Devizes Town Band

Devizes Town Band with the magnificent Wadworth Shire Horses.

With its biggest and liveliest audience to date Devizes Town Band performed its third St George’s Day concert at the Corn Exchange in aid of the Mayor’s Appeal.

A cheque for £500 was presented to the Mayor by band chairman, Kelvin Nash, who announced that this was the minimum estimate.  After completion of accounts the band has been able to send a further £100 to the Mayor’s Charities, Bradbury Manor and Devizes Sports Club.

The concert this year included a number of traditional and popular items from around the country.  It opened with the maypole dance, Barwick Green, which became the theme to ‘The Archers’.  A hunting horn calling the hounds introduced ‘John Peel’, and the audience was offered the challenge of singing ‘Ilkley Moor’ in dialect, lead by compère Lewis Cowen.

A ‘grey mare’ and riders caused some hilarity as tuba player Philip Hiscock sang ‘Widdicombe Fair’.

Becky White’s trombone solo ‘The Joker’ was greatly enjoyed, and was followed by ‘In an English Country Garden’.

Musical director John Blaker surprised Devizes Mayor Jane Burton when the band played Tom Jones’ ‘Delilah’ in her honour instead of the ‘Welsh National Anthem’ in the programme, followed by ‘Men of Harlech’.

The first half concluded with the theme from ‘The Apprentice’ - ‘Montagues and Capulets’.

After the interval the rousing march ‘Imperial Echoes’ brought back memories of the BBC Newsreel and the BBC World Service.

The finale was ‘proms style’ with flags and hooters, and plenty of opportunity to join in.   ‘Pomp and Circumstance No.1′ was followed by ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’, ‘Fantasia on British Sea Songs’, ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘Radetzky’.

Tickets can be pre-booked for the Devizes RBL Poppy Appeal Concert on  9^th November and the Christmas Concert Party on 6^th December by calling Hilary Hams on 01380 726837 or email secretary@devizestownband.co.uk.

We are always on the lookout for new talent.  Do you know anyone who plays a brass or wind instrument who might like to join us?

• Too young?  Players from secondary school age can be accompanied by parents and leave early.
• Too old?  Not if you can still play.  There is no ageism here.
• Not played for ages?  Take that first step and be amazed at what you can do.  It can change your life.
• No instrument?  No promises, but we will do our best to help you.
• Perks?  A chance to play a wide variety of music at different venues.  A friendly group that welcomes newcomers.  A bar and chat after practice if you want.  An occasional meal out or BBQ, and trips to see other bands.

How could you refuse!  You will never regret having more music in your life.

On Sunday, September 7, Devizes Town Band performed it’s first “out of town” concert at Royal Victoria Park in Bath.