LBBA Open contest, Sunday 23rd November 2014

The band performed Eric Ball's rhapsody for brass band - Journey into Freedom - on Sunday. We were pleased with our performance of a piece which had proved difficult to master in a short time, but came away with a rather disappointing 12th place. However, positive comments for Bob's cornet solo and Alex's Eb bass solo were appreciated. Pictured here is Colin Bedding, doing an excellent impression of Ronnie Barker. He is looking particularly pleased to be playing his favourite instrument, the Baritone Horn, in this contest.....and beautifully he played it too!

Parky had a busy day. After playing in his new capacity as baritone horn for the band, he went on to lead the University of Warwick to a 7th place in the third section, while Rhona went over the road for a nostalgic reminder of her university years at Loughborough.

Remembrance Service, War Memorial Park, Coventry : November 9th 2014

The Coventry Telegraph captured this photo of Val Bell and Sylvia Cooper playing with the band on Sunday and reported:

'Hundreds of people packed out the city's War Memorial Park to honour the fallen, with the promise of 'We Will Remember Them' even more poignant than ever as 2014 marks the centenary of the start of the first world war.'

An onlooker was interested to know how many years the band have been attending the Remembrance Service. Having consulted founder member Phil Wroe, and fellow originl member Bob Baggott (pictured below with Sean Doughty and Nicola Bagshaw), we think since 1967.

Happy Birthday Diane Bell - 19th October 2014

Members of the band gathered to meet the rest of the Bell family for a lovely party to celebrate a milestone in Diane's life, as she celebrated her 50th birthday in style, pictured below in her birthday cake hat. Diane is one of 3 members of the same family playing in the band, with sister Val also on tenor horn, and Val's partner Chris on trombone.

Spice Roots: The recording, October 11th & 12th 2014

Over the weekend of 11th and 12th October members of the band gathered at Coventry University, and under the expert guidance of Chris Evans, worked hard to record a new CD, including both of Clara's recent compositions, Spice Roots and Razz for trombone. Sadly Clara could not be at the event, having recently taken up a new job, following her graduation from Birmingham Conservatoire. We wish her well in her new life, and look forward to her visiting whenever she can. The finished composition includes solos by Prinipal cornet Bob, Chris on trombone, Helen on sop.Ten out of ten for full band concentration and effort over many hours. The 2 day marathon was a very positive experience, and we are very grateful for all Chris's efforts in producing the final version, which will be on sale before Christmas.

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September 2014

Coventry band had a busy weekend back after the holidays, with a Last Night of the Proms concert at Braunston church on Saturday and a cold and windy but well attended concert in Caludon Park on Sunday.

The concert at Braunston was so much appreciated, we are returning for a Christmas concert on Friday 19th December. We were delighted to receive a thank you e-mail from the organisers as follows: 'Brenda and I would like to pass on our thanks to all in the band for the 'Last Night of the Proms' at All Saints Church in Braunston last Saturday. Everyone we have spoken to thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Fabulous music and marvellous atmosphere. Thank you so much.'

Saturday 20th July 2014

The band met in Handsworth Park on Saturday, to open the ‘Simmer Down Festival’, Birmingham’s biggest free international reggae festival . Performing on the main stage, the band gave the world premiere of ‘Spice Roots’, written by flugel horn player Clara Catt. Clara has just graduated from the Birmingham Conservatoire and had been commissioned by the Festival organisers to compose the opening piece.

Clara explained that the inspiration behind 'Spice Roots' is the idea of the spice trading routes crossing many continents and countries combined with our cultural roots.

The first movement, ‘Opening’ begins in a typical brass band style developing into a Bhangra theme.

The second movement ‘Spiritual’ is slower. It encapsulates the idea of spirituality across cultures, and combines the idea of a brass band hymn with a gospel tune, including world instruments such as bongos and maracas.

The final movement ‘Encore’ is an upbeat finale to the suite. It encorporates Reggae, Ska and German oompah themes and represents the cross cultural idea of music for a celebration and the prominence of brass instruments in these genres.

Musical Director Stephen Cooper said he was delighted to be able to play Clara’s composition and continue the bands tradition of performing the widest range of music.

