Band News
9 November 2011
Downton Play a Perfect 5th!
A gritty, warts and all reality-TV-type view of just how life is in the hotseat!!....
November 4th 2011
Off to Torquay, the familiar venue for brass band sparring, all be it generally good natured.
Some of the sensible people in our number took the day off and travelled down in daylight with time to settle in and enjoy a pleasant meal. Some of us, however left late that evening and battled with rain and fog and had to contend with the driving of a manic hobbit (sorry Mark)!
A few of us stayed at the Bute hotel, which was pleasant if a little reminiscent of an episode of Fawlty Towers.
After trawling the streets we settled on the Beefeater, for a meal, but I had a moment of guilt as the washing up staff had to stay late on our behalf apparently! Shame.
5th November 2011 – Contest Day!
Up bright and early. Had a good breakfast and the unusual request to steal a banana for Danie! However the only fruit on offer were prunes and grapefruit segments which were a bit sloshy for my bag! (And unnecessarily wind inducing).
Danny picked us up, as at the grand age of 44 I still doubt my ability to arrive at the right venue at the right time for rehearsal. Alas poor Katie on Percussion was unwell and did not make it to the contest: get well soon! A spare pair of hands was fashioned between Myra and Lynda somehow! Sterling work.
The practice hall was a very convenient venue and extremely good value. The coffee and bacon butties were excellent, and much appreciated. The location is now embargoed as it’s an official band secret!!
Barring a few false starts the rehearsal went well. The usual bleary feeling and getting rid of the cobwebs taking just a little longer first thing in the morning.
Being drawn third in Torquay seemed promising, and useful as PC Jung's presence was urgently required at the cattle market back in Salisbury, a little later that afternoon - just in case any one managed to blow themselves (or anything else) up at the Spire Works firework display that evening!
Count Down
We arrived at the Riviera Centre at 11 for the usual nerve wracking wait. I did, however find that 2mg of diazepam for my dodgy neck the night before was an immense help in alleviating the usual jitters.
Barring a few nervy blips our performance seemed pretty solid and MD Roland, back in the saddle after a broken arm, appeared fairly pleased.
Afterwards there were some favourable comments from those in the know but contesting is a funny old game as we know!
Unfortunately the results were not as we would have hoped and we were allotted 5th out of 6. (Poo)!
Still - we live to fight another day.
Much thanks to Roland for his determination to over come his recent injuries to commit to the busy rehearsal schedule and take his rightful place at the helm once more.
Thanks also to Mike Dunford (stepping in on 2nd Euph) and Alison (on 2nd Cornet) and Terry Parsons (on Eb Bass) for your help and commitment to our cause. And a warm welcome to Stephen White (3rd Cornet) taking his places in our ranks for the first time!
Unfortunately I missed the drinks which followed, but trust that a good time was had by all. [ed. It was, Dizzy!]
Dizzy Hobbit (reporter in training)
5 October 2011
Long and winding road
After our amazing and unexpected result at Regionals this year it seemed more daunting than ever to prepare "Darkness Visible" for Cheltenham - ok it was nearer than Harrogate , but there were some holes in the line-up we'd not planned for but all in all the growing excitement seemed a positive thing.
The test piece seemed within our technical abilties and Roland was piecing it together. The calendar was full of local and regional events which would help pay for a coach and sundry support and only a few absences at rehearsals were hindering our progress.
Oddly our worst problem was putting out enough of our own players for the smaller but important gigs accepted for the summer - and Pete and Liz were regularly burning the proverbial candle and running up the phone bills to get a decent band out - and to be honest sometimes, through no fault of their own, not entirely succeeding. So it was with some sense of relief we finished the 3 day New Forest Show gig and could focus solely on "Darkness Visible" - light seemed at the end of the tunnel!
Nowhere man
Then the incredulous news was received from Greece: Esteemed MD and former MotoGP rider Roland Wright had been involved in a track-side crash and was lying - in excruciating agony - in a Greek NHS ward! The next day the committee had to face up to the situation. We needed an MD fast!
