The Richmond Brass Band braved the elements to attend a highlight in any bands calendar – Whit Friday! The event occurs annually and involves marching through a village, then playing a static march for an adjudicator. After that everyone piles into a coach and moves on to the next village to see how many the band can play at over an afternoon and into the evening. Often the weather is challenging but the crowds turn out in-force and everyone has a brilliant time!
This year at Whit Friday the band were very pleased to bag 1st place (4th section) in Denshaw, 2nd place (4th section) in the much coveted Delph contest and 3rd place (still 4th section) at Friezland.
Below is a pictorial overview of how we got on this year!
Practice makes perfect
Mark Wilkinson from Fodens Band takes the cornets for a sectional at the hotel.
Sing, tuba's, sing
Will Evans from Brighouse & Rastrick band works with the bass section.
Trombone, baritone and euphonium sectional
The trombones, euphoniums and baritones rehearse under the watchful eye of Richmond Brass Band's principal euphonium player, Rob Fox.
One for the road
Mark Wilkinson conducts a rehearsal with fellow Fodens band-mate and tenor horn tutor, Jonny Bates tooting along.
And they're off!
Getting excited as the band hits the road.
Ready to play
Richmond Brass Band recreate a picture from last year, though much less soggy, under an arch in Denshaw.
76 (3) trombones
The trombone section playing during the first-place performance at Denshaw.
Left, right, left, right
Richmond Brass Band marching through the iconic village of Delph.
Quiet please
Performing for an attentive audience, Delph is one of the most popular contests. A great achievement to be awarded second place in the 4th section.
Winning!
Lisa is playing to WIN! #winning
Looking down on Diggle
An elevated view down the the street march route in Diggle.
Head and shoulders above the rest?
Musical Director Vickie van Uden stands on her 'conducting step' outside the adjudicators caravan in Diggle.
Friends!
Alice, Bethan and Hannah put on smiles for the camera.
A bit of north and a bit of south
Solo horn, Edward, on the coach holding a champagne flute and a pork pie. Best of both worlds.
Fashion in all weather
Ólöf models the matching blue rain ponchos.
Rain won't stop us
Richmond Brass Band performing in Dobcross.
Section solidarity
The 3rd cornets Caroline, Clare and Colette.
It's all uphill from here
Richmond Brass Band marching up the hill at Lydgate.
Happy cornets
The solo cornets take a pic together. Not one to be left out soprano player, David photobombs.
