Enderby Band Members receive three Awards at Dorset Concert

The Wessex Summer School for Brass and Wind Band players has been attended by members of the Enderby Bands for many years. Founded in 1970 by two 16-year-old Blandford schoolboys, John Grinnell and Andrew Pitts, the week-long course has expanded over the years to cater for all Brass Band and Wind Band instruments, and even includes a training band for those in the earlier stages of mastering their chosen instrument.

Musicians come to Dorset from all over the country, and arrive on the Sunday with no idea of what they will be expected to play in the Concert which takes place on the following Saturday. They spend the week rehearsing and being tutored by a host of talented tutors and conductors, and of course enjoying socialising with like-minded musicians of all ages.

This year three Enderby players were recipients of awards, for their progress and contributions to the course, at the Saturday Concert which took place on Saturday 31st July, at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton.

Recipient of the Elinor Tolfree Award for the Wind Band player making the most progress was Enderby clarinettist Debbie Neath (who also received a rose from tutor David Marshall !), whilst Enderby Concert Band bass player Mike Lane Spouge received the Brass Band award.

James Screaton, who plays with both the Enderby Youth Band and the Senior Band, and played Principal Cornet for the Wessex Band, was awarded the Andrew Pitts Plate for the student making the most progress overall - this was presented to James by the Course Director Mike Fowles, a well known brass band conductor, and himself a former recipient of this award back in1986.

Musical Director of the Enderby Youth Brass Band, Trevor Hounsome, said

“Congratulations to James for representing the Band with distinction – Principal Cornet, and a special Award – well done James !”

More details about the Wessex Band Summer School can be found on their website.

Next year’s event takes place from the 25th to the 30th July 2011.