I&N co op band - Home Page

On Saturday 19th July the band headed down to Rye for the flower festival at Rye Church, and performed a concert to a large audience on the Saturday evening. The performance included the UK premier performance of last two movements of 'Haakon the Good' by Philip Sparke, which the band are due to play at the 1st Section Finals for the National Brass Band Championships in September. The band returned the following morning to accompany the hymns for the church service, and then spent a pleasant afternoon playing in the garden of a local public house.

On Saturday 12th July 2008 the band made the trip down from Suffolk to play to an appreciative crowd at St. James Park, London. The band performed two sets from 3pm to 6.15pm, and performed recent concert favorites as well as 'standard' band park pieces. We also managed to sell nearly £100 worth of raffle tickets thanks to the dedication of Mrs. Buckley.

The band is currently selling items on eBay to raise money for Harrogate. So far we have raised just over £50, and you can view our items for sale here.

If you are interested in purchasing a ticket (£1 a ticket, £5 a book), please contact our band manager Ian Burton.

Pictures from the East Anglian competition from the weekend have just been added to the Gallery, and along the pannel at the side of this page.

The Ipswich and Norwich Co-op Band is already celebrating 2008 being the band’s most successful ever in its 26-year history, and it’s only May. Following on from a fantastic fourth place at the Butlins Mineworkers Contest in January against bands from across the UK followed by a Second Place at the Regional Qualifier and an invitation to the National Finals in Harrogate (promoting the band to Championship status from 2009) the band has recently had further contest success.

On Sunday 11 th May the East Anglian Brass Band Association held its annual Spring Contest for member bands and, for the first time in its history, the Ipswich and Norwich Co-op Band was awarded first prize in both the hymn-tune and entertainments sections beating Championship opposition taking the title of “Champion Band of East Anglia” by a clear three points. The band’s Solo Horn, Ruth Trown, was also presented with the award for “Best Tenor Horn”

Comprising items by Philip Sparke, Peter Graham, Hubert Bath, Phil Harper and a fantastic “Children of Sanchez” performed by the band’s Flugel player Danny Wright adjudicator Steve Pritchard-Jones awarded the first place with comments such as “Very Stylistic” and “A Great Balanced Band Sound”.

“2008 is fast becoming the most successful in the band’s history. Having achieved 4th place at Butlins, 2nd at the Area qualifier and achieving promotion to the championship section it is pleasing to see that the form is continuing. To become “Champion Band of East Anglia” against our local rivals is a great feeling and is testimony to the work and commitment of the entire band and to the skill and preparation of our MD Robin Norman.”

In addition to the contest success the Ipswich and Norwich Co-op Band are pleased to be able to announce three new signings in the shape of Adrian and Rachel Robinson on Cornet and Mike Thorn on Second Trombone. The band also has a new Second Horn in the shape of Kimberley Frewin who has moved from the Cornet bench.

Of the new signings MD, Robin Norman, said “The band continues to strengthen and attract the cream of East Anglian Brass players. Adrian and Rachel both played with the band before moving up to Manchester and now they are back in the Ipswich area it is a pleasure to have them strengthening the Cornet line-up. Mike Thorn is a well-respected Trombone player in the area and we are delighted to have him join the band full-time after the part he played in the East Anglian win. Finally a special thank-you mention should be made to Kim Frewin who has moved from Cornet to fill the second horn vacancy where she joins a formidable team in the shape of Danny Wright (Flugel), Ruth Trown (Solo Horn) and Christine Deighton (First Horn). This latest win and our new members can only continue the work we have started this year and we are already starting to gel ahead of our trip to Harrogate in September”

Prior to the trip ‘North’ in September the band are looking forward to a busy Summer schedule with performances in St. James Park, Colchester, Kings Lynn, Ipswich and a concert weekend in Rye, Sussex. They are also proud to be able to announce a concert with guest vocalist Laura Wright, of the group “All Angels”, to be held at Norwich Cathedral in October.

4BarsRest have published a review of the band's recent activities. You can read it by clicking here

Twelve months ago your humble correspondent was sat in the audience at this event, little dreaming that within a year he would have traded in his Euphonium for an Eb bass and be travelling out of London several times a week to be playing with the band.

And what a year it’s been, as regular readers would have noted. So it was only right and proper that we gathered for a home fixture to not only thank our patrons, sponsors and supporters but also to celebrate our achievements in the contest and concert fields and to honour particularly those members of the team that have made a special contribution to our success.