Get by with a little help from my friends
We pursued the problem with a call to two of our most dependable banding colleagues - Steven Mead (see www.euphonium.net) and Mike Dunford (MD of our friends at Shrewton Silver). Mike readily agreed to step in immediately and cover the next few rehearsals, and Steven found just enough clear dates in his diary - including Finals Day, to take the band through to the big day.
It was sorted - we had a temporary conducting team that was as professional and exciting as any in the land. Bring it on!
The rehearsals with Mike were going well. We lost some impetus when two of our cornets had to drop out and quick - and here we especially wish Denis well as he continues his recovery at home.
Help!
When Steven arrived and we presented the test piece he was quietly confident in the band and gave us some techniques and exercises that immediately improved our stamina and phrasing. The preparations had begun and we knew what had to be done. There were no hiding places and no doubt about our home practice schedules.
Day Trippers
Squeezing a few players and all our percussion on board proved interesting, and very physical, but the coach pulled out pretty much on time on our contest day and made progress to our rehearsal venue (WI Hall in Prestbury) and all of us were in place by 8am to begin the wait for the Draw news. Lips were buzzing and lungs extending by the time we knew we'd be 12th on of the 16 bands.
We decided on a break and took cars and coach to get a look at the facilities at the new Finals venue at Cheltenham Race Course. The venue had room for a selection of trade stands - but little in the way of places to eat packed lunches, or seating, and the bar was limited - Danny couldn't even get an umbrella for his drinks!
With our brilliant driver Eddie, we went back to Prestbury and had a final look at some of the vital corners of the piece. We had liked the piece and it had challenged us all ( - except the Troms, if you can believe what they tell you,) and those final reminders and tweaks were implanted in our heads.
Magical Mystery Tour
So locked and loaded we made our way to The Centaur and the moment of truth. The waiting was difficult and the small distraction of card distribution and "comfort breaks" still left much time for mental preparation and the usual contest mind games,
Registration was a rather unusual affair - Nicky's card had mysteriously disappeared and a frantic and unsuccessful search was instigated. The contest staff provided a well prepared rescue procedure and we progressed to the stage. During our performance the feeling of "dead space" was all around us - our on stage communication seemed to evaporate as we played. After the last note (did not) reverberate, we really weren't sure how we'd sounded. But there was no conviction about it!
Despite some admirable playing fell short of the adjudicators requirements - and after a hopeful wait for our comments we finally got the upsetting news that we had come 16th (of 16!) - with some harsh comments and very little encouragement! First time finalists in the third section, we were prepared for a mid-table anonymity but not the infamous last place!
Let it be
Still, after a couple beers, a few sympathetic chats and digging deep in the rich barrel of Downton Band "positive thinking" our mood was lifted, recognising the great achievement in appearing in such hallowed company in such a prestigious contest. It also left plenty of room for improvement next time!
The trip back was full of enthusiastic planning for the next year and hopes that we can still motivate ourselves towards our next challenges...
Of course, we could not have managed without the support of family, friends, and of course the beneficial leadership of Steven Mead. Thanks to you all.
Nobby Todd – Band Reporter
20 August 2011
Downton Secure Top Pro!
Downton Band members were shocked to hear this week that their long serving and dedicated MD Roland Wright has had a bad motoring accident whilst on holiday in Greece.
Once that shock - and much sympathy was expressed - a new plan for musical leadership was needed with just six weeks until their appearance at the National Finals in Cheltenham!
Already reserved were a couple of dates with friend and mentor to the Band, Steven Mead and after a few hours checking his diary he has readily accepted the challenge of conducting them on the big day.
Band secretary, Danny Silver summed it all up. "Steven moved heaven and earth to help us in are hour of need and it is now down to us to make the most of this unexpected opportunity. We are all grateful to Steven for his kind and swift agreement - we really want to take this on and do our best as a tribute to Roland who has always been there for us!"
So despite the new line up a determined performance will be the order of things as Downton continue to punch above their weight on the contest stage.
