History
Formed in 1999, Devizes Town Band carries on a strong tradition of local musicianship. Starting with just a few players, we now number more than 30 members from the surrounding area, stretching from Trowbridge in the east to Pewsey in the west. In addition to performing at community events throughout the year, the Band regularly stages charity concerts to sell-out crowds. Highlights from our history include:
- 1999, The Alpha Wind Ensemble is formed on April 25th. 2000, Mike Ward of Bratton Silver Band joins as musical director. The band gets its own rehearsal room at the Wyvern Club and a regular practice night.
- 2001, we become the Devizes Town Band and gain permission from the Town Council to feature the town crest in our logo. Michael Ward moves away from the area and Peter Francis takes over as musical director.
- 2003, the first woodwind player joins the band.
- 2005, we welcome John Blaker as musical director. With many years experience in Portishead Town Band, a contesting and concert band, John acted as Bandmaster and was involved in the associated training bands. In November, we stage our first charity concert.
- 2007, we collaborate with the Devizes Mayor to launch our annual St. George’s Day Concert. In November, we kick-off our first Poppy Appeal Concert with the British Legion.
- 2008, stage our second annual St. George’s Day Concert and make our first travelling performance, at the Royal Victoria Park in Bath.
The band offers a unique instrumentation and repertoire, having started as a brass band and then welcoming woodwind players. We perform a variety of music and frequently feature our players in vocal, jazz, brass, and wind highlights. We’re working towards a full concert wind band line-up, and welcome players of all ages, experience levels, and instruments.