News

Here you can find the latest news from Unite the Union Brass Band.

New Year, New Faces

Unite the Union band are extremely pleased to confirm two excellent additions to our cornet section for 2024.

Christopher Oddy takes the second man down seat and Jessica McInnes has completed the cornet section on 2nd cornet.

Chris has recently moved to Sheffield to commence his Civil Engineering Degree at Sheffield University and was keen to continue his music alongside his studies. He joined the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain in 2017, finishing in 2019 as Assistant Principal Cornet, and was awarded the Outstanding Student Award. Chris continued on to the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain as a front row cornet player for all 9 courses, 2019-2023. He has most recently played principal cornet for the Brass Band of Central England prior to moving to Sheffield.

Chris said "I'm really pleased to sign for the Unite the Union Band and I look forward to working with Jonathan and the band going forward as we begin preparations for the Yorkshire Regional Championships. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Brass Band of Central England for being so supportive and accommodating to me during my time with them."

Jess' love of the cornet began when she was 10 years old and growing up in Suffolk, joining Castleton Brass on the front row at the age of 12. At 15 years old she won the East Anglian brass solo melody championship under 18’s. Jess also held the principal Trumpet position for Suffolk Youth Orchestra. More recently, Jess moved up north to study Music Performance at The University of Huddersfield.

Jess said "I’m delighted and grateful to join Unite and want to thank them for this opportunity! I'm really looking forward to my future with Unite!"

Musical Director, Jonathan Beatty reflected on the recent signings "We have a wealth of experience and youth across all sections of the band, and both Chris and Jess bring something special to the cornet section".

The Band are looking forward to a brilliant 2024, with many engagements and contest appearances planned, starting with the NEMBBA contest on 18th February, closely followed by the Yorkshire Regional Championships early March.

A very warm welcome to both Chris and Jess from all at Unite the Union Band.

Annual Awards Dinner 2023

The band finished off 2023 with our Annual Awards dinner . Another great night was enjoyed by all (images to follow), thank you to all those who helped organise and congratulations to all our winners!

Player's Player Award - receiving the 'Trevor Goodison Memorial Trophy' presented by Christine Goodison in memory of Trevor - Melissa Maddison
Conductors Player of the Year: Elizabeth Chung
Bandsperson of the Year: James Eberlin
Soloist of the Year: John Lee
Section of the Year: Trombones - Chris Chung, Len Hodgkiss and Amber Lewis-Roberts

Best 'Fixer Upper': Dave leak
Man with the Moves: Max Owen
Star Baker: Amber Lewis-Roberts
Queen of the Cymbals: Vicky Norman
Drunkest Man in Blackpool: Chris Chung

The Commemoration of Markham Vale Colliery

In February 2023, the band had the pleasure of welcoming Ken Wain to our bandroom. Ken kindly asked the band to perform and record his own composition of the March 'Markham Vale'. Ken composed this March in order to commerorate the Colliery in Markham Vale Village and this composition was arranged by a friend of the band, Matt Doubleday. This wonderful march was composed as a reminder of the 106 men who sadly lost their lives in 3 major disasters in 1937, 1938 and 1973. Ken is keen to ensure the stories of these miners and their families are never forgotten.

We are very excited to announce that this March and accompanying video have just been released and can be viewed by clicking the image below:

For further information about the work being undertaken in the village to ensure the Legacy of the colliery lives on, please follow the link below.

https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/news-events/news-updates/news/mining-memorial-at-markham-vale-reaches-completion.aspx

ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER 2022

A fabulous night was had by all at our annual awards dinner - with thanks to everyone who helped organise the event, and to John Davis for photographing the night.

A Very special Long service award was also presented to our Second Horn Player Trevor Goodison for his many years of service. Trevor joined the band in 1978 and has given continuous service to the band since this time. Trevor has also been a committee member since joining the band, taking on the role of treasurer with the band in 1980.

MORE NEW SIGNINGS

Unite the Union Band are very excited to announce three new signings!

Matthew Cotterhill joins the band on BBb bass, after being a friend of the band for some time. Matthew is primarily a sousaphone player and is a member of Back Chat Brass. He is also a Denis Wick Artist and completes our super bass section.

David Lindley has rejoined the band on 2nd cornet and brings a wealth of expertise and experience. David is no stranger to the band and we are delighted that he has returned.

Finally, Alex Aver Howdle joins the band on percussion. Alex is a music student at the University of Huddersfield. He joins the section alongside Hamish Wilkinson and the pair are shaping up to be an excellent team!

Speaking about the new arrivals, Jonathan Beatty, MD said "The high calibre of new signings shows the wonderful way the band is progressing and regenerating after Covid. I look forward to working with all three players as we start rehearsing for our winter engagements”

QUARTET OF NEW SIGNINGS

We are absolutely delighted to announce a quartet of fabulous new signings to strengthen the band as we build on continuing our solid championship section status into the future.

Firstly, Hamish Wilkinson joins on percussion from Yorkshire Imps, having enjoyed rehearsing with the band and guesting as a player on a number of engagements.

Secondly, Max Owen strengthens our strong bass section as he joins on on Eb Bass after a number of years supporting and deputising for the band. Max most recently played with Sheffield University band after moving to the city for his studies.

Thirdly, Chris Chung joins the signings on Solo Trombone. Chris has recently completed his studies at Durham University and has now returned to his home city of Sheffield. Most recently Chris played with Carlton Main before he began his studies and brings a wealth of experience to the trombone section. We are delighted that he has chosen to join Unite.

Finally, our trombone section is completed with the joining of Len Hodgkiss who takes up the 2nd trombone seat. Len moves from Strata Brass and we are delighted to welcome him into the bandroom on a permanent basis to complete our wonderful trombone section.

Chairperson, Melissa Maddison commented: ‘These are four fantastic signings as we continue to build on our upward momentum and further strengthen our Championship section status in Yorkshire.’

Jonathan Beatty, Musical Director, added "I’m delighted with these new top drawer signings. Unite are working extremely hard and this new blood is helping a band already on the up. There is a great buzz in the band room and the new players are quickly becoming part of the team".

The quartet are looking forward to their first official engagement with the band on Friday 2nd September, 'A question of Stage and Screen'. An interactive brass band concert and quiz. For more information, please see our Facebook page or unitetheunionbrassband.org.uk

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