{"id":1665,"date":"2016-01-21T14:17:55","date_gmt":"2016-01-21T14:17:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/silsdentownband.silsden.net\/stbnews\/?page_id=1665"},"modified":"2016-01-23T10:38:31","modified_gmt":"2016-01-23T10:38:31","slug":"history-of-silsden-town-band","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/silsdentownband.silsden.net\/stbnews\/band-history\/history-of-silsden-town-band","title":{"rendered":"1840 – 1899"},"content":{"rendered":"

1840s <\/u><\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

The Origins of Silsden Band.<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

It is thought that the Silsden Brass Band changed from a Pipe and Reed Band in the 1840\u2019s into a Brass Band.\u00a0\u00a0 In 1850 some of the band members joined the Royal Lancashire Militia which began a long association between the regiment and the band.\u00a0\u00a0 Silsden Brass Band members were eventually allowed to proudly wear the distinctive white regimental tunics at public performances and band contests.\u00a0\u00a0 The band continued to wear this style of uniform until the late 1920\u2019s. At the outbreak of the Crimean War with Russia in 1854 nine members of the band enlisted for service abroad with the Royal Lancashire Military Band.\u00a0\u00a0 They eventually left the Lancaster Headquarters of the regiment to travel out to the Ionian Islands.\u00a0\u00a0 They embarked from Southampton; they called at Gibraltar, Malta and then on to their destination Corfu.\u00a0\u00a0 After nearly three years the conflict was over and the bandsmen returned to Silsden and with them they brought the Regimental Bandmaster, Mr M Dowling who took charge of a re-formed Silsden Band.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\"The<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Early Days of Brass Band Competitions.<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

In the mid nineteenth century brass band competitions were becoming more popular in England, partly because the railway system became more developed and people were able to travel\u00a0 more freely throughout the country.\u00a0\u00a0 The brass band authorities realised that instrumentation and pitch had to be standardised in order to create a level playing field for contesting bands.\u00a0\u00a0 With standardisation in place further restrictions started to come into force.\u00a0\u00a0 The 1863 Crystal Palace Contest ruled that all bands were tuned to the pitch of the Crystal palace Organ.\u00a0\u00a0 At the Belle Vue contest in the same year the organisers stated that all cornets must be in B flat.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

At about this time Silsden Band were competing in contests and under Dowling\u2019s leadership the band was very successful in brass band competitions and in 1862 at The All England Brass Band Contest in Birmingham the band came fourth.\u00a0\u00a0 At that time the prize money was \u00a32 for this placing.\u00a0\u00a0 The band went on to win prizes at both national and local band competitions in subsequent years.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Silsden Bandsmen and the Travelling Menagerie.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

In Victorian times some of the Silsden bandsmen used their musical skills to play in the travelling menageries.\u00a0\u00a0 These included Messrs. Wilson, Bottomley, Fortune, Driver and Longbottom.\u00a0\u00a0 Travelling Menageries were very popular as a form of entertainment at that time and also had educational value for the general public who otherwise would never have had an opportunity to see wild animals.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\"Travelling\"<\/a>\"Travelling2\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Gargrave North Yorkshire 1912.<\/p>\n

1862<\/em> <\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Fete and Band Contest \u2013 Aston Park, Birmingham.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