Saturday 5th July 2014 - Pershore Festival of Brass

The band had a lovely sunny day out at the Pershore Festival again this year. Playing in the Abbey in the afternoon, Chris Moore produced a beautiful rendition of Clara Catt's new piece 'Razz for trombone', which was received with enthusiasm by the audience. The varied programme included Vaughan Williams' tremendous overture 'Henry the Fifth' and Stephen Roberts' beautiful and understated arrangement of 'Londonderry Air'. Later at Chapman Court, where the atmosphere was relaxed and light hearted, the programme followed suit and included 'Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines', 'Hogarth's Hoe-down' and 'The Sound of Music'.

June 28th 2014 - City of Coventry & Warwickshire Brass Festival

Alex & Rhona Baker and Lucy Hollings played at the festival at Bablake School on Saturday, gaining some invaluable experience . Alex and Rhona managed a 3rd place in the Open Duet with Delibes' 'Flower Duet', Alex a 3rd place in the 18 and under slow melody with 'The Swan', and Rhona 3rd place in the open sight reading. Rhona had a bash at Facilita (including triple tongueing!!) but was unplaced faced with classy competition.

Summer jobs 2014

The band enjoyed good weather and enthusiastic welcomes from across the counties over the Summer, playing for the Rotarians in Stratford, Sanders Park in Bromsgrove, Lido Park in Droitwich, Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa (pictured below - Mark Dutton's dreams are realised as he drives the train in the interval) and Memorial Park in Coventry to commemorate the start of the 1st World War. Some lovely old favourites were featured like 'Last of the Summer Wine' and 'Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines', and the front row cornet section were put through their paces with 'Cornets A Gogo'. Soloists were Bob with 'Georgia', Clara with 'A Nightingale Sand in Berkeley Square', Chris with 'Stardust' and Rhona with 'Grandfather's clock'.

April 23rd - Hare and Hounds St George's Day concert

The band returned for another year to play patriotic music at the Hare and Hounds on Wednesday. Despite the cold and rainy weather, they were rewarded with a warm welcome by the Landord and locals.

April 2014 - Multimedia collaboration composed by Chris Evans

The band were given the opportunity to be involved in a yet another style of music this month, when they worked with Chris Evans again to perform his new piece 'Doxology'. Composer Darren Pickles (Senior lecturer at Coventry University) went on to produce an electronic score, to which Senior Lecturer Adam Collis added images of brass playing, documentary evidence and TV footage of the Miners' Strike. The final resulting 'Multimedia Composition' received critical acclaim at the Klangland Sonic Arts Festival in Germany. For a full report on 4barsrest, click here

April 6th 2014- LBBA Spring Festival

Members of the band travelled up to Leicester to enjoy a relaxed day at the Festival, and were rewarded for their efforts. Alex Baker brandished his tuba once again to come 2nd in the 18 and under slow melody playing Bach's tricky 'Sarabande' from 5th suite for cello, and came away with the trophy for the Air Varie for the second year running playing the Ash Grove. Rhona Baker and Clara Catt had another go at the slow melody, but faced stiff competition this year. Rhona fared better with her first ever Air Varie, achieving a very proud 3rd with Grandfather's clock. Mother and son, Alex and Rhona produced a sensitive, balanced and expressive performance of the Flower Duet to come 2nd in the Open Duet section, and Rhona, Alex, Clara and Sean Doughty produced a 'very entertaining performance' to take 2nd place in the Open Quartet with an upbeat version of Granfather's clock.

Saturday 19th January 2014 - Butlins Mineworkers Open Championship

Following 2 weeks' of productive rehearsals, the band arrived at the final rehearsal of Vitae Aeternum on Friday night in good spirits and with confidence riding high. This showed on Saturday as all players worked together and with an early draw at number 6 led 4barsrest to comment that our playing was bold, flamboyant and with commitment, and later we were congratulated for our 'uncomplicated maturity'. With the remarks noting good accuracy, rhythmic playing, balance and use of dynamics, the band were justifiably delighted with a 6th placing. The resultant celebrations, most notably from Parky, who is incredibly bouncy when he has been drinking(!), and would insist on getting up again when he had been put to bed and Steve Anker who still doesn't know where he was between playing at 11.30 on Saturday and getting out of bed on Sunday morning, were justified!