As far as the programme was concerned, Robin picked some of the old favourites that we have been using throughout the past year, plus some new repertoire that was being heard for the first time. Our by now traditional opener “Summon the Dragon” was followed up by “Out of the Blue” (Bath), conjuring up images for those of a certain age of Saturday nights around the radio listening to “Sports Report”. Adrian Robinson rendered “A Repton Fantasy” (Sparke) in eloquent style, and the first half closed with three movements of Peter Graham’s “Windows of the World” (With the Horn Solo performed by Ruth Trown) for band and iPod, hampered only slightly by the non-appearance of the iPod!!

The second half was a similar mix of old and new, featuring soloists Andy Shipp (Bass Trombone) in “If I was a Rich Man” and Danny Wright (Flugel) in “Children of Sanchez”. As in previous concerts, we kicked back and chilled out in a big band stylee for the last few numbers, with Sparke’s “Fugue from Graduation Day” the last programmed item prior to an encore of “Wake me up before you go-go” (Arr Harper). This featured singing and jazz hands and general booging about and went down a treat with the audience!

All of us have worked our socks off over the last twelve months, but it was good to hand out the bling to three members of the band that have gone the extra mile. First up, and voted for by the team, Paul Varney picked up the well-deserved “Bandsperson of the Year” award for his magnificent efforts in terms of picking up any instrument required to help , notably the Soprano two weeks before the area. Lisa Hodge is one of our youngest members and fully deserved the “Most Improved Player” gong following her promotion to bumper-up. The Cornet section completed the hat-trick with the award to Georgie Hawkes of “Player of the Year” for her excellent work leading not only the section but the whole band. Finally, Dave Mildren (previously our solo euph) made a heartfelt presentation to Robin of a baton set, all the better to aid his efforts in leading us to future glory, as long as we watch him that is!!

The summer season is nearly upon us, and we head for Norwich on May 11th to contest against our local rivals so stay posted for all the news of coming events!!

The Horn vacancy has now been filled, as has the vacancy on Bass. We currently have vacancies on 2nd Trombone and Percussion. Please see the updated Meet Us page for more information, and watch this space for a future press release with more information.

We currently have a vacancy for 1st Horn. Please contact our band manager Ian Burton, or our conductor Robin Norman for further details. All enquiries will be held in strictest confidence. Vacancies still remain on Percussion and 2nd Trombone, and we are also looking for either a Bb or Eb Bass.

Following the bands recent sucess we have been invited to play at the finals for the National Brass Band Championships which are held in Harrogate, in West Yorkshire. As you can imagine, getting a whole brass band plus instruments 200 miles down the road for the weekend is a huge undertaking and very costly, so we are currently about to start fundraising to raise the £6000 needed. Please support us by coming to our concerts, and look out for any new events on the Engagements page, which will be updated regularly.

You can also support us by becoming a Patron of the Band. Patrons receive quaterly newsletter "Bandstand", a free annual concert, special prices at other band promoted concerts. This costs a minimum of £10 by donation, and you can find out more by clicking here and downloading an application pack.

The Ipswich and Norwich co op Band are pleased to announce a concert with local girl Laura Wright from the popular group 'All Angels' in Norwich Cathedral on the 18th of October 2008. 'All Angels' have recently been nominated for a Classical Brit Award, and this will be the second collaboration between Laura and the band. Make sure you book tickets when they are available for what is sure to be a very popular concert!

We are pleased to announce that all the Cornet vacancies have now been filled. Vacancies still remain on Percussion and 2nd Trombone, and we are also looking for either a Bb or Eb Bass. Please contact our band manager Ian Burton, or our conductor Robin Norman for further details.

As leaders of the first section on points, Ipswich and Norwich co op band will once again be in the championship section from January 2009!

		Band	2006		2007		2006		TOTAL
1		Ipswich & Norwich Co-op	8.5	{R}	5		2		15.5
2		City of Cambridge	9		2		8		19
3	=	Horsham Borough	5		9		6		20
3	=	Sandhurst Silver	7		6		7		20
5	=	Jersey Premier Brass	8.5	{P}	11		1		20.5
5	=	Matthews Norfolk Brass	8.5	{new}	8		4		20.5
7		Egham	8.5	{P}	8.5	{P}	5		22
8		Friary Guildford	8.5	{R}	8.5	{R}	9		26
9		St Albans City	11		13		3		27
10		Soham Comrades	8.5	{R}	8.5	{R}	12		29
11		Cawston	8.5	{P}	8.5	{P}	13		30
12		Denham Hendon	8.5	{P}	7		15		30.5
13		Regent Brass	10		10		11		31
14		Alliance Brass	8.5	{R}	8.5	{R}{ne}	16	{NE}	33
15		Northfleet Brass	8.5	{R}	12		14		34.5
16		Stonesfield Silver	4		15		16	{NE}	35
17		Becontree Brass	14		14		10		38
18		Crystal Palace	15		16		16	{NE}	47

