Uppermill Band Crowned North West Area Champions

Uppermill Band are Crowned North West Area Champions

Uppermill Band were promoted to the Second Section in January 2020 following their success in the Third Section. The pinnacle of which was being crowned 2019 National Third Section Champions. Over the past few months, the band have worked tirelessly under the musical direction of Dean Redfern. The focus has been on a good result in the higher section at the North West Area Brass Band Championships. It was a determined band who travelled to Blackpool this past weekend, along with family and friends, ready to compete against 16 other bands from across the area.

Uppermill Band were pleased with their performance of the test-piece The Golden Sabre but this was not to be the highlight of their trip to Blackpool. When the adjudicators announced the prizes the cheers of Uppermill Band and their supporters rang out in the Winter Gardens.

Winners

The prize for the best bass section was awarded to Uppermill Band bass players. Neil Bartel, David Mansfield, Howard Taylor and Andrew Jordan.

For the third consecutive year, they won best percussion section. Jenny Ward, Graham Gillespie, Katie and Andrew Woodward.

Soprano Cornet player Mark Wears awarded the best Soprano in the section. It was a clean sweep of the section awards.

The announcement that Uppermill Band, under the direction of Dean Redfern, were the winners of the North West Area Second Section received the loudest cheer.

They are now invited to compete in the National Finals in Cheltenham in September.

This return journey to the National Finals is an outstanding achievement. They are proud to represent Uppermill, Saddleworth and the North West of England.

Band Chairman John Ward said, “Absolutely overwhelmed and so very proud of Team Uppermill and our MD Dean Redfern.  The Band’s total commitment and hard work produced the outstanding performance on the day. They are now looking forward to their return to Cheltenham for the National Finals in September”

They will be holding a celebration concert at the Uppermill Civic Hall on Saturday, July 18th.

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