AN EVENING of uplifting music from a borough music group was performed to a packed house at the Harriet Walter Theatre, at Reddam House School on Saturday.
Woodley Concert band, which formed in 1974 and gave its first public performance in 1976 at Woodley Carnival, took to the stage in Sindlesham for its 50th Anniversary Concert.
Over the years the group has become a thriving and successful ensemble of around 40 musicians, some in their 20s, others in their 80s.
Chair of the band Catherine Piper, said: “We’ve had at least four weddings take place between members who met through the band, and that includes both myself and my brother, who both met our partners here.
“Sons and daughters play alongside their mums and dads in the group, so it really is a family, but that’s only part of the story.
“It’s also about the quality of music we produce.
“We were a platinum award-winning band at the National Concert Band Festival finals this year, a really fantastic achievement of which we’re very proud.
“Our aim has always been to entertain people with good music that’s played really well, whether at a bandstand, a fete, or in freezing cold weather, standing outside Lidl.
Musical director, Captain Claire Lawrence, since July this year, is also director of music of the Band of the Irish Guards – only the second woman to hold a role of this level in the British Army.
She led the band with warmth and humour through their celebratory concert, which included arrangements of Gustav Holst’s Jupiter from The Planets, Gershwin, and the Dam Busters.
Flugelhorn soloist Gregor Spowart, soprano Dani May, and a number of returning players also performed with the band, all of whom were received with much applause.
Wokingham Borough Council Mayor Councillor Adrian Mather and his wife Debbie were invited guests, along with friends, patrons, and previous band members.
“It’s been a fantastic concert,” said Cllr Mather, “and I particularly enjoyed the band’s rendition of Holst’s Jupiter.”
Fans of the ensemble can look forward to their next concert, which will take place at The Bulmershe School, Woodley.
A concert of Christmas music for children will take place on Sunday, December 15, at 3pm, followed by an evening of uplifting festive songs in the group’s Christmas Concert, also at The Bulmershe School, and on the same day, at 7pm.
Tickets costing £14 for adults, and £12 for concessions, will be available from Saturday, November 9.
For information and tickets, visit: woodleyconcertband.org.uk
