Murrell to Mastermind Foss Dyke’s Future

Foss Dyke Band, Lincoln is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Murrell as its new Musical Director to lead the band in its ambitious future development.

Paul Murrell is a retired Major in the British Army, having held posts as School Bandmaster of the world renowned Kneller Hall, Royal Military School of Music and having been Director of Music of the Royal Corps of Signals and of the Prince of Wales Division. He retired from active service in June 2006 and now works in the IT Industry. He has conducted, competed and recorded brass and wind bands both in the UK, and abroad. He has adjudicated in the National Wind Band Festival, and has been a Diploma Examiner for the London College of Music.

Paul will be taking the band through a busy Christmas period which includes appearances at Lincoln Cathedral, Boston Stump and Terry O’Toole Theatre as well as undertaking a recording for the BBC. Plans for next year include contesting at the Butlins National Mineworkers Contest, the Regional Contest in Bedworth and production of a new CD as well as regular concerts at the premier venues in the East Midlands.

Foss Dyke Band, Lincoln is always pleased to welcome new players and currently has just a couple of vacancies on BBb Bass and Cornet – those interested should contact Sue Grau at grausue@gmail.com

A Summer Wedding

 
Fossers are to be found all over the place! Richard Key here is trying to keep a low profile behind his BBb at the wedding of Lyn Capes and Keith Edwards on 18th July. Lyn and Keith, who are well known in banding circles were married at Mareham le Fen church. Banovallum Brass provided the music chosen by the couple, which included The Irish Blessing and The Prayer. Extra Fossers to be found lurking included me, Sue Frith Grau (on flugelhorn!!), Alex Walker, euph, and Rick Anker on principal trombone. The last time Foss Dyke saw the couple was at registration before going on stage at the areas in Bedworth. Much less agonising this time (well, for us anyway!). All at Foss Dyke wish Lyn and Keith the best that married life has to offer.

Band on Stage at Waddo

Now, at first glance I thought that this was going to be the best band photo. But do you see what Rick Anker has done with that music stand and banner? Yes, he's obscured the entire trombone section. There's just no excuse.

Newark Castle 18th July 2009

Although the spirits were high, the heavens still opened and rained freely on the stalwart audience at the recent Newark Castle concert. A cavalier attitude was maintained under their umbrellas, however, and the show went on. Foss Dyke put on a polished performance of solos and features which was destined to be Andy Keegan's last with them as MD. Bit sad really. BUT we were talent spotted by a gentleman who has written some music for brass band. So impressed was he with our playing, that he invited us to perform his music which features the percussion section on tubular bells. Should be interesting

MD Andy Keegan is Leaving

Oh No! It's all good for Andy - he's being promoted. Congratulations to him and Grrrr to the RAF who are sending him to Uxbridge. UXBRIDGE! Foss Dyke are once again looking for a suitable replacement MD. We've had such good conductors, though, we feel really spoiled. I suppose good things can't last and Andy was so very good that he only lasted a year before being snapped up by the gods of Air Force banding. Thank goodness we've got our associate conductor, Ewan Robson, who will put us through our paces efficiently until we get a suitable replacement for Andy.

Still, we're really sad that Andy is leaving. We had just about sorted him out and led him away from his wind band tendencies, a nasty side effect from association with the RAF (step AWAY from the kindling!) and to be honest, we really quite like like him. If there is a band down there near Uxbridge that needs a good conductor, fully trained by a 1st section brass band, then I would snap him up if I were you. He's super.

We Picked up a Rambler!

Another friend who picked up an instrument to play with Foss on Saturday was Paul Jackson, seen here with Chris Hart. Paul is a great friend who plays in a few Lincoln bands and also in Rambling Brass. I last saw him playing a concert on top of Tan Hill, after walking 8 miles up it. We also crashed the Easter Sunday concert of Muker Silver Band, thanks to Duncan Bythell. The boys look like angels here. Thanks, Paul, for giving us a hand and it was lovely to play with you again.

Cracking Cornets!

Some of the Saturday cornet team led by Chris Hart. Having the great Graham Walker (proud dad of solo euphonium, Alex Walker) as your bumper up must give great confidence in what was a very tidy cornet section which included Gareth Steenken, Matt Hall and Sasha Grau. On Sunday we also had Neil Day, principal cornet player of EYMS to join us and completing a spectacular front row. Little Chris was a bit in awe, but handled it manfully :)

More Fossers in the the Background!

