MD Clay honoured on day to remember
CLIFTON and Lightcliffe Senior Band had double cause for celebration after competing to a high standard in the qualifying rounds of the Brass Band Championships at St George's Hall, Bradford.
Not only does the band's second place mean they go forward to the national finals in Harrogate in September but it also means they gain promotion from the third section to the second from next January.
Clifton and Lightcliffe's rendition of Percy Fletcher's 'Labour of Love' in the third section won the praise of adjudicator Lynda Nicholson who commented that the band 'gave a performance of great musical worth – well thought out by the musical director and well delivered by the players.' Alan Morrison praised the band's 'style and care in phrasing'. The winning outfit was Chapeltown Band from Sheffield.
It is the third time in five years that musical director John Clay has guided the band to the finals and so to promotion to the second section. On Sunday, at the Yorkshire contest, he was presented with a long-service award in recognition of his 57 years in the brass band movement. He started with Clifton and Lightcliffe at the age of nine and then moved to Black Dyke when he was 14. He was also appointed principal cornet player of the National Youth Band of Great Britain at the age of 16.
After 15 years at the top with Black Dyke, he returned to his roots at Clifton and Lightcliffe due to work commitments and formed the junior band, which he still conducts, in 1977. He was appointed musical director of the senior band in 2005.
The junior band also competed in the fourth section for the first time as Clifton and Lightcliffe 'B' Band. They were placed 11th out of 12 bands and were given a huge ovation by a large audience for their efforts on a difficult piece.
Band secretary Jane Clay said: "This was an excellent experience for the young band and will be something they'll all remember for a long time."
Three years ago Mr Clay formed a training band with young musicians aged eight and upwards. The band rehearses on Friday evenings from 6.30pm to 8pm and instruments are available.
The senior band is now busy fund-raising to take part in the finals and to go on tour to California in August where they will perform with the California State Band and the Pomona Wind Band as well as giving a concert in Disneyland.
If anyone would like more information on any of the bands contact john366clay@btinternet.com or phone Mrs Jane Clay on 01422 201875.
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Weather for Halifax
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
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