Some thoughts……………
I used to go to brass band concerts a lot when my nephew first started to play the trombone. As he progressed, I could see how much enjoyment he got from playing in a band. When I was at school I played violin in the school orchestra and I also really loved being part of a group making music together.

Therefore when I heard that Leyburn Band had reformed and was looking for new players, I couldn’t believe my luck! The opportunity to learn a brass instrument from scratch, make lots of new friends, and play in a band with lots of like-minded people. So I went along to Thornborough Hall, slightly nervous, to see what it was all about. Some of the new members had been playing for a whole two months when I joined and I thought I would never catch up – they were so good.

I came home clutching a tenor horn and endeavoured to get some noise out of it. At the start it was very hit and miss, sometimes I could make a noise like a cow in pain, the rest of the time – nothing. I kept going and the noise gradually took on some resemblance to a frog, duck or donkey, but then it started to sound vaguely musical. It was then time to learn some fingering, and how to get all the different notes with a combination of just three valves. The process of getting more than one note with each combination was very difficult at first, it all relies on ‘harmonics’, and I didn’t feel very harmonious. I stuck with it and managed the scale of ‘C’ – the easiest.

I kept going, a few more notes came (and went), the fingering became easier, and I remembered to breathe. I went to the gym and did my lip strengthening exercises. I could just about play a simple tune.

Now, two and a half years later, we’ve all progressed so far, it’s unbelievable. I love every minute of it and I’ve achieved a lifetime ambition to play in a brass band. I’ve taken and passed my first music exam and am now looking to the next one.

Band practices, engagements and home practice mean that it is a big commitment in time and effort. Gone are the days of watching TV all night (thank goodness). However, the enjoyment of playing and entertaining people makes it all worthwhile. I owe a great deal to the members of Leyburn Band, and especially George Lundberg, John Nix, Vickie Lundberg and Phil Ashcroft for all their help and encouragement. I am so lucky to be part of such a great group of people. Thanks to everyone – may your lip be strong and your fingers fly like the wind!

Gilly Knowles

CHARITY GIVING

Although Leyburn Band needs money itself, it is not oblivious to the needs of others. Many of the concerts given have been in aid of charities and good causes. Last year we held a concert, with the East Witton Male Voice Choir, in aid of the Tsunami Appeal. The total raised was £1700, enough to build a new galss fibre fishing boat for a community in Sri Lanka. This will help them to provide a living for themselves for many years to come. Pictured opposite is the boat, and the boat with some of the community who will benefit. The boat has been called PENHILL (looking at the words on the side, we are not quite sure how the band came into the name).

During the week 19th to the 28th May, Brass Bands up and down the country were celebrating Brass band Week. The intention was for all brass bands to spread the virtues of banding throughout the length and breadth of the land. This year Brass Band Aid was also involved, and bands could sign up to support this charity. Leyburn Band signed up (we were the only local band to do so). We gave two concerts within the week and one just outside( on the 30th May) On two occasions we had collecting buckets out for Brass Band Aid, and we donated the fee that we were given for one concert to Brass band Aid. In total we sent £158 to the charity. Every badn that signed up for Brass band Aid was encouraged to buy and play a piece of music written specially for the charity called African Funk. The aim was to play it at every concert during Brass band Week. Leyburn bought the music, and played it. Written by Alan Fernie (one of the top arrangers and composers for Brass Bands), every penny of the £12 per set went directly to Brass Band Aid. The music was fun to play and listen to.

Brass Band Aid was started last year by a youngster in Stanhope Silver Band who thought that the Brass Band Movement could support the charity Band Aid. It’s project is to fund a school in Ethiopia.