14 March 2011
20 November 2010
The band are still on a high from their fantastic result at the National Brass Band Finals (fourth section) held in Harrogate back in September. Thanks to the hard work from the band and their supporters, they performed to the best of their ability on stage and gained 5th place, out of around 20 bands. This is a huge achievement for the band and they now look forward to the challenge of competing in the third section, following promotion. Before then, however, is the small matter of Christmas! There’s nothing quite like that brass band sound at Christmas and with the festive season nearly upon us both the main band and the training band invite you all to share in their celebrations in and around the village. As well as hearing them playing carols informally around the village you can look forward to hearing them at the carol service in St Lawrence’s Church on 12th December, or in concert at the Charlton All Saints Hall on the evening of the 15th December.
03 September 2010
Well, we are coming to the end of what has been a very busy summer for the band, having played at various events in the surrounding area such as the Fordingbridge Show, the National Armed Forces Day and several private engagements as well as the annual Cuckoo Fayre and Moot concerts in the village. They are now looking ahead to competing in the National Brass Band Championship Finals, which they qualified for back in March. The finals take place on 25th September up in Harrogate and so will involve the whole band traveling up there for the weekend, which is quite a logistical exercise! The band is practicing hard, with many extras rehearsals scheduled and a lot of home practice needed (if you listen carefully around the village you may hear some of them!) This is an exciting time for Downton Band with the players working hard to improve the standard of music they can provide. You can hear them at a joint concert with the Shrewton Silver Band on 20th November at Salisbury Methodist Church. Tickets can be bought from the Cottage Bakery or on the door. There’s nothing quite like that brass band sound at Christmas and as the festive season draws nearer both the main band and the training band invite you all to share in their celebrations - check www.downtonband.org.uk, or look out for posters around the village, for details of the bands’ Christmas events in and around the village.
21 March 2010
Two (yes two!) reports of the Torquay contest
20 March 2010
14 March 2010
The band took third place in Fourth Section of the West of England Regional contest this weekend playing the test piece Saint-Saens Variations by Philip Sparke. This means the band has qualified for the National Finals at Harrogate for the second year running and will be promoted to the Third Section for 2011! Click to read the adjudicators' comments.
19 Oct 2009
Photos from the Harrogate weekend are now on the site - click here
28 Sept 2009 - Nationals Update
The Band is happy to announce their result from Saturday 26th September’s National Finals in Harrogate.
Placed 15th from 19 invited competing bands the players and supporters were pleased to have taken on the demanding new test piece “Alta Vista” in our stride, a real test and one that has developed the band’s playing – helping us prepare and develop the skills needed to maintain progress towards the goal of promotion to the third section.
We would express our greatest thanks to the supporters who travelled with us and made the weekend a splendid occasion to be fondly remembered.
24 Sept 2009
Well it seems like a long time ago now…the summer…
Our busy season seemed to fly by and with just a few deps - especially at the New Forest Show – the joys of playing in public were enjoyed by us all. Even those who got soaked on the odd occasion!
With, it seemed, fewer private functions than usual, and some big gaps between engagements, no one has returned too stressed from the break.
Thanks to all who’ve made the big effort in playing, supporting and setting up at our gigs!
Fetes, birthday and garden parties aren’t always the best preparation for a serious contest, but with a week to go before Nationals we’ve got around to looking at the test piece a few times, with an intensive weekend guidance from Steven Mead (he seemed quite calm, that day…) we are approaching the weekend in Harrogate with a chilled out and, some say, abandoned attitude.
It will be a busy weekend of course. There’s some good shopping in the town, and we’ve been told to make time Saturday for a trip to “Bettys” – yum, yum!
We’ve booked a lovely hotel – so the rest of the time we will be relaxing there or possibly, going to the “Luxury Living Show” at The Pavilions of Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. It will be lovely to browse around the fine arts on display. Perhaps we can find a nice piece to decorate the band room.
I am sure some of us will pop in to the Harrogate Centre to see how all the bands got on. It’s important to show support for these things, I am sure.
Hopefully, and importantly, I hope we put in a smashing performance so those who have supported us with time, energy, kind wishes and money, will feel it’s all been worthwhile.