The band currently has vacancies for 2nd Trombone, a Cornet and a Percussionist. If you are interested in joining our friendly and upwardly moving band, then please contact our band manager Ian Burton. All enquiries will be treated in strictest confidence. We would also like to say a huge 'Welcome' to Steve Alexander, who is joining us on Soprano Cornet. Steve has been a regular dep with the band, and it is great to see him in the band on a permanent basis.

News of Steve's signing, as well as a view from Robin Norman (conductor) on the latest contest result was recently published on 4barsrest. You can read the full article here.

'Ipswich & Norwich on the other hand were full to the gunnels with players (with the added decision to bolster the bass by an extra deckhand).

Robin Norman directed with clarity and purpose, and although it wasn’t the most exciting performance of ‘James Cook’ we have ever heard, it was a solid and unpretentious one, with neat touches from the sop, a super tuba quartet (or should that be quintet) and secure ensemble.

The ‘Marcia’ section to the end was perhaps the best of the day with a sense of restraint followed by a well executed topping of the Captain and bold reprise to close. It came as no surprise that it more than held its own to the bitter end and gained a deserved place at Harrogate.'

Its been a busy 2008 for the band. Straight after the Christmas and New year break we hit the ground running, working up to a tremendous result at Butlins and right away from that we headed into the work-up for the area finals, arguably the most important contest of the year.

It’s perhaps fair to say that “James Cook Circumnavigator” was not a favourite piece for us, taking (and rightly so at this level) a lot of hard work to get round, composed as it was for Championship section bands. However, we put the work in around the stands and under the guidance of Robin the band threw themselves wholeheartedly into preparing for the contest arena.

Friday night saw us gathered for an extra rehearsal, and the run-throughs seemed to be going well. Robin was firing us up in order to foster a winning mentality and this continued on Saturday morning, when we met for a further rehearsal and last minute ironing out of kinks. Divine assistance was sought by the playing of hymn tunes prior to our departure to await a number 12 draw, a bonus as it meant that yours truly got to see England v Ireland. The lads made a sterling come back from a ten point deficit – an omen of what was to come (although efforts had to be made to keep messrs Laird and Duncan away from a TV lest they be disheartened by the less than great performance of the Scottish XV!!).

Soon it was time to sample the unique ambience of the preparation area, where the odour of valve oil mixed with that of sweaty socks and physical exertion. A last minute tune up, and “The Chord” was sounded prior to heading for registration. After a brief wait for percussion choreography, we were on.

Stevenage Gym is not an arena that will be readily mentioned with venues such as Belle Vue, Berts Barn and the other landmarks of brass band history, but we knew what to expect acoustic wise and Robin gave us a last instruction to “Stay in the box” prior to launching away. The cornets led us into the voyage, sailing merrily on a rolling bariphonium tide, whilst the tuba section reminded us of the mighty leviathan (see where I’m going with the nautical metaphors ?...) and on we went, culminating in JC’s demise in Hawaii (Robin – “A heroic death”, Phil A-H- “A justified act of resistance by oppressed indigenous peoples against imperialist aggression”, take your pick!!).

Reaching the end, it was obvious that Robin was pleased, and given the lottery that contesting can be, this in itself was a rich reward for the work we had put in . A bonus of the late draw was that there would not be too long to wait for results, and just as at Butlins, the time for refreshment was upon us ! A few light ales were sunk, prior to returning to the gym for results .Fourth, then Third place came and went, before we heard the magic words “In second place , and winning an invitation to The National finals at Harrogate - Ipswich and Norwich co op Band“. This great result meant not only a trip up north, but promotion back to the Championship section as overall leaders (on points) of the first section!!

Back to the bar then and the celebrations started. Contests can sometimes generate ill-feeling and controversy (just take a look at the regional threads on “The Mouthpiece”!) but happily there was none of this in evidence. Our chums from Jersey, who pipped us to first place (well done!) were in fine voice and we soon joined them. Paul Lowes led us in a selection of relatively clean rugby songs, and the pints were going down a treat (a little to well on an empty stomach in your reporters case!). The Cup was filled (and drained) and the adjudicator’s remarks pored over.