And more Fossers were spotted playing with Carlton! Joe and Woody, Foss Dyke's fantastic percussion pair, provided the rhythm section for our mates from Notts. Good to see such cameraderie and friendship in banding. It's what it's all about, really....

Carlton Brass and Foss Dyke

A great photo of Carlton Brass showing quite a few ex-Fossers, Barrie, Sally, Dave and, of course, Walter Ritchie in action. Look closely and you'll see Foss Dyke's Associate conductor, Ewan Robson, lending a lip on bass trom. Also on euphonium is the gent who played bass trom for Foss Dyke when Ewan was urgently required to take up the baton. Unfortunately, I don't know the man's name, but we are in your debt, sir.

The Cornet Giant

Ex-Foss Dyke giant of the cornet variety, Rob Scullion, was discovered at the air show. Caroline in the photo is providing evidence that this is, in fact, a full scale poster. Rob, we miss you.

Kilted Air Force Pipers

The kilted pipers put on a spectacular show in Number 3 Hangar. Enjoyed by many. Not by me - I left the building. If anyone knows who these guys were, I'd be happy to update my titles and labels. Just let me know.

Beautiful Christmas Island Dancers

The ladies of Christmas Island entertained the crowds at the Waddington Airshow with their group dancing. They were raising money for the Kiribati Tungaru Association http://www.ktaweb.org.uk/ and using the Banovallum School Tent http://www.banovallum.org/

The Air Show Tattoo

Here is Alex suggesting new tattoo designs for Roger. This sweet and sensitive man later picked up his euphonium, donned his bow-tie and delivered a tear-jerking rendition of Myfanwy and brought the hangar down. Then he took his tattoos out for a Sunday afternoon strut amongst the ruffty tuffty engineers and pilots. :)

Profile Ewan J Robson Associate Conductor

Ewan Robson was destined to be a conductor when, at the tender age of two, he sat on the knee of Sir Adrian Boult. Using the techniques of both the training from his time in the RAF and the inspiration from Sir Adrian Boult, a new conductor was born.

Ewan was born in Windsor in June 1961 and began playing trombone at the age of twelve, little late for most brass players but after picking up the instrument it was obvious that it suited him. At Poole College he gained an A Level in music and, after joining the Royal Air Force in August 1979 serving as a musician, he obtained the ARCM, FLCM and ALCM diplomas. During his 24 years’ service he travelled extensively at home and abroad performing at major venues from London to Hong Kong.

In 1993 he came to Lincolnshire to the Band of the Royal Air Force College at Cranwell. Whilst there he helped form the Lincolnshire Brass Quintet with a few of his Royal Air Force colleagues He became the arranger for the group and his arrangements were featured on a few albums. This led to his taking the lead trombone position for the famous NSK RHP Ransomes Band.

He later transferred onto his preferred instrument the bass trombone and with the band, he played in the European Championships in Montreux in Switzerland and again when they won the Area competition and were runners up for the Grand Shield, which was an experience he will never forget. This is where his love of Brass Bands really started.

A few years later Ewan decided to take up the challenge of conducting and accepted an invitation from the Lincoln Hospitals Band as it was then known, to become their deputy conductor. In 1999 he was offered and accepted the post of Director of Music.
In 2001 he was instrumental in the production of the band’s first CD and various other recordings for local organisations. This was repeated in 2006 with their latest CD. In 2004 he took the Band to Holland for a joint venture with a local band.

A stalwart supporter of grass roots brass banding, Ewan is well known and very popular in the brass banding scene around Lincolnshire and is often called upon to help other local bands in their pursuit of their hobby, which he relishes. Fourth Section Market Rasen and Banovallum Brass Bands in particular are always keen to get him in as a dep. But he also travels further afield supporting Championship Section Desford Colliery Brass Band and First Section Carlton Brass.

For Old Time's Sake........

 

While Walter was in the Foss Dyke bandroom, he couldn't resist wagging the stick just a little bit. So with a full band under his baton, he Breezed Down Broadway once again.

Walter and Marie Ritchie Unveil Memorial Plaque

 

Alan Ritchie was fondly remembered last night with the unveiling of a plaque in his honour. Walter and Marie revisited the band room which they were instrumental in building twenty years ago and where they share happy banding memories of their son who was principal cornet here for many years. The band were very pleased to see them again and looking so well too. The wine flowed in the bandroom, only to be superseded by beer at the local pub, but not before Walter took the helm once again much to the delight of the band.

