Concerts of 1999
Last year was a fairly typical year for concerts. In total we gave 20 concert performances, including six “Free” concerts including the regular performances as St Dunstan’s in February and Brede British Legion in December. Others were for local churches, the Cranbrook “Fun Day” and a band member’s daughter’s wedding.
There were eight full paid bandstand concerts during the summer plus the regular CBA concert in Cranbrook and one at Winchelsea beach organised by a band member in aid of the Valkenburg tour (for which the band are most grateful). Finally there were usual Christmas late night shopping performances (three) all of which were highly enjoyable.
Bookings for 2000 are already very strong with nine full paid bandstand concerts – everyone seems to have booked early for the Millennium! July and August are very busy although the committee have decided that one weekend in each of these months will be kept free. Unfortunately for band members families and due to unforeseen circumstances on two weekends we have concerts on both the Saturday and Sunday (No peace for the wicked). Additionally there are the Cranbrook Millennium Celebrations in early July which will involve the band for the whole week.
Peter Evans
Concert Secratary.
Apr 99 – SCABA Spring Contest
Cranbrook Town Band enjoyed a recent success at the 1999 Spring Concert held by SCABA at the Dome in Brighton. Playing “Music For a Festival” in the second section, we managed to attain 183 points and were just beaten by Chichester City by 1 point. It was a while since we had performed well in a contest and the usual nerves did not seem to impact on the performance as much as they have in the past. A well deserved reward for players and MD alike who all put in many hours of extra rehearsal.
Sep 98 – Youth Band
The Youth band is now up and running, rehearsals take place every Thursday evening before the Town Band starts at 7.45. If you have not yet joined or are interested but not sure what its like, please come along and listen. Some of the junior band are even sitting in on the Cornet back-row during the town Band’s rehearsal. ( I am sure some of band members are getting worried about their own positions, but it is great to see and hear the efforts of the youngsters come to fruition).
May 98 – St. Georges Trust
“The most revolutionary tuba player the brass world has ever known” is how the music press described Steve Sykes recently”
The evening of the 16th of May saw Cranbrook Town Band perform with World class Bass player Steve Sykes. Renowned for his remarkable technique, his lucid ‘bel canto’ tone and a breathtaking five and a half octave range, Steve’s unique personality and individual qualities have reached audiences throughout the world. For a full report and more information on Steve, see the “St. Georges Trust” news item.
Jan 98 – Lottery Funding
Last year saw the hard work and effort by the committee come to fruition with news that our application for lottery funding had been accepted. The Arts Council has granted Cranbrook Town Band a sum in excess of £50,000 for a complete set of new instruments.
The Band initially started on a program of instrument renewal some time ago and had put several years income into new instruments, together with a small grant from Tunbridge Wells Borough council we made a good start. With the arrival of the lottery funding we aim to replace all the older instruments which will be used to help start a new junior band.
Jan 98 – Junior Band Starts
For some time now it has been apparent that the band has not been recruiting enough younger members who would be able to take over the mantle in years to come. Although currently in its infancy, progress has already been made with the recruitment of willing youngsters who wish to learn a brass instrument.
Cranbrook Primary School has seen a number of pupils receive lunchtime tuition and free instrument hire. Robin Traves, our principal Baritone player and retired teacher has reported very positive progress from the first group of youngsters to take part in the training program.
Other schools in the area have been approached and we expect to increase numbers quickly. If you know someone of school age who would like to take up a brass instrument with the eventual aim of joining the youth band, please contact Robin at the following address :-
Robin Traves,
Rose View,
Marden Road,
Staplehurst,
Kent,England.
TN12 OJG
(01580) 890163