4- 5th<\/sup> August 1862. <\/strong><\/span>(Silsden only took part on the second day).<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is something about the words “Brass Band Contest” that is strikingly indicative of music gone mad. One sees the announcement plastered over all the walls in Birmingham, and straightway there is an idea formed of a wild clashing of brazen instruments – a great wrestling of sounds, as it were, each madly contending with the other. And yet, after all, the reality is quiet enough and orderly enough. Yesterday, indeed, the wind was wilder than the music. It caught off hats belonging to portly gentlemen, and whirled them amongst the flying dresses of the ladies; it played wicked tricks when the rain came with the weak umbrellas of young men who wear eye glasses; and while it seemed to blow asunder the very notes in cornet solos, and waft them away to a dim distance, it not unfrequently tore away the sheets of music from the stand, and sent them careering over the glades of the old park. At intervals, too, there were gusty showers, which drove the visitors in shoals into the refreshment rooms, under well-clad trees, and even beneath the boards of the temporary orchestras erected for the occasion. The weather being so unsettled, it was not surprising that there should have been fewer people present than on the previous day. Nevertheless, the bands who played for prizes rather than applause, acquitted themselves as well. Their selections, too, were equally well chosen.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The second platform was occupied by the Sherwood Rangers, who, conducted by Mr. Lilley, played selections from “Robert le Diable” and “Ernani”; the Spon Lane Glassworks, who, conducted by Mr. Alexander, played a cavatina from “Anna Bolena” and a selection from “Martha”; the Cheltenham Amateur, who, conducted by Mr. Cooke, played a selection from “Melodique” and “La Fete des Lilas”; the Northampton Amateur, who, conducted by Mr. Ashton, played a selection from “Trovatore” and the overture from “Nabucodonosor”; Dodsworth’s Bradford, who, conducted by Mr. Dodsworth, played the overtures to “Maritana” and “Bressant”; and the Silsden, who, conducted on this occasion\u00a0 by Mr. Ogden, played a cavatina from “Ernani” and an aria from “Lucretia Borgia”. The six selected to-day were, the Matlock, the Silsden, the Heckmondwike, the Northampton, the Kirkburton Temperance, and Dodsworth’s Bradford Bands. Of these, the Heckmondwike received the first prize (\u00a312 for band, and silver quaint cup, for band-master, value 14 guineas); the Northampton, the second prizo (\u00a38 for band); Dodsworth’s Bradford, the third prize (\u00a35 for band); and the Silsden, the fourth prize (\u00a32, for band).<\/strong><\/p>\n

1862 <\/u><\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

Silsden Band Contesting at Ripon.<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ripon Horticultural Show and Band Contest.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3rd September 1862.<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Silsden Band came fourth at this contest winning a prize of \u00a33.\u00a0\u00a0 Marriner\u2019s Band were first, Leyburn came second and Bramley were third.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At the contest The Yorkshire Hussars Band disqualified themselves by introducing a clarinet in their instrumentation.\u00a0\u00a0 The general level of playing at the contest was good.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

1863<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

2nd<\/sup> September 1863.<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Eleven bands took part in the contest and Silsden were awarded third place.\u00a0\u00a0 The final results were:-<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. West Riding Artillery – Bramley.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. Marriner\u2019s Band Keighley<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. Silsden<\/strong><\/li>\n
  4. Kirkstall.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    British Open Championships, Belle Vue.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

    31st<\/sup> August 1863.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    There were eight bands competing in Silsden\u2019s section and Silsden were drawn to play at number six.\u00a0\u00a0 The test piece was Faust (Gounod) and one selection of their own choice.\u00a0\u00a0 The conductor was Mr G O\u2019Brien.\u00a0\u00a0 The adjudicators were J Riviere, E Stanton Jones and Alfred Phasey.\u00a0\u00a0 The results were:-<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Black Dyke <\/strong><\/li>\n
    2. Bacup<\/strong><\/li>\n
    3. Silsden<\/strong><\/li>\n
    4. Preston<\/strong><\/li>\n
    5. Dewsbury<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Prizes: 1st: \u00a330; \u00a02nd: \u00a314; \u00a03rd: \u00a37; \u00a04th: \u00a34..10s..0d; \u00a05th: \u00a32.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      After the band had competed one of the judges Mr M J Riviere spoke to the Band Secretary enquiring about the arrangement the band had played as their own choice of music.\u00a0\u00a0 After he was informed that it was written by Edward Newton, a Band Member, Mr Riviere spoke highly of his talent.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      They competed again in the British Open Championship in 1864 under the leadership of \u00a0Mr T Whitehead,\u00a0 without success.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      1863<\/em> <\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

