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And The Bands Played On - Programme Notes
"And the Bands played on..." is a celebration of 30 years of the Manx National Youth Band and 5 years of its
associated band, Manx Concert Brass. We hope that we have included music to suit all tastes to reflect the
many, varied styles that both bands are capable of producing.
We commence with "Manx Youth", the signature march of the Manx Youth Band written in 1984 by the Band's Musical
Advisor, Derek Broadbent. Derek has skillfully incorprated a much loved Manx Hymn tune "Harvest of the Sea" in
the Trio and closing sections. The Youth Band then continue with Philip Sparke's impressive opener "Concert
Prelude".
Concert Brass take the stand for the next three items commencing with Kevin Bolton's fine arrangement for
Flugal Horn of the "Adagio from the Concierto d'Arunjuez" by the Spanish Composer Roderigo. An adaptation of
this was featured in the internationally successful movie "Brassed off". Our soloist is Lynsey Maddocks who
coincidentally is the current "Miss Isle of Man". A rare combination of talent and beauty!
The box office smash hit "Star Wars" is celebrated next with a stunning arrangement of John Williams' music by
Steven Sykes and this is followed by Concert Brass's Solo Euphonium, Steven Dugale and Denzil Stephens'
treatment of the ever loved "Catari, Catari". Steven was formerly the Principal Euphonium of the Youth Band
and this item featured often in his solo repertoire.
The bands combine next for one of the hits from the musical show "Les Miserables". "I dreamed a dream" is given
deserved treatment by it's arranger Darrol Barry and the combined bands. Following this Concert Brass return
to Eddie Huckridge's selection of Alexander Borodin's "Polovotsienne Dances" from the opera Prince Igor. This
is a popular item in the Band's repertoire often used as a finale.
Stephen Maddocks is a Constable in the Isle of Man Police and is also a former holder on the prestigious title "Young Musician of Mann". This explains his "arresting" performance of the Hoagey Charmichael classic "Stardust". This arrangement by Bill Geldard was originally for the great Don Lusher. Following a band karaoke social evening in which Stephen was joined by Steven Dugdale in an interesting vocal rendition, Derek Broadbent promised to arrange "To All the Girls I've Loved Before" for trombone and euphonium duet if they promised not to sing it again! Derek has kept to his side of the bargain with this delicate treatment of this classic song accompanied by the two bands. So far our two soloists have kept to their side of the bargain.
Derek keeps the baton for Concert Brass's final item George Allen's contest march "Knight Templar"
17 year old Kathryn Power is Solo Horn for the Manx Youth Band and a Senior Dancer and Elementary Student with
the Christine Wild Theatre School. She is also the current Isle of Man brass solo champion in the 16 to 19
year age group and was runner-up in the 1999 Young Musician of Mann competition. Kathryn and the band combine
to give a delicate rendition of the traditional air "The Lark in the Clear Air" arranged by Gordon Langford.
At the height of the Beatle's success in the early 1960's steam power on the railways was predominant. Alan
Fernie brings the flavour of those days with his clever treatment of the Lennon and McCartney hit "Ticket to
Ride".
Two more of the Youth Band's talented young ladies now take the solo spot. Karen Mahood, the band's soprano
cornet soloist is a 16 year old "A" level student at St. Ninian's High School and 13 year old Suzanna Power is
a pupil at Ballakermeen High High School and holds the solo Flugal Horn chair. They combine in this duet
treatment of Andrew-Lloyd Webber's "Pie Jesu" from his Requiem.
The arranging skills of Gordon Langford now combine with Derek Broadbent's conducting and interpretative skills
to produce a gorgeous rendition of the favoured Irish tune "The Londonderry Air".
The Youth Band end their contribution with another Alan Fernie transcription. George Gershwin's music lives on
and no music is complete without the sentiments expressed in "I Got Rhythm".
To conclude we present a piece that has a special place in the 30 years history of the Manx Youth Band. Over
the years the Youth Band has shared the concert platform with many different and talented groups. The 1979
Millennium of the Island's Parliament, Tynwald, afforded the Band the opportunity to play for Her Majesty the
Queen at a Garden Party. the music was shared between the Band and the Regimental Band of the Scots Guards.
Following on from this both bands played a joint concert every year for 4 years. On each of these programmes
Trevor Sharpe's stirring "Fanfare and Soliloquy" was a much requested item. After 30 years of producing
quality music with young people and 5 years of allowing the opportunity for continuing with developing,
committed, talented adults it seems fitting for the combined bands to conclude with this piece which has played
a significant part in the progressive musical development of the organisation.
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