I think the test piece “Ultra Vitals” says it all!
Good luck to all the bands, in all the sections.
N. Todd
6 May 2009 - Cuckoo Fair Report
17 March 2009 - On our way to Yorkshire!
Yorkshire, the home of Barnsley Chops, Yorkshire pudding (but not as good as my Dad made), Leeds United and, for one weekend in September, the home of The Downton Band.
On March 15th, The Downton Band qualified to compete in The National Championship of Great Britain finals in Harrogate. It was not all plain sailing though as one half of the noisy department went sick a week before the Regionals! We wish him well. Step up Myra!
Roland Wright, with help from Steven Mead, and a lot of hard work from the players, led us to the right to compete in the finals. Click to read the adjudicators' comments
Our new members (see previous news), must be mentioned for, as well as their playing, they proved their places in the way that they participated in the after results party! Because of the band playing on Sunday, many were unable to be with us in the evening. Trust me, the evening showed more than one person in their true colours. Jamie for one is a more than able replacement sop player in every respect! I hear that Old Sop is hoping to come along as Yorkshire interpreter, though it could be that he now has a southern accent. Young Matt has played one, won one: your scribe was, shall we say, not that young when getting to his first finals. A new line up and a new future for Downton Band is on the cards and we are all looking to getting promotion next year, but first, the finals!
Pictures have been posted and any requested to be removed will carry a fine of £5 to go to the funds.
We are now focused on raising in the region of £3,500 to finance our trip to Harrogate and if anyone has any original ideas for fund raising, or knows a company or has any contacts that would like to be associated with us for this venture, please get in touch.
March 2009
In November 2008, Downton Band took a trip west to compete, for the first time, in the SWBBA contest in Torquay. The trip was worth it as we gained 3rd place in the 4th section. This result will always be eclipsed however, by our Bass’s being given the prize as the Best Bass Section. This is something that they are always happy to remind the rest of us of! Click here to see some photos.
In December, The Training Band took part in the WBBA contest for Youth and Training Bands held in our own back yard, The Trafalgar School. Results did not go our way, due in some part, to illness to key players on the day. It was, however a very successful event. At the end of competition we were treated to music given by 12 brass players and 5 members of The Corps of Drums, from The Royal Marines at Portsmouth, all for £1 admission!
Each year The Southern Echo give out awards to those taking part in amateur stage productions in the area and, following on from our participation in the Brassed Off production by Studio Theatre in Salisbury, our MD Roland Wright gained the prize for the best Musical Director. Unlike the Bass section he does not go on about it! Click to read the echo article.
We were sorry to see Matt Chiverton leave us to join Michelmersh Silver and we wish him well in his new position. We are, however, pleased to welcome Jamie as his replacement and also to welcome Chris and Denis to the fold and hope that they all have a long and happy stay with us. A warm welcome to Erik also. He is from Norway and is studying at The Solent University in Southampton. Young Matt has moved up to the senior band and we look forward to others from the training band following him in the future.
Look out for The Cuckoo Fare Concert in Downton Memorial Hall on Sunday 3rd May with a 7pm start. Always a great evening’s entertainment.
We are now working very hard for our trip to Torquay for The Regionals. Bolstered by rehearsals with Steven Mead, there is a real sense of belief in our ability to do well. It all depends on us to perform on the day, as ever.
July 2008
Roger has written a report on the recent production of Brassed Off. Click here to read it.
June 2008
Horn Player and Publicity Officer Rachael Faulkner was interviewed by Spire FM during the recent Cuckoo Fair. Listen to her fine words here!
April 2008
Thirteen players from the band, as well as Musical Director Roland Wright and guest players Dian Bartlett (Gillingham) and Joanne Prince (Michelmersh) have just finished taking part in the sucessful production of Brassed Off with Studio Theatre in Salisbury.
Click here to see the Salisbury Journal Review
Daily Echo review:
The heart swelling performances from the Studio Theatre and Downton Band made me proud to be a Yorkshire woman. Set in Yorkshire, during the pit closures of the Thatcher years, the Grimesthorpe colliery band and their families see their town and hopes desecrated by the closure of their pit and the loss of their livelihood in this bittersweet drama.
