Successes in Area Contests

The London and Southern Counties area contests were held in Stevenage over the weekend of 20/21 March. On the Saturday the 'B' band, conducted by Danny Dullforce, on its first appearance in the 3rd Section came a creditable 7th out of 14 entries, and on Sunday the 'A' band, conducted by Phil Bailey, came 3rd in the Championship Section, just missing out on their ultimate dream of playing in the National Finals in the Royal Albert Hall. Perhaps next year! However, as a result, the on-line magazine "4BarsRest" now rates the band in its world top 200 list at number 147. The picture shows Bandmaster Eileen Sykes and Conductor Phil Bailey with the trophy.

The Championship test piece, George Lloyd's 'English Heritage', calls for much percussion, including the evocation of a church bell. We were fortunate to use a real church bell, suspended from a stepladder, which  was supplied by Graham Palmer of Aldbourne, and was cast in Aldbourne bell foundry in 1809. The picture shows final practice at the contest site (click on picture to enlarge).

 

Posted on 24th March 2010


About Us

Wantage Silver Band have been making music in Wantage, Oxfordshire and beyond since 1972.

Our 'A' Band competes in the prestigious Championship Section of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.

Please visit our Support the Band page to see how you can help with our fundraising for the new Bandhall. 

We are very grateful for the kind support of our Sponsors 

Perhaps you would like to become a Patron or a Sponsor, if you are interested please click here for more information.


more about us…

Forthcoming Events

Saturday, 3rd March

  • Concert in aid of Refurbishment of Grove Village Hall
    7:30pm at Village Hall, Main Street Grove
    (Concert Brass)

Wednesday, 7th March

  • AGM
    7:00pm at Old Mill Hall, Grove

Saturday, 10th March

  • Rotary Concert featuring Youth Groups
    7:30pm at Civic Hall, Portway, Wantage
    (Youth Band)

Saturday, 17th March  

  • London and Southern Counties Area Contest - 3rd Section
      at Stevenage Leisure Centre
    ('B' Band)

Sunday, 18th March  

  • London and Southern Counties Area Contest - Championship Section
      at Stevenage Leisure Centre
    ('A' Band)

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New Bandhall

For the latest news on our new bandhall, please visit our New Bandhall section.