      Silsden Band Contesting at Keighley Agricultural Show <\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

      In 1863 the Keighley Agricultural Show was celebrating its 21st<\/sup> Birthday.\u00a0\u00a0 It was a very special event which took place on both Friday and Saturday in early September.\u00a0\u00a0 Many attractions for the two day event were organised by the Peoples\u2019 Gala Committee, the Temperance Society and the Horticultural Society.\u00a0\u00a0 For the event the town was decorated in fine style, and many people had a public holiday over that period.\u00a0\u00a0 All the organising groups had placed placards around the town announcing their attractions for the very special event.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News 12th<\/sup> September 1863.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      The first placard was by the Temperance Society and announced in addition to the gala and concertina contest for Friday evening, a brass band contest and solo contest for Saturday to be held in two fields in Highfield Lane.\u00a0\u00a0 W L Marriner Esq\u2019s. Band, was promised both days.\u00a0\u00a0 The second announcement came from the Peoples\u2019 Gala Committee, and told of a grand gala and treble solo contest on Saturday, in the agricultural show field.\u00a0\u00a0 The committee has secured the services of the Black Dyke Mills Band, the Saltaire Brass Band, the Saltaire Drum and Fyfe Band, and W L Marriner Esq\u2019s. Juvenile Band.\u00a0\u00a0 The last though not least attractive placard was the Horticultural Societies placards, which informed the inhabitants that they had secured the services of the Silsden Brass Band for Fridays floral fete and gala, and the Dewsbury Brass Band for Saturday, and also the services of Professor Scott of Leeds for a grand display of fireworks in the evening.\u00a0\u00a0 But with the fullest preparations no arrangement could be made for having a fine day.\u00a0\u00a0 Sanguine bodies however entertained that the weather on Friday would be continued, but as we have said, these hopes were disappointed.\u00a0\u00a0 Many expectant ones when roused from the slumbers of the night, pulled aside their blinds to look upon the heavens, and found them full and heavy and there was little room for hope that the day would clear up.\u00a0\u00a0 After eleven the clouds were more dense and soon after the rain began to fall, and never ceased for many minutes together till 7 o\u2019clock in the evening.\u00a0\u00a0 It was indeed and uninviting day to pleasure seekers, and especially when that pleasure was to be sought on the wet grass.\u00a0\u00a0 It seemed a mockery for the different bands to promenade the streets calling the inhabitants to come out, while from behind the window panes they seemed to reply \u2018don\u2019t you wish you may get it?\u2019\u00a0 Notwithstanding the weather, however the Temperance Band and solo contest took place before comparatively few enthusiastic listeners.\u00a0\u00a0 The contest was over soon after seven and by this time the weather had cleared up, and the evening was fine and hundreds flocked into the ground to enjoy a little fun after all.\u00a0\u00a0 The bands remained a short time, and games were started.\u00a0\u00a0 The lime light was again successfully shown.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The following is a result of the Brass Band Contest.\u00a0\u00a0 Craven Amateur, Silsden, First, Prize \u00a310; Merrals Spring Head, Haworth, Second \u00a36 and a splendid new gold metal cornet value \u00a35..5s..0d which was presented by Mr Higham of Manchester, to the best band contesting who had never won a prize at any previous contest; Cross Hills third, \u00a34; Bingley Rifle fourth \u00a32.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

      1866 <\/u><\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

      Keighley News 8th<\/sup> September\u00a0<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