Sunday 24th November 2013 - Leicestershire Open Contest

The band moved onwards and upwards with a pleasing 8th place at the LBBA contest on Sunday, playing Philip Sparke's Tallis Variations. Clara performed beautifully to produce an 'impressive' solo. Sean's first contest solo was 'admired' and Rhona was delighted with her 'lively and accurate' passage. Add to this a sweet toned and sensitive sop in Helen, the basses generating 'good atmosphere' and the bari/trombs and euphs producing 'real quality sound', and the band stand in good stead to tackle their next challenge in January with confidence....Butlins here we come!

Sunday 6th October 2013 - Bolsover contest

Performing a varied programme at the first of a string of contests running up to next year's Area, the band performed a well rounded 20 minutes of music, and came away determined to play to our strengths and work on our weaknesses. The programme opened with 'Kings Hunting Jig', which got the audiences attention, followed by Helen's sop solo 'Concert Etude', then 'Light Walk', featuring Clara on Flugel. Rhona's Euph feature 'Bring him Home' followed, and 'Gaelforce' brought the performance to a rousing close, and a 9th place over all.

Saturday 19th October 2013 - Experimental work 'Cantus Infirmus' by Chris Evans

The band was delighted to be asked to perform a major new work featuring brass band and live surround sound computer music at its premiere during the International Music Symposium (INTIME) held at Coventry University.

The experimental work ‘Cantus Infirmus’, for Brass Band and Tape by composer Christopher Evans features a brass band with a live surround-sound computer music system.

Chris explained:

‘The ‘prepared’ side of things is based on fragments of a piano being tuned and the band music is based on my love of medieval song and some of the more strange medieval concepts about music theory. The work is nearly 8 minutes long and mixes the piano ‘tape’ (28 tracks played back by computer into an 8.1 surround system) with live sound from the band, together with church-like echoes and reverberations as well as some of the sound being processed into long drones.’

MD Stephen Cooper was pleased with the bands performance. He recently told 4BR:

‘It’s a nerve-wracking way to perform, with speakers all around and with the sound effects from the band moving around the room. The music is made up of a piano piece being played back by the computer and the band playing live with effects like reverb and echo also being played into the room live. It doesn’t look too hard on the score but the tempo changes nearly every bar and synchronising the band with the computer is very hard. There is also a virtuosic section which is almost unplayable but, apparently, that’s the idea!’

Saturday 29th June 2013 - City of Coventry and Warwickshire Brass Festival

With many of the band helping out at the Festival on the day, there were fewer performances than at the LBBA contest in May, but Coventry Oldies made another outing to come 2nd in the Open Quartet, Alex produced a 'good sound and clean articulation' in the Open Air Varie, and Bob & Helen and Alex & Rhona all put up a fight in the Open duets. In it's third year, the Festival is attracting more and more good players and beginners from the region, and is always a relaxed and enjoyable day.

10th May 2013 - LBBA Spring Festival

The band had a good turnout at the Spring Festival, and brought home silverware in the form of the Under 18 Air Varie winner Alex Baker, with his fautless rendition of 'Tuba Copper'. He said afterwards that he felt at ease, as all he could see throughout the performance were members of the band making faces at him from the audience! The Coventry Oldies, comprising Bob Baggott, Helen Hollings, Val Bell and Rhona Baker came a confident 4th in the Open Quartet section with 'Concordia', despite Bob leaving his music in the practise room and having to run back for it. The Young Uns ( Alex 'Parky' Parker, Clara Catt, Neil Brownless and Alex Baker) also played with style and confidence, performing a trio arranged by Clara, to come a creditable 7th . Clara, Helen, Neil and Rhona all had a bash at the Open Slow Melody, Clara coming a fantastic 4th with a beautiful redition of 'Rusalka's Song to the Moon', and Rhona being pleased to get from beginning to end in her first ever stand up solo! Alex and Rhona also managed a 'stylish, musical & tight' duet to come 5th on tuba and euphonium. With additional performances by Neil in the air vaire and duet with Clara, it was a busy and very enjoyable day.

New Year and New MD - Welcome back to Steve.

