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The Stanshawe Band Conducted By Walter Hargreaves Featuring John Fletcher
Oliver Cromwell

Album UK 1977 on Two Ten Records label
Brass (Brass Band)

The Stanshawe (Bristol) Band The Stanshawe (Bristol) Band was formed during the summer of 1968, by a group of brass players whose intention was to build a band of Championship section status. Finance by a businessman associated with the Stanshawe Estate in the town of Yate, near Bristol, secured second-hand instruments, and premises were obtained for rehearsal. During the first two years the band progressed steadily in the second section and it was decided to approach Professor W. B. Hargreaves with the intention of him becoming the Band’s professional, conductor. A first prize awarded to the band in the regional qualifying contest in 197 I marked the first important success, followed by a second prize in the National Finals held in London which also gained them Championship Section grading for 1972. Since that time the success of the band has been phenomenal, having been prize winners at every major contest entered. Walter Hargreaves Professor Walter Hargreaves graduated at the Athenaeum (now the Scottish Academy of Music) where he studied French Horn, Trumpet and Piano. He went to Edinburgh University as Brass Lecturer and Principal Trumpet with the ‘Reid’ Symphony Orchestra, and later became Principal Trumpet with the National Symphony Orchestra. In 1946 he became resident professional conductor to the Cory Band from Wales, and in 1948 won znd prize with them at the National Championships. In 1963 he joined Brighouse and Rastrick Band as Professional Conductor and in that year won 2nd prize with them at the Royal Albert Hall. In I 968 he won with Brighouse the BBC ‘Band of the Year’ title and the National Championship, which also carries with it the accolade of‘World Champion Brass Band’. Walter Hargreaves is at present professor of Cornet and French Horn at the Royal Marines School of Music, and Professional Conductor of the Stanshawe Band. John Fletcher John Fletcher was born in Leeds in I 941 and soon after taking up the tuba, became a member of the National Youth Orchestra. He read Chemistry at Cambridge for four years, but in I 964 he was appointed principal tuba of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. In 1968 he joined the LS0, and now combines his duties with the Orchestra with membership of the famous Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. SIDE ONE MARCH - ROSSLYN : Eric Ball This tuneful match is dedicated to the composer 5 Wife - and displays all the evidence of a successful union. PRESTBURY PARK: Philip Lane Philip Lane is one of a growing number of young composers who are writing for bands; and very welcome they are too, bringing new ideas, and a fresh approach to a well-tried medium. Prestbury Park is the site of the race course in the composer’s home town of Cheltenham, and discerning listeners will catch the bugle fanfare (on the cornets) near the end. The piece ends with a successful gallop, as a day at the races should - but often doesn’t! TUBA TAPESTRY: Michael Brand (Fantasy on a Northern Folk Tune): Some months ago, John Fletcher was due to appear with Fodens’ Band on BBC TV, and the producer of the programme needed ‘something about 4 minutes long, a bit different and including a Northern tune’. That was a Monday; by Thursday of the same week Michael Brand had written this piece, which the soloist declares to be ‘a winner’. Don’t ask me, I’m biased! CONCERT OVERTURE - THE PRIZEWINNERS : Philip Sparke In 1976, a new name became associated with brass bands as a sponsor — Dynatron Ltd. Guided by the National School Brass Band Association, they financed a competition for new works for school bands. A distinguished panel of judges, headed by Sir Lennox Berkeley awarded first prize to this piece: listen to it and I think you will not be surprised at their decision. Philip Sparke, who studies at the Royal College of Music included trumpet and composition, is a name we shall hear more of in the future. SIDE TWO CONCERT OVERTURE — OLIVER CROMWELL: Henry Geehl This is a tribute in the English tradition to a great figure in the seventeenth century English politics. The portrayal is dramatic, strong, bold, lyrical and tender, and the performance by the men of Bristol and their talented conductor is brilliantly authoritative. Henry Geehl, who was born in 1881, took a keen interest in brass bands, and in fact scored Elgar’s ‘Severn Suite’. He wrote many works for the medium of which perhaps ‘Oliver Cromwell’ and ‘On the Cornish Coast’ are the finest. FANTASY FOR TUBA: Malcolm Arnold Since Malcolm Arnold embarked on a series of Fantasies for unaccompanied instruments, aspiring players the world over have grappled with their problems. john Fletcher is a tuba virtuoso who in the opinion of many, is without a peer on the instrument. His total technical command and musical grasp make this performance absolutely breathtaking. HYMN TUNE — ROCK OF AGES: Richard Redhead arr. W. Hargreaves Walter Hargreaves has given this ‘well-loved old hymn a new dressing. The dignity and reverence are retained, with added grandeur (and a demanding obbligato for soprano comet, which brings out the best from Stanshawe’s John Noall).

Musicians

	The Stanshawe Band , GB album by
	Walter Hargreaves , conductor, album by, arranged by
	John Fletcher tu, *1941 soloist, album by
	Malcolm Arnold tr, 1921-2006 GB arranged by

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