The cast were flawless and supported by a powerful set and spot on lighting (Chris Angell). Their antics used the whole theatre and excellent direction (Lesley Bates) took us smoothly between the pacey scene and emotion changes. Of particular note were young Shane (Eddy Howell) who is set for great things and Danny (David Taylor) the band leader, who exuded disappointment, passion, hope and stoicism in equal measures.
The brass took us through a medley of rousing marches and band tunes, often incongruent with the emotion, but complimenting in its contrast. The sound was also superb. In short – grand as owt!
Click here to see photos of the production.
February 2008
Firstly we would like to thank the village once again for all their support and encouragement during the Christmas playing season. It really is a privilege to have such a warm welcome as we go round the area.
We are now busily preparing for the West of England competition in Torquay in mid-March. Our piece is called Four Cities Symphony and leads the listener musically through the different cities of London, Paris, Rome and Moscow. We hope that this piece will allow us to do ourselves justice!
Advance warning – The band have been rehearsing for a forthcoming production of Brassed Off in conjunction with the Studio Theatre. This will take place in April in Salisbury. The main actors have been attending band rehearsals and last week the band attended a play rehearsal. We are really looking forward to this new aspect of our banding experience. Click here to see the poster for more details.
Urgent plea!
We believe that some instruments could be lurking in people’s attics/garages/spare rooms due to their children leaving the training band. If you have a Downton Band instrument please return it to the band hall (Wednesdays 7-10pm) or a member of the band. We need every instrument we can get at the moment as the training band is becoming even more popular.
December 2007
Some photos from the recent concert with Cor Meibion Cwm Garw (Garw Valley Male Voice Choir)
September 2007
THe long awaited report from the New Forest Show!
New section of "old" photos. If you have any photos or can fill in missing names, please contact the webmaster.
August 2007
As the summer draws to a close we would like to say a big thank you once again to all our supporters throughout our summer playing season. In spite of the maverick weather we have had a very successful summer in and around the local area. Our thoughts now turn to two important dates in our calendar – the return visit of the Cor Meibion Cwm Garw Welsh choir in November and our next contest at the start of December. The Welsh choir and the band will be putting on a joint concert on Saturday 17th November- please come and support us and them!
Photos from the recent engagement at the New Forest Show here. Report to follow (David is working on it but is having trouble remembering the evenings in the campsite!). Thanks to all the guest players who helped us over the three days: Mike Ricketts, Dave Shelley, Richard Taylor, Brad Sturgess, Katie Walker, Andy Mitchenall, Mark Pye, John Collar, Martin Easterbrook, Paul Street, Paul Williams, Mike Dunford, Keith Morgan, Malcolm Torrent and anyone I've forgotten!
July 2007
Last month we celebrated the christening of the band mascot, Joe Faulkner. The band played in the church before and after the ceremony. Joe enjoyed the music and only cried briefly during the baptism! Afterwards, Joe's parents Fred and Rachael kindly provided a barbecue and drinks at the White Horse afterwards. Lots of photos here.
June 2007
This month has been a fairly quiet one for the band but we are now starting to get into our busy summer programme. This started in fine style with the Moot Concert on 9th June.. It was a lovely evening weather wise which meant that a good number of people came out to support both the Senior and Training band and the Friends of the Moot. They were treated to an evening of brass band film and television music by the Senior band, with solos by Gary Robert (solo cornet) and the new band chairman, Andrew Faulkner. In addition the Training band impressed with their ever burgeoning repertoire. Refreshments were also provided by the band and the evening was coordinated very effectively by the Friends of the Moot. A great success on all fronts!
See us next at Downton Church Fete!
May 2007
A huge thank you to all our supporters for another successful band Cuckoo Fair. The day started with the procession led by the band and then some of our number played in the new Cuckoo Fair princess with a traditional fanfare. After this we moved to our usual place on the Borough to entertain the crowds with our summer playing programme. On the Sunday we played for the Cuckoo Fair service and then in the evening we presented our concert. This went very well and the band attempted some ambitious pieces with success.
