City of Chester Brass Band

Well done to Hannah (1st) Cornet on passing her grade 5. Hanna said "I dont know how i passed every thing went wrong". Never mind Hanna every one has a bad day every so often well done anyway.

Sunday 10 March, 2013 was a day with mixed emotions for the Band. Around 5 p.m. Band members sat down in the Pavilion Theatre, in the Winter Gardens, Blackpool and gave a performance of the set test-piece, Eric Ball, Devon Fantasy�, which was to lead to the Band being awarded first prize, becoming Fourth Section North West Regional Champions for 2013. The Band were awarded The People Challenge Trophy� and £200. Separate trophies were awarded to the Musical Director, Philip Mottershead, as the winning conductor and to Kathryn Peover, as the winning band's contest secretary.

With sixteen bands in the Fourth Section the bands placed first and second were scheduled to qualify for an invitation to play in the Fourth Section National Finals, presented by Kapitol Promotions Ltd, to be held in Cheltenham on 21-22 September. However, due to registration problems relating to bands throughout England, the Band will not be invited to play in Cheltenham.

The City of Chester Band is grateful to the North West Regional Brass Bands Championships Committee for allowing bands who remained registered with Brass Bands England, rather than the new Brass Band Players registry, to compete at Blackpool. The Band entered the contest in the full knowledge that, if successful, it was unlikely to be invited to the National Finals. Rather, the Band entered to support the event and to try and achieve an improved grading. It is understood that, after Sunday’s result, the Band may be promoted to the Third Section. Fingers crossed! The Band sends good wishes to all bands who will be playing in their respective sections in the National Finals in the autumn.

A day of mixed emotions, for it was Philip Mottershead's last contest before retiring as Musical Director. But what a way to end his stint! Over the past years Phil has worked to improve the Band's ensemble playing and sound. The Band is very grateful to Phil for his encouragement, advice and hard work. Members send warm wishes to Phil and Jane, his wife, as they spend more time in their retirement at their Cumbria holiday home.

With the contest over, the Band is now in the process of finding a replacement for Phil as Musical Director. Fortunately, Phil will not be severing his links with the Band as he intends to help out as a cornet player when the opportunity arises.

Guy Whale has been awarded this months player of the month for his commitment and hard work with in the band. Well Done

Finn Bryan has achieved Grade 2 with Distinction his certificate was presented by Brass Tutor Peter Dalton at band rehearsal on 28th January

I would like to say thank you on behalf of the band to Mr John Slater for his kind donation to the Training Band of a Trombone that belonged to his late Father.