Last Sunday saw Whaley Bridge Band’s annual Slow Melody competition.  Competitors from both the Senior and Training bands performed solos and duets to a packed audience in the band room.

The adjudicator for the event was the band’s own Musical Director Matt Shaw, who had nothing but praise for the high standard achieved by all the players. “You are all winners,” said Matt.  “It takes a lot of bottle to play solo and I just wish there were more trophies so that you could all take one home. A fantastic achievement that Whaley Bridge has so many talented players.”

In the Training Section prizewinning soloists were youngsters Stephen Farragher on cornet, (Wilson Shield,) Laura Nettleton on flugel horn (Cedar Finance Shield,) and Laura’s mum, Wendy, on euphonium who took the Barry Hinde Trophy. The Shannon Tolley Trophy for the best senior soloist went to Lindsay Penney playing tenor horn.

Left to Right: Karen Cridland, baritone horn, Norman Mackay Cup
Sheila Walton & Laura Nettleton, flugel horn, Wilson Cup, Cedar Finance Shield
Wendy Potts, euphonium, Barry Hinde Trophy
Matt Shaw, Musical Director
Lindsay Penney, tenor horn, Shannon Tolley Trophy
Peter Brown & Alex Camenzuli, trombone, Arthur Hulme Shield

The ensemble prizes went to Laura Nettleton, with her second win of the day, and Sheila Walton playing a flugel horn duet who took the Wilson Cup, and trombone duo Peter Brown and youngster Alex Camenzuli who won the Arthur Hulme Shield.  The final prize of the day, the Norman Mackay cup for the most improved player in senior band, was awarded to Karen Cridland, baritone horn.

The next opportunity to hear Whaley Bridge is on Saturday 9^th November when they will be performing a programme of 40’s music at Kettleshulme Village Hall.