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Throw out the cat - give a German the bed!!!

Q U I Z T I M E

This instrument was made by Boosey & Hawkes in the 1930’s and described in their catalogue as “an excellent substitute for the french horn and as such has been adopted by many military bands”. (In truth, it never did catch on). Pitched in E flat it cost £20 for a silver plated model and £15 for the brass finish. Two questions: [1] in what way is it different from a french horn, 2] what was it called?

Thursday, March 01, 2007 Time for change.

It is with regret that our MD, Roger Pearcey, has found it necessary to resign his position due to work commitments. His current shift pattern means that his attendance at rehearsals, let alone jobs, would be erratic at best and he feels it would be unfair to the band to continue.
 
David Clements will be waving the stick in the short term until either he is officially made MD, or another person steps forward allowing him to reclaim his 1st Trombone chair.
 
Roger wishes the band every success in the future and is looking forward to a 'blow' in the bandroom whenever the opportunity arises.

posted by Roger @ 10:46 AM 0 comments

How do we get more members? — How do we raise our profile? Eighteen local schools were written to in an attempt to gain some new players and, would you believe it, there has not been one single response. No doubt teachers have enough problems recruiting their own instrumentalists without concerning themselves with a local brass band. Or is that Wrentham Band is an unknown article in terms of performance? Somebody recently commented to me that within ten years brass bands would cease to exist. I have heard this argument since I started playing and while it is true that the brass band scene is much slimmer in numbers of bands since my adolescence the movement is still alive. It is true that bands have ceased to exist but it is our job to see that Wrentham Band is not among them. I believe we have to push ourselves forward and get the band better known locally for its ability and skill to provide music for all occasions. It is also important not to have a defeatist attitude (not that the person who made the comment suffers from that) but we all have to be positive and try to build up our numbers and reputation. Some work (as always) has been done behind the scenes and by the time this edition is distributed we hope to see one or two new faces in our midst with more to come in January. Advertisements have been placed in libraries and local shops and from one of these I had a phone call from a man who saw one of our adverts for players in Lowestoft library. He said that he played “B flat trum-pet” with a Gurkha band and would like to join Wrentham. Ah ha, thought I; ex-army musician - could be a useful player. It turned out, however that he was actually an Air Cadet trumpeter and only played his “B flat trum-pet” with a Gurkha band on a massed band parade. He went on to say that he had been to Morleys of Lowestoft. Even better, then, he has had private tuition. But no, he had been to Morleys and bought himself a book (Tune A Day 1,?) which he then took home to practise his “B flat trum-pet”. It then came to me that the Air Cadets/Royal Air Force use trumpets instead of bugles; the significance here being that the trumpet he was talking about does not have valves. I was left wondering how he managed Little F & G march on an instrument without valves – perhaps he just rested whenever he had to play an F! Anyway he didn’t come to a band practice so we will never know!

posted by Roger @ 3:50 PM 0 comments

Oggenhausen Band are booked to visit us from 28th July to 3rd August 2007. If you have any ideas for day trips, excursions and/or concert venues then please let Barbara or myself know If you are able to host members of the Oggenhausen Band please complete and return the form to be circulated in January

posted by Roger @ 3:49 PM 0 comments

Irish Blessing and Gaelforce are two new pieces and in stark contrast to each other. Used together in a concert they can demonstrate the wide versatility in the bands performance and ability. Slaughter on 10th Avenue is also a newcomer and has proved a popular piece to play. I remember playing this piece with a wind band and after a climax in the music the following silence was broken by a scream as the ‘murder’ was committed. I think the first trombone provided this sound effect, so Ronnie, get practisin’. For Christmas this year we had hoped to play Who Is He together with a couple more arrangements dug out from the library. Although the latter pieces were not particularly stunning they were found to be acceptable by most of us; at least the basses enjoyed getting stuck up the chimney with Santa. Unfortunately it was thought that with the number of deps we would have to call on for the December gigs we had better play safe with pieces that we know and love - ha! Interestingly I found the Ocean Room programmes going back to 2003 in my Christmas pad and the music has hardly changed in neither order nor content! Several other new pieces have been purchased and will be brought out again after Christmas so that we can start rehearsing them. New for Old We have an extensive library (ask John Ling - he is responsible not just for cataloguing and maintaining it but also for lugging much of it around together with the music stands and his bass). In it (the library I mean, not John’s bass) is a good selection of traditional BB pieces that are audience friendly and have a some musical interest for us in them.

posted by Roger @ 3:48 PM 0 comments

At the end of a full and fruitful life, the old stalwart member of Wrentham Band passed away and found himself outside the Pearly Gates. He had clearly led a totally blameless life and was admitted immediately. On entering, he was surprised to see five clocks hanging on the wall, with the words ‘Wrentham Band’ carved above each one. As he looked more closely, he saw that the word ‘Cornets’ was written under the first clock, ‘Horns’ under the second, ‘Euphoniums and Baritones’ under the third, ‘Trombones’ under the fourth and ‘Basses’ under the fifth. Naturally, he was intrigued and sought an explanation. "Well," said St Peter, "at 7.30. each Monday and Friday evening, the hands of each clock are set at 12 o’clock. Then, every time a member of that section plays a wrong note, the big hand moves forward one second. It’s already 9.30., so why don’t you come and see what’s happened tonight?” So the man stepped forward and looked first at the Cornets clock, which said 12.45. That’s good for them, thought the man - there must have been some people missing. He then saw that the Horns clock said 12.15, which he thought was no more than was to be expected. The Euphoniums and Baritones clock said 12.20, which again did not surprise him. The Basses clock said 1.15, which he thought was probably their best performance this year. He then noticed that, where the Trombones clock should have been, there was only a space, so he asked what had happened to it. "Oh", said St Peter, "every Monday and Friday evening God comes down, removes that clock and takes it to His room. He fastens it to the ceiling and uses it as a fan."

David, Ronnie; don’t blame me - this is Kens’ doing.

posted by Roger @ 3:47 PM 0 comments

Wrentham Band is now in its 88th year and has played its way through each and every one, with the exception of the Second World War years when it was temporarily ‘excused duties’. A watch and clock repairer, Mr W A Chatfield, came to Wrentham from Somerset and had the idea of forming a village band. In 1919 he met with three local businessmen - Mr H C Boggis, Mr W G Lilley and Mr S G Sawyer and the matter of forming a Band was considered. During the meeting it was decided to raise at least £100 to purchase instruments. Messers Boggis, Lilley and Sawyer immediately pledged £20 each and on being invited to do so a Mr W J Sawyer pledged a further £20. Thus the sum of £80 was assured. Mr Chatfield offered to become bandmaster and to undertake the duties of instructing all members who would join. A set of instruments from a band in Ipswich had been offered for a sum of £90 and it was decided to purchase these with Mr Chatfield offering to provide the balance of £10. The list of 19 instruments being offered were described as: 1 Bb Clarinette, 6 Cornets, 2 Tenor Horns, 1 Tenor Slide Trombone, 2 Bb Baritones, 1 Euphonium, 1 Bb Bass, 2 Eb Basses, Side Drum, Bass Drum and a Triangle. The instruments were duly purchased and the band commenced practice in a room provided by Mr S Sawyer at the rear of his house. A number of members joined (all men) and a set of rules were drawn up. Further instruments were eventually purchased from other sources, three of which had previously been used in a band formed in Wrentham many years previously. A Mr W C Walker stumped up £15 that enabled these additional instruments to be purchased. In June 1920, Mr Chatfield approached Mr S Sawyer and asked to be relieved of his £10 share in the Band. Mr Sawyer and Mr F Drew purchased that share for £5 each. From 21 June 1920, Mr Chatfield ceased to hold any financial interest in the Band instruments. Mr S Sawyer was elected Secretary and Mr H C Boggis Treasurer. Sir Thomas Gooch offered the Band the use of a room at the Old Mill in London Road for practice and this was gratefully accepted. The Band made steady progress and its first public performance was at the wedding of Mr J H Overland at Frostenden Hall in May 1920. Researched and written by Rosie who will continue the saga in the next exciting and un-missable issue - you just cannot afford to be without it!

posted by Roger @ 3:46 PM 0 comments

Notes from the committee

The Oggenhausen visit was felt to have been a resounding success. Lessons can be learned from the trip in anticipation of our hosting of the German band on their return visit (28th July to 3rd August 2006). Ideas for days trips and concerts for the Oggenhausen Band are being looked into. If you are able to host a member of Oggenhausen band then please complete the forms that will be circulated early January. Concern was expressed at the lack of players in the band and efforts would be made to recruit new members and promote the band with a view to getting more and better engagements. Rogers’ new job means he has to work evening shifts, often at short notice. It was hoped to invite a number of guest conductors to occasionally rehearse the band. Just so that you know who is doing all the administrative work outside of band practice here is list of committee members and their positions:- chairman - John Beevor; secretary - Barbara Beevor; treasurer - Rosie Carter; librarian - John Ling; Musical Director - Roger Pearcey; deputy MD - David Clements; publicity & band manager - John Woodcock; committee members - Christine Wilkins, Beryl Banester and Ronnie Carter.

posted by Roger @ 3:41 PM 0 comments

At the meeting on the 14th April it was reported that at this time it was still not certain if the Christmas Lights event in Southwold would be held. The safety arrangements for the children’s choir and band on the trailer had not been resolved. John W presented options regarding a band social event and it was felt that the band members should now be asked if they would support any of these. A joint concert with St Felix School Choir and a concert in aid of Essex Air Ambulance was being looked into. It was generally agreed that some progress had been made into the problem of ‘interruptions’ and that we should try to keep the momentum going. John W was asked if he would take on the role as Band Sergeant/Manager in relation to discipline and deportment. John asked for time to think about this. Rosie reported the band’s funds were in “a healthy state”. It was decided to purchase more music stands. Given all the reasons for and against attending the East Anglian Contest (including that we would only have two front row cornets and two horns on the day) the committee formally decided we would not enter this year. Future contesting would be looked into. German Visit. Barbara asked that further push be made to encourage members to pay their deposits. It was also mentioned that several more guest players would be needed. Concern was expressed over poor attendance and the rehearsal start time drifting towards 8pm. Efforts will be made to start promptly and members encouraged to attend both Monday and Friday rehearsals. John W asked if a quarterly newsletter would be a good idea - “Yes, please”. John asked if these could be posted to members who were not present when circulated. A ‘Friends of the Band’ list could be compiled and John mentioned he will sending publicity ‘flyers’ to businesses, schools, etc. later in the year. A presentation should be made at the AGM to one (or more) band members of whom Roger felt had made a special effort over the year to improve their playing. Da Capo Following distribution of the April newsletter John W outlined to the band the options he had examined with view to organising an ‘off-duty’ social event for the band. Seven days later those present were asked for their preference or if they had any other suggestions. It was mentioned that some years ago a Bowls Evening was held. The general response to any sort of social seemed (to John, anyway) fairly lukewarm and not worth pursuing at this time although it was suggested to get on and organise something as most members will turn up. At the moment this is on the ‘back-burner’ perhaps to be looked at later.

posted by Roger @ 2:05 PM 3 comments

If you’ve no sense of humour you shouldn’t go contesting. - Thanks to Rosie Carter for that bit of wisdom.

A truer word has never been spoken. And never in my experience has it been borne out more graphically than at the ‘2006 All England Masters’ contest in Cambridge on May 28th. John Woodcock has asked me to pen a ‘review’ of the EABBA Contest in Norwich but I felt that my experiences at Cambridge would be more interesting overall.

The day started normally enough. We arrived in good time, got ourselves fed and watered and settled into our seats in good time for the first band. The test piece (the major factor in enticing us to make the journey and spend the cash) was Philip Wilby’s ‘Paganini Variations’, a worthy test for any band but which is also a rich and rewarding listen for the audience – a rare beast indeed!

First on were Whitburn, who provided a strong and confident start to the days contesting, and this pretty much set the trend. Now, gone are the days when this writer would sit dutifully through 21 performances of the same piece, no matter how inspiring, without feeling the need for natural breaks or refreshments so the ‘cherry picking’ began. We went through the programme looking for the usual suspects and shortlisted the bands we could live without and those which we would not miss at any price. So we made sure we heard Foden’s, Whitburn, Scottish CO-OP (CWS Glasgow), Carlton Main, GUS, Woodfalls and a hotly tipped European entry whose name I cannot remember, and which I could probably not pronounce anyway. Foden’s played at number 11 and gave a performance which, to my ears at least, stood a good two feet taller than anything I’d heard thus far – solid, sure-footed, precise, integrated and molto powerful. That was going to be pretty near impossible to beat!

Well, as fate would have it this writer and his companion managed to miss all 6 top placed bands!

The winner was Rothwell Temperance, a band which I know to be ‘a tidy band’ but on whom I would not have bet a single shilling to beat the likes of Foden’s. So much for form then, and so there you have it - hence the sub-title of this piece! Make sure that when you go contesting, you have your sense of humour switched to ‘ON’.

But the surprises had not ceased. The evening concert was given by two bands, Foden’s and Scottish CO-OP, playing two separate concerts. Foden’s were on first which surprised me. Surely, given the opportunity, you’d put on the ‘warm up act’ before the main attraction? Of course you would. However…..

Foden’s opened with Goff Richard’s terminally boring ‘Songs of the Quay’ closely followed (thankfully) by a top flight performance of ‘Russlan & Ludmilla’ overture, - Just scale practice but impressive nevertheless! There followed the inevitable cornet solo (Tico,Tico) and an impressive rendition of ‘Solitaire’ – given by Alan Wycherley on Soprano as a tribute to the late great Brian Evans. The band’s excellent euphonium soloist Glyn Williams then played (again) his ‘Soloist showcase’ number, during which he plays euphonium, trombone, baritone, tenor horn, Flugel Horn, Bb cornet and Soprano (which struck me as brave given that Alan Wycherley had just demonstrated how a Sop should be played). The concert then progressed through a world premiere of an entirely forgettable new march from the pen of Elgar Howarth, to the grand finale – the final movement of Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony. Pretty good but I didn’t feel I’d had £16’s worth, and now we had to sit through the supporting act. Hmm, you can get these things wrong can’t you?

Scottish CO-OP took the stage and opened with their signature tune ‘Keighley Moor’. Initially I thought it a ‘smaller scale’ sound but this was misleading. From the moment they began to play I gained the impression that every member was committed to the performance, listening intently to what was happening around them and supporting one another to a degree I have rarely heard. It would be difficult to single out any particular players for that very reason but if pressed I’d have to applaud the young lady with the Flugel Horn – lovely sound, expressive and ne’er a foot wrong.

The programme was entertaining and well balanced and I’ll not list everything but one or two items are worthy of special note. Firstly the band’s performance of ‘Old Man River’ in which the percussionist gave an amazing drum solo, during which he hit every single item of kit, his sticks, music stand, chair, the stage floor and the top of the Solo Trombonist’s head! Absolutely stunning and worth the ticket price alone.

Secondly, the band’s finale was excerpt’s from Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird’ – a piece which ranks about 300th in my top ten favourite pieces but which, due to the band’s control and commitment, I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ll even forgive them for including Gordon Langford’s Fantasy for Trombone (groan), a piece which always prompts me to hold my breath in the hope that I’ll pass out long enough to miss the rest.

This was an object lesson in ensemble playing and pleasing an audience, right down to the encore, ‘Stingray’, which had the audience humming on the way out. I cannot remember when I enjoyed a concert more. Thank you Scottish CO-OP for showing me (and Foden’s!) how it should be done

Thank you, Roger, for this personal view of the contesting scene.

posted by Roger @ 2:03 PM 0 comments

Remembrance Service - 12 November; Ocean Rooms - 25 November, 1 & 2 December Masonic Hall – 6 December [Southwold Lights – 8 December TBC] Ocean Rooms – 9 December Masonic Hall – 11 December Ocean Rooms – 13 December; Ocean Rooms – 18, 20 & 21 December.

Oh yes, and REHEARSALS : Mondays & Fridays 7.30pm

posted by Roger @ 2:00 PM 0 comments

Out of the blue in October 2004 I received an e-mail from Hans-Gerd Burr asking if I remembered the band from Germany who had visited us twenty years ago. Who could forget? A lot of work was put into arranging a visit, this time with us travelling to Oggenhausen. Only four of the present band went to Oggenhausen in 1987 – Barbara Beevor, Pat Harland, and Ronnie and Rosie Carter. We eventually agreed a date with Hans-Gerd who asked for suggestions as to where we might visit. We made suggestions of visits to Stuttgart, Steiff, Munich and Neuschwanstein (hoping to see the castle without it being covered by clouds) and for two or three venues for us to play. Hans-Gerd made all the arrangements for us, including families to be our hosts, places to see and he also booked us to play in the Landesgartenshau, in the slot allocated for his band. One of the hardest jobs was to find families to host us. Consideration has to be given to those who work. From past experience, these kind people, understandably, want their guests out of their homes before they have to leave for work. Hence the early morning starts. Up to that point Hans-Gerd did most of the hard work! Getting quotes from three coach companies was easy, and Belles were by far the cheapest. However, there were many worries over the last year or so, especially trying to ensure that all band parts were covered. Thank you to those who helped in anyway towards this. Thanks, also, to our guest players without whom our visit would not have been practicable. Four rehearsal dates were set in good time so that players could put them in diaries. As it was, we were unable to have any full rehearsal until the Tuesday evening in Oggenhausen, when we managed to have half an hour. Changes were made by some who were originally coming on the coach but had to change and travel independently. Pick-up points were organized and then changed. It wasn't until the last week that the final arrangements were put into place. The most frustrating thing for Hans-Gerd must have been people arriving back later than requested (I was guilty of this at one point, having misheard the return time) but there were many others who were 'just a little late' causing the time-table to be re-scheduled, resulting in us returning late to out hosts in the evenings. At least everyone arrived home safely on Saturday 5 August after having, I hope, a wonderful and memorable time. It would be most helpful if you have any ideas of places we could take our friends from Oggenhausen when they visit us next year. Please put this in writing (a note will do) and pass to myself or any member of our committee, so that we can sort out stress less programme for them. Also I will need names of people who would consider being host to any of the players coming over. Please also ask your friends, neighbours etc., as I am sure it will be a struggle to get them all beds. Thanks to Barbara for this article

posted by Roger @ 1:59 PM 0 comments

About the Oggenhausen trip.

“Ogg - en – haus - en” With thanks to Hans-Gerd for the correct pronunciation! The journey began shortly after 4am and was made more interesting by completing mini-tours of Ipswich (to collect uniforms) and Colchester (to collect bodies). Once on the continent we knew we were on holiday as we had some heavy rainfall and later in the day encountered heavy traffic and road-works making those of us from Lowestoft feel quite at home. The journey was long and we only reached Oggenhausen to meet our hosts shortly before midnight. On Monday the hastily formed (and just as quickly disbanded!) Wrentham Band Choir gave an impromptu performance in Neresheim Abbey (actually it sounded pretty good - just think what could have been done with a rehearsal, as Roger might have said!). Good food, good beer, good music and good company were awaiting us at a typical German garden party in the evening. Over the next three days we visited the Marklin Train Museum (how many of you noticed the activities on the schloss roof?), the Mercedes Benz Museum (which as an ardent non-fan of motor vehicles I found interesting), Stuttgart, Schloss Neuschwanstein (of ’Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang’ fame), Weißensee and Augsburg . In the interests of scientific research I aim to taste as many beers as possible and I always look forward to visiting Germany because of the many different styles to sample. I feel it is incumbent upon me, therefore, to warn all you fellow researchers of ‘Radlerbier’. This is actually shandy: 50/50 beer/lemonade and not to be recommended. Having boldly ordered “a large one” I felt compelled to drink it all. No wonder I felt ill. The town tour of Augsburg on Thursday was dampened (sorry) by heavy rain but in the afternoon we travelled on to the Paulaner Brewery in Munich where we proceeded to get wet inside. In the evening Sheila and I were entertained by our hosts Martin and Ina Büchler and their delightful children Stephanie, Patricia and Markus. Ina cooked us a Scwäbische dish that was wunderbar. Nicht sauerkraut - vielen Danke, Ina. We all agreed the following morning that our respective host families had given us an enjoyable evening. After a formal reception in Heidenheim on Friday morning and a pub lunch in Oggenhausen we went to the Landgarten Schau where, after a pleasant afternoon strolling amongst the exhibits and gardens, we performed our one and only concert. Although our lips were a little ’leathery’ we performed well enough to give an encore, receive a standing ovation and demands for more! Rosie had to concentrate hard as not only had she to play but also compere the programme for the benefit of the German audience. She has admitted to one mistake which caused our German friends to chuckle; she thanked them for their “hässlichen” (ugly) reception when she meant to say “herzlichen” (affectionate/hearty)! And didn’t Christine do well - of all the soloists she was probably the most nervous but she gave a first class performance and has now promoted herself to repiano cornet! A stroll through the Landgarten to the town Wine Festival was the finale to our visit and at 11pm we boarded our coach for home. In spite of the pouring rain our hosts insisted giving a ‘ten-ten’ wave as we left. On the way home, Neil, one of our drivers, summed it all up in saying: “Keep that music going – it’s fantastic”.

Thanks to:- Our helpful Belle coach drivers, Neil and Richard, of whom we can truly say entered in to the spirit of things without neglecting their duties. All of you for your efforts in attending rehearsals and playing so well. Those who ‘guested’ for us – you are welcome to visit us at any time to have a blow, or join us! Hans-Gerd and members of the Oggenhausen Band, especially those who hosted us so magnificently during our stay, for their organisation and resolve that we should see as many places of interest as possible. Barbara who, as secretary, had the weighty responsibility of organising the whole visit from the UK end; a task which continued in Germany when most of us had opportunities to relax.

posted by Roger @ 1:57 PM 0 comments

I thought I'd just clarify something.

I originally thought this newsletter was to be a monthly thing but John informs me that it will be issued on a quarterly basis. This is fine. After all, how much happens in a month?

So, in case you were wondering when you were going to get some more news - soon!

Roger.

posted by Roger @ 10:58 AM 0 comments

This shy handsome hunk is the editor of the newsletter, John Woodcock. Phone number on request.....

posted by Roger @ 10:58 AM 0 comments

“To contest, or not to contest, that is the question” Those immortal words were (if my memory is correct) uttered by that doyen of the Elizabethan Brass Band movement, William Shakespeare. By strange coincidence, four-hundred years later, Wrentham Band had the same dilemma. Back in 2004 we competed in the EABBA spring festival ('A' Section) and succeeded in winning the section. The prize for this was an nice silver Cup but the ‘downside’ for us was promotion to the Championship Section. This would have been tolerable but the East Anglia BB Association's grading system means that nationally graded 4th section bands (Wrentham) and championship bands can, and do, compete in the same section. This is a bone of contention with us (and other similarly placed bands) as we argue the fairness of pitting any Fourth, Third or Second Section band against a Championship Section band. So strong was this feeling that we declined to enter the Contest last year as the set test-piece was almost impossible for any Fourth Section band to handle and our rehearsal time and exertions would have been fruitless. Due no doubt in some measure to the fuss this caused the EABBA changed the Contest format for this year from a set test piece to an own-choice Entertainment Contest. This means that competing bands choose their own music to fit in a twenty-minute programme. The advantages are obvious as each band will select music that they are comfortable with in the hope of impressing the adjudicator of their talents. However, Fourth and Championship Section bands will still be competing against each other and this caused some difference of opinion within the committee as to whether we should enter or not. Several views were aired (especially regarding contesting itself and the EABBA!) and it was mentioned that we could never triumph over championship bands. After discussion it was decided that Wrentham would compete; not least because the committee felt that it was the general mood of the Band that we should ‘have a go’. However, at a subsequent band practice Roger spoke of his deep concern of the decision to enter. He said that with the number of players we have who are able to attend rehearsals regularly Wrentham Band could be made to look foolish at the contest given the standard of competition we would face. He was anxious about the detrimental effect on our morale. His argument was persuasive and, given a week to consider the matter, the next rehearsal saw band members in general agreement that we should not enter this years Area Contest. STOP PRESS: The Band Committee have now formally decided that we will not be entering the EA Contest this year.

If I could just add a rider to this piece:

On the day it transpired that Championship & 'A' Section bands would be marked seperately, removing the main area of concern. Had this been made clear prior to the contest there may well have been a healthier entry from the lower section bands. - Roger.

In 1606 the City Waites prepared to play. Raising his cornett to his lips Bill remarked to the sackbut player: “By my troth, cully; tha’s as I like it”. “Gadzooks, Bill, list’ thee to musick master. Thou’s too full o’ words, words, words.” Thus rebuked, rehearsal commenced.

posted by Roger @ 10:34 AM 0 comments

Happier Days!

