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Lydney Town Band performed at Ross-on-Wye bandstand this afternoon. The event is part of Ross-on-Wye Town Council’s annual series of free outdoor summer concerts which features bands and other musical groups from the local area. The weather was perfect and the audience were incredibly supportive. Opening with the Lydney Fanfare (composed for last year’s 130th Anniversary Concert), the day saw solos from our principal cornet player, Kerry Ford (Varen), our flugel player, Louise Bayfield (Concerto de Aranjuez), and our Solo Horn player, Samantha Ford (Somewhere Out There). The set list also featured high-powered numbers such as Despacito and Baggy Trousers, as well as quieter reflective pieces such as Somewhere and Hymn to the Fallen. The Band has been saddened to hear of the recent death of Jim Cooke (pictured in middle). Jim started played with Lydney Town Band in the 1940s at the age of seven and he maintained his connection with the band until he retired in 2016. During his time with the band, he played Bb cornet, soprano and baritone and in the 1980s Jim took on the role of Conductor. In the mid-2000s, when the Band was at a low-ebb, Jim was closely involved in the establishment of Lydney Training Band, helping to ensure the long-term survival of the organisation. When the Band returned to contesting in 2012, Jim, alongside many of the young players he'd help to tutor, was part of the team that achieved 12th place in the WEBBA Regional Championships. Kevin Ford, Band Chairman, paying tribute to Jim said: "Lydney Town and Training Band has much to thank Jim Cooke for. His involvement, enthusiasm and loyalty were key to the ongoing future of the organisation and its successful Training Band. Thank you, Jim, your legacy with Lydney Town Band lives on".  On Saturday 13th May the annual 53rd Bailey Lane End Music Festival was held at Five Acres High School. As in previous years, the event was organised by A.W. Parker Drybrook Band. The adjudicator for the contest was Jack Lythaby, Principal Horn at Tredegar Town Band, with the music publishers Wright & Round kindly donating prizes for each class. A number of players from Lydney Training Band and our Starter Group took part - Dougie, Jonah, Sadie and Wren (cornet) and Euan (horn). Commenting on this year's event, the Training Band conductor Kevin Ford said: "Lydney Training Band continues to support this event, enjoying the occasion and gaining valuable performance experience. It was a great morale boost for all our youngsters with super playing by them all. As in previous years, we had expert accompaniment by pianist Dorothy Wilson, who helped to make the performances special. Well done Team Lydney, with many thanks to Kerry who helped all players play at their best." The results were as follows - Junior Brass solo under 11: 3rd – Jonah (Daisy Bell) Junior Brass Solo 11-12yrs: 1st – Sadie (When I Fall in Love), 2nd – Euan (Titanic Theme) Junior Brass Solo 13-16yrs: 3rd – Dougie (When the Saints) Brass Duet/Trio 21yrs and under: 1st – Sadie/Dougie (Be Our Guest) Open Duet: 2nd – Dougie/Kerry (Maccadeus)  This weekend, Lydney Town Band contributed to the community's celebration of the coronation of King Charles III. On Sunday, an ensemble of Town Band players played at the Churches Together in Lydney Community Celebration in Bathurst Park. The next day, also in Bathurst Park, the Band kicked off its summer programme of concerts at The Big Coronation Help Out - a showcase of local community groups and sports clubs! It wouldn't be a Bank Holiday in the UK without a few spots of rain but we didn't let that dampen our spirits - check out of performance of Christopher Bond's 'Bring Me Sunshine'.  We're really happy to be able to announce our summer programme of concerts for both Lydney Town Band and Lydney Training Band. Starting on Monday 8th May, the Town Band will be taking part in the Coronation Celebrations in Bathurst Park, Lydney. After that the Band returns to Ross-on-Wye at the end of May, and later in the summer you can see us at The Rising Sun in Moseley Green and at Scarr Bandstand! In June, Lydney Training Band will also be returning to Scarr Bandstand as part of the Rising Stars concert and they'll be supporting the Orchard Trust's summer fair. It's going to be a brilliant summer of music for both bands. We've been working up some cracking new additions to our repertoire and it'd be great to see you at a concert!  |
