Previous News and Highlights
(See also Split Notes Newsletters)
1997
The Band's new CD recording, Come Follow The Harrogate Band, is now available. This was released at the joint concert before Christmas with the Tewit Youth Band, the other fully brass band in Harrogate. A most enjoyable evening was had by all concerned, culminating in three pieces played by the joint bands.
The charity concert for the Fire Brigade Service, in the Royal Hall in Harrogate, was also a great success. Over £3,000 was raised for the Fire Services Benevelant Fund, by the Band together with singers from St Andrew's Players, the York City Pipers and dancers from Studio Three Workshop who once again provided a wonderful visual dimension to Riverdance.
The Band competed in the Second section at the Camerons Brewery contest at Hartlepool at the end of November. Although we did not officially become promoted to the 2nd section until January 1998, we were allowed to compete in the higher section there. Playing Philip Sparke's Celtic Suite the Band gained third place in a strong section of 12 bands - a very good result!!
A feast of brass was thoroughly enjoyed by a large audience at the Ripon Festival Brass Band Entertainment Contest in Ripon Cathedral on 31st May. The Harrogate Band clinched 2nd place after winning overall, but dropping points on a time penalty due to the extended audience applause! Nonetheless the highlight of the evening was agreed to be our performance of Riverdance with the "surprise" support of nine talented dancers from the Studio Three Dance Workshop in Knaresborough. The national press picked up the story from the lead article in the Harrogate Advertiser, and articles subsequently appeared in a number of the daily newspapers - ranging from the Sun to the Daily Telegraph!