TheBrass Band

BRIIDGEa *)e, a conttedion, an allLance'

t o u n L d 4 , o b o n d . . . . . , . .b,z-i-dge: a l)nh,to bon-d toge,tlrc,n,

tsSt E 11, JANUABY 19t3

TEE FIRST NORTN AMEBICAN BBTTISE BBASS BANDGHAMPIONSEIPS, . . . test-pieces will be as follows:

Championship Section: "Sinfonietta in ThreeMovements," by Gordon Langford.Second Section: "Little Suite For Brass" (Op. 80),Malcolm Arnold.Non-competitive Section: No set test-piece.

In addition to playing a set test-piece, each band is required topresent a 2$minute concert. Ratings and points awarded bythe three judges will be based upon the excellence of themuscial perfornanee coupled with the composition of themusical progrsm offered.

Prizes are to be as follows:Ghrnptouhlp SectlonFirst Plaee:

t1,000 Sehweppes Prize MoneySovereign Bb Baritone horn Boosey &

Hawkes/Buffet CramponTwo Bach Short Model Cornets - Selmer, Inc.Traveling Trophy - Yamaha Musical ProductsTraveling Trophy - Boosey & Hawkes/Buffet

CramponPlaque - Boosey & Hawkes/Buffet CramponPurchase Award - Rosehil Music Publishers

Second Place:t600.00 Schweppes Prize MoneySovereign Eb Alto Horn - Boosey & Hawkes/Buf-

fet CramponBach Short Model Cornet - Selmer,Ine.Plaque - Boosey & Hawkes/Buffet Crampon

Third Place:f800.00 Schweppes Prize MoneySovereign Eb (or Bb) Cornet Boosey &

Hawkes/Buffet CramponBach Short Model Cornet - Selmer, Inc.Plaque - Boosey & Hawkes/Buffet Crampon

Sccoud ScctlonFirst Place:

S600.00 Sehweppes Prize MoneyEb Alto Horn - Yamaha Musicsl ProductsTraveling Trophy - Selmer, Inc.Purchase Award - Rogehill Music PublishersPlaque - Boosey & Hawkes/Buffet CramponTrophy - C.G. Conn, Ltd.

Second Place: I$400.00 Schweppes Prizd MoneyTrophy - Selmer, Inc.Plaque - Boosey & Hawkes/Buffet Crampon

Third Place:t200.00 Schweppes Prize MoneyTrophy - Selmer, Inc.Plaque - Boosey & Hawkes/Buffet Crampon

For the Outstanding Soloist of the day from either section,Conn will award a trophy.

Norcompetltlve SectlonNo prizes awarded. Bands play for adjudicator'sevaluations and eomments only.

We remind all our readers that this historic event will takeplace on the eampus of North Carolina State Univercity onSaturday, April 23, 1988. The actual contest will be held inStewart Theatre while bands will assemble, warm-up andtuneup, and generally prepare for the Championshipe inPrice Music Center which is right next door. Adult admigsionwill be i6.00 and students (1? ind younger) wiU be f8.00. Weare pleased to announce that the New York Salvation ArmyStaff Band will be the guest band for these first Champion-ships. This outstanding brass band will present the eveningfsspecial concert as a climax to the day's events. Also featuredduring the evening will be the winning band from the Cham-pionship Section performing their rendition ofthe Test Piece.The above charges will also include admission to theevening's programl

FEATURED IN TnIg ISSUE, . . . is Stephen Bulla, amost successful composer of brass band musie, staff arrangerfor the U.S. Marine Band in Washington, D.C., a Salvationist,and a warm and friendly human beingl Elsewhere in this issueof.The Bridge you will find a review o/Stephen's music and areview Dy him dealing with a rather recent record release. To

begin with, it is very dif-ficult to get Steve to ex-pound on his many ac-complishments. When askedto give us some informationabout himself and his activities, he modestly sent anoutline of his education,employment, publications,and recordings. As a matterof fact, Steve's work withthe Marine Band, his winrFing brass band compositioncontests, and his commissions only start to tell thewhole story.

Steve's father w8s aSalvation Army officer andstarted giving him musiclessons on the baritone atthe age of six. He switched

Stephen Bullr

to trombone during nis high school years. He also startedpiano lessons at the age of six. He graduated Magna CumIatde from Berklee College of Music in 1976. While there hestudied composition with William Malloof, jazz arrangingwith Herb Pomeroy, and trombone with Philip Wilson.

