Dronfield Genquip Band
News
Post Covid Update
What a difference a few months can make!
With hard work and determination, Dronfield Band are back on track busy rehearsing for our
Christmas Concert Season and the Yorkshire Area Championships in March 2022.
Having returned, post Covid, much depleted in numbers and facing uncertainty, the band pulled together, reshuffled, recruited new players and in so doing, successfully filled majority of the empty seats within the contesting band. Now, only needing to recruit a 2nd Trombone and a companion for our talented percussionist, we are thrilled to have accomplished much more than we'd hoped for and find ourselves in a far better position than we realistically thought possible when we returned to the band room in May.
And so now we move forward under the baton of our recently appointed Musical Director, Adrian Wood approaching the Christmas Season with a full compliment of players and much excitement,
knowing that our first concert, for almost two years, is only a few weeks away.
We would love you to come along and join with us to celebrate Christmas 2021 at any of our public events, details of which can be found on our regularly updated Events Page.
New Musical Director
Dronfield Genquip Band have appointed their
long-term chairman and Principal Cornet,
Adrian Wood, as their permanent Musical Director.
Incoming Chairman Glyn Evans comments,
"Adrian has been leading the band since we
returned to the band room at the end of May.
Not wishing to lose Adrian as an absolutely first class Principal Cornet and Band Chairman, the committee did consider alternatives but after significant discussion, concluded that we had exactly the right man already in position. We are absolutely delighted that Adrian has accepted the role;
the band looks forward to continuing to develop under Adrian's leadership, anticipating a good Christmas programme and working hard on the Second Section Area Test Piece"
DGB Delegates at
Bolsover International
Brass Band Summer School
On Sunday 25th July, DGB players Diane Allison (Baritone), Hilary Mateer (EEb Bass) and Joanne Wood (Cornet), along with 48 other delegates from around the globe, gathered together to begin a week of music making at the Bolsover International Brass Band Summer School.
Extensive preparations and safety standards were adhered to in order for the event to go ahead and because of this, the delegates were able to enjoy every aspect of the week long program, knowing that every effort had been made to ensure their safety. The repertoire varied in style and difficulty and the delegates even had the opportunity to exercise their vocal chords during a much enjoyed rendition of The Wellerman.
On Wednesday at Newstead Abbey, the clouds parted and the rain stopped, as if conducted by the Course Director Steven Mead, just in time for the midweek outdoor concert to begin and the final concert on Friday evening was well attended as the delegates showcased the results of their hard work during the week. Each delegate left the course having learnt much about their playing, instruction on how to improve and develop their skills but most importantly with new friendships which will last a lifetime.
Back in the Bandroom
Dronfield Genquip Band and Dronfield & Lowedges Community Band are pleased to announce that we are 'Back in the Bandroom'.
After many discussions, careful planning and with a strict Risk Assessment in place, we have resumed rehearsals and are happily making music once again. Now that the initial cobwebs have been blown away, both bands are producing a good sound, rehearsing a wide genre of music and hope to be available in the near future should you wish to make a booking.
Yorkshire Regional Championships
Members of the band gathered at Huddersfield Salvation Army Hall on contest day for a warm up session whilst waiting for the draw which would determine the order of play for the nine competing bands in the Second Section.
Dronfield Genquip Band had a number three draw, giving time to make a leisurely transfer from the rehearsal room to the splendour of Hudderfield Town Hall, where after months of rehearsal, the band took to the stage to present the third rendition of the day of Kit Turnbull's The Golden Sabre.
Comments from the adjudicators, David Hirst and Sarah Groake-Booth, gave a detailed analysis of the performance, outlining areas where marks were perhaps lost but generally summing up that the performance was one that grew in confidence, had some good sounds and was well directed by the MD (Damian Wileman).
Players and supporters of DGB were very pleased to be placed fourth, cementing the band's place in the second section and giving a platform to build on for the remainder of the contesting season.
Heading 2
Area Test Piece Preview Evening
With less than a week remaining until the Yorkshire Regional Championships, the band represented the Second Section at the Test Piece Preview Evening at Niagra Conference and Leisure Centre, Sheffield. The evening, hosted by Unite the Union Brass Band, allowed five different bands, one from each section in the Yorkshire Region, the opportunity to showcase the Test Pieces selected for each section. Mark Wilkinson, Principal Cornet (Foden's Band)
was also invited to adjudicate, giving feed back and advice to each band.
With a week of rehearsals still to go, the band will be taking on board the comments given and under the guidance of MD Damian Wileman, will work hard to polish off the performance, which already has "Much to Admire".
The second section is scheduled to take place on Saturday 7th March
Test Piece - The Golden Sabre (Kit Turnbull)
Dronfield Station 150th Anniversary
The people of Dronfield celebrated the 150th anniversary of the opening of Dronfield Station on Sunday 2nd February and Dronfield Genquip band were invited to join in the celebrations. The band was excited to return to the station, having been present at previous celebrations in 2008. During the 45 minute session, the band played marches and well known tunes including, Punchinello, Under the Sea, Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You and Skimbleshanks, The Railway Cat! The music was well received and the organisers, Friends of Dronfield Station said
"The band were brilliant and made the occasion!"
Christmas with Dronfield Genquip Band
Having started the Christmas Season providing music for carol singing at The Dronfield Christmas Light Switch On at the end of November, Dronfield Genquip Band entered into a busy festive period during December.
The band were well received at The Contact Club, Dronfield and Christmas Concerts at St Mary's Church, Unstone and St Giles Church, Killamarsh, were enjoyed by sell out audiences. Two mini concerts at Hallowes Golf Club and Dore Masonic Lodge provided festive entertainment at their Christmas celebrations and the band, together with Dronfield and Lowedges Community Band completed a full day playing carols at IKEA, Sheffield.
Band members could finally relax following the final engagement, returning to St Giiles Church to accompany carols at the annual Community Carol Service.
The Band are now back in the band room rehearsing for the new season of concerts and contests which are quickly being added to the 2020 calendar.
St Giles Christmas Concert
Dronfield Genquip Band
Christmas Tree
St John the Baptist Church Christmas Tree Festival
Dronfield 10K
Members of the Dronfield Genquip band have been pushing themselves not only musically but physically as they prepare to take part in the gruelling ‘Dronfield 10k run’ on Sunday 7th April.
Musical Director Damian Wileman will be joined by band members Cathy, Gemma, Maria and Rosie, all of whom are looking to make it to the finish line in one piece but more importantly, raise some money for the band's chosen charity for 2019, Macmillan Cancer support.
"It’s been tough getting back into the habit of running, particularly with a busy Christmas schedule and preparing for the Butlins and Yorkshire Regional contests which have taken up a lot of our time. However, it promises to be a great day out and no matter how fast or slow we end up being, we will be delighted to have been able to raise some money for a charity that is close to all of our hearts”
The 10k run kick starts the first of a number of fundraising events that will take place this year.
To sponsor the band and find out more about what Macmillan cancer support do, follow the link:
