaba (Euphoniums & Baritones), Simon Minshull (Trombones), and Toby Hobson (Tubas) were the tutors.

The band were also very grateful to Fiona Rolfe, who is a fine cornet player in her own right for United Co-op Band (Crewe), and who's husband Andy plays cornet for Foden's, for tutoring the percussion section.

The day began at 10.00am with sectionals until the band broke for a well earned lunch break. After lunch the band had a two hour rehearsal with Toby Hobson taking up the baton, and the day finished at around 3.30pm.

With the date of the contest being so close to Easter, and also with a difficult test piece, it was important to get preparations underway very early. Toby and the tutors worked very hard, so we were able to make real progress with the piece. We now have three concerts in February before preparations for the contest start in earnest.

During the the lead up to the contest, David Thornton, the bands musical associate, will be visiting the band, whilst Nicholas Childs will be taking timeout to also assist the band with its preparations.

I have always regarded it as my responsibility to give my players the best tuition and opportunities and by bringing the Foden's players, Nicholas Childs, and continuing our successful partnership with David Thornton I believe I'm achieving this aim.

Nigel Birch (Musical Director, Lions Youth Brass)

31st January

Lions Youth Brass started 2008 with a win at the Gwent Youth Brass Band competition.

A message recieved following that result reads as follows:

Can I congratulate you all on a fine performance at xkeys last week end . You fully deserved your win . It is good to have competition from outside our Area. It was great to meet up with my old friend , Nigel Birch. You are so lucky to have such a good & experienced bloke in front.
I wish you all the luck for the future, and hope to see you back next year.
Jeff Jones (Conductor. Usk Youth Band)

Full results of our section were:
Section 1: (12 bands)

1. Lions Youth (N. Birch)
2. Abergavenny Youth (G. Ritter)
3. Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen Youth (G. Davies)
4. Aberystwyth Youth (A. Phillips)


Ian Raisbeck (Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

8th January

Happy New Year from all at LYB!

We are all looking forward to another successful year taking in numerous concerts, competitions and trips. Keep checking this website for updates, news and reviews of Lions Youth Brass activities.

Ian Raisbeck (Composer In Residence, Webmaster, Lions Youth Brass)

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