'That's it!' exit stage right smiling

This programme of Concert Hall Classics including particular favourites of Frank's became a Celebration of all that was best in Brass Band music. As ever Frank spoke without notes informing his audience about each separate piece, relying upon his encyclopaedic knowledge of composers and arrangers, some greats in the brass band world, several of whom are or were personally known to him.

Two young men had major roles throughout the concert. Harry Porthouse is the Hepworth Band's new solo Cornet Player. He comes from a family heavily involved in brass bands and trained at the same Royal National College of Music as Frank Renton 78 years ago. Spending much time in Italy Frank and his wife are members of two local bands there and soon recognised the burgeoning talent of euphonium and trombone player Daniel Lavacchielli.Both in the conductor's words are 'a distillation of three generations'.

Fun music was to be the theme of the afternoon beginning with Mozart's Overture - the Magic Flute with this arrangement by Rimmer showing how the composer intended to immediately attract and hold his opera loving audience's attention. Harry Porthouse made an instant impact, recognised by both his fellow players and his audience. Later in the programme he took the opportunity to impress in Elegy from a Downland by Ireland introduced as 'gentle, proper music'.

For Daniel his first solo came in Pantomime, originally written for Nicholas Childs by Philip Sparke testing lyrical and technical prowess with a wide emotional range greeted with enthusiastic applause by the whole of the Hepworth Band. Later in the programme Frank mused on the possible directions brass band music might take in the future and one route was epitomised in Daniel's second solo Gershwin's 'Our love is here to stay. arranged by Goff Richards.

On entering Bologna Conservatory Daniel had to study trombone as there was no euphonium teacher and soon developed as a jazz player alongside his classical repertoire. Frank's view that 'Daniel's development has been nothing short of sensational' was reflected in both the band's and the audience's reaction to his stunning performance.

The concert was brought to a rousing end with Borodin's 'Polotsvian Dances from Prince Igor' with Frank turning to have a quiet word with the band before telling the audience 'This was the best in all my years with them that the Band has ever played. This will continue with Ryan Watson as their conductor!'.

'That's it!' were his final words before leaving the Yeadon stage for the last time. 

Before the concert began two presentations were made to Frank by Aireborough Rotary Club President Janet Appleton for his dedicated service to both the Club and its community. They were a second Paul Harris Award with sapphire and a suitably inscribed piece of crystal glassware. A third surprise gift will follow in April.