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Tel. no. 07981 533003 |
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It's Summer!
August 2010
A Beach Party took place in Trowbridge Park on the weekend of Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th August, with tonnes of sand being brought in for the occasion. Bratton Silver Band were delighted in perform in the park bandstand close to the 'home' of Bratton.
The weather was hot, but the rainfall the previous day meant that visitors to the park were few.
Nevertheless the band played on ...
Happy campers!
Blenheim Gardens in Minehead proved to be a popular spot at the weekend, with lovely warm weather and sizable audience.
The band performed a varied programme, complete with many soloists. A few of the band members travelled down the day to camp and avoid the early morning travelling! What Robin would have done if he was left alone with a tent is anyone's guess!!!
"A tent?" "A long pole?" "A stud?" "A pro!" "Trust Trigger!"
"An MD at work ... concentrating ... a pro???????" "Stick to what you are good at guys!"
Congratulations!
All members of Bratton Silver Band would like to send their congratulations to Maria and husband John on the safe arrival of Joshua Neil Crickett who entered the world at the end of May, weighing an impressive 9lbs 3oz. Joshua is now a baby brother to Thomas and the family are all doing well and adjusting to having the new addition around.
Maria and the family came to Wingfield fete this month to show off baby Thomas, and of course to show support for the Band and to see how we are faring without her during her maternity leave (hopefully it will have felt like she has never been away .......).
Cory Hat-Trick
May 2010
Bratton Silver Band have had a quiet couple of months preparing for the busy summer season, so instead of news about what we are not doing, we thought we would spread the some good news about our friends in another band. The Cory Band made their own piece of unique brass banding history at the Brucknerhaus Hall in Linz on Saturday 1st May, by winning the European title for a third year in a row. Conducted by Dr Robert Childs, the Welsh band claimed a remarkable ‘Triple Crown’ (the first ever by a non English band at the event) by winning both disciplines of the contest for the second year in a row. At the end of a riveting overall contest, it gave the band a narrow two point margin of victory over Eikanger Bjorsvik of Norway (details supplied by 4barsrest).
Charity Concert
It is with delight that Bratton Silver Band can start informing everyone of our charity concert, to be held later in the year. The concert will take place at the beautiful Italinate Church, in Wilton, Salisbury, on Sunday 17th October, at 3.00pm. The charity, for which the Band will be raising money for, is the Parkinson's Disease Society (also known as Parkinson's UK). Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition and one person in every 500 has the disease. That's about 120,000 people in the UK. Parkinson's UK are always looking for ways to raise money and needs support to help them find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by this illness.
Bratton Silver Band hope you will be able to attend this concert and/or make a donation to this worthwhile cause.
Bratton Silver Band say 'Goodbye' to Beryl (horn), Brian (bass) and Jamie (percussion). Beryl will now be spending more time with her family (but you will still see her in a 'supporter' role). Brian has concluded that 33 years of playing in the Band is long enough. He will also be having more family time (and holidays!). Jamie is studying his GCSE's and can no longer commit his time to the Band - fingers crossed for the results he deserves.
Bratton Silver Band would like to pass on Good Luck to Maria for the impending birth of baby number two. We hope everything goes well and we look forward to seeing both mum and baby back in the band room soon.
Welcome to Simon Carr, Bratton Silver Band's new conductor (covering Maria's maternity leave).. Simon has been a long-standing friend of the Band and is very much looking forward to waving his magic wand! If you want to know more about Simon, please look at our Main Band page.
The Best of British ... and more!
February 2010 Bratton Silver Band once again presented the Best of British concert in Bradford on Avon - welcoming back the Cory Band and selling out (301 seats) on the first day of ticket sales. Throughout the concert there were solo performances and a fantastic rendition of Tribute to the King of Swing, Glenn Miller. There was a huge surprise for principal cornet player, Lisa, who was invited on stage to join in playing Mr Sand Man for the encore, which she had never played before - on a borrowed cornet (thanks to Steve). A day before her birthday too - lucky girl! Sounds Of Silver!
January 2010
Bratton Silver Band started off the year with a charity concert in aid of the RNLI - the charity that saves lives at sea - and SOS day is their biggest fundraising day! It's a day when people from all walks of life, throughout the country, get together to have fun, while raising money for our volunteer crews and lifeguards. The Band performed a free concert entitled 'Sounds of Silver' (using the SOS acronym) at All Saints Church, Westbury. The Band raised a fantastic £258.96.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Well, the end of the Anniversary year is nearly here - ending with the busy Christmas period.