Stephen Cooper returns this January after a break of just over a year to take up the baton again in his third stint as MD. Our enormous thanks go to Alwyn Green who has steered the ship through difficult waters with good humour and enthusiasm over the last year. There have been many changes of players and some disappointments at contests to overcome, but the band has ended the year much stronger and ready to fight the good fight at the Areas in March. We thank Alwyn for his patience, kindness and beautiful musical arrangements, and look forward to his involvement with sectionals for the Areas.

December: It's Christmas!

December saw a variety of venues for our seasonal celebrations. At our carolling sessions we were joined by eager tin rattlers Dot, Chris and Val's daughters Imogen and Isabelle and Rhona's Mum Irene (who benefitted from Morrisons free egg nog samples!). Thanks go to them for all their efforts - you made a huge difference. Thanks also to former members returning from Uni to play - Richard and Jonny and to Sylvia's daughter Charlotte and Rhona's son Sam for coming along for a blow. Carols rang out from Solihull, Nuneaton, Southam, Bablake school, Erdington, Wyken Croft School, The Hare & Hounds, The Rugby Christian Life Centre, The Christian Life Ministries in Coventry and War Memorial Park. We were delighted to receive e-mail thanks to the band from Ann Akerman (War Memorial Park Manager) who noted that ' there were around 400 plus people there at one point and the feedback was all very positive'

Huge thanks to the regulars who turned out again and again in the sometimes freezing cold, and particular thanks to those who were in good humour throughout - the prize going to Phil - it makes such a difference when it's fun!

Sunday 11th November 2012: Remembrance services

Sunday was a day of mixed emotions for the band. We played at the poignant remembrance service in Coventry in the morning - always a very moving occasion - and in the evening we joined with friends of the band and pupils of Stowe school to celebrate the life of Deb Borthwick with a lively 'music from the shows' themed concert. MD Alwyn was delighted that the band played the best he had ever heard it, and the choice of music was applauded by her parents Arthur & Helen Arscott who felt it portrayed Deb's love of life and music so well. Spirits were high and I think Deb received an enthusiastic tribute to her wonderful if short musical life.

Friday 2nd November 2012: Concert at the Grange Hall Southam

Friday saw the band return to Southam for the second year in a row to an enthusiastic flag waving crowd. The repertoire had some new pieces in the first half, and a selection of patriotic music in the second half which had the audience up singing along. With solos from Helen on sop (Concert Etude by Goedicke) Bob on cornet (Georgia on my mind) Alex on Eb bass (Nellie the Elephant) and Clara ( on flugel (Nobody knows the trouble I've seen), and a new duet arranged specially by Alwyn for Mum and Son combination Rhona and Alex on euph and Eb bass, of the duet from the Pearl Fishers. This was the first time the Bakers had played a duet (and the last according to Alex who was embarrassed in front of his home crowd by his Mum hugging him!)

Sunday 7th October 2012: Bolsover contest

WE DIDN'T COME LAST!

Need I say more? We were venturing into the unknown with this contest, what with many new members of the band (a full front row of our very own for the first time in a long time), still competing in the Championship section, and not having entered this contest before. However it was all right on the night as they say! The facilities at Heritage High School were fabulous (schools weren't like that in my day!) and the atmosphere very friendly. Ian Porthouse commented that it was 'a well chosen and performed programme' and we had some lovely comments for Bob's rendition and Alwyn's arrangement of 'To a Wild Rose', Alex's performance of Nellie, and Steve's 'great bass trombone sounds'. Well done to Josh Jones for playing front row without his glasses....don't ask why he didn't have them...you don't want to know....students eh?

Sunday 9th September 2012: Caludon Castle Park

We have been blessed with some fantastic weather this year for our outside performances, and this Sunday was no exception. A beautiful setting, with the band in pride of place directly in front of the castle remains, and a huge appreciative audience - we even had some lasses up and dancing at one point - that's a first! Thanks to Byron - our dep for the day. Parky won the award for the most creased shirt - an honour previously held by James - what is it with Warwick University students and irons?