Report and photos from the Cuckoo Fair now on the site.
There will be further opportunities to see the band around Downton within the next month
Moot Concert 6.30p.m. Saturday 9th June
Downton Church Fete Saturday 30th June
We hope to see you there !
April 2007
We have a new mascot! Joe Faulkner has kindly volunteered to fill the vacancy.
A report of the recent Torquay contest. Thanks Rachael! Photos to follow soon.
Also, the long awaited report from the Wessex Contest last year is now on the site. Thanks to Rachel and huge apologies from the webmaster for being four months late. Photos to follow soon.
November 2006
More photos from Wales now on the site including the new group photo on the front page.
October 2006
A report on the recent visit to the welsh choir Cor Meibion Cwm Garw. Some photos are now on the site, more to follow soon.
August 2006
Phew What a Scorcher!
"Good day - sunshine" is the song that springs to mind following our busy summer programme this year. The band entertained at Lymington and Warminster Bandstands, our own Church Fete and at the New Forest Show - and each event seemed to get hotter and hotter. 1 of our cornets actually burst in to flame at the Show on the last day! We aren’t quite finished with the summer yet, as we are playing Saturday night (2nd September) at the Moot Gardens - food from 6pm - hoping for a least a final warm and dry evening. A barbecue is planned - so why not meet with us and the Friends of the Moot. A full programme is planned - it would do us good to play some of the new music we are taking with us to Bridgend for a weekend at the end of the month!
Report and photos from the New Forest Show.
On a sad, banding note, we would like to take this opportunity to remember the life and influence of Don Marlow, who passed away on Monday 7th August. Don was the founder and current conductor of Sandleheath Band. Many of our band have played with Sandleheath, even been trained by Don in his role as a local peripatetic brass teacher and band trainer. We had all supported his band as they worked hard to perform on the contest stage. His enthusiasm and good humour will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts remain with his wife Anne, daughters Juliet and Linda, and their families.
18 May 2006
Another report from the prolific Rachael - this time on the recent Cuckoo Fair weekend. Sorry, we have no photos. Click here for the report.
1 May 2006
Guest soloist at the recent Cuckoo Fair concert, Gemma Wright is one third of the up and coming classical crossover group, "Three". They are working on trying to secure a recording contract and would really appreciate your support on their website (where you can hear two of their songs) - myspace.com/threemusic
April 2006
Resident hack Nobby has sadly decided to hang up his keyboard for good so our own Rachael Faulkner, Second Horn extraordinaire has stepped in as publicity officer and will now be writing the reports. Here is her first installment, the long awaited report on the Regional Contest at Torquay.
March 2006
Some photos from the recent Torquay contest here. Report to follow.
November 2005
That winter is surely here manifests itself in the recent events occupying the band – as we have performed at a real plethora of seasonal events and firmly focussing on more.
The band welcomed November in with a bang. Playing a little “background” concert at the Spireworks celebrations on November 5th. The assembled dignitaries, south Wiltshire folk and stuffed “Guys” seemed very appreciative of our efforts and our guest conductor, Alan Dunford (Shrewton Silver) gave us the thumbs up too. Thanks to him and the organisers of the event for a great evening. Also thanks to Martin, Andy, Brian and Richard for filling the empty seats.
November also ensures we accept that rare and daunting challenge: Marching up the borough. As a band we consider it a privilege (not solely a duty) to assist at the Remembrance Parade and Service at St Laurence’s – but no honest member of the band would deny that it stretches our multi-tasking skills to breaking point! Perhaps a bit of marching practice on that for 2006…
The band is now in the final stages of preparation for the Wessex Area Contest (December 3rd, Weymouth) and then (if you look out your windows) you should spot the band playing under a lamp post near you. We hope for your support as we try to restore our funds following building work ongoing at the band hall! More next time.
