July 2025: A busy Brass Band Week for all of our bands!
National Brass Band Week was a busy one for all of our bands and ensembles this year!
Haverhill Youth and Community Band kicked off the special week with a concert on Sunday 6th July as part of the Thaxted Festival. Despite the threat of bad weather, by 2pm there was no rain, and the concert went ahead at Audley End Miniature Railway’s Woodland Glade. The band entertained train riders as they disembarked and thrilled the sizeable audience with a convincing performance by their 30-strong members, half of which are under the age of 18.
On Thursday 10th July, Haverhill Veterans Brass performed at St Mary’s Church under the baton of Graham Smith as part of the Friends of St Mary’s lunchtime recitals. The band performed a mixed programme of light music to a very appreciative audience.
Haverhill Youth and Community Band got together again on Friday evening to present a short end-of-term picnic concert to family and friends, followed by a social. This was held at our band room at Clements Primary Academy.
To cap off the week, Haverhill Silver Band, conducted by associate conductor Nathan Waterman, headlined a proms concert in St Ives (Cambs) as part of the St Ives Carnival and Music Festival. The band played a variety of pieces to fit the theme of movies and musicals, before entertaining the audience with a Last Night of the Proms programme to close the second half. The band were delighted to accompany soprano star, Karen England, in both halves.
The school groups in the band’s Primary School’s Initiative also gave end of term concerts. Currently around 20 children are involved, between Place Farm and Clements Primary Academies. Haverhill Silver Band have supplied a number of instruments to the Initiative to loan to budding players, but had no small tubas. Our organisation was delighted to recently receive a grant by West Suffolk Council’s Community Grants scheme for the purchase of two new student tubas for our young tuba players.
Our young players now enjoyed a well-earned summer break, whilst Haverhill Silver Band will continue to entertain audiences throughout the summer, visit our news page for more details of our upcoming engagements.
Photograph; Pictured in the front are Charlie Houlihan (left) and Riley-Jay Morgan (right) at Place Farm Primary Academy’s end of term concert last week. Also pictured are other young musicians from Place Farm who have graduated to become members of Haverhill Youth and Community Band.
June 2025: Annual Awards
We’re delighted to announce the winners of our annual awards, pictured below with band president, Len Jacobs.
Player of the Year: Kevin Webb & Andrew Cooper
Most Improved Player: Pete Bennett
Bandsperson of the Year: Ian Jacobs & Andrew Cooper
The Bandsperson of the Year award was selected by a poll of band members, and the Player of the Year and Most Improved Player awards were chosen by our Musical Director, Paul Filby, in conjunction with our Associate MD, Nathan Waterman.
Commenting on the awards, Paul Filby said: “The Most Improved Player award was difficult to decide, as there were great strides made by several. However, the most consistent and outstanding improvement has been made by Pete Bennett. The Player of the Year award is presented for solo performances, contest performances and for achieving the highest standards of playing. This year, perhaps for the first time, two players will share the award – Andrew Cooper and Kevin Webb.”
The band now look forward to a busy summer programme, with their next performance being part of Armed Forces Day in Haverhill on 28th June.
June 2025: Whit Friday
Haverhill Silver Band had a great trip to Whit Friday this year, performing in 7 contests across 7 villages. We came a very creditable 16th overall out of a field of 111 bands.
June 2025: Upcoming Summer Concerts:
Haverhill Silver Band are looking forward to performing across Suffolk and further afield this summer, see our Events page for more details.
May 2025: Haverhill Silver Band Celebrates Solid Spring Festival Result
The band were very pleased to have been awarded 7th place out of 20 bands at our debut performance at the Senior Cup contest as part of the Spring Festival Contest Series held at the Winter Garden in Blackpool.
May 2025: Haverhill Youth & Community Band Entertains at VE Day Celebration
Haverhill Youth & Community were privileged to perform in Thaxted as part of their VE Day celebration. The audience was treated to an entertaining programme which also featured talented young soloists from the band.
March 2025: Haverhill Silver Band Enjoys Regional Success
On Sunday 16th March, Haverhill Silver Band competed in the championship section of the London & Southern Counties Regional Contest held in the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage. Competing against the 12 best bands in the region, we were delighted to be awarded 4th place.
We’d like to offer a huge congratulations to our principal euphonium player, Antony Sanders, who picked up the prize for the outstanding euphonium player.
Haverhill Silver Band Enjoys Watkins Workshop
Members of Haverhill Silver Band were joined by guest conductor, Ryan Watkins for a workshop day on Sunday 19th January. Ryan rehearsed the band through three contrasting pieces: Peter Graham’s ‘Lady Stewart’s Air’, George Allen’s contest march ‘The Wizard’, and the symphonic tone poem ‘Of Distant Memories’ by Edward Gregson. As well as making great progress on these specific pieces, the band also picked up numerous tips and ideas for general improvement. A great day was had by all.
Musical Director Paul Filby said “having the opportunity to work with first-class and experienced conductors is just one of the benefits that Haverhill’s players appreciate. Ryan also enjoyed meeting and hearing the band, which made for a high quality, enjoyable and productive day”.
The band now enters the upcoming concert and contest season with renewed enthusiasm. You can next hear the band in concert at St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk on Saturday 8th February. Following this, the band will be appearing at a joint concert with Waterbeach Brass on 1st March in Histon, Cambridge. Tickets for these concerts can be purchased on the door, or online from: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/haverhillsilverband
Departure of Tim Pannell
Haverhill Silver Band are sad to announce the departure of their longstanding principal cornet player, Tim Pannell. Tim has given outstanding service to the band over the last 22 years, picking up numerous soloist prizes along the way. The band has also benefitted from Tim’s accomplished skills as an arranger, with his music featuring in many concerts and entertainment contests. We are pleased that, despite no longer performing with the Silver Band, Tim will continue to assist with the Haverhill Youth & Community Band.
Commenting on the departure, Paul Filby, the band’s Musical Director, said: “We are very disappointed that Tim has decided to leave the band. He has been a first-class leader and musician throughout his 22 years as the band’s Principal Cornet. There have been many highlights and lots of exceptional performances. We must thank Tim for all he has done and at the same time, wish him the best of luck for his music making in the future”
Reflecting on his time with the band, Tim Pannell commented: “Playing for Haverhill Band for nearly a quarter of a century has been a joy, especially in the time since Paul Filby has been MD. His leadership has been so influential to the development of the band. The highlight for me will always be our 2022 area win. I hope the band continues to go from strength to strength. The organisation does absolutely vital work in its Youth & Community band, and I continue to assist my parents with the incredible work they do with that group.”
The band has now opened applications for the role of principal cornet to join the band prior to, or just after, the Regional Contest. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia’s premier brass band to the championship section Regional Contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond. We also enjoy a good selection of concerts throughout