A brief history of North Lakes Brass
2021
Formed in 2021 as the national pandemic was slowly declining, the new North Lakes Brass band was formed to meet the needs of experienced Cumbrian musicians who wish to enjoy the challenges of contests.
2022
After playing in the Blackburn and Darwen March and Hymn competition, the band prepared for the North of England Brass Band Championships held on the 19 March at the Gala Theatre, Durham. After being placed a magnificent 2nd in the bands first full competition, the band qualified to compete in the National Brass Band Championship of Great Britain.
Four Bars Rest Reported,
"Fourth Section: ... it was encouraging to see two new names appear in the programme listing. One was a returning band after 12 years away from contesting the arena, whilst the other was formed following the demise of the previously successful J36 Brass. And it was those returnees that ended the day looking forward to a long trip to Cheltenham in September after Flookburgh and North Lakes Brass secured the all-important qualification places.
Quality: Just behind Flookburgh came North Lakes Brass, based in Keswick. With just 20 players including percussion, what they lacked in number they made up in quality as Ian Wildgoose led a compact rendition that utilised his resources with care and appreciation.
Nick Garman and Mark Wilkinson certainly enjoyed their short period of time in the box with each band delivering performances of note that captured both the lyrical and pop-beat nature of the music to a tee, with super contributions from every percussion team."
Formed in 2021 as the national pandemic was slowly declining, the new North Lakes Brass band was formed to meet the needs of experienced Cumbrian musicians who wish to enjoy the challenges of contests.
2022
After playing in the Blackburn and Darwen March and Hymn competition, the band prepared for the North of England Brass Band Championships held on the 19 March at the Gala Theatre, Durham. After being placed a magnificent 2nd in the bands first full competition, the band qualified to compete in the National Brass Band Championship of Great Britain.
Four Bars Rest Reported,
"Fourth Section: ... it was encouraging to see two new names appear in the programme listing. One was a returning band after 12 years away from contesting the arena, whilst the other was formed following the demise of the previously successful J36 Brass. And it was those returnees that ended the day looking forward to a long trip to Cheltenham in September after Flookburgh and North Lakes Brass secured the all-important qualification places.
Quality: Just behind Flookburgh came North Lakes Brass, based in Keswick. With just 20 players including percussion, what they lacked in number they made up in quality as Ian Wildgoose led a compact rendition that utilised his resources with care and appreciation.
Nick Garman and Mark Wilkinson certainly enjoyed their short period of time in the box with each band delivering performances of note that captured both the lyrical and pop-beat nature of the music to a tee, with super contributions from every percussion team."
With qualification to the national championship finals achieved at the first attempt, the band then turned its attention to the Kirkby Lonsdale Entertainment Contest where we enjoyed a great day out and a welcome third place.
Next up for the band was to find a suitable rehearsal room where they could store percussion, music and all the paraphernalia that goes with a band! In Keswick, this is not an easy task but we were delighted to be offered the function room above the Derwent Club. To help fund the band to go to the national finals, the Keswick Lions donated £500 to our cause.
The National Finals in Cheltenham September 2022 were not that kind to us but we did have a great weekend... so we'll just have to have another go next year!
5 November 2022
HAWICK Entertainment Contest. Fourteen Bands (x7 fourth section, x3 third section, x4 second section). We played Prismatic Light, Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair (solo: Andy Cannon on euphonium), Ticket to Ride and Amperita Roca. We came joint 5th and won the Best Fourth Section trophy. So a really good day out which we hope to repeat next year when the Borders competition moves to Selkirk. |
12th November 2022
The band were delighted to welcome Gareth Sykes as our new Musical Director.
The band were delighted to welcome Gareth Sykes as our new Musical Director.
23rd November 2022
We were delighted to welcome Paul Woodward former Black Dyke solo trombone and professional virtuoso musician, to conduct our band for the evening.
Paul focused on hymns and slow melody pieces developing the band's sound, intonation, togetherness and breathing. We won't forget his special toy in a hurry!
Thanks Paul and hope to see you again soon.
We were delighted to welcome Paul Woodward former Black Dyke solo trombone and professional virtuoso musician, to conduct our band for the evening.
Paul focused on hymns and slow melody pieces developing the band's sound, intonation, togetherness and breathing. We won't forget his special toy in a hurry!
Thanks Paul and hope to see you again soon.
2023
After a busy Christmas, the band got down to business with Col and new conductor Gareth Sykes taking us through the rather challenging (for a fourth section test piece), "Hungerford Town."
11 March 2023 - North of England CHAMPIONS! See Photos below...
11 March 2023 - North of England CHAMPIONS! See Photos below...
10th March 2023
John is interviewed for BBC Radio Cumbia! (see 'Media page for link to listen!)
John is interviewed for BBC Radio Cumbia! (see 'Media page for link to listen!)
25th March 2023 - South Cumbria Music Festival, Ulverston.
First Prize(s) and best soloist for Victoria (solo Horn)!
First Prize(s) and best soloist for Victoria (solo Horn)!
3rd April - we were featured on TV (Border News)
21st April 2023 - (First) Concert at Threlkeld
2nd May 2023 - Whit Friday ...8 venues, No prizes but good fun...we all can't wait for next year.
14th June we were joined by Phillip McCann who in on the front row for a fun rehearsal!
18th June 2023 - Kirkby Lonsdale Entertainment Contest. Despite the band improving significantly and playing well, we were not in the top three; to our surprise and disappointment, but principal cornet Jon picked up the prize for best soloist!
24th June 2023 - Wigton Carnival and we begin rehearsals for the Nationals (A Saddleworth Festival Overture).
15th September 2023 - we were delighted to be placed 5th at the national Championships out of 20 top bands.
2nd December - our first Christmas Concert as a band, St John's Church.
21st April 2023 - (First) Concert at Threlkeld
2nd May 2023 - Whit Friday ...8 venues, No prizes but good fun...we all can't wait for next year.
14th June we were joined by Phillip McCann who in on the front row for a fun rehearsal!
18th June 2023 - Kirkby Lonsdale Entertainment Contest. Despite the band improving significantly and playing well, we were not in the top three; to our surprise and disappointment, but principal cornet Jon picked up the prize for best soloist!
24th June 2023 - Wigton Carnival and we begin rehearsals for the Nationals (A Saddleworth Festival Overture).
15th September 2023 - we were delighted to be placed 5th at the national Championships out of 20 top bands.
2nd December - our first Christmas Concert as a band, St John's Church.
2024
16th March 2024 - The regional championship at Durham was our first experience in the third section. We played very well and thought we deserved a higher position that 4th, but that's band competitions.