“Our recent contest success shows younger players what can be achieved”
L-R: Toby Leng, Jonathan Evison (Chairman), Chris Dunn (Section Leader and Treasurer) and David Roberts, who presented them with the best bass section shield(Image: Supplied)
An East Riding brass band is celebrating after winning multiple awards at the North of England Area Brass Band Championships. The East Riding of Yorkshire Band, based in Hessle, came second place overall.
The competition, held in Durham on 22 March, saw them compete against bands from Cleveland, Cumbria, Durham, and North Lincolnshire. They performed Three Haworth Impressions, written by composer Gordon Langford.
Conducted by Musical Director Richard Grantham, their performance impressed judges and earned them second place. The band also won Best Bass Section and Best Solo Cornet.
On the back of this win, the band will represent the region at the National Brass Band Championships, taking place at the Barbican in York over the weekend of 19-20 September.
Chris Dunn, Treasurer of the East Riding of Yorkshire Band, said: “When we go to York, there will be around 20 bands in our section drawn from across the United Kingdom.”
“There are four sections competing over the weekend, and we’re proud to be representing the East Riding of Yorkshire on the national stage.”
If anyone wants to get involved, the band will be hosting a free ‘Brass Blast Day’ on Saturday, 18 April, at the Hexagon Centre in Beverley. The event will include daytime instrumental workshops, followed by an afternoon performance from the band.
Chris added: “This partnership creates fantastic opportunities for young musicians to get involved in brass banding. Our recent contest success shows younger players what can be achieved and helps inspire the next generation.”
Band Chairman Jonathan Evison praised the dedication and commitment of the players. He said: “It’s a great result and testament to the hard work put in over the last few months.
“As a result, we have been promoted to the Second Section as Third Section champions, having been the most consistent band over three years of competition in Durham. We’re looking forward to competing at a higher level next year.”
Highlighting the band’s commitment to tradition, he added: “Competing bands used to receive individual medals, and we still uphold this tradition. I’m looking forward to presenting our players with multiple medals following this result.”
Fresh from their success, the band returns to rehearsals this week at Hessle Memorial Hall to prepare for their upcoming concert season. Musical Director Richard Grantham said he aims to “continue to create high‐quality music that sits at the heart of our local community”.
Further information about the East Riding of Yorkshire Band, including upcoming events and opportunities to get involved, can be found at eryb.co.uk or on social media at @EastRidingBand.
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