Northampton Concert Band re-brands with winning design

0

Helen Jones presents her design at Tresham College

A mature graphic design student from Tresham College of Further and Higher Education’s Kettering Campus has designed the winning logo for Northampton Concert Band following the challenge put to students at the start of the term.

Established in 1919, Northampton Concert Band were looking for a fresh new look to bring them into the 21st Century to ensure that they had a logo that could be used in multiple formats in print and on the web.

Students studying a two year HNC leading to HND Graphic Design course at Tresham College often get the opportunity to work on real projects as part of their course work which they can add to their portfolio when looking for a job in their chosen career or to support university applications.

The winning design was awarded to Helen Jones who returned to college at the age of 41. She had wanted to pursue a career in Graphic Design before having children, but bringing up her two children, along with being diagnosed with the long term chronic illness, Fibromyalgia, meant this was put on hold for 15 years. She had previously had several jobs, the last being in marketing where she realised her creative talent for design. Helen chose to pursue this and enrolled on to the Graphic Design course with a view to gain employment in a career she wants.

Helen Jones, 41 from Barton Seagrave, Kettering said
''I was thrilled my design was chosen by the Northampton Concert Band for their re-branding. I'm grateful for this opportunity and for the amazing feedback I received during my design presentations. This project confirmed my decision to return to education after 25 years. Studying Graphic Design has been the right one''.

Stephen Bell, principal musical director said,
“Helen's design was very eye catching, clean and fresh. The band committee were unanimous in its selection from the short list provided by the college lecturers. The band are looking forward to meeting her at the award presentation at our next concert.”

Stephen Bell will present Helen with her prize during “We've Got Rhythm” on Saturday 1st March, at the Cripps Recreational Centre, Northampton.

Read More »

Open Rehearsal Attracts New Musicians

0

Northampton Concert Band were joined by new members at an open rehearsal held on Sunday (12th January) in Northampton.

Joining the 40 strong band on the day were 6 new musicians consisting of 3 flutes, 1 clarinet, 1 French horn and a trumpet. The rehearsal involved a wide variety of music to give the new members a feel of what the band is like.

Kathrina Perry (33), a flautist, hadn't played her flute for 5 years and 15 years since she had played with a band. Kathrina said "I saw the event via a Chronicle twitter feed and decided to give it a go. I really enjoyed the rehearsal and was made to feel very welcome. The band made an amazing sound and I will be going again."

Stephen Bell (50), principal conductor, said "The open rehearsal went very well and all those who took part seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Hopefully they will be joining us for our first concert of the year in March."

The non auditioning community band perform throughout the year at many events and concerts in Northampton, including taking part in the "Bands in the Park" season at Abington Park bandstand in the summer.

The band is still on the lookout for more members so anyone interested in joining the band is asked to contact the band secretary Michael Watkins on 01604 845 885 or email members@northamptonconcertband.org.uk

Read More »

New Year - New Band Members Welcome

Northampton Concert Band are inviting local musicians to join them for an open rehearsal.

The award winning band formed in 1919 currently has just over 40 members, aged from 15 to 75, and are looking for new members to join their ranks.

Playing a range of different musical styles from marches to musicals, classical and contemporary the band are looking for woodwind, brass and especially percussionists who are, or used to be, grade 5 or above and who are looking for an opportunity to play again.

Stephen Bell, principal musical director, said “We have a brilliant music education service in Northamptonshire that produces some top quality musicians. After school and university many people stop performing to focus on their careers and family life.

“We are a friendly group that gives adults, young and old, a space where they can meet to continue to perform and develop their musical talent. I urge anyone who has decided to take up making music again for their new year, to come and join us.”

The open rehearsal will take place on Sunday morning January 12th from 10:30 to 12:30 at the Cripps Recreational Centre (Northampton General Hospital), Cliftonville, Northampton and those interested in attending are asked to register by sending an email to Michael on members@northamptonconcertband.org.uk, or call on 01604 845 885

Read More »

Christmas Party - Concert Programme - 7th December 2013

0

7pm Saturday 7th December 2013
Conducted by Neil Brownless
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Kettering Road, Northampton

PROGRAMME

Overture to a Winter Festival - James Curnow

Disney Around the World - (various) arr. James Christensen

Eliza’s Aria - Elena Kats-Chernin arr. Ed Keeley

Mamma Mia - Andersson, Ulvaeus and Anderson arr. Peter Kleine Schaurs

A Christmas Festival - Leroy Anderson

Carol 1
O come all ye Faithfull

Oliver - Lionel Bart arr. Norman Leydon

Doctor Who - Ron Grainer arr. Denis Burton

Prelude to 49th Parallel - Ralph Vaughn Williams arr. Leroy Osman

Polar Express - Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard arr. Jerry Brubaker

---- Interval ----

Troika - Serge Prokofieff arr. Harold L Walters

When a Child is Born - Zacar / Jay arr. John Gollard

Bohemian Rhapsody - Freddy Mercury arr. Alan Catheral

Skyfall - Adkins & Epworth arr. Jay Bocook

Ukranian Bell Carol - Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych arr. Philip Sparke

Carol 2
Once in Royal David's City

Highland Cathedral - Michael Korb & Ulrich Roever arr. Jay Dawson

Hairspray - Marc Sheiman arr. Ted Ricketts

Carol 3
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Fairytale of New York - MacGowan & Finer arr. Jock McKenzie

Read More »

Local Young Conductor has Premier Concert

Neil Brownless (22), from Northampton, will be taking the baton for his first full concert with the award winning Northampton Concert Band in their Christmas concert on Saturday.

Neil, who also plays the trombone with the band, took up the position of Deputy Conductor in January at the age of 21 as the band recognised the need to nurture new talent. He will lead over 40 musicians aged from 15 to 65+ in a concert featuring a wide selection of music styles.

Neil Brownless, who lives in Parklands, said “They’re a great band to work with, though I do plan to work them hard on the night to get the best performance out of them as I can.

“This is my first full concert conducting and comparing with Northampton Concert Band and I’m sure I won’t let them down. Together we’re bringing a fantastic night of music to get everyone in the Christmas spirit with some great tunes like Skyfall, Oliver, Mamma Mia and Fairytale of New York”

The concert will take place at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Kettering Road, Northampton on Saturday 7th December at 7pm.

Read More »