Wednesday 22nd June 2022 saw the return of the Annual Brass Sounds Inverclyde Slow Melody Contest and Awards evening. This was held at the Ardgowan Square Evangelical Church in Greenock. This year there was the exciting addition of 2 new categories to the contest, these being Duets & Ensembles.
The evening started with aplomb, by the Band playing Frank Bryce’s arrangement of Ron Goodwin’s rousing ‘Aces High’ march from the film ‘Battle of Britain’.
Following this Band Manager, Wendy McCorkell, welcomed the audience, along with our special guest Councillor Elizabeth Robertson, as well as our two adjudicators for the evening, Chris Shanks (Solo Euphonium at Whitburn Band) & Gordon Kyle (Soprano Cornet at The Cooperative Band).
The first category of the evening was the Slow Melody Contest, with an impressive 11 entries from the band! There were a wide variety of pieces played with varying accompaniments, from piano and guitar. 1st place went to Andrea Crumlish (Tenor Horn), with her rendition of Peter Graham’s ‘A Time for Peace’.
At the end of the Slow Melody contest, there was an interval with hot drinks served, whilst the adjudicators made their final notes and decisions on the solo contest.
Andrea Crumlish began the 2nd half of the evening with a splendid vocal solo, 'O Del Mio Dolce Ardor' from Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Opera 'Paride ed Elena'.
Then came the inaugural categories, starting with Duets, which Isaac Parkhill (Solo Euphonium) and Ross Mercer (EEb Bass) won, with their performance of ‘The Prayer’.
Again, whilst the adjudicators compiled their notes, we had another brilliant vocal solo, this time by Rebekah Parkhill, singing ‘Think of Me’ from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Musical, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.
The final Contest category of the evening, in the form of Ensembles followed, with the eventual winners Luke Parkhill (Soprano), Tilly Abraham (Cornet), Andrea Crumlish (Horn) & Isaac Parkhill (Euphonium) playing Eric Ball’s piece entitled ‘Jewels’.
Before the awards ceremony and presentation of the Contest winners, Councillor Elizabeth Robertson shared some encouraging and supportive words to the band. We would like to take this opportunity to put on record our appreciation for her continued support and encouragement towards the band – it’s much appreciated.
Before the Contest results were announced, Wendy McCorkell announced the Annual Awards, and these were presented by Councillor Elizabeth Robertson. The Annual Awards were presented to:
Bandsperson of the Year - Gillian Letson
Most Improved Player - Charles Sinclair
Player of the Year - Isaac Parkhill
Following the presentation of the annual awards, there was a special presentation made to Alistair McCorkell (Snr), who was made Honorary President of Brass Sounds Inverclyde for his commitment and dedication to BSI over the years…. some say over 67 years!! Outstanding!
Following the awards, our adjudicators for the evening both spoke and congratulated all who had performed before presenting the results for each category. These were:
SOLO CONTEST
1st Place (The A G McCorkell Shield) - Andrea Crumlish (A Time for Peace)
2nd Place (The Cathie Sinclair Cup) - Ross Mercer (Share my Yoke)
3rd Place (The Heather Letson Cup) - Isaac Parkhill (The Holy Well)
4th Place (The Kay Murray Cup) - Ali McCorkell Jr (Don’t Doubt Him Now)
DUET CONTEST
1st Place Isaac Parkhill & Ross Mercer (The Prayer)
ENSEMBLE CONTEST
1st Place Luke Parkhill, Tilly Abramson, Andrea Crumlish & Isaac Parkhill (Jewels)
To close the evening, the band formed again to play John Blanken’s adaption of Pharell Williams’ ‘HAPPY’.
We congratulate all of our winners for the evening, and a special thanks goes to Councillor Elizabeth Robertson, Chris Shanks and Gordon Kyle.
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