      At the 1866 Keighley Agricultural Show Silsden Band were not represented at the contest, but the competition had been organised in a bizarre way.\u00a0\u00a0 Of the two contests the first was a normal Brass Band Contest.\u00a0\u00a0 The second contest was billed \u2018A Piece At Sight\u2019 the first prize being \u00a320.\u00a0\u00a0 The conditions for this contest were that a piece of music of moderated difficulty composed (expressly for the occasion and provided by the committee) should be played, the band being allowed ten minutes to read the music before playing it, the effort was spirit stirring and the proficiency of the performers now and then excited the applause of the crowds of listeners.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      1875 <\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      An article based on the Keighley News report January 23rd<\/sup> 1875.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      In January eighteen seventy-five the band was engaged to play at an unusual event<\/em><\/span>. This concerned local manufacturer Mr North Summerscales who was also a member of the Local Silsden Board. Mr Summerscales had been found guilty of an assault on his estranged daughter in-law by the Skipton Magistrates and was sentenced to three months in prison at Wakefield jail. Many members of the Local Board and local manufacturers were outraged at this sentence and sent a petition to the Home Secretary in Parliament. The petition was rejected and Mr Summerscales had to serve his sentence. On his release the Silsden worthies had decided to give him a hero\u2019s welcome on his release.\u00a0\u00a0 Two gentlemen from the town went to Wakefield prison on his release accompany him back.\u00a0\u00a0 They eventually arrived at Steeton station by train to a welcome by many leading manufacturers and Silsden Board Members as well as members of the public.\u00a0\u00a0 The Silsden Brass Band had been engaged for the occasion and they led a procession towards Silsden with wagonettes and spectators.\u00a0\u00a0 They reached the Red Lion where Mr Summerscales and the party of friends alighted from the wagonettes at which time the band played \u2018Home Sweet Home\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0 Mr Summerscales then proceeded to walk to his home in the village.\u00a0\u00a0 Later Mr Summerscales was invited to a supper provided by the Local Board Members and leading manufacturers of the town where many speeches of tribute were paid to him.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      1875 Keighley News February 6th<\/sup><\/u> Concert.<\/u><\/strong> – On Saturday last members of the Silsden brass Band gave a concert of vocal and instrumental music in the Primitive Methodist Old Chapel.\u00a0\u00a0 The audience was large, there being upwards of six hundred persons present.\u00a0\u00a0 The instrumentalists were the above band, and the vocalists were Mdlle. M E Sutton, soprano of the Free Trade Hall concerts Manchester, Mr Lot Hall, tenor of Keighley and Mr Rhodes, bass of Keighley, Mr W H Green of Silsden presided at the piano forte.\u00a0\u00a0 The proceeds of the concert are to go towards purchasing new uniforms for the band.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News May 1st<\/sup> 1875.\u00a0\u00a0 Brass Band Supper<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 On Saturday last members of the Silsden Brass Band and other friends partook of an excellent supper in their practice room.\u00a0\u00a0 Previously to doing so the band played through the town a piece composed by Mr E Newton entitled \u2018The Sacred Gem\u2019 introducing three of Mr Sankey\u2019s song tunes.\u00a0\u00a0 After supper some very good pieces were gone through in excellent style, and a pleasant evening was spent.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      1877<\/em> <\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

      Great Horton Contest.<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

      Keighley News April 8th<\/sup> 1877.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Silsden Brass Band was highly successful at the Great Horton Brass Band Contest last Saturday.\u00a0\u00a0 Although there were only seventeen performers they had to compete with nineteen other bands in the \u2018quickstep\u2019, each of which had more than that number.\u00a0\u00a0 On Monday morning by request the band played a programme of music in the presence of Mr Richard Smith of Hull, the musical publisher who was over at Silsden on a visit to Mr Newton the Bandmaster and at the conclusion that gentleman expressed great gratification at the excellent performance of the band.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      With the standardisation of instrumentation in bands it became necessary for brass bands to have their own music, until standardisation military music had been used.\u00a0\u00a0 There was then an emergence of brass band music and publishing companies.\u00a0\u00a0 Richard Smith started publishing his \u2018Champion brass Band Journal\u2019 in 1857, uniquely the journal offered original brass band music.\u00a0\u00a0 Mr Smith, who was aware of Mr Newton\u2019s musical talents paid Mr Newton a retaining fee for his musical compositions of which many were published in the journal.\u00a0\u00a0 During his life time Edward Newton wrote over 400 pieces of music including marches, hymns and anthems.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      1878 <\/u><\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