August 2012: Deb Borthwick

The Summer ended with the very sad news that former member of the band Deb Borthwick had passed away. Deb was a much loved friend of City of Coventry, having helped out on many occasions, often at short notice. She was a player of huge talent, and had the most infectious giggle, and warm sense of humour. She was a pleasure to be around, and is a very sad loss to all of us.

Saturday 21st July 2012: Pershore Midsummer Brass

What a beautiful day to be carrying heavy instruments through a Heart of England town! The band played a vital role at Pershore this year, in forming part of the 'Brass the Baton' relay team. Bedworth Brass's Steve Lilly handed the baton to Alwyn for our performance in the tent at the Angel, and the relay continued on with Trevor Jones of Phoenix Brass taking the baton for their performance. We had an array of musical talent helping us out for the day, in the form of Steve Bailey & Jen Harrison on cornet, Murray Borthwick on horn, Steve Anker on bass trombone, Dave Birch on euphonium, and Mark and Maxine Dutton on Bb Basses. The programme at the Angel featured soloists Chris, who played Concert Variations and Alex with his rendition of Nellie the Elephant. The trombone section strutted their stuff with Frolic for Trombones, and Bob was in his element with Swingtime Religion. The audience seemed to enjoy this light selection and indeed Alwyn's humour! The Abbey performance had some gravity to it, with Crown Imperial, Light of the World and Kingdom Triumphant bringing out the appreciation of a discerning audience (with the exception of Rhona's Mother in Law who thought the opening number was 'just too loud'!)

Saturday 14th July 2012: Millenium Field Baginton

What an amazing set up. We were spoiled rotten at Baginton with a huge covered (phew) stage to play on. I should hasten to add that this was for many other performers throughout the day as well, not just us! The sun even managed to blink through a couple of times, and a fun day was had by all. Thanks to Mark and Maxine Dutton who filled the Bb bass section in style, Jen Harrison on cornet and Murray Borthwick taking centre stage in the 'Bell' horn section! We had an array of soloists, Bob, Clara and Alex and we performed much of the programme for the Pershore contest with a good degree of confidence.

Sunday 1st July 2012: Pump Room Gardens Royal Leamington Spa

The Band was delighted to be offered the opportunity to play in Leamington as part of the Olympic Torch relay event. The Royal Pump Room Gardens had an array of stalls and exhibitors, including 'Snowdrop' the mechanical elephant offering rides to toddlers, making Alex's tuba solo 'Nellie the Elephant' very appropriate. Events took place throughout the afternoon, culminating in the passage of the olympic torch from the Railway station up the Parade. The crowds were enormous, and it was a pleasure to play to so many appreciative people. Thanks to those who joined us for the afternoon - Steve Lilly of Bedworth Brass on cornet, former Cov band player Paul Lay, (now playing for Shipston band) on Sop and old friend Roly (Matthew Bicknell), also on cornet. We also welcomed James' friend from Warwick University Parky (Alex Park) playing Flugel for the day. Rhona started....and finished her first engagement on solo Euphonium (only mispitched a couple of notes!) and was joined by Josh taking part in his first ever 'outside' job.

Sunday 24th June 2012: Lido Park Droitwich

A nice day for a change and a lovely place to play! The Lido Park has a beautiful Band Stand, and the Festival taking place on the other side of town didn't seem to detract from the usual crowd we get playing there. Steve was with us on bass trombone again, Joshua Hughes helped out on cornet and Steve Cooper came along to look after Rhona, playing her first Park job on Euphonium (where does all the air go?) With a lovely cuppa from the cafe at half time, it couldn't have been a better afternoon!

21st June 2012: Rhona finally gets to play with the big boys!

After many years of looking longingly at the big instruments in the band, Rhona finally got the green light to give Euphonium a go. (Only because the band couldn't find anyone else you understand!) One week on, and so far so good. Now she gets to make faces at Bob on Principal instead of looking after his music for him. We welcomed Josh Turner on Euphonium this week too. Josh has just finished a year's A level studies at Kenilworth school and is looking to gain more experience of group playing with City of Coventry.

Sunday 17th June 2012: Annual Bereavement Service, Canley Crematorium, Coventry

A ten piece group from the band provided appropriate music prior to the annual service held at Canley Crem, for those who have lost someone dear to them during the year. The band also accompanied the hymns during the service.