Steve's impact on music education, brass bands, the Salva-tion Army, and instrumental music in general started whenhe was a freelance arranger in New York City. While therehe had the opportunity to work, again as a freelance agent,with the editorial department of Kendor Music and also withCharles Colin Music. During this time he was working withevery sort of instrumental combination from Bop Duets to fullbands. IIe spent two years with the New York Salvation Ar-my Music Department supervising music publications andproducing recordings all the while playing principal trombonewith the New York Staff Band.

His brass band compositions are all published by RosehillMusic, 64 London End, Beaconsfield, Bucks. HP9 ZJD,England and include: "A Festive Prelude," "Blow Away TheMorning Ded'(see a review of this selection elsewhere in thisissue), "Shenandoah" a euphonium solo, and "WiddicombeFair" (A Folksong Fantasy) which won first prize as a testpiece for the British "Rothman's Brass In Concert Champion-ship 1982." Of this last selection, Rosehil l Musicstates, . . . "this brilliant and entertaining arrangement hasestablished Stephen Bulla on the forefront of the youngerschool of composers."

His many eompositions and arrangements for the SalvationArmy Publishing and Supplies (in both New York andEngland) include choral, brass sextet, and brass band music.In fact two of his New York selections won first place in theSalvation Army Centennial Composition Contests; they are"A SoldieCs Proclamation" winning first place in the BandSelection category and "Joyous Celebration" winning firstolace iu the Band March eategorv.

And when you speak of recordings which contain at leastone of his works, the list is quite impressive. For instance,"sounds of Brass" by the James Shepherd Versatile Brass,"Firebird" by the Grimethorp Colliery Band, and "Bravo" allby the New York Staff Band, the "ISB/USA Tour Recording"Ui ttre International Staff Band, plus Albert Avery's."A SongTo Singf' and "A God To Praise" are albums all containing oneor mori of Steve's works. And that list is far from complete.

So, it is with a great deol of pleasure that we put thespotlight on Stephen Bulla. We hope that our readers willslare our pride in this young man and his many contributionsto the brass band world.

A BBA8S BAND WOBtrSHOP, . . . will again be offeredby John Kincaid at the Western State College of Colorado inGunnison. John wrote to tell us about his plans indicating thedates will be June 27 to July 1, 1988. Of special interest is thefact that John is having Bruce Borthwick from New Zealandto help him with this workshop. Bruce is solo cornet in thellamilton Citizens Brass, he also teaches at the Hamilton'sTeacher's College, and is a foremost eonductor and trumpetsoloist in Hamilton. He does a lot of conducting in major productions of opera, musicals, ete. John is looking forward toholding this workshop and invites all interested brassbanders to contact him about additional information. Johnsaddress is in care of the Division of Music and the Arts,Wegtern State College of Colorado, Gunnison, Colorado8t290.

Ifg NEWS TO US DEPARTMENTT . . . Correspondencewith some good folks in England brings us nerps that BrellyImports of 155 North San Vicente Boulevard in Beverly Hills,California 90211 has a supply of British brass band recor'dings. Specifically, they have records available which are produeed by Kestrel Sound Reeordings 4f Surry, England. Youreditor ordered the GUS Band's recording entitled "Essay InBrass" (conducted by Dr. Keith Wilkinsod from that companyand they in turn sent the record and this information. This

This issue is brought tq you by the YAMAHA 14

recording is an attractive reeord with most complete jacketnotes about the music and the composer Edward Gregson.The sound reproduced is an exeellent quality and with all con-temporary music on both sides, this is a fine addition to anyrecord library. There are also three interesting photographsofthe band on the jacket (with conductor and composer) takenduring the recording session. If you want a nice brass bandrecording, . . . "try it, . you'll like itl"

FIRST CALL FOR HELP, . . . is made to all our readers tosend us color slides of brass bands or individual brass playersfor the purpose of developing a tape/slide presentation. Thisexhibition will be used to introduce the idea of British brassbands to various companies and firms, service clubs andfraternal organizations, arts councils and community groupsand others who might be interested in initiating and/or spon-soring a British brass band. This show will then be madeavailable to anyone wishing to borrow it. The only costs in us-ing this demonstration will be the postage and insurance bothways. There will be narration and music to accompany the col-or slides and it is hoped that the entire offering will be able tostimulate additional brass band activity throughout this coun-try and Canada. This call for help goes out to all our readersincluding those in the British Isles, New Zealand andAustralia. We propose to make copies of all transparenciessent to us and return each and every one to the rightful owneras requested. Please help by sending us any appropriate colorslides we might be able to use.

