Camborne Youth Band - Three In A Row (CD, 2006)

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Liner Notes: Alan Pope was born in Redruth in 1961 and began learning to play the cornet at Lanncr Rand with Tommy Martin at the young age of 5. He joined Carharrack and St Day Band where he stayed until he moved to St Austell Town Band. Conducted by Fred Roberts, who was also Alan's tutor, they were a successful Championship Section Band. Alan competed in the National Finals with St Austell Town Band. He played in numerous solo contests throughout Cornwall and the South West with great success and in 1974 he joined Camborne Town Band, remaining there until 1977. Alan then joined the Army and spent two years training at the Band of the RAC Junior Leaders Regiment in Bovington, Dorset and was posted to Germany in 1979 with the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards Band. He later studied at the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall under Professor Ian Mackintosh and was awarded the prestigious Cousins Memorial Parchment for exceptional proficiency on the cornet. The attainment of this award is a huge achievement and testimony to his skill and knowledge. Alan was principal cornet for 6 years with the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards and was also Commanding Officer's Trumpeter. This gave him the opportunity to travel throughout the world and play at numerous prestigious occasions in front of the Royal Family and dignitaries. In 1991 he served in the Gulf War as a Medic and Troop Commander and on returning to England he was principal cornet with the Royal Dragoon Guards until leaving the Army in 1993. In January 1999 he took the position of Musical Director to Camborne Youth Band. The Youth Band was at its lowest ebb for many years with just 7 full members and 8 beginners. Alan provided presentations at local schools and was responsible for raising the membership to over 70 players. In the intervening years, he has developed it from a group of beginners into the successful, popular band that now exists. Alan has been instrumental in devising and organising the Camborne Town Band Solo & Quartet Contest. This event has gone from strength to strength and Alan's ideas, motivation and drive have made this contest a popular annual event in the Brass Band calendar. In May 2002, he was awarded a Camborne Town Council plaque for services to music with the youth of Camborne Youth Band, in recognition of the countless young people that have benefited from his enthusiasm and teaching. In March 2003, the Youth Band became Cornish Junior Champions at the Cornwall Brass Band Festival at the Hall for Cornwall and South West Junior Champions•at Torquay. The band became National Junior Champions at the Royal Northern in April 2004, a title they retained in 2005 and 2006. Alan then formed Camborne B Band as a way to encourage players to develop their skills further and act as a stepping stone between the Youth and Senior Band. Twenty two of the Youth Band also play in Camborne B Band and in April 2003 they qualified in the 4th section for the National Finals held in Dundee. After only a year of competing this band was promoted from the fourth to third section. Since 2003 Alan has been a tutor with the Cornwall Youth Band. In 2004 he became a tutor at the Wessex Band Summer School that takes place in Bournemouth. In the same year Alan was awarded the Cornish Gorseth Trevada Shield for the encouragement of music making by young people. One of Alan's many enviable attributes is his willingness to work alongside other professionals to further his skills and to benefit the young people with whom he works. Alan has now forged close working relationships with several players and conductors at the top of their profession, including Alan Morrison, David Childs and Stan Lippeat. He also very much appreciates the support of his wife Michelle and their family, Steven and Kirsty. The Youth Band members and management are indebted to Alan for his outstanding commitment, motivation, professionalism and dogged determination! Camborne Youth Band would like to thank the Porthminster Hotel for their support in the making of this CD The Porthminster. Where else? Perched above the golden sands, The Porthminster in St Ives is your ideal choice for functions, weddings,iiarties dinners and meetings large or small. With views that will take your breath away, a selection of function rooms, suitable for 6-200, and a restaurant overlooking St Ives Bay, you need look no further for the perfect venue. And if you fancy enjoying a weekend or short break in style, you can't beat The Porthminster. Many of our rooms have sensational sea views and you can even choose a room with a four- poster, a double spa bath or a private sitting room. We can offer you a romantic escape with all the trimmings, even a rose petal bath, chilled champagne and an in-room massage for you both. Or, if an action packed break is more your style, we can arrange for you to enjoy coasteering, surfing, climbing or more. Quite simply, The Porthminster has it all.