Being amongst the last to leave the bar about ten , the decision was made to head into town for curry, and the night ended with about ten of us in fine spirits in the curry house, leaving a bunch of bemused diners wondering why a convention of coach drivers had descended on them waving a large cup about!!

To end on a serious note though, promotion does not come about over night. There has been tremendous work from Robin and the Committee, not least of which is by our band manager Ian. The principal chairs have led admirably around the stands, ably “bumped-up” by a depth of quality generally that a lot of bands would love to have. Massive thanks is also due to our sponsors, the East of England Co-Op.

On the day we also benefited from the help of Andy Duncan, Duncan Wilson, Carl Robinson and Mark Cheadle , our thanks to them. Next stop, the East Anglian Contest in May (the lucky pants are already prepared!) , and a busy summer season .Then, Harrogate here we come!!

Section 1

Saturday 15 March
Main Concert Hall
Adjudicator: David Horsfield
James Cook - Circumnavigator - Gilbert Vinter

1. Jersey Premier Brass, T. Pritchard,
2. Ipswich & Norwich Co-op, R. Norman
3. St. Albans City, D. Shead
4. Matthews Norfolk Brass, D. Stowell
5. Egham, G. Green
6. Horsham Borough, K. Maxwell
7. Sandhurst Silver, I. McElligott
8. City of Cambridge, P. Bassano
9. Friary Guildford, C. King
10. Becontree Brass, G. Chambers
11. Regent Brass, A. Duguid
12. Soham Comrades, G. Sheldon
13. Cawston, C. Swaep
14. Northfleet Brass, A. Austin
15. Denham Hendon, G. Davies

Top 2 bands qualify
Best Soloist: Cornet, St. Albans City

Ipswich are also promoted to the Championship section and are currently first on points in the grading tables. Congratulations all round, especially to Robin Norman, and the band manager Ian Burton. Here's to a good result at Harrogate!

With thanks to Phil Adams-Howell for the latest reports on the bands activities.

St Peter’s Church Sudbury Saturday 23rd/Philip Harper Workshop Sunday 24th

The band briefly interrupted its work on the forthcoming area test piece to present a concert in aid of local charities in Sudbury, playing in the rather magnificent surroundings of St Peter’s church.

Given that much of our time since Christmas has been taken up with preparations for Butlins and then the areas, we drew on some favourites from last year’s programme, commencing with a brisk offering of Peter Graham’s “Summon the Dragon”. Also featured were several soloists – Ruth Trown (Solo Horn), Trevor Laird (Principal Euphonium), Andy Shipp (Bass Trombone), Danny Wright (Flugel horn)and although not playing a discrete solo as such, Georgie Hawkes (Principal Cornet) in several pieces.

Once again, our MD had his arranger’s hat on and the band reprised “Prelude, Dance and March” and “River Kwai March” (both Malcolm Arnold arr. Norman ). The second half kicked off with the premiere of Robin’s arrangement of Gabrielli’s “Sonata Pian e Forte”, wherein the band split into four brass choirs distributed around the church. This worked particularly effectively in the high-ceilinged church and was well received by the audience.

The band also took the opportunity for our first public performance of the area test piece, “James Cook Circumnavigator” (Gilbert Vinter). Some test pieces are not the easiest of listening for non-aficionados, but after Robin talked the audience through the themes of the work and the story behind it, it seemed to go down well with the capacity crowd. Whether the rendition on the night would have found favour with the adjudicators is a point for discussion!

A quick team effort ensured a smart packing up of assorted percussion kit, stands and uniforms, and as per usual form we repaired to a nearby hostelry where a few jars were sunk whilst your humble correspondent berated the band manager, MD and long-suffering girlfriend for causing him to miss yet another victorious England Rugby game against the perfidious French!

Sunday morning saw us all up at an ungodly hour for what is normally a day of rest in order to spend the day working with Philip Harper (MD Polysteel Band) on “Circumnavigator”. Lest any of our local rivals are reading this I will not divulge the many hints and tips that he supplied, suffice to say that a good day was had working on the piece and our musicality in general. A half time lunch break allowed for an excursion into town for a roast dinner with all the works at “The Brewery tap”, and had we not had to return for an afternoon session your roving reporter would have had some fun with the three real ales on draught and bottles of Brown on offer! The day also saw the tuba section joined by one R. Norman. The general feeling was that the lad played quite well and if he puts the work in has all the makings of a half-decent tuba player!!! ;-)

So a busy but enjoyable weekend which marked the start of our run-in to the area finals. Stay tuned for all the news and hot gossip from Stevenage!

