Musicians from Phoenix Brass have been busy during the summer months performing at a variety of events which has seen them travel across West Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire and even the Cotswolds to individual engagements. A selection of photographs appear below, with more pictures available on the Gallery page.
Pewsey Carnival Band Concert and Thanksgiving Service 2018 – Sunday, 23 September 2018
Phoenix Brass returned to Pewsey for a small concert ahead of the customary annual Pewsey Carnival Thanksgiving Service. Due to the inclement weather, villagers congregated at the Bouverie Hall to listen to the Band perform a mixed repertoire of musical pieces ahead of the Church Service which was followed by trophy presentations.
Concert at The Duchess of Somerset Hospital, Froxfield – Sunday, 16 September 2018
Phoenix Brass was delighted to be asked to play again at The Duchess of Somerset’s Hospital, a sheltered housing scheme for women, based not far from the band-room in Froxfield. The accommodation was first founded around 1695, under the Will of Sarah, Duchess of Somerset, an important social benefactress, who wanted to build a set of houses and a chapel for widows from Wiltshire, Somerset and Berkshire. Over the course of time, this group of houses came to be called ‘the collegiate’ and is now referred to by residents as ‘The College’.
The Band performed in the middle of the historic cottages, arranged in four terraces in the form of a quadrangle, with the ancient chapel at the centre of the green as the backcloth.
June Hosking, one of the residents and an extremely keen supporter of the Band, arranged for the Concert at ‘The College’. David Watson and the players thank June, ably supported by other residents, for providing an assortment of delicious cakes and refreshments on the day.
Pewsey Carnival 2018
Pewsey Carnival has been an annual village event since 1898 and attracts visitors from all over the county. On Sunday, 9 September 2018, the carnival lights were switched on in the village. Playing in the village fire station, Phoenix Brass performed a small concert before playing at the Opening Church Service. The lights were switched on by the the local “Carnival Royal Family” marking the start of the carnival fortnight.
Froxfield Village Summer Fete – 1 September 2018
A hot summer day was the backcloth to the band performing at the annual Froxfield Village Summer Fete. A large number of people attended the fete to listen to the band whilst enjoying Pimms, ice creams, a dog show, bottle stall, games, cakes, craft stalls, music, bric-a-brac, books, face painting and much more.
Bowood House and Gardens, Wiltshire – Saturday, 28 July 2018
Several players from Phoenix Brass joined Calne Silver Band at Bowood House and Gardens, Wiltshire. Facing a shortage of players due to other competing commitments, Calne Silver Band requested some help to play at Bowood’s Summer Garden Party.
Despite being extremely windy, the heavy showers that were forecast held off and sun and blue skies enabled the combined bands perform in the open at the edge of the Children’s Adventure Playground. The mixed repertoire attracted many of the parents and children who sat and listened, with ‘The Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ being a particularly favourite with the younger audience.
Victoria Park Bandstand, Newbury – Sunday, 22 July 2018
Phoenix Brass returned to play at the Bandstand in Victoria Park, Newbury as part of the summer season of events. The extremely hot weather did not deter a large audience gathering to picnic or just relax and hear a programme of a mixed repertoire carefully chosen by David Watson.
The audience were treated to three solo performances by fluegel horn player, Claire Knowles, who played “I don’t know how to love Him” from the Rock Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Eloise Brooks on solo cornet playing “Share my Yoke”, written by Joy Webb and arranged by Ivor Bosankok, and Steve Rogers, solo trombone, performing “The Wind Beneath My Wings”, the theme from “Beaches”, arranged by Darrol Barry. All three soloists received much applause from the audience.
There were many favourable comments from passing shoppers, families who had come to play in the park and those who had chosen to spend a typical quintessential afternoon listening to the brass band.
The Avenue Day Nurseries Fete – Saturday, 21 July 2018
Musicians from Phoenix Brass helped support The Avenues Day Nurseries celebrate their 10th Anniversary Fete at St Katherine’s School, Savernake by playing a varied programme of music throughout the day. We would like to thank Linda, David and Jonathan from Ramsbury Silver Band who helped fill the Front Row Cornet seats owing to players from Phoenix Brass being unable to attend due to other competing commitments.
Bibury Church and School Fete – Sunday, 15 July 2018
Phoenix Brass returned to the Cotswolds at the request of the vicar and parishioners to play at the Bibury Church and School Fete.
A hot and sunny afternoon attracted locals and visiting tourists to the fete. Many took the opportunity to listen to the Band playing outside the Grade I listed St Mary’s Church in one of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds, which dates to the 12th century.