THIS year a borough brass band marks five decades of music-making.
Woodley Concert Band opens the celebrations with its annual spring concert.
Featuring a range of different music styles and genres, the programme includes Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, a medley of James Bond music, highlights from Disney and original wind band music from Philip Sparke.
Chair Catherine Piper, said: “It’s amazing that we’re celebrating 50 years of music-making.
“One of our players is a lady who has been playing with us since the very first year.
“She’s still playing the flute.
“The group started in 1973 with adults’ evening classes at Waingels School.
“After a year, lots of the players decided to form a concert band, and we’re still going strong.”
People seem to stay when they join Woodley Concert Band.
“They just don’t leave,” said Ms Piper.
“We’ve got people in their 20s and in their 80s.
“Some have professional music posts, some don’t.
“One of our members is even about to be made musical director of music in the Welsh Guards.”
Fifty years have just flown by for the group, its chair says.
“The quality of the music has definitely improved over the decades,” said Ms Piper.
“We’re being noticed now, and this weekend we’ve actually been invited to play at the finals of the National Concert Band Festival in Warwick.
“It’s going to be a very busy weekend, what with our Spring Concert too.”
The group rehearses on Wednesday evenings, at Dominic Savio school in Woodley.
They are always keen to hear from musicians, and are currently looking for people to play percussion, tuba, or oboe.
The band’s spring concert will take place at Bulmershe School Theatre, Woodley, on Saturday, March 16.
Doors open at 7pm, and tickets are available to book online.
Tickets cost £14, £12 for over 65s, and £5 for under 16s.
First time audience members can call to ask for a free ticket (not available online).
For information and tickets, call the box office on: 0870 321 2186, or visit: www.woodleyconcertband.org.uk