Alan Ritchie

A plaque in memory of the late Alan Ritchie will be mounted in the Foss Dyke bandroom on Sunday 28th June. The plaque is to be unveiled by Walter Ritchie, Alan's father and will be a constant reminder and celebration of Alan's dedication to Foss Dyke and the many happy years he spent with the band. Friends of Foss Dyke and those who have played with Alan and the band are welcome. Please confirm attendance by email to grausue@gmail.com.

Thanks and regards

Sue Grau
Vice Chair
Foss Dyke Band

Isn't She Lovely?

For the first time ever Foss Dyke ladies wore evening dresses for a concert at the Drill Hall Lincoln, tonight. They looked such a treat, I thought we'd better have a photo of at least one of them on the blog. So here's Sasha looking remarkably fresh after her duet with Alex Walker "I Know Him So Well"

Cornet Players Needed Bumper-Up

Poor old Chris is feeling very tired on the front row - he's lost his bumper up! Last night's rehearsal left him feeling very puffed. We've got some excellent players on front row, but we need more of them and in particular we need that special one-man-down position filled up!

As a 1st section band we would require players of a high standard and if you know of anyone or are interested yourself, please do respond to the blog! Or you can catch me on Twitter @SueFrithGrau or email grausue@gmail.com.

Godmanchester Proms by Chris Hart

Foss Dyke’s latest concert was in Godmanchester, a picturesque little town in Cambridgeshire. It was our first ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert of the year, and we were playing in possibly the warmest venue in the history of the world – the Old Comrades Club.

Nevertheless, shirts wringing wet, the band put on a pretty solid performance in the first half (complete with a couple of solos – one from myself and another superb performance from our Principal Euph, Alex Walker), in preparation for the patriotic, musical bonanza in the second half. A special mention has to go to the person, who, in their infinite wisdom, decided to hand out hooters, whistles, and anything else that the audience could make a noise with!

We started our Proms program with the incredibly moving ‘Nimrod’, in remembrance of the 75th year of Sir Edward Elgar’s death. It was well received by the audience, in anticipation of the rousing ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ March (during which what seemed like a million balloons were released into the audience).

The audience were in good voice - ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ rang gloriously through the club, which roused the audience further for the night’s programmed finisher, Jerusalem. The band’s stirring rendition of this classic tune left the audience shouting for an encore, and we duly obliged with a repeat of ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ amidst much balloon throwing, singing, flag waving and cheering the band.
A marvellous end to a marvellous (although sweltering) night in Godmanchester. Just a small message to convey they band’s immense gratitude to our deps on the night – we couldn’t have done it without you

Chris Hart
Principal Cornet

Player Profile Alex G Walker

Foss Dyke’s resident solo euphonium player, Alex Walker is a relatively recent addition to the team at Waddington. Son of the great cornet player Graham Walker (of The Yorkshire Imps fame), Alex guided his section to a masterful performance of Graham Cole’s Pentacle at the 2009 Midland Regional Contest at Bedworth.

In spite of having taken some long breaks from banding due to work commitments, Alex’s pedigree really shows in the beautiful round tone of his playing, which has been honed first of all by his one and only teacher, his father and then by his years of involvement with the championship bands of Carlton Main Frickley and Sellars International. He recently wowed the crowds at North Hykeham’s Terry O’Toole Theatre with his terrific rendition of James Curnow’s Rhapsody for Euphonium.

A brass bander, through and though, Alex first started playing at the tender age of 7 and began playing with Hambleton Brass in 1983 (now South Milford Brass) where his father was conducting at the time. “We are so lucky to have in Foss Dyke a band so strong in depth outside of the main banding regions”, says Alex, “I’d love to stick with this band and my section while pushing up into the championship once again. Foss Dyke has so much potential and an aura of energy at the moment that anything seems possible!”

Sad Goodbye to Lena!

"Goodbye-ee, don't cry-ee,

Wipe the tear, baby dear, from your eye-ee"

Foss Dyke Band is very sad to have to say goodbye to Lena Schonhardt who has been a member of the band for some months now. Lena is a fabulous cornet player from Norway who will be greatly missed on the front row here in Waddington. We certainly hope that she will be back regularly to join us again as a guest and a good friend. She has written a post below to say her own goodbye, and she's pictured with Chris Hart for whom she was a brilliant bumper up!