So in good seasonal style we would like to take this chance to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
October 2005
We apologise for the temporary absence of Mr Todd. He is currently on gardening leave pending his appeal to the committee in respect of his insulting comments in a previous Parish Magazine article. Monsieur D’Onor, a friend of the band for many hours and author of the best seller “Banding Philosophies: Freudian Interpolations of the Straight Mute, Alternative Fingering and Hard Tonguing” has gracefully agreed to “fill in” for the bands latest engagements:
Mon Dieu! Les Jambons Sacre Vertes!!
(Mon Dieu! Those holy green jackets!)
Sometimes a band can get a little fixated with the lesser significances of band life – like gaps on benches, practice (non)attendance and pressures from “committee”, things which though important for a time, should not cloud the more salient and fundamental issues of banding, to whit: Pleasing the audience and developing musical skills ensemble.
All bands do it I expect, from Royal Albert Hall veterans to struggling British Legion Bands: However fine the players and leadership, esprit de corps and appreciating what your particular audiences require should be what focuses all other criteria - driving the programme planning and concert preparation of any musical group.
It is not easy to achieve and will vary from occasion to occasion. When it goes wrong everyone spots it – from performer to usher, MD to Programme seller – and most distressingly your paying public! When it goes right two important things follow: All will feel lucky to have been involved and present, and its’ memory will remain long into the future.
Such will be said of our most recent concert on September 30th 2005, at the Downton (Trafalgar) School – near the end of the inaugural Downton Music week and to celebrate the opening of new dining facilities at the school. With just a small contingent of guest players (thanks Martin, Dan, Paul, Richard and Brad, ed) the band played its’ socks off and heart out to enthral the largely local audience with a programme of familiar, lively and inspiring band, and individual items. All performed in a polished and sensitive musical style.
The cornet section - especially the front row and Sop - were featured heavily throughout. Principal Matt Chiverton led by example in the sensitive and relaxed solo “Share my Yoke” which gave the school hall an almost hallowed atmosphere then immediately leading his tutti colleagues Pete Jung and Gary Robert in the trio “Cornet Roundabout”, a vigourous technical trio yet great fun to listen to.
Top billing on this occasion was reserved for semi-permanent fourth man down Martin Easterbrook and soprano supremo Andy Whitlock. The reason for their special inclusion, playing immaculately (without music and floating majestically around the auditorium!) the Lloyd-Weber duet “Pie Jesu” (pee-ay (lat.) not pie like in pastry. Ed). The reason for their special inclusion is that both form the site facilities team at Downton’s “big school” and much of the audience was made up of pupils, parents and staff of the school. No pressure, then! Needless to say the performance warranted the long, loud and genuine reward of a standing ovation. There were even some tears shed, I believe.
The squeaky league did not take all the soloing honours and long suffering husband (sorry Mrs Faulkner) Fred Faulkner gave a high quality performance of the show tune “Let Me Try Again”. Rumour has it he tried again - but he was sick and his hat blew off ! (V. old gag. Ed).
Over all the principles peaked at the right moment, giving the whole band the confidence to really impress – number after number. From “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Swing Low Fantasy” encompassing delicate hymn-like arrangements like “I Know Thou Art Mine” and swing numbers “Mac the Knife” and the finale “All That Jazz”. An excellent display of hard work and high quality musicianship. Well done band.
To enhance the concert two very special performances by the foremost junior bands of the village were central to the evening. Closing the first half the Downton Training Band performed a trio of favourite tunes – “Curtain Up”, “Tequila Sunset”, and “Silver Trumpet” – impressing the audience with their musicality and teamwork, and Mrs Faulkner’s sight-reading, of course. The second half was opened in sparkling style by the newly formed Downton School Wind Band. Led by head of music “Mad” Jonny Cole, the youngsters enthusiastically entertained with a fine selection of diverse numbers. From Strauss to a specially written piece by Jonny himself, the preparation and concentration really paid off. Well done and thanks to School and Downton Training bands.
The event was not just a celebration of the musical prowess of our village but also to show it’s compassionate nature. Proceeds from the evening were donated to the ongoing Tsunami Appeal. The new dining room was also in good use as stimulating interval drinks were administered under the auspices of licensee Andy Whitlock. Why do I feel a sense of dark foreboding for the future as I contemplate that concept...?