Our website is up for 'Website of the Month' on the brass band forum The Mouthpiece - so please vote for us!

There are several new pictures added to the 'Meet Us' pages, and some profile pictures have changed. Also, the banner in the main frame has reduced in size in order for those of you viewing in a lower resolution to see all of the links.

Well, what a fantastic weekend and a FANTASTIC result for the band! Highest placed London and Southern Counties band in the national competition (4th in the 1st section). Check out the pictures on the new Gallery page (please note you will need flash installed to view the pictures).

Its January, the weather is appalling, the country ravaged by wind and flood and we’re all skint after Christmas! So how better to spend a weekend than heading off to bracing Skegness for a band contest?

The band launched into an intensive round of rehearsals on Edward Gregson’s “Plantagenets” early in the new year, and we set out hopeful of doing ourselves justice in a very competitive First section, where we would be facing some strong competition in the form of recently demoted bands from the championship.

On arrival, there was time only to drop our gear off prior to heading into Skegness itself for a rehearsal. A quick polish of the piece, and a few hymn tunes, and back to camp where Robin had advised us against the usual 15 pint Friday night session. Given the lack of real ale again this year, your humble correspondent had no trouble in complying with this!

The good lady was not too happy with the early start on Saturday (webmeister - 'probably because you'd kept her up till midnight, and woke her up at 6.30am with Ride of the Valkrys!'), back into town for another rehearsal at the ungodly time of 0800 ! On hearing news of a draw at 17 , we headed back to await our turn. A bad drinking draw, but it proved to be a good playing one!

Your roving reporter took the opportunity to listen to a couple of our rivals, playing in the large “Reds” venue. Happily it proved not to be the acoustic deadspot we had feared, at least from the audience . A swift chill out back in the chalet, and the band headed for its date with destiny!

We took to the stage straight after the chaps in the box had taken a break, so we knew we would be playing to comparatively fresh ears. Rearrange the chairs into our new formation, and we were ready to go ! The piece seemed to go off well, and we left the stage confident at least of a solid performance .

By this stage it was definitely Beer O ‘clock gentlemen, so a change of clothing and straight back to the Skyline pavilion, where “there is a corner of a foreign bar that is forever East Anglia” . Here we met with our chums from Cawston band, plus a couple from Matthew’s. It was at this point that it began to dawn on us that we may have done something special on stage as the positive comments began to come from those that had heard us.

The Eb bass section were doing mighty damage to large jugs of lager by this stage , and the evening began to take on a rosy hue as more of the band came to join us. Come the appointed hour, and it was back off to “Reds” for the results.

On stage a cheery Redcoat started to read out placings and names. And then came the momentous announcement …..” In fourth place, the band that played number 17 ... Ipswich and Norwich co-op band”. Cue much rejoicing and general merriment from the gathered throng as a justifiably proud Robin headed to the stage to collect the beer tokens!

Back then to the Sports bar, where a goodly session was soon well underway as we read the adjudicators’ comments. The Tuba section welcomed our newest member, Helen (!) and Paul P added to the swiftly accumulating liver damage to the band with the purchase of a large number of vodka shots. By this stage your correspondent’s memory begins to become unreliable under a torrent of strong lager!!!

So, a great weekend for the band , and we have laid down a marker, and set ourselves a high standard for the coming Area finals. The band’s success was down to three reasons :

2) The Talent gathered around all the stands , as Robin rightly pointed out in his pre-match team talk,

Many thanks to Ian and team for all the arrangements for the weekend, to Robin for doing his thing, and to everyone on stage for the performance. Stevenage - Here we come!!!

Welcome to the 2008 news pages! You will find several updates to the band website, including the Christmas review under the 2007 news page (thanks to Phil Adams-Howell for his amusing and informative reviews!), some lovely pictures of the band members on the Meet Us page, and several tweaks to the layout, including a new colour scheme. Thanks to the band members who have provided feedback on the website. Feedback is much appreciated, as are suggestions on things to add to the website and ideas on improving it.

The band is off to Butlins next weekend, so look out the results and contest review in the coming weeks.