      Concert by The Brass Band.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

      Keighley News November 2nd<\/sup> 1878.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      On Saturday evening an attractive concert was given by Silsden Brass Band assisted by Mdile Marie Sutton of the London and other concerts.\u00a0\u00a0 Mr D Cooper late of Carl Rosas Opera Company, and Mr Lot Hall tenor of Keighley.\u00a0\u00a0 There was a good attendance and the proceeds of the entertainment are to be devoted to the band-room.\u00a0\u00a0 The band conducted by Mr E Newton played a number of choice selections and accompanied some of the principal singers.\u00a0\u00a0 Mr Hall was in one of his best moods giving very successfully Sullivans \u2018Once Again\u2019 taking part in a duet from \u2018Maritana\u2019 and in \u2018Flow Gently Diva\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0 Mdile Sutton who appeared for the first time in Silsden her pure and sweet intonation taking well gave the well known songs \u2018Should Le Up Braid\u2019, Let Me Dream Again\u2019, \u2018 La Zingarella\u2019 and \u2018The Lost Chord\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Carolling.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News December 29th<\/sup> 1878.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Silsden Brass Band.\u00a0\u00a0 Once more this excellent band turned out on Christmas Day and Wednesday and Thursday and by the able manner in which they performed there appropriate selections of music contributed very largely towards making this season of the year a happy one.<\/strong><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      1884<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Silsden Brass Band Supper.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News February 2nd<\/sup> 1884.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The annual supper of the Silsden Brass Band took place on Saturday in the Primitive Methodist Sunday School.\u00a0\u00a0 About sixty persons sat down to an excellent tea provided by Mr Lund, Miss Hudson and Mrs Lund.\u00a0\u00a0 The whole of the members of the band with their wives or some friend were present.\u00a0\u00a0 Letters were received from Mr G S Taylor and Mr G Jacques expressing their regret at being unable to attend.\u00a0\u00a0 The cloth having been removed, an interesting entertainment commenced.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The Rev T Knowles MA presided and called upon the band to play \u2018Beauties of Ireland\u2019 after which the Chairman gave an interesting and practical address referring to Monre\u2019s Irish Melodies, some of which were introduced into the piece so well played by the band.\u00a0\u00a0 Mrs Florence Weatherhead sang \u2018The Better Land\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0 The band gave a selection which was much applauded.\u00a0\u00a0 Mr Sugden Lund followed with a song \u2018The Carrier Dove\u2019 which he sang well.\u00a0\u00a0 Amusements were then indulged in, and oranges were handed to the audience.\u00a0\u00a0 The band followed on with a valse, \u2018The Silver Rhine\u2019 by Meissler which was much appreciated.\u00a0\u00a0 Mr Charles Driver sang \u2018The Blacksmiths Son\u2019, Miss Weatherhead presided at the harmonium.\u00a0\u00a0 The brass band item was under the able conductorship of Mr E Newton.\u00a0\u00a0 The whole night was an enjoyable affair.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Silsden\u2019s Musician\u2019s Honour August 1884.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Edward Newton of Silsden on his retirement from the position of Bandmaster in the first Royal Lancashire Militia was presented with a silver tankard at Fleetwood.\u00a0 He had been a member of the band for twenty five years and for half that time he held the position of Bandmaster.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      1885<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