Well of course the energy and adrenalin of such a successful evening was not diminished in the packing up process and a good number of the band and their guests managed a late night meal at the “Sherekhan” restaurant, Redlynch, which despite the strangely high final bill this time, remains our second most regular band meeting place.
The following Sunday morning it was up and at ‘em time as a small band pitched in at St Lawrence’s Harvest Festival. Not everyone made it as planned but with a little help from Kevin and his daughter Laura, from Wilton Youth Band (and next door neighbours to Fred and Rachael) the thanksgiving was made in best village style. Later a few players met for “stone soup” or the like at the White Horse and most reflected on a triumphal weekend. A top concert and community spirited endeavours combined – what more could we ask for?
Augan D’Onor (MD)
September 2005
A Summery Summary
A complete and satisfying tour of duty. A great selection of engagements and
many appreciative audiences.
A wedding, St Laurence’s fete, Cedars Nursing Home and Golden Acres garden
centre (both at Landford), Lymington bandstand – not to mention the marathon
playing at the New Forest Show. Well all that should show you how busy your
village band has been this summer!
Many of our players also have helped other local/scratch bands through their
engagements too! It is a great testament to the fellowship of banding that
“depping” for other bands is a natural, satisfying and necessary requirement in
our specialised musical field. Which is why we would like to thank publicly
(again!) our guest players. “Thanks our guest players”.
It was great to be featured on Meridian TV’s Country Fairs – alongside more
famous, more worthy and much prettier faces, of course – and to be reminded of
the great pride we have in our home village – even if some come from further a
field (Redlynch and Woodfalls, even!).
The future holds the promise of an evening concert as part of the Secondary
School’s music weekend, a couple of smaller concerts and another trip to
Weymouth in competition mode.
Saturday 15th October also sees our musical dictator, Roland Wright compete with
Bournemouth Concert Brass at The Albert Hall – representing the South West
Region in the National Championships Final.
Thanks for reading! And supporting…
Nobby Todd
August 2005
The band performed their annual marathon engagement at the New Forest show in Brockenhurst. Some pictures can be seen here.
Special thanks to guest conductor Dave Wilds and guest players Ian Luxford, Alison Beaumont, Ian Alexander, Paul Williams, Paul Street, Richard Perry, Mike Davis, Richard King, Andy Carter, Andy Verner, Adrian Cleverley, Richard Taylor, Brad Sturgess, Martin Easterbrook, Jo and Carrie Dobson, Claire Elridge, Mike Ricketts, Denis Upson, Matt Plumridge, Guy Heathcote without whom we would not be able to do this event.
June 2005
Firstly an apology for one of the band’s events (non-events?)
with our much looked forward to Moot Concert being postponed by the organisers,
due to poor weather, on the day. We hope to see you when the event is
rescheduled.
Not wishing to be stereotyped, a full variety of occasions demanded the band’s
attendance during June. We were privileged to take part in the memorial
celebration for Vice-president, trustee and ardent supporter of the band, Chris
Pitts. Much has been remembered and imparted by many who knew and worked
alongside Chris as a tireless band committee member. Even those with just a few
years membership are aware of that support and all our thoughts remain with his
wife and family. For his encouragements through the years we are grateful, and
hope a “silver trumpet” is in his hands even now...
We were also invited and have played at two vastly different private functions.
The first at Longford Castle was a traditional affair – adding outdoor
entertainment (in fantastic garden surroundings!) for the estate open day and
the second at a special Birthday Party at The Moot House – to save her blushes
we will not name the birthday girl or her age!
For this concert we would like to thank the huge number of deps that appeared as
if by magic on the night – a crew ably captained by guest conductor Dave “Feck
where are you?” Wilds. His stoic resolve in the face of countless interruption,
programme change, employer interference and wacky vocalist was an object lesson
in versatility and patience – and beheld in wonder by all under his command.
Well done DW!
We hope to carry news of new faces and new roles in the band in next months news
and a full report from my impending trials following the Nobby-gate scandal.
Watch this space…
Nobby Todd
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