Mark
Snowden
Soprano
Cornet
Mark started playing cornet when he was 13 years of age at
Derby High School. Joining Besses Boys Band one year later.
He played with them for 5 years. He joined the VBS Poynton
Brass Band in January 2004. Mark is currently a Music
Teacher.
"I'm really enjoying playing for the band", he said
"especially when we won second places at Blackpool and
qualified for the national finals".
Katie
Tysall
Repiano
Cornet
I first started playing the cornet at 8 years old when my
sister joined Poynton Youth. I was asked if I’d like to
play and got given a cornet there and then.
I played my first note in the Methodist Church with Michael
Eccles, who was my teacher for 10 years.
Playing in Warren Wood School Band, I was asked to audition
for Stockport Schools’.
I left Poynton Youth in 2003 and continued at Stockport
where I worked my way up to Principal cornet in the
Intermediate Band, and then as Principal in the Senior Band
for 2 years until I became ‘too old’!
The first adult band I joined was Hazel Grove, where I
worked my way up to Repiano cornet; I then left to join
Hawk Green on the same seat, where I stayed for 2 years.
The opportunity came along to rehearse with Vernon, which
was too good a chance to miss, and I joined in July 2005.
Karen
Hitchen
2nd
Cornet
"I began playing at junior school on trumpet, then at
Counthill Secondary School I started playing Bb cornet,
playing for the school band and a joint venture between
Counthill & North Chadderton schools Wind Band.
I joined Lees & Glodwick band then Failsworth Band
while still at school. Played for Failsworth for about 2
years, where I met a very annoying cornet player called
Dale (see Bass Players) whom I married 23 years ago."
Previous Bands 1983 – 2008
Failsworth, Dobcross B, Moston & Beswick, Delph,
Boarshurst, Eccles Borough, Trafford, Cobden &
Chadwick, Stalybridge, VBS Poynton, United Co-Op Rochdale,
Todmorden Old & Yorkshire Imperials (the Imps)
"I moved to Soprano cornet for a many years, until I saw
the light and realised that back row was much easier on the
nerves. 2001– 2008 had a break from banding, but have been
talked back into playing by my hubby Dale. I am really
enjoying playing again, didn't realize I missed it so much.
VBS always seem to get a good audience, and play to a great
standard."
Favourite Test Piece Frogs of Aristophanes
& Land of the Long White Cloud
Non test piece favourites Any & all
overtures
VACANCY
2nd
Cornet
Samantha
Simpson
3rd
Cornet
Samantha started learning the cornet at the age of 10
whilst still at Great Moor Junior School. Joining Stockport
Schools Band at 12 and staying with them until 18. Sam
still helps out the Intermediate Band on a Saturday
morning. Moving on to Hawk Green Band for 2 years and then
Besses Boys then finally joining Poynton in November 2007.
John
Needham
3rd
Cornet
John started playing in 1962 in the Poynton School Band on
Soprano Cornet under the baton of Charles Holt. He joined
the Withinlee Band Prestbury and later the Macclesfield New
Band.
In 1973 he became one of the original players in the
reformed Bollington Brass Band. He became the bands
Principle Cornet in the late 1970's and chairman of the
band. In the 80's he joined the New Mills Band and then the
Burbage Band Buxton under the baton of his his father in
law Don Redfern. His late wife Melanie also played with the
band on Tenor Horn.
He returned to Bollington under the musical directorship of
Brian Taylor and Bob Wyatt. At this time the band
progressed into the 1st section and he conducted the
Bollington Training Band. Many of his youngsters progressed
up to the senior band.
"I enjoy playing with the VBS Brass Band and hopefully they
will soon get back into the championship section". says
John. His girlfriend Noelle had never seen, let alone
heard, a brass band until meeting him. Now she helps the
friends of the VBS Brass Band commitee and never misses a
concert.
Favourite Test Piece: Whitsun Wakes.