      The Band Organise a Gala and Football competition.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News April 11th<\/sup> 1885.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      On Good Friday a large number of people visited Howden Top to spend the afternoon.\u00a0\u00a0 The Silsden Brass Band had arranged for a Gala and also for a Football Match at which some two thousand persons were present.\u00a0\u00a0 There were eight entries.\u00a0\u00a0 The first prize consisted of a dressing-bag for each player in the team winning the first prize.\u00a0\u00a0 The second prize consisted of a football.\u00a0\u00a0 The first prize was won by Manningham Rangers, and the second by Silsden Town.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Benefit Concert.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News November 21st 1885 page 4.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      On Saturday evening last a concert was given in Silsden Mechanical Institute to a good audience for the benefit of Mr James Spence who met with a serious misfortune while playing football at Ingrow a few weeks since.\u00a0\u00a0 The performers were all of the village and included Miss D Green, Mr Wm. Berry, Miss Fanny Clarkson and Mr A Ambler, also a portion of the Silsden Brass Band played a number of glees.\u00a0\u00a0 The whole of the performers acquitted themselves well and all their services being given, \u00a37 was raised.\u00a0\u00a0 Mr William Townson presided at the piano and Dr Purcell occupied the chair.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Weavers Treat.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News December 19th<\/sup> 1885 page 4.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      The weavers in the employ of Messrs John Knox & Co of Silsden were on Saturday provided with an excellent tea in the Bethsheeda Schoolroom by Mr E Wade towards the cost of which \u00a33 was contributed by the firm, and \u00a31 by Mr A Nicholson the owner of the premises.\u00a0\u00a0 After tea they adjourned to the Mechanics Institute for an evening of entertainment.\u00a0\u00a0 The Silsden Brass Band was in attendance and played choice selections of dance music.\u00a0\u00a0 Songs were contributed by Mrs Wade, who sang nicely, but the principle interest was manifested in the songs rendered so well by Mrs Dover who was kindly applauded.\u00a0\u00a0 Refreshments were handed round at intervals and a pleasant evening was spent.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Christmas Festivities.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News December 26th<\/sup> 1885 page 4.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      The Christmas festivities have not been so freely indulged in as they probably would have been had there been more work required in the mills.\u00a0\u00a0 Several important firms are now only very slack and in consequence short time has had to be resorted to.\u00a0\u00a0 The Silsden Brass Band has again cheered the hearts of the villagers by their merry Christmas strains.\u00a0\u00a0 They appeared for the first time in their new uniforms, coats and hats.\u00a0\u00a0 The coats are dark grey with gilded buttons and of a military style.\u00a0\u00a0 The hats are of brown felt.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      1887<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

