IT was a family affair when members of Cleobury Concert Brass Band held their open evening at Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall as part of Adult Learners’ Week, with visitors doubling the number of regular band members and a few new recruits signed up.
Highlight of the evening was the handing over of a cheque for ï¿¡200 to County Air Ambulance, from sales of the band’s recently released CD.
“Our open evening was a tremendous success,” said Debbie Fowler, band chairman and euphonium player.
“Brass banding is often a family affair and it was great to welcome Matthew and Andrew Wilcox to their first rehearsal. They have been learning to play horn and cornet for about six months.”
Musical director, Roger Andrews, who moved to the area from London recently, after a long career as a professional musician, arranged simple pieces they knew for the whole band.
He said: “The first time my father took me to play in a band I could only play the scale of C and faced with difficult music was completely lost. It’s important that we all welcome new members and help them to develop their skills.”
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Musicians from Cleobury Bell Band and Knighton joined Cleobury Concert Brass to play Mr Andrews’s new arrangement for brass of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Paul Dukas, used in Walt Disney’s film, Fantasia.
“Our aim is to build a closer relationship with neighbouring bands,” said Mr Andrews, “By working together we can have a much greater impact with our music making in the area and offer opportunities for the development of both young and adult learners.”
A pound from the sale of every CD goes to the air ambulance and band members voted overwhelmingly to support it. “It’s such a vital service and deserves our support”, said Ms Fowler.
The Cleobury Concert Brass CD is available through the band secretary, Stella Wilcox, on 01299 270560. A pound for every CD sold will continue to go to local charities.
Cleobury Mortimer Concert Brass has 25 members, including mroe than 10 different professions and occupations.
Tags: adult, adult learners week, arran, band members, band secretary, cleobury mortimer, concert brass band, county air ambulance, debbie fowler, euphonium player, family, Family Affair, fowler, mroe, musical director, new recruits, open evening, profession, professional musician, sorcerer