We've got a couple of updates to our summer schedule!
Next weekend, Lydney Training Band had been due to perform at Yorkley Flower Show. Unfortunately due to the recent inclement weather, the organisers have taken the tough decision to cancel the event. In its place though, the Training Band are really excited to have been invited to perform at Taurus Crafts on the same day! The weekend after that, on Sunday 28th July, you can join Lydney Town Band as we return to perform at The Rising Sun Inn as part of their Brass Band Sessions programme. There's still lots to look forward to from us this summer (fingers crossed the weather improves!) Lydney Training Band had a fantastic time at the Rising Stars Concert, sponsored by the Forest of Dean Lions and the Friends of Scarr Bandstand. Highlights included Rhys performing Daisy Bell and our Front Row Cornet Team: Dougie, Herbie and Sadie performing the Mexican Hat Dance. The day ended with a massed bands finale with a range of performances including Sweet Caroline, When the Saints Come Marching In and Connecticut Caper!
Tomorrow, Lydney Training Band are returning to Scarr Bandstand for the annual Rising Stars concert, which showcases the wealth of upcoming talent within the brass band community in the Forest of Dean, culminating in an awesome massed bands finale. Grab a rug, pack a few snacks, remember your suncream and join us for a fabulous afternoon of entertainment!
If you have ever attended one of our rehearsals, you might have noticed two stalwarts of the band: Ken and Roger Powell. They're two of the band's longest serving current members having joined over 60 years ago. Since the establishment of Lydney Training Band in the mid-2000s, they have also acted as tutors guiding well over 100 players at the start of their musical journeys. We found out this week that in recognition of their years of service to developing the next generation of brass players, they have been shortlisted for the 2024 Brass Bands England Services to Youth Award!
In spite of some very changeable weather, Lydney Training Band was able to put on a cracking show at St Briavels Carnival yesterday! Well done to the soloists and our ‘Mexican Trio’.
We had a jam-packed Training Band rehearsal last night! This Saturday, the Training Band will be performing at St Briavels Carnival! The festivities start at 1:30pm and you’ll be able to catch the Band between 2:30pm - 4:00pm.
We had a special Bank Holiday rehearsal last night, with players from the Town and Training Bands plus some very welcome guests. Several players took the opportunity to swap from their usual instruments for a bit of fun!
Shout out to Kevin for picking out some cracking pieces for the evening, including Neverland and Dance of the Tumblers (which left us all spinning when we took it at speed!) Today, a team of players from Lydney Training Band took part in the 54th Bailey Lane End Music Festival hosted and organised by AW Parker Drybrook Band. Particular congratulations to Millie and Sadie, who won their sections; Rylan, Amanda, Kerry & Dougie, who acheived second place finishes; and Wren, Herbie & Dougie who came third in their sections! We could not be prouder of you all for your dedication and hardwork.
Summer is right round the corner and both Lydney Town Band and Lydney Training Band have been busy putting together our musical programmes for the upcoming concert season. There's loads of opportunities to see both bands in action throughout the summer and across the local area!
Starting on Sunday 5th May, Lydney Town Band will be returning to Stratford Park in Stroud! Two weeks later, we're kicking off the Bands in the Park Summer Series in Ross-on-Wye. Lydney Training Band will be leading the festivities at the St Briavel's Carnival in June before returning to Scarr Bandstand for the Rising Stars Concert. The Town Band will also be helping the Lydney Royal British Legion celebrate their centenary anniversary in June and in mid-July, we're heading back to the Rising Sun in Moseley Green! We can't wait and we hope to see you around and about! It was great to welcome Jess, who plays Solo Horn with the Training Band, along to the Town Band rehearsal last night as a “taster” session.
Yesterday, Kevin and Kerry were presented with a token of the Training Band’s esteem as a thank you for all their hard work over the last year. Many thanks to Jessica for organising it and Wren for doing the presentation honours!
Congratulations to our latest cohort of young musicians who passed their grade exams earlier this month: Jonah and Wren (Grade 1), Sadie (Grade 3), Millie (Grade 4), Herbie and George (Grade 5).
We're very happy to report that Lydney Town Band came third in the WEBBA Regional Championships held in Torquay yesterday!!! This means that the Band have also qualified for the National Championships for the first time in eight years. We would like to pass on our congratulations to Verwood Town and Nailsworth Silver Band who took first and second place respectively.
Enormous thanks to our Musical Director, Thomas Dunne, for all his hard work and dedication over the last few months to get us here. Shout out to our brilliant Contest Secretary, Julie, for all her work on securing rehearsal venues and making sure everyone knew where they had to be at various times! Also, massive thanks to our fellow banders, and the families and friends who’ve supported us as we prepared for this weekend! Our thanks also to WEBBA for another well organised, well-run contest. In addition, we would like to note that the Town Band included nine members who initially started with Lydney Training Band! Today marks International Women's Day! Lydney Town Band is immensely proud of having so many wonderful and committed women who contribute to our organisation, particularly in Lydney Training Band and the Starter Group, where they continue to set a superb example for the next generation of musicians who are coming through the ranks.
The Lydney Town Band Monthly Prize Draw has been a key fundraising tool for the band for many years. In recent times it has contributed funds towards the purchase of the Band's storage unit and its new band jackets, which we were able to debut at the 2023 WEBBA Regional Finals. The draw enjoys support from band members, their families, as well as friends and supporters of the band (even a cat...) and has a guaranteed prize of at least £30/month (see below for last year's winners).
New entrants are always welcome and can join at any time of the year from as little as £1/month. For further details of how to join, please contact Kerry Ford (Band Secretary) |
NewsNews stories from the Lydney Town and Training Bands, and Starter Group! Archives
July 2024
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