June 10th 2012: Abbey Park Evesham

The weather was on our side this week, considering the recent trend, only turning cold in the second half. This week was Alex's turn to perform his first ever solo - Nellie the Elephant - on Eb bass. Congratulations to him for battling the nerves! We saw old friends of the band this week, with Byron Tucker and Steve Cooper coming back for a blow. We also welcomed Ben on Bass trombone, who joined in in style as part of the trombone trio playing 'Frolic for Trombones' by Reginald Heath.

May 20th and 27th 2012: Sanders Park Bromsgrove and Stratford Peace Memorial Park

What a difference a week makes! Our first park engagement was a test of endurance! The band suffered freezing winds (hanging onto our stands!) and cold, and only the hardiest of brass band enthusiast braved the weather with their blankets, cagouls and thermos flasks. Congratulations to Helen, who battled the elements to play her first solo for the band - Solitaire, and thanks to Dave Birch who more than filled the Euphonium gap!

Stratford park on 27th May was a very different experience, with Recreation Meadow awash with young and old alike. The band performed really well (encouraged by Brian Higgins - former Bb bass, who came along to see us all) on a lovely sunny afternoon and included some new foot tapping arrangements courtesy of MD Alwyn. Clara played her first solo with the band beautifully - 'I don't know how to love him' from Jesus Christ Superstar, and we welcomed Steve Anker on bass trombone. Adrian White played cornet for us, and we had the pleasure of Dave Birch's expertise on Euphonium for the second week running.

May 25th 2012: Huge congratulations to Helen Hollings LTCL

Helen received the results of the Licentiate Trinity College London that she took before Easter. She had convinced herself that she had failed, as so much time had passed since the exam! I hope we are not all expected to follow suit....might have to start a grade I!

May 17th 2012: Photographic session with budding photographer Rosie Meiklejohn

Our rehearsal this week was made all the more exciting by the presence of Rosie - a year 10 student at Southam College. Rosie is studying Photography at GCSE, and wanted to use the band as her subject for a project entitled 'Harmony'. Rosie spent all evening snapping photos of the band, not only for her own use, but she also very kindly produced a whole set of photos of the members, for us to use on the website. Check out the concentration on some of the faces, as we tried to look as though we knew what we were doing, although, as they say, the camera never lies! Thank you for your very professional services Rosie - especially for the fabulous metronome photo on the home page of our website.

May 12th 2012: Bass section back to full power and more!

Welcome to James who joins us on Bb bass. Studying Physics at Warwick University, James is proving to be a cracking addition to the bass section. We hope you enjoy playing with City of Coventry....looking forward to a Bb bass solo!

April 23rd 2012: St Geroge's Day concert - Hare & Hounds Keresley

A rousing rendition of the season's favourites could be heard (from band and punters alike) on Monday at the Hare & Hounds in Keresley. The band - back to its full ranks after the Easter break squeezed into the pub - on account of the inclement weather we've become accustomed to this April - and produced a hearty hour of British favourites. We were rewarded by the appreciation of the customers and landlord alike - whose birthday was celebrated in style.

April 2012: Changes in the band

Following some changes in personnel, Clara has profitted from the vacated flugel seat, by taking up her first study instrument for the band, and Josh from Coventry University joins us on solo cornet. We say a big thankyou, and sad farewell to Brian Higgins (Bb bass), who is moving to his new home in Telford (we will miss your humour and Brummy accent!) and to Sam Pope (principal euphonium) who following promotion at work, has decided to take a break from City of Cov. Good luck with your future banding - keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.

March 2012: A fond farewell to Lesley and Mark Howarth

Some weeks after their announcement that they would leave after the Areas, Lesley and Mark have played their final fabulous phrase for the band. The Howarths have played with the band for the last 6 years or so, and Lesley and Mark have contributed quality and class with every breath. Their musical prowess will be sorely missed, and we wish them well both with their playing, and their other musical venture CCWBF (see the link on the contacts page).

11th March 2012: Area contest Bedworth Civic Hall: The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Derek Bourgeois

A disappointing but not wholly unexpected result on Sunday will see the band relegated back to the first section at the end of the year. The test piece proved to be devlishly difficult, and although the band felt they had not disgraced themselves with their performance, they were rewarded with a last placing. Time to move on and enjoy a variety of music making again.

