March 2009, The Oldham Band (Lees) made history. The band performed the piece ‘New World Sketches’ by Dan Price in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The band was drawn 8th in the Second Section and as usual took notice of the composer’s instructions in the score, in particular paying close attention to the detailed dynamics which in the opinion of the adjudicator, Malcolm Brownbill, were missed by several other bands who took part. This resulted in the band being awarded 1st place in the North West Areas. This is the band’s fifth consecutive Regional title in different sections and is a record for any area contest. (2005 & 2006 – 4th section. 2007 & 2008 – 3rd section. 2009 – 2nd section.)
The band will now be performing in the National Finals in Harrogate for the fifth year running in September.
Apart from John Collins, the conductor, 6 players have performed in all five wins. They are – Toni Heywood, Maria Swingley, David Cook, Charlotte Heaven, Jennifer Brown and Samantha Parker-Grange.
As a result of this success the band expects to be promoted to the 1st Section from January 2010.