Rylstone Chalet, Popham Road, Shanklin, PO37 6RG

Registered Charity Number: 1134447

James, aged 17, unfortunately has lost his battle against Cystic Fibrosis and other illnesses.  He played in both the Senior and Youth Sections of Shanklin Town Brass Band, playing Repiano Cornet with the Youth Band and Second Cornet with the Senior Band.

He joined the Band six years ago when his family relocated to the Island, and learnt his musical craft with the Band and the Brass Academy.  He took his Associated Board Grade III on cornet, Grade V theory, which he passed with distinction, and was working towards his Grade V practical exam.  At the SCABA Spring Contest in Hove in 2008, James won the Best Youth Instrumentalist prize.

Shanklin Town Brass Band would like to offer their condolences to Yvonne and Christopher, James' parents, and to his family and friends.

Members of the Youth Band gave a a concert in Rylstone Gardens on Sunday 5^th July 2009 in memory of Repiano Cornet player James Sparks who died the previous Sunday aged 17.

Three numbers in the programme were dedicated to James. Ticket to Ride, the arrangement of which reflected James' interest in steam trains, the Great Escape, a tune which James would whistle whenever he got out of hospital and one of James' favourites,  The Lord Of the Dance.

MD Malcolm Lewis, paying an emotional tribute to James said, "He really was a great guy and we will all miss him terribly."

A collection taken during the concert raised £300.94, which was sent to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in James' memory.

Members of the Youth Band perform the Great Escape in memory of their friend

Page last updated 12 April 2010