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Neil Day signs with Barton Town Band

Barton Town Band are looking forward to competing in the Northern Area at Darlington after their promotion to
the 3rd section and are pleased to confirm that Mark Bentham is again to conduct them. The band are also
delighted to announce five new signings, Stuart Clark (bass trombone) and Phillip Pearson (principal
euphonium) are both returning to the band, Sally Westwood joins on solo horn, Jim Rogers back row cornet and
Neil Day on principal cornet - Neil takes over from Richard Day as he retires from the top seat although he will
still be keeping an experienced eye on the front row from 4th man down, we would like to thank Richard for his
devotion and valuable work over the years. These signings also offer the opportunity to strengthen other areas
of the band with Suzanne Evison moving from principal euphonium to solo baritone, Pete Gallagher moving
from solo horn to 2nd man and Matthew Evison transferring from 4th man to back row. The band management
has worked hard to offer a well ordered environment for players who expect a high quality hobby without the
murderous concert commitment expected in some organizations, we maintain a committed team with full
rehearsals and retain high quality conductors. Most of the players signed recently have been visiting the band
for some time and liked what they found-in the case of Neil Day, he has been a regular attendee at our
practices for over a year, he likes the team spirit - we have a good time and quality banding. Our concerts are
well attended in prestigious venues and the band is on a sound financial footing. The town is extremely
supportive, not just because the band has a long history dating back to 1872, but because the band actively
cultivates and regularly supports the community. We are shortly to present a cheque for £1000 to the RNLI the
result of a successful Gala Concert in Hull City Hall last November with guest soloist Martin Winter, the
presentation coincides with our Annual Youth Band Concert and Presentation Night on Sat 3rd March at
Baysgarth School in the Town. The management team is very close to securing a land deal with the local
authority to build a Music Centre in Barton, a necessary step if the Youth, Junior and learner bands are to
develop further. The whole team is very excited with the progression of the band and is looking forward to some
quality concerts and contests in the early part of the year and hopefully sinking a few shandies in Darlington.