Band turns brass into silver.

BIG smiles, bags of pride and prize-winning playing.

That's what an audience in Pudsey can expect tonight when Emley Brass Band shows off its new collection of silverware during a gala proms concert at PudseyCivicCentre organised by the Yorkshire Women's Institute.

Recent months have brought them a trio of wins in competitions covering the test piece, marching and entertainment.

Last weekend, the band travelled to Pershore near Worcester to compete in the Wychavon Festival of Brass contest.

Emley came home with the prize for the best percussion and first place in the festival's third section.

Led by musical director Garry Hallas, the band opened with Battle Hymn Of The Republic, followed by Birdland, in tribute to the music of Charlie Parker. Gary Brown, Emley's principal Eb Bass player, took on the stand-up solo, and played his son's favourite song, Nellie The Elephant.

The men of the band sang The Teddy Bears' Picnic - with accompaniment from the remainder of the band - and to close the musicians played music from the film A Conquest Of Paradise, written by Vangelis.

The adjudicator was Roy Sparkes, who clearly approved of Emley's playing.

Their success at Wychavon completed a trio of wins - the band have also picked up first places in their section at the Pogson Bray Trust contest and at the Easingwold contest.

The band meets on Mondays and Wednesdays in the band room in Emley village. They welcome anyone who wants to join.

For more information, their web site is www.emleybrassband.co.uk