      Queen Victoria\u2019s Jubilee Year 1887.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News February 26th<\/sup>.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Silsden Brass Band Annual Supper.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The members of this band had their annual supper on Saturday evening in the Primitive Methodist School-room.\u00a0\u00a0 Each member had the privilege of asking a friend.\u00a0\u00a0 There were also a few friends invited by the band, and consequently about a hundred pesons sat down to an excellent knife and fork tea.\u00a0\u00a0 After the cloth had been removed they repaired to the Mechanics Institute to hold an evenings\u2019 entertainment.\u00a0\u00a0 Mr E Newton \u2013 bandmaster presided.\u00a0\u00a0 The younger portion of those present enjoyed themselves with dancing.\u00a0\u00a0 The Chairman called upon Mr John Driver to give a short address, but he declined on the ground of it not being an opportune time for speech making.\u00a0\u00a0 Yet he warmly congratulated the band on the success they had achieved in becoming so proficient in so short a time, and also on their sober and respectable habits, which had done much to make them so much respected in the village, and he proposed the thanks of the meeting to the band, which was seconded by Mr J. J. Booth and responded to by Mr Newton.\u00a0\u00a0 Songs were also sung and other amusements indulged in, to the great enjoyment of all present.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News June 4th<\/sup>.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Sacred Concert.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The principal event at the Whit Festival took place on Sunday when Silsden Brass Band held a Sacred Concert in Mr Taylor\u2019s field.\u00a0\u00a0 The band played through the village to the field in the afternoon where a large number of persons to hear the performance notwithstanding the cold winds prevailing at the time.\u00a0\u00a0 The concert commenced by the performance of a selection from \u2018Judas Maccabaus\u2019 which was exceedingly well played, the bass part being heard to great advantage.\u00a0\u00a0 Then followed a selection \u2018Mass in A\u2019 (Kalliwader) which was played with great credit.\u00a0\u00a0 A selection from \u2018The Creation\u2019 was highly appreciated as also one from \u2018St Paul\u2019, though it was of the opinion of the musicians present that these performances deserved the highest praise, it was generally felt that the performance of the selection from \u2018The Messiah\u2019 crowned all previous efforts, their being a sweetness and distinctiveness about this effort which was perceptible and which claimed the attention of all, showing the careful training which the band had received from their respected conductor Mr Edward Newton.\u00a0\u00a0 The effort raised \u00a314 for the local hospital fund.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News 11th<\/sup> June.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley Jubilee Procession.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Silsden Brass Band took part in the Keighley celebrations with five other bands.\u00a0\u00a0 These were Skipton, Wilsden, Yeadon, Haworth and Keighley Military Reed Band.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News 25th<\/sup> June 1887.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Silsden Brass Band In Steeton Jubilee Celebrations.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Saturday last must be pronounced an undoubted success.\u00a0\u00a0 From the top of the New Jubilee Tower overlooking the village streamed The Royal Standard, and across the road at Dam Top some enthusiastic residents had stretched a fine line of banners and evergreen in honour of the event.\u00a0\u00a0 Early in the afternoon was heard the stirring music of the Silsden Prize Band.\u00a0\u00a0 All the school children of the village received Jubilee medals and the band then played The National Anthem.\u00a0\u00a0 A band stand was erected near the flag staff and here throughout the evening all lovers of good music enjoyed a rare treat in listening to the sweet strains of the Silsden Band.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong>Brass Band Annual Concert.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News October 29th<\/sup> 1887.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      The Silsden Brass Band held their annual concert on Saturday evening in the Primitive Methodist School Room.\u00a0\u00a0 Miss Emilie Norton of Bradford Concerts, Mr Tom Black of Leeds and Mr D Cooper of Llandudno were engaged for the vocal part of the performance.\u00a0\u00a0 The band performed the following selection \u2013 \u2018Il Flauto Magico\u2019, grand extravaganza, \u2018The Derby Day\u2019 selection, \u2018Lucia di Lammermoor\u2019 and a Walse, \u2018Farewell To Thee\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0 These pieces were well played though it would have been better if the first piece had been left out and thus allowed rather more time for the latter pieces, which were well received.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Mr Cooper had a good recitation.\u00a0\u00a0 He gave the following songs \u2013 \u2018Plymouth sound\u2019, \u2018Saved By A Child\u2019, \u2018At The Eastern Gate\u2019 and \u2018My Friend\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0 In response to an encore he gave Mr Newton\u2019s new song \u2018For Fifty Years Her Light Hath Beamed\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The above concert was performed in Queen Victoria\u2019s Jubilee Year and the song written by Mr Newton was written for the Queen, two copies of this music were accepted by her.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Newton\u2019s Popular March.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      1888<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

      Keighley News November 3rd<\/sup> 1888.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      It appears from the November issue of the British Bandsman that an enquiry has been made in a previous issue \u2018what marches are the most popular with the brass bands in the country\u2019\u00a0\u00a0 The result of the voting on the question shows that Mr Edward Newton\u2019s popular march \u2018Achilles\u2019 stand sixth on the list, we think that this is an honour to Mr Newton.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      1894<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

