2005 had been such a successful year for the band that 2006 had alot to live up to! Saying this, 2006 year has shown some great times and bought some events that will stay in the memory of our players and supporters for many years to come.
The Contesting Scene...
Contesting is very important part of our schedule, as indeed it is for many bands. 2006 has seen the band compete successfully on both the Regional and National level. A strong start to the year saw the band take 1st prize at Brass in the Guild (Preston). At this contest the band competed in the 2nd section and performed 'Prisms' by Peter Graham. Alongside this being a fantastic piece of music this was a memorable moment for the band. To me, it marked a new level in the standard of performance for Flixton Band. The contest scene proceeded as we qualified for the National Finals at the Regional Championships in March. In September the band travelled to Harrogate to represent the North West and what an experience it was! Described by 4bars as a performance "to win by 4 points" it really was something special. The adjudicators placed the band in 5th Place - that is contesting - but what a proud day for Flixton Band! The response from banding world was overwhelming and it was certainly an experience of a lifetime.
Contesting isn't everything...
The band's concert calendar was, once again, a great success. 2 events spring to mind to myself. Firstly Scarborough in August. This is always a good event. Put the band on a bus, play a concert and then 4 hours socialising after is always going to be fun time! Secondly the Beer and Brass night at Littleborough in November. This was the first of the Christmas Concerts. The audience were really enjoying themselves (the combination of beer and brass cannot be bad) and it set the mood for the holiday season.
New Players and some Sad Losses...
2006 saw some welcome additions to the band in our cornet section with Yvonne Boyle , Craig Savage and Adrian Robinson joining the ranks and Chris Gallon completed the bass section. 2006 did see the sad loss of 2 stalwart players. Simon Morgan (Soprano) moved Pemberton Old Wigan Band and Tom Hylgaard took a step back from playing in order to concentrate on his professional trumpet career.
The Banding Family...
Once again our banding family seems to be expanding. July saw the birth of baby Roisin, the daughter of horn player Andy Vail and his wife Audrey. In addition Soprano Cornet Player Adrian and Repiano Cornet player Rachel tied the knot with a winter wedding in December.
So there passes 2006 in a real flash (I must be getting old). The band is still flying high with contest successes, great concerts, babies and weddings...let 2007 soar forward. We may even be able to climb further...only time will tell...
