Backworth Colliery Band

Infobox musical artist
Name = Backworth colliery Band


Img_capt = Backworth Band Logo
Landscape =
Background = classical_ensemble
Birth_name =
Alias = Five Rivers Brass
Born =
Died =
Origin =
Instrument =
Voice_type =
Genre = Brass Band
Occupation =
Years_active = 1886-
Label =
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.backworthcollieryband.org.uk Backworth Colliery Band]
Current_members = Colin Harris
Stephen Bushby
James MacLean
Teresa Harris
Callum Harrison
Geoff Grice
Hughie Davis
Chris Lawlor
Maureen O'Hara
Catherine McKenzie
Norman Foster
John Smedley
Frances Lawson
Aubrey Crowe
Geoff Lawson
Michael McKenzie
Terry Fenwick
Christina Campbell
Robin Nixon
Cath McAllister
Fred Stones
Chris Travis
Peter Barker
Christine Boyd
Heather MacDonald
Past_members =
Notable_instruments = cornet,tenor horn, euphonium, baritone horn, tuba, trombone, percussion

Backworth Colliery Band are a traditional British Brass Band based in Backworth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. The band consist of 27 senior members and 15 junior members, all of whom play brass or percussion instruments fitting the traditional brass band instrumentation.

History of the Band

The early history of the band is something which is by no means clear. The date of around 1886 for the formation of the band has been deduced from Durham League material. It was set up around the same time as what is now Backworth club was built. It started life as a military band, but the band became wholly brass in 1920. The problems stem from the records of the early minutes of the band being missing, possibly lost when they moved rehearsal rooms, as they originally rehearsed in a drinking establishment which is now just across the road from their present base. The band was definitely formed out of the workforce from the surrounding pits, and sponsorship was won from the National Union of Mineworkers before the nationalisation of the coal companies in 1947.

The band has continued to perform at local concerts throughout its life. Of note too are the number of competitions the band has participated in, both locally and nationally. The band has performed as such events as the Whit Fridays, Durham Miner's Gala, CISWO Mineworkers Contest and the National Brass Band Finals.

The band changed name in 2000 to Five Rivers Brass due to a sponsorship with the Five Rivers Group. However the sponsorship only lasted for one year, and the band has reverted back to being Backworth Colliery Band.

Membership of the Band

The bands draw their membership from a variety of sources throughout the community. Although the band has a core membership from Backworth, Shiremoor and nearby towns such as Whitley Bay and North Shields, the bands also attract members from further afield such as Jarrow,Durham and Northumberland.

Membership is open to any player with the desire and ability to play a brass or percussion instrument. The band supplies most instruments on a loan basis and the band also provides tuition to any member requiring such assistance. The main instruments of a brass band are cornet, tenor horn, baritone horn, euphonium, trombone, tuba (bass) and percussion.

The band operates a strict Child Protection policy and Equal Opportunities policy. The band is run by a committee and is a volunteer-led, self funding organisation.

Musical Director

Colin Harris is in his second stint at Backworth Colliery Band. Colin joined the band in 1994, coming fresh into the Newcastle area to study music at the university. During his first time in the band, Colin played chiefly Eb Bass whilst assisting with the running of the band. After a short spell at Gateshead Brass in 2003 (formerly Northumbria Police Band), Colin rejoined the band to take the reins as Musical Director in October 2004. Since Colin rejoined the band, Backworth Colliery Band have had their most successful period to date, achieving such results as promotion to the 3rd section and 1st at the Durham League contest.

Colin's background is in brass banding - his father began his musical education at the age of 9, playing cornet at Northenden Silver Band, Manchester. After progressing onto Eb Bass, Colin was fortunate to have Phil Goodwin of Black Dyke as his musical tutor whilst at school. Combined with a first taste of contesting with Sale Brass, Colin was well equipped to study music full time at Newcastle University.

In 12 years in the North East, Colin has played and conducted many brass bands in the area and was M.D. of Ashington Colliery Band for 18 months. Colin also plays for local orchestras and wind bands, and combines his conducting duties at Backworth Colliery Band with playing tuba at the New Tyneside Orchestra.

Colin's main instrument is Eb Bass - however he has played percussion, BBb Bass, Trombone and Euphonium to most levels of banding. He is also a keen composer and arranger of brass band music - his best piece to date is "An Emerald Fantasy", published by Kirklees Music.

[http://www.colinharris.net Link to Colin Harris website]

Junior Band

The junior band was formed in 2003 as an independent body to the senior band. Backworth Colliery Junior Band is a committee-led organisation, which provides the opportunity for under-18 musicians in the area to learn and perform brass band music.

The band is divided into two sections; a band for the more proficient players, and individuals who are just starting to learn instruments and require one-on-one tuition.

Many of the junior band members also play with the senior band, and are often heard playing at the same events as the senior band.

Other Ensembles

As well as performing as a traditional 27-strong brass band, the members also provide music as a 12-piece, 10-piece and a sextet. The band also perform as a marching band for parades.

Concerts and Contests

The band performs at many concerts and contests throughout the North East. Here is a list of some examples.

Concert Locations:

* Bamburgh Castle
* Warkworth Castle
* Jesmond Dene
* Durham Miner's Gala
* Whitley Bay Playhouse
* Theatre Royal, Newcastle
* Royal Quays Marina
* Slaley Show
* Easingwold