Lena Schonhardt

Hi! My name is Lena Schonhardt and I’ve been playing with Foss Dyke Band since summer last year, when I came to England to study for A levels in Grantham. I just want to write a little bit from my time in Foss Dyke. I think everything started in August when I sent an email to the band and asked if they needed a “Norwegian cornet player”, and I got an email back from the band saying that they would be more than pleased for me to play in the band. So that was the start. Some of the best times I have had with Foss have been at some of the great concerts, the concert with the Lincoln Ladies Chorus, the Christmas concert in Lincoln Cathedral and the BBC Radio Lincolnshire concert in my town, Grantham. I have also played 2 competitions: Butlins and the areas! I think Butlins was my favourite weekend with the band! I had lots of fun when I was partying with my Norwegian friends and my friends from Fodens and Grimethorpe! (Think I had too many beers……) The playing was also really good, but before we went onto the stage, I didn’t understand why people were keeping their instruments warm and doing warm ups, because In Norway we have a 20 min warm up before we play the competition, so I was a little bit stressed. But I survived! The next competition we had was the Areas and I really didn’t like that music at all! But I think we played really well and we came fifth. I don’t think that there is a really big difference between playing in a band in Norway and a band in England, because music is music! The only thing that can be a little bit hard is to get used to the musical language they use, like semi crawels(??) (I think this means semi-quavers! Ed.) and all that sort of thingsJ but it is really nice to learn it!
The band has been really nice and supportive to me the whole year! Everyone has helped me to get to the rehearsals and with giving me a lift back! So thank you everyone! This has been a brilliant year and you are a brilliant band that I’m going to miss a lot! I’m sure that I’m going to come and visit you in the next year, and you need to come to Norway and visit me and if you need a cornet player for Butlins or Area you have my number…Thank you…:D:D

Congratulations to Becky Mair

One of Foss Dyke's much loved cornet players who moved on to music college is seen here playing Badinerie from Bachs Suite in B Minor for flute and putting in such a fine performance, that she won the competition! Well done, Becky.

http://tinyurl.com/dbo54m

Dilemma

Last March's Areas left Foss Dyke very close to the top of the Midlands 1st Section gradings table and this is a very exciting time for the band. However, although the band would obviously just love to do well enough next year to make that move up into the Championship Section, it does leave them with somewhat of a dilemma. So much so that the MD, Andy Keegan, has expressed his concerns thus, "You guys have been so consistent over the last few years, but next year you need to be either much, much better or much, much worse!". What is a band to do? A few bands make that quantum leap into the Championship Section quite successfully, but many struggle with players, finances and ethos. Some, like Foss Dyke in the past, yoyo up and down over years. Bands like the now sadly dissolved Riddings suffer some fatal fall out from the desire to be Championship Section, which is a very sad signal that the path to the top is fraught with danger. Bringing in "ringers" and replacing stalwart rehearsal attenders with better quality players is such a temptation (as is changing the MD), that some bands just can't resist. Foss Dyke Band itself is still left reeling from the last time they won the areas and bought in some players to make an attempt at the summit in Harrogate. Such was the discontent within the band that they were down to about seven players a couple of years ago and considered disbanding. Thankfully, it was decided to continue and, rather chided, the band has gone from strength to strength, and especially in recent months, with a much more friendly profile. Interestingly, as noted before the band has maintained a top of the 1st Section standard all through. It is to be hoped against hope that the lessons of the past and the experiences of other bands can help guide Foss Dyke through the next year, wherever that may take us! Photo shows our Band Manager, Emma Gent having her well earned beer straight after performing Pentacle at Bedworth. No wonder she's thirsty! (Soon after this photo was taken, it was discovered that she is a whizz at catching peanuts in her mouth - particularly if covered in chocolate!)

Foss Dyke Band is a 1st section brass band situated in the village of Waddington. We have our own purpose built band room and we make ends meet by performing concerts all over the East Midlands. This year, having been thoroughly consistent over previous years, we are poised for possible promotion to the Championship Section, which is both exciting and scary all at once. In the photo here, you'll see Chris Hart (17) acting his age, before taking to the 2009 regional contest stage in Bedworth and dropping in a "mature" and "on form" performance as principal cornet. No mean feat when the test piece was Graham Cole's Pentacle!