      A Compliment to the Silsden Band and their Conductor.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Keighley News October 6th<\/sup> 1894.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The \u2018Brass Band News\u2019 of October 1st<\/sup> comments on the common fault of overblowing and suggests that some judges are apt to pay more attention to quantity than quality.\u00a0\u00a0 In connection with the recent Brass Band Contest at Belle Vue the following paragraphs appear:- \u201cLook at the contest band on the stage at any contest Belle Vue for instance.\u00a0\u00a0 See how they blow on a FF passage.\u00a0\u00a0 They blow until their faces look one mass of knots, the veins in their necks stand out as if they were being suffocated and all look as ugly as possible.\u00a0\u00a0 Indeed we have often thought that if a photo could be taken of a band when they were blowing like this it would completely cure them of overblowing.\u00a0\u00a0 We know it is not an easy matter to say what is overblowing when it is not too palpable, yet it is easy to tell when the tone is strained and forced unnaturally, but this is constantly overlooked if the execution be brilliant.\u00a0\u00a0 We remember hearing a band conducted by Mr Edward Newton, the well- known composer and arranger of brass band music, compete in a contest many years ago.\u00a0\u00a0 It was the most musical performance of the day, and it was laughed at! \u2018Sounds like a quartet\u2019 \u2018Got no Tone\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0 We admit it was not a dramatic performance but it was tuneful and smooth from first to last and none of the others were.\u00a0\u00a0 Of course it did not get a prize\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The final part of the article refers to the Silsden Brass Band and Mr Newton their esteemed conductor, and therefore will possess some interest for Silsden readers.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Sammy Newton\u2019s Dilemma.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Some of Edward Newton\u2019s brothers played in the Silsden Brass Band.\u00a0\u00a0 His brother Samuel best known as Sammy played the euphonium for many years.\u00a0\u00a0 As a young man he sometimes had a tendency to be over vigorous in the volume of his playing, this resulting in Band-Master Edward having to tell Sammy to reduce his noise level in some passages of music.\u00a0\u00a0 Many years later when Sammy was getting on in years and perhaps past his physical best, during a band practice Edward told Sammy he needed to play a bit louder for certain parts of music.\u00a0\u00a0 Sammy was rather irritated by this and replied \u201cWhen I could blow tha wouldn\u2019t let me, and now when I\u2019m past it tha\u2019s niver done nattring me\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      1897<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

      Keighley News June 19th<\/sup> 1897.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Silsden Brass Band Gala.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

      In the opinion of many who are well qualified to judge the band in a more efficient condition, but it is to be regretted that public support has not been forthcoming to the extent that might be desired.\u00a0\u00a0 Hence the members of the band have decided to hold a series of Galas with a view to replenishing the exchequer.\u00a0\u00a0 The first of these galas took place on Saturday evening in the cricket field, Silsden, when there was an encouraging attendance.\u00a0\u00a0 Dance music was played by the band and prizes were given for throwing at wickets and goal kicking.\u00a0\u00a0 The results being as follows.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

      1st<\/sup> Throwing at Wickets, Arthur Rhodes, 2nd<\/sup> George Bradley, <\/strong><\/p>\n

      Goal Kicking, 1st<\/sup> Elwyn Dawson, 2nd<\/sup> Batty Moore.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Fulham Band Contest.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

      In September 1898 the band took part in the Fulham Band Contest organised by London and Home Counties Band Association.\u00a0\u00a0 Silsden competed in the second section and the test piece was \u2018Crown of Honour\u2019.<\/strong><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      1840s The Origins of Silsden Band. It is thought that the Silsden Brass Band changed from a Pipe and Reed Band in the 1840\u2019s into a Brass Band.\u00a0\u00a0 In 1850 some of the band members joined the Royal Lancashire Militia which began a long association between the regiment and the band.\u00a0\u00a0 Silsden Brass Band members […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":1684,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1665","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/silsdentownband.silsden.net\/stbnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1665","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/silsdentownband.silsden.net\/stbnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/silsdentownband.silsden.net\/stbnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/silsdentownband.silsden.net\/stbnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/silsdentownband.silsden.net\/stbnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1665"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"http:\/\/silsdentownband.silsden.net\/stbnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1665\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1701,"href":"http:\/\/silsdentownband.silsden.net\/stbnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1665\/revisions\/1701"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/silsdentownband.silsden.net\/stbnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1684"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/silsdentownband.silsden.net\/stbnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1665"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}