SECOND CALL FOn HELP, . . . is made to our readerswho are changing their mailing addresses. Now,that the nail-ing of this newsletter is being sent by way of a NonprofitOrganization Permit, it means that when the receiver movesand does not guarantee the postage to forward their mail, thisnewletter will not reach them. Also, this mailing permit willnot return mail to us which is not deliverable; we will beunable to correct our mailing list as we will have no way toknow about a change of address. And since we cannot updateof files in the computer, all subsequent newsletters will alsoend up in the "dead-letter bag." Sooooo, please let us have anyaddress changes tnd pleose moke certain to include your zipcode. We want to be of service to all who wish to read thisnewsletter and can only be of help when we have an uptodate mailing address. Many thanks for your understanding inthis requestl

THE BRASS BAND NEWS, . . . printed in England byWright & Round (incidentally, since 1881) reports that theVickers Barrow Works Band featured our own Glenn K. Callas euphonium soloist at a celebrity concert last October. Itwas reported that the audience was held spellbound byGlenn's artistry on the euphonium. We understand that thewhole program was recorded for broadcast at a later date byB.B.C. Radio Cumbria. Glenn was featured performing"Varied Mood," "All Those Endearing Young Charms" and"Jeannie With The Light Brown Haii." We send our apprecia-tion to Editor Denzil Stephens for the pleasure of printingthis news and send a warm salute to our good friend Glenn K.for a job well donet

T N E U N I Y E R S I T Y O F I L L I N O I S B R A S SBAND, . . . presented two concerts this fall under theirconductor James Curnow. The Oetober concert includedLangford's "Chequerboard March," Gregson's "Intrada,"Senaille's "Allegro Spiritoso" featuring Don Lang aseuphonium soloist, Holst's "Suite in F Major," Langford's"Fantasy on British Sea Songs" and coneluded with"Treasures From Tchaikovsky."

Their November concert included "Allegro Deciso" fromHandel's "\ilfater Music Suite," Gregson's'l0oncerto Grosso

USICAL PBODUCTS of Grond Ropids, Michigan

for Brass Quartet and Brass Band,'and featured Steve Ander-son on Cornet, James Cheyne on Horn, Jeff Gaylord on Trom-bone, and Dan Vinson on Euphonium, Dean Goffin's ,,Sym-phony of Thanksgiving," Jim's "An Australian ChristmasSuite" and finished with Calvert's',Introduction, Elegy andCaprice."

. We send our appreciation to the U of I Brass Band for helplng lp keep qr readers informed of this outstanding braisband's activities.

IT Ig A PLEASURE TO, . . . bring to our readers informa-tion regarding new brass band music; and especially so whenthis new music is from the pen of "one of our own." We ex-press our appreciation to Peter Wilson, Editor of. The BritishBand,sman for the opportunity to reprint the following:"Blow Away the Morning Dew"Stephen Bulla(Rosehill Music Publishers, approximately S10.00)Stephen Bulla has become a firm favorite with both brassband. arldienees and performers alike since his first composi-tion (A Festive Prelude), now a firmly established addition tothe repertoire, adorned the libraries of bands this side of theAtlantic.

The latest composition by this talented musieian from theUSA, described as a Folk Song Fantasy, has all the charm andlocal flavor of the original version by Ralph Vaughan Williams(English Folk Song Suite), with its flowing ihythms, im-aginative counterpoint, interesting seoring for all the sec-tions, and no less than seven key changes, also allowingsoloistic opportunities (although slightly limited) to cornet,tenor horn and euphonium (quasi recitative), and to a lesserdegree flugel and Eb bass.

I feel sure that bands will welcome this latest offering forpossible use in their forthcoming concert programs, and itwould, in my opinion, make a pleasant item for inclusion in anentertainment eontest, with its duration of four minutes ideal.

It should make interesting rehearsals, too, as there are anabundance of dynamics, and if all the nuances are to be com-pletely effective, then they will require skillful care from bothconductor and player.

Presentation of the music is first class, the comprehensiveshort score and parts being supplied in a library folder. Whatpartieularly impressed me was that this latest release fromthe Stephen Bulla Collection was printed on high quality A4size paper (no problems for players turning pages), clear forall to read, with the added innovation from Rosehill Music ofoptional bass clef parts for tenor trombones and BBb bass.

This, I feel, is going to be as popular as the three previouscompositions from the pen of Stephen Bulla.