Remember the days when the Beeb broadcast brass band competitions? Pity the young and keen cornet player who decided to take his brass band ‘widow’ (read ‘wife’) out for a romantic evening meal to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. When they got to the restaurant he suddenly remembered that ‘Challenging Brass’ was being broadcast that very evening. Leaving his wife alone at the table he found the restaurants’ telephone and gave detailed instructions to the baby-sitter on recording the programme. On arriving home it was discovered that not only had the girl recorded the wrong programme but had taped over something irreplaceable!

posted by Roger @ 10:31 AM 0 comments

COME AND JOIN US In an effort bring the Wrentham Band to the notice of as many people as possible advertisements have been placed in some local shops and supermarkets. By this means I am hoping that we will attract new members. Unfortunately, after a week or so they replace our advert with that of somebody wanting to sell a washing machine or do a bit of gardening work. If you can think of places more permanent to display either an A4, A5 or postcard sized poster please let me know. Better, do you know of someone else who plays an instrument—friend, co-worker or school mate for example? I dare say you have already dropped a few hints about joining Wrentham but now might be the time to encourage them a little more—physically dragging them along, perhaps. Please do what you can. I feel confident that with more members rehearsals would become more structured and interesting leading to better performances. Later this year, I intend to send a ‘flyer’ out to companies and organisations in the hope of convincing them that whatever event they may be organising in 2007 it really needs Wrentham Band there to make it a success. Only a few weeks ago I sent an e-mail to a local company that organises weddings. The reply I got back was encouraging until I realised they wanted us to perform for free. Obviously, I have not yet got the sales pitch perfect. As Alan Sugar would say “You’re fired!” If you can think of an event where our Band might perform let me know the name of the organisation and a contact name/address/telephone for me to contact.

posted by Roger @ 10:28 AM 0 comments

WHAT’S NEW? The following music has recently been purchased and is now in the pads and being rehearsed. An American Trilogy, That Well Known Overture Number One, Eight, One, Two (as I heard it announced on one memorable occasion), Eleanor Rigby, Pokarekare Ana (just waiting to hear Roger announce that), Puttin’ on the Ritz and a selection from Cabaret. All but one of these arrangements (no prizes for guessing which) are either by Alan Fernie or Goff Richards so you will realise that they are for ‘full’ band with little doubling up of parts and, with only a dozen or so players at most rehearsals, it could be unwise putting any of them in a programme. So, for another season, we may be forced to revert to those tried and trusted old ‘favourites’ that we know so well. However much of a ‘comfort blanket’ these oldies are they can alienate players and audiences because we keep on playing them. I am not suggesting that we put on a programme of BB test pieces or heavy classics; playing a varying programme will challenge and interest us, as performers, and astound the audiences with our versatility.

So much new music is often just filed away.

posted by Roger @ 10:20 AM 0 comments

It has been suggested that the band members might like to enjoy a social event together. Consideration will need to be given to the distance that people have to travel as well as doing something that will appeal to most. Kessingland seems a reasonable location and I list below the various options considered so far. It is anticipated that family and friends of band members can be invited. 1. Sunday visit to Kessingland Wildlife Park — adult £6.95/children £5.50/senior citizen £5.95. Livingstones (the pub at the Park entrance) have a carvery on Sundays from 1200 to late—£9.95/£6.50 or a private buffet at £5.95 each. 2. As above but have a private buffet (£5) at KWMC (in the small lounge) for lunch then visit Park OR visit the Park mid-afternoon then on to KWMC for buffet around 7pm and entertainment* 3. Weekday Quiz Evening at KWMC (or local pub?) with/without buffet. 4 Sunday 23rd July (a ‘German’ band rehearsal). Rehearse at KWMC late afternoon, say 4.30 to 7pm, after which the bar can be opened and, together with our ‘deps’, we can enjoy our buffet (£5) together with drinks. For those that stay longer there is entertainment* from 8pm.

What do you think ?

Any other suggestions or ideas ?

Do you care?

Please have a think and let me know if you would/could support one or other of these events.

* Entertainment is usually a singer or duo. Non-band (or non-club) members will have to pay an extra £1. Now the Club has fixed the lights they turn them off during the entertainment so we will feel at home!!

posted by Roger @ 10:19 AM 0 comments