The Aldbourne Training Band, and the Beginner Band, have had a successful year with concerts at the Aldbourne Nursing Home, at the band’s Christmas concert in St. Michael’s, in the Memorial Hall and at the June Pond Concert.
In November some of the band members joined in the ‘Brass Tactics’ course organised for young brass players. The Training Band, with some help from the senior band, entertained the crowds at the Joint Churches’ fete on The Green at the end of June.
The highlight of the band’s year though was the June Pond concert where after playing three pieces they were joined by the Beginner Band in a joint performance of Ivanov’s Procession of the Sardar. The June concert is traditionally when band awards are given.
This year we had two new plaques to present, donated by Shaun Mundy in memory of his grandfather Roly, a distinguished cornet player and conductor who had also played with the Aldbourne Band. Isaac Englefield won the award for the most improved Beginner Band member and Alex Knighton won the award for service to the Training Band. The Nigel Kerton Cup, given to the most improved Training band member, went to horn player, Georgia Taylor.
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The Training Band is very proud of the fact that there are several retired bandsmen who bring their experience and playing skills to share with the Training Band and they are always keen to find anyone who likes the idea of starting to play again in a band.
The Training Band will start rehearsals again in September and a new Beginner Band will start in October. Saturday, November 14 sees the second ‘Brass Tactics Course’ – to be led again by David Hayward.
Aldbourne Championship Band will be playing on The Green in Aldbourne for the annual Proms Concert which starts at 4.00pm, Sunday, August 2. There is no charge for the concert, but a bucket is passed for donations, a grand raffle is drawn and the Friends of Aldbourne Band run a very popular tea and cake stall.