Bratton Silver Band would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the Band during this year - and the many years gone before. Without such support the Band is unlikely to have lasted 150 years. Here's to another 150!!
Merry Christmas to everyone and a Happy New Year! See you in 2010.
A Day to Remember!
As in previous years, Bratton Silver Band participated in the annual remembrance day service, starting with a service held in St James' Church followed by a short service at the memorial in Bratton.
Unfortunately (again) this event did not proceed without any hiccups. By the time euphonium player Vic got strapped to the Bass Drum, the procession had already left the Church Institute, marching down the road, without him! Even band members were not prepared in time - chasing, and overtaking the procession as it headed towards the memorial. 'Reveille' was played twice - the poor standard bearers were kept on their toes - umm, standards up or down??
To the happy couple 60 years on!
October saw the 60th wedding anniversary of the Band's 'groupies' Mr and Mrs Lewis. Bratton Silver Band were invited to go and perform for them at their celebratory party. All the music was chosen by the special couple - their favourite pieces that they have heard the band play over the years.
Many congratulations to you both and the Band would like to thank you for your continued support given over many, many years. We all look forward to seeing you both again very soon.
Another prize!
September 2009
With weeks of preparation under the baton, Bratton Silver Band ventured to Droitwich for this year's Wychavon Festival of Brass. The programme for the entertainments contest consisted of Fanfare & Flourishes, Crazy (the flugelhorn solo played by Dave Harle), Bratton Silver March, Breezin' Down Broadway, ending with Irish Blessing (including the verse read by Naomi Styles). Another successful contest result - this time the Band being awarded the cup for third place, along with prize money. The adjudicator remarks were extremely positive - leaving only the question "if Bratton Silver Band were that good with balance, tuning and intonation, where did we go wrong??!!"
Summer is here!
August 2009
Blenheim Gardens, in Minehead, was the setting for the Band's most recent summer engagement. On Sunday 16th August, Bratton Silver Band performed in two concerts to audiences in deck chairs who were making the most of the pleasant surroundings. With a few clouds and a bright sky the band made the most of the dry weather playing a programme including TV hit 'Dad's Army' (we missed the 'put your light out' Robin!), Beatles song 'Hey Jude' - performed by the Band's horn section (well done, girls - oh, and Dave on Flugel!), up-beat 'Zambezi' (fingers well twiddled Steve!) and the Band's anniversary piece 'Bratton Silver March'. The audience were very appreciative and the Band even sold some CD's!
And just look who turned up an hour early AND helped to set up the stage!! We had to capture this for posterity. See, Dave and Paul - you can do it!
A Training Band Treat!
July 2009
On Saturday 18th July, Bratton Silver Band Training Band were delighted to welcome, to Bratton, Owen Farr - principal horn player with the world famous Cory Band. He visited the village to take part in a workshop and masterclass for the Training Band. Held in the Jubilee Hall, Bratton, Owen took the 'trainees' through their paces, advising and teaching them new playing techniques. Members were treated to a day of musical knowledge led by a master of his 'craft'. He also performed a cello concerto (on horn!) to show the players what could be achieved with a LOT of practice, delighting in telling every member who attended that nothing was impossible! The day ended with a concert performed to family and friends.
(more photos on Training Band page)
Guten tag!
The small village of Bratton has been put on the map!! With the help of Bratton Silver Band members, supporters and villagers, Musikverein Volkertshausen (a German band) were able to experience a real taste of England. They were treated to the sights of Bratton and Lacock, and entertained the tourists at Longleat. They ate afternoon tea and traditional fish and chips, took part in an English fete in Bratton, danced the hoe down at a Barn Dance and played in a joint concert, with Bratton Silver Band, held in All Saints church in Westbury - performed to a full house. Entertainment at the highest level!
Another First!
May 2009
This month Bratton Silver Band were lucky enough to be invited to take part in Bath's Festival of Music. An excited band travelled to Bath, on Friday 22nd May, to perform in Bath Abbey - a huge venue for a small village band! However, the Band put on another crowd pleasing performance to a packed Abbey - seated and standing! Apparently the Band played brilliantly - as noted by a member of the public who did not manage to catch the performance!!!
Happy Easter!
April started with Bratton Silver Band performing a concert in the beautiful Edington Priory Church on Saturday 4th April. This concert was dedicated to Graham Smith and music of the evening included many pieces which were favourites of his. Several band members added a lovely touch by sharing their memories and stories of Graham, while at the same time introducing the pieces of music throughout the evening. The concert was attended by Graham's family, friends and also previous Bratton Silver Band members who had played in the band with Graham.
All donations received from this concert went to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
Congratulations Tilly!
March 2009
On Sunday 15th March Bratton Silver Band travelled to the Riviera Centre in Torquay to compete in the West of England Regional contest. Nineteen fourth section bands entered on the day and the adjudicator had to sit through performances of The Talisman by Frank Hughes - a challenging piece for many a band in this section. Although the Band was not in the winning frame they were pleased to be congratulated by the adjudicator for impressive tuning!
The Band would also like to share some fantastic news about one of our newest recruits seen here on the left - Tilly Corless. Tilly let slip, on route to Torquay, that on 11th March she won 'St Augustine's Young Musician of the Year'. The competition comprised of three heats, quarter finals and semi finals which led on to the final held in the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon. Tilly played James Curnow's Rhapsody for Euphonium and 'Pingu', her brand new instrument, helped her on her way to winning this title.
Well done, Tilly!
Happy Birthday Bratton Silver Band!
During the weekend of Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February Bratton Silver Band ventured into the unknown to a place not likely to be visited again! The Band were privileged and proud to perform a concert with the Cory Band at The Wiltshire Music Centre, in Bradford on Avon.
Bratton players first took part in workshops with Cory Band tutors (principal players) and extra rehearsals in preparation for the Sunday concert which saw both bands put on a most remarkable joint venture - recorded onto CD Further details of this weekend will be reported on our 2009 celebrations page.
Happy New Year!
January 2009 (photo provided by WHN - S Tarling)
Christmas is over and Bratton Silver Band have entered the New Year with gusto (or should that be Presto?) - enthusiastically hitting the ground running!!
Practices for the concert with Cory Band (to be held at the Wiltshire Music Centre at the end of the month) are well and truly underway, with Musical Director, Bob Childs, taking the band through its paces at their band rehearsal on Friday 9th January.
Plenty of hard work is still to be done by the Band members but, with only three weeks to go now, this event will surely be one that will remain as a favourite for a long time - an experience not to be missed!
Both Bratton Silver Band and Cory Band look forward to presenting the 'premier' of a newly commissioned march by Rodney Newton, who will also be present at the concert. Look for the article in the British Bandsman and Wiltshire Times next week as the Band prepare for the year ahead.
It's Christmas!
Friday 12th December 2008 In December this year Bratton Silver Band had the opportunity of taking part in the Westbury Christmas Tree Festival Patrons evening. This is a chance to show off the ‘local’ Band and support Westbury’s Christmas activities. Over 20 businesses and organisations decorate Christmas trees in the Parish Church in Westbury and invite their own supporters along for mulled wine and festive tunes provided by Bratton Silver Band. (photo provided by WHN – S Tarling)
Time for fireworks!
Wednesday 5th November 2008 On Bonfire Night the Band played marches to lead the torchlight procession through the village of Bratton to the recreation ground where the firework display took place. The Band played the music from inside a ‘fenced’ trailer – the smallest ever seen. How everyone managed to fit in is anyone’s guess! (photo provided by WHN – S Tarling)
First Prize!
Sunday 21st September 2008 Bratton Silver Band take First Prize at the Wychavon Festival of Brass contest! The Band, led by Maria, were chuffed to bits on their recent success. The band played four pieces - The Great Escape, Bring Him Home (a Soprano solo from the musical Les Miserables, played by Paul Croker), La Storia and A Little Prayer.
Third Place!
Sunday 18th May 2008 Bratton Silver Band travelled to the coast to compete in the Annual ‘Own Choice’ Brass Band Contest at the Winter Gardens Pavilion in Weston Super Mare. The Band chose the piece of music, ‘Legend in Brass’ by James Curnow, to perform on this occasion. The adjudicator for the afternoon was Mr Derek Broadbent and at the end of the day the Band was rewarded with 3rd place!! What a fine result - complete with trophy and prize money.
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