3rd March 2012: Rugby Salvation Army Concert

Saturday 3rd March saw the band perform at the Salvation Army and Community Church Centre in Bennfield Road, Rugby, to an appreciative audience. This was the first public airing of the test piece for the following weekend, and gave Alwyn some pointers for the remaining rehearsals before the big day.....(We did it - beginning, middle and end!)

February 2012: Jeff Rees re-joins the band. Welcome back!

Jeff played 2nd seat with City of Cov. from 2001 to 2004, which was one of the more successful periods of the band's history. After a break from playing, Jeff has joined us for the Areas, to test the waters (and the lip with this piece). Lets hope his return brings us luck for the weekend of the 10th-11th March!

February 2012: Sam takes a final bow, and Jackie takes up the mantle

Sam Howarth has decided to make his break from the band permanent. Sam has played 2nd trombone in the band for several years, as part of the talented Howarth clan - with Dad on Bass trombone, Mum on Flugel, and sister Kirsten playing cornet, before she went on to university. We wish Sam every success with his other band 'Enderby Youth', and hope he comes back to visit from time to time.

Jackie Wilson has been helping out during preparations for the Areas, and has taken the plunge - she will take up Sam's seat on 2nd trombone on a permanent basis. Chris and Mark, you've obviously made a good impression on her - make sure you keep being nice!

February 2012: Adrian Skelton joins the horn section for the Areas

Adrian plays for the band from time to time - usually when he's trying to escape decorating at home - welcome back, we hope you enjoy all the semiquavers this test piece has to offer.

February 2012: Bryn Bowen and Katie Francis join us for the Areas

Bryn regularly plays percussion for the band, and on this occasion he is joined by Katie for the run up to the areas. Bryn and Katie are both studying at Birmingham Conservatoire, and they are a welcome addition to the band.

January 2012: Micah Parsons returns for the Areas

Micah started his brass life as a cornet player in the Salvation Army before making the transition to Euphonium in 2009. In 2011 he was invited to play in the City Of Coventry Brass for the Grand Shield on Solo Baritone and has returned for the Midlands Regional’s in 2012. Micah is under the current tutelage of Steven Cooper and hopes to progress to study the Euphonium at university this coming September.

January 2012: Steve Cooper dusts off his euphonium for the Areas

He couldn't keep away! Steve returns after only a few months' absence, as a player this time, filling the gap in the euphonium ranks for the areas.

January 2012 : Deb Borthwick returns for the Areas

Welcome again to Deb, who played for the band a few years back and has returned on many occasions to help us out. The front row in particular are very pleased to see you!

January 2012: Jackie Wilson joins the band for the Areas

We are very pleased to welcome Jackie back to the band. She has kindly agreed to step into Sam Howarth's seat for the areas. Jackie used to play for the band many years ago, and is a welcome re-addition to the trombone section - a rose between two thorns!

January 2012 : James Randle moves on

January greeted us with the sad news that James has decided to call it a day with the band, having played Euphonium for us since 2006. The highlight of James' time with us must be winning the best soloist prize at Wychavon last September. We wish you success with your playing in the future.

December 2012: Sam Howarth takes a break

2nd trombone Sam is taking a break, through into next year to concentrate on his GCSE studies. We look forward to his return when all the hard work is over.

December 2011 : Ian Perry resigns

Ian re-joined the band in September 2010 on sop. After transferring to solo cornet in July 2011, he has had to hang up the cornet case again following promotion at work.

1st November 2011 : Alwyn Green joins the band as Musical Director

Following auditions in October, the band are delighted to welcome Alwyn as their new MD. Alwyn has a clourful musical background, having been involved with orchestras, brass bands, and salvation army bands over the years. See 'The Band' for more information.

September 2011 : Steve Cooper resigns as MD

Steve has been associated with the band since 1989, when he took over as MD on Len Pepper's retirement. He led the band in the Championship section until his resignation in 1994. After a break, during which time he played for and conducted the band from time to time, he returned to the role of MD in 2006, and took the band from 2nd to Championship section again.