Dennis Wilby

Tf,E WESTON SILVER BAND, . . . of Weston, Ontario inCanada recently was featured on the lVeston Central ConcertSeries. They presented a most demanding and varied concert.Conducted by Douglas Field, they presented "Fanfare" byGregson, "March of the Pacemakers" by Langford, "Dimen-sion-s" by Graham, "Varied Mood" by Woodfield featuringeuphonium soloist Ronald Williams, Bach's "Air from theSuite in D' arranged by Leidzen, Wood's "Three Dale!1gees" arranged by Wood, "Round the Clock" by Osgood,lVilliam Rimmer's arrangement of "Carnival de Venice"featuring eornet soloist Warren Nicholl, all three movementgof Arnold's "Little Suite For Brass," Robert Eaves' "Introduction and Burlesque" featuring bass trolnbone soloist Erie Sim-mons, and Gordon Langford's ever'.popular "Fantasy onBritish Sea Songs."

Dougfs letter also brought news about their eontinuing

busy schedule. IVith commitments into next August, they 8reperforning over 35 concerts each year and must decline manyinvitatione. to perform. An interesting turn-of-eventsreported including some information regarding the formationof the Toronto Versatile Brass, a quintet which expands up toa tentet of four trumpets, one horn, four trombones and onetuba. According to Doug's letter, this group has quite a soutrdand is capable of playing very interesting music, s completelydifferent kind of musicsl experience.

WATCf,ING TEE DEVELOPMENT, . . . of the Wenrtchee British Brass Band is inspiring in itself. Patience,gentleness, openness, endurance, and unselfishness rrequalities to describe the depth of committment among theboard of directors to communicate. Tremendous gacrifice hastaken place by our conductor, Glenn Kelly, our band manager,Joe Williams, and their wives, Miriam Kelly and ShariWilliams. (Glenn and Joe have not received payment for theirservices - quite a tribute to commitment). The 1988 and 1984budget, completed December 4, 1982 has consumed much ofthe time in the last twelve weeks.

November 21, lg82 sited our first performance. Perhapsthat is not startling to you. Well, have you played a perfor-mance without instruments? It started like this: DorisFrederick, the librarian, passed out the music to each respec*tive player seated in his proper position. Recorded musicplayed and all listened intently, sight-reading their parts.Then one player began fingering his part on his invisible in-strument, toe tapping joined in, . . . the conductor aesumedhis role . . . , a few voices started humming their parts untilcollectively all were singing their part. As the music cdme to aclimactic end a large burst of enthusiasm occurred, solidifyingwithout a doubt that IVBBB is a BAND.

lVe've acquired a National Board of Advisors including thefollowing:

Perry Watson -North Carolina State Universi-ty

John Kincaid -Western State College of Col-

Paul Curnow -ffil"t Mountain Brass lforksArvada, Colorado

Dick Tolley -Texas Tech. UniversityLubbock

Bob Bernat -Biver City Brass BandPittsburg, Pennsylvania

Alan Knapton -Boosey and Hawkes Instru-ment CompanyMelville, New York

Dick Trevarthen -Smoky Mountain British BrassBand

JimMathew, -il#ffiTlle'NorthcarolinalVenatchee

We feel privileged and honored to have their assistance.I frequently am found awestruck of heart as I observe firtt

hand the organization and smooth flowing dynamics of theWBBB. Allow me to carry further this "dynamics" ofdynamite that have carefully been placed throughout ourarea, then bringing them together under one roof, pictunerthis band. January 9, 1983, that will happen, and not only that,but it is the "Day of our lighting ceremony." The match will belit to ignite them. The match? . . . New Boosey and Hawkesinstruments all around. They will be playing three numbers ofwhich they have already practiced on their own instrumentg.In addition, presentations and comments will be given byvarious people who have an interest in the Brass Bandingtradition and those who have played a large part in helpingus. Wish you eould be here. Till later.

Respectfully submitted,PamTlout

Public Rebtbns Clnintwn

TNE NEW YOBr SALVATION ABMY STAFFBAND, . . . has advised us that there are several recor-dinge available. This very fine band has records and cassettesfor sale which may be ordered from: The New York StaffBand, 120 lVest 14th Street, New York, New York 10011.Thelist of titles is both impressive and invitingl "Digital Brass"8nd "New York Staff Band - European Tour 1968" are ondisc only while "Centennial Festival of MusiC' is on eassettealone. "Bravo" featuring the outstanding Philip Smith as cor-net soloist, "Ambassadorg" celebrating their 1962 world tour,"A Song to Sing," and "Sounds Of Our Heritage" are availableon either disc or cassette. Prices range from $6.00 to S8.00 andshipping costs sre 760 per record or cassette, $1.26 if FirstClass Mail is desired. Overseas the postage is $2.00 per recordor cslsette for surface mail and $8.00 per record or cassettefor air mail. In the U.S. or Canada they can ship 6 records orcaEsettes in quantity for $1.50. If you are not privileged toown one or two of these recordings, now is your chance! Theinformation sent indicated that they will be unable to acceptcharges. Check or money order should be msde payable to theSalvation Army and must accompany all orders.

WE ALSO, . . . appreciate the opportunity to use thefollowing record review recently printed inThe British Band'smara Once again, we thank editor Peter Wilson for thisprivilege.'iThe European Brass Band Championships 1981"(Polyphonic |PRLO 18 - approximately $9.00)Side One1. Caliban (Butterworth) 2. Fantasy for Brass Band (Arnold 8.Journey Into Freedom (BalD.Side Two1. Triumphant Rhapsody (Vinter) 2. Connotstions (Gregsod.The art of live brasg band recording has come a long way inrecent years. Even with the large amount of music on thesetwo sides - five major works - the recorded dynanic rangeis quite wide and natural to the ear. Congratulations to recor-ding engineer Michael Mrror for his skiU in bringing these ex'citing live performances to the home listening environment.

Brighouse & Rastrick disappoints no one with its in'telligent performsnce of Butterworth's angular Caliban andArnold's Fantasy For Brass Band. This band earned the European Championship title. Side one is completed with l{hit-burn Burgh's aggressive reading of Eric Ball's Journey IntoFreedom (placing fourtil. Ifhat splendid melodic mugic thisis. And not without eonsiderable technical demand.

Side two opens with Manger Musikklag playing Gregson'sConnotations, contrary to the information on record sleeveand label; reversed with Triumphant Rhapsody following toend the side. Manger Musikklag (of Norway) captured secondprize with Micheel Antrobus at the helm here; despite someloose ends at the gtart, and perhaps a hint of fatigue towardsthe close. De Staldsang moved up from last year's fourthplace to claim third prize this time with a vibrant interpLe-t1'lion of Vinter's study in seeonds, Triumphant Rhapsody. Thisis Gilbert Vinter in fine form, the music as fresh today aswhen it wag written.

Ag one might expect, Iive test pieces in a row makes forheavy listening. However this dise is a tribute to the first rateband! that are being groomed throughout Europe (when willAmerica catch on?t). The performanc€ll are all worthy of theawards they received, and are faithfully reproduced on thisreeording.

StephenBub

COLLIEBS MU8IC EOU8E, . . . run by the amiable ErnieOrmrod writes to inform our readers that his company iltgllvorepared to supply brass band musip needs to one and all' Hisinf&mation iniicates that "if it's brass band musie you want,try us for service." Ernie says that he can-supply music fromany brass band publisher and invites all brass bands in theU.3. and Canadi to write for his 16&page catalog. Several

brass bands over here have tried Ernie's service and havefound it most efficient. Ernie has devoted his entire life to theNew Zealand brass band movement and has been associatedwith all levels and all different assignments of brass banding.Most recently he was in charge of the National Brass Band ofNew Zealand tour of the U.S. So, he knows, from a wide variety of experience, just what the brass band is all about. We arecertain that Ernie will be delighted to help anyone seeking ad-vice. You are invited to write: Colliers Music House, P.O. Box44, New Plymouth, New Zealand (no zipcode).

NEW BBASS BAND MUSIC, . . . is being offered in thiscountry by Studio P/&Columbia Publications. All of theseselections are for the standard British brass band instrumen-tation (except there is no Repiano Cornet part) and INCLUDEBASS CLEF and treble clef parts for baritones, trombones,euphonium, and tubas. Prices include a conductor's score.Melody percussion (bells, chimes, xylophone) are optional onall pieces. ?he printing is quite clear and the format very nicel

The selections offered thus fur are:Procession of the Nobles, (arr) Curnow - DifficultRhapsody For Euphonium & Band, Curuow - MediumNicaea, Himes - Medium EasyBolero For Brass, Himes - Medium DifficultRagtime For Horns, Curnow - MediumInvictus (marcD, Himes - Medium EasyChristmas Triptych, Curnow - Med.-Med. Easy

These selections sell for $20.00 each plus postage and tax.This music may be ordered from Studio P/R - ColumbiaPublications, 16883 N.W. 54th Avenue in Hialeah, Florida38014.

. . . well first I quit bruss banding and then one dcrn thingl e d n a n o t h e r . . .

UNTIL NEXT TIME, . . . that's fine fiar now. Let's hearfrom youl

J. Perry WatsonP.O. Box 5987University StationRaleigh, N.C. 27660