Clean Sweep of Prizes at Preston
The band attended Brass at the Guild Contest with their tails up following their recent result at Rochdale Contest. The band entered the contest playing A Saddleworth Festival Overture by Goff Richards and came away with Best Soloist Award awarded to Principal Cornet James Ball, Best Euphonium awarded to Darren Fawcett, Best Basses awarded to J-P Coulson, Andy Maguire, Dave Lyon and Johnny Day and to top it off took the coveted First Place!! Musical Director Ben Coulson was thrilled to win another trophy in only his second contest leading the band. This achievement is a great testament to the hard work of Ben and the band who are now preparing for the upcoming North West Regional Championships at Blackpool.
New Signing
The band are very pleased to announce the signing of Rob Hayman joining us on euphonium. Rob has returned to banding following completing his studies at University. Previously, Rob had a successful time at Wigan Youth Band and we're excited to have him on board.
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Holy Trinity Church
The band enjoyed performing for a lovely audience at Holy Trinity Church, Bickerstaffe. The band performed an entertaining programme including traditional brass band pieces, music from screen and stage, popular music and music commemorating 100 years since the end of the First World War.
Long Service Presentation
A presentation was made to Derek "Danny" Kiggins for continued service to the band since 1947.
A truly remarkable feat. Our thanks go to Danny for all the help he gives to the Band.
Remembrance at Lathom Chapel
The Band played at Lathom Chapel celebrating the part played in the 1st World war as a Station for the transport of horses to the war effort.
Skelmersdale Prize Band in Concert
Come along and listen to Skelmersdale Prize Band perform an entertaining programme of music from traditional brass band pieces to music from film and stage and popular music.
We have lots of concerts, socials and fundraising events coming up. Keep checking our events page for upcoming events. See you soon!
Podium Finish at Rochdale Contest
The band are proud to have been placed third at the recent Rochdale Contest. The band's performance of the test piece Dimensions by Philip Sparke drew positive remarks from the adjudicator and was well appreciated by a full audience at Rochdale Town Hall.
As Musical Director, Ben Coulson's first contest, this forms a solid foundation for the band to build on. The result is a great achievement and testament to the hard work of Ben and the Band.
New Signings
We're really pleased to have boosted our playing ranks following the appointment of Ben Coulson as Musical Director. We're delighted to welcome James Beecham, Ellie Harrison, Matthew Elliot and Steven Gee on cornet, Emma Taylor on baritone,as well as Adam Dutch and brothers Neil and Darren Samuel on trombone. In addition, Keith Sharples makes a welcome return on tuba following a short break away from banding.
These new signings are a real boost. With so many bands in such a small radius around the area, it's great to have a near full team around the stands.
The additions bring a great mix of youth and experience as we look forward to exciting times on the contest and concert stages.
Blackburn and Darwen Hymn and March Contest
The band had a great afternoon playing at the Blackburn and Darwen Hymn and March Contest. It was the band's first engagement with our new Musical Director, Ben Coulson and we're looking forward to exciting times ahead!
New MD Returns to Home Roots
Skelmersdale Prize Band are thrilled to announce the appointment of Ben Coulson as their new Musical Director.
Influenced by his parents, who have both played in various brass bands in the local area, Ben first started to learn the cornet at Skelmersdale Prize Band. After a successful four years of contesting and performing in events in the local area with the band, Ben left the principal cornet seat to play for the acclaimed Blackburn and Darwen Band.
Here, he settled on the flugel seat, before moving to Huddersfield after his A Levels to study for his degree in Music, where he studied under the expert tutorship of Phillip McCann. Upon his move to Huddersfield, Ben was invited to join the Hammonds Band. Here, Ben enjoyed qualifying out of the Grand Shield on two occasions, along with taking part in many competitions including the British Open, the National Finals and Brass in Concert.
Ben has recently qualified as a music teacher and is returning to his hometown
of Wigan after successfully securing a job in Warrington. With this brings the
opportunity for Ben to look to the future and begin his conducting career at
home with Skelmersdale Prize Band – the band who helped him take his first
tentative steps into brass musicianship.
Through the years, Ben has been a regular visitor and friend to the band, so all members are happy to welcome him back. As a band, we look forward to the exciting changes and challenges that a new MD brings, and we are confident that there is much success on the horizon with Ben at the helm. Ben's first engagement as MD will be the Blackburn and Darwen March and Hymn Contest on Sunday 16th September.
“With the Hammonds Band, I have been very fortunate to enjoy years of playing at the best contests in some amazing venues, and also some brilliant concerts around the country. The best part for me though was the amazing team spirit within the band. I think it’s too rare now to find a band where every player has total commitment, whilst also enjoying a great social time as a group of 25 good friends. This attitude is something that I would now like to bring home. I am looking forward to taking Skelmersdale through this next chapter in the band’s amazing history; it’s great to conduct William Rimmer’s former band.” – Ben Coulson
Welcome to Liam and Wendy!
The band are very pleased to welcome Liam and Wendy to the ranks. Liam, son of EEb bass player Andy, started playing tenor horn with our Youth Band. He now joins the percussion section of Skem Band. Wendy Thorpe, wife of cornet player Chris, returns to the band on tenor horn after a few years away from brass banding.
Great to have both on board!
Ainsdale Show
The band enjoyed leading the procession at Ainsdale Show.
Band walk
Sunday 24th June
Members of the band had a great day out walking around Rydal water in the Lake District with a welcome break at Rydal Hall coffee shop for some light refreshment. Thanks to Ellen and J-P for organising it.
Happy 70th Birthday Penky!
The band wish a very happy 70th birthday to our percussionist and chief barman Alan Penk 🎉🎈
Bickerstaffe Treat Day
The band enjoyed performing at Bickerstaffe Treat Day. It was a great day and we were well looked after by the organisers...look forward to seeing you again next year!
Southport Botanic Gardens
The band enjoyed playing to an amazing audience at Southport Botanic Gardens.
Ainsdale Fun Day
The band thoroughly enjoyed performing at Ainsdale Fun Day.
Royal Wedding Garden Party
We had a great day playing at The Millstone's Garden Party in celebration of the Royal Wedding.
Pink Ribbon Walk
Members of the band, Sarah, Ellen and J-P along with Sarah's family walked in the Peak District to raise money for Breast Cancer Care.
Please sponsor them here.
Cake Sale
As part of the band's fundraising efforts, we held a cake sale. It was a great event enjoyed by all and lots of funds were raised. It was great to have a chat over a cuppa and there were some very yummy bakes! Thank you to everyone who helped and all who supported us by coming along and having tea and cake with us.
New Signing
The Band would like to welcome Darren Fawcett who joins on Euphonium. We hope you enjoy your stay with us.
Happy Birthday!
The band had the pleasure of playing Happy Birthday to West Lancashire's Town Crier Don Evans. We surprised Don at his home to wish him a happy 80th birthday.
Spring Clean
Band room looking good after a weekend of work, painting the outside, gardening and sorting out old music. A great big thank you to all who put the effort in.
Wicked!
Members of the band enjoyed watching Wicked at Liverpool Empire with members of Maghull Wind Orchestra.
Congratulations to our Diamond Players!
North West Regionals
And we're off to sunny Blackpool for the North West Regionals!
Contest Success
A great result for our principal cornet James Ball, winning the "best soloist" award at the Brass at the Guild contest 2018. The band were placed 5th.
Changes in Personnel
Sadly Rhiana Blakely Travis has decided to leave the Band due to work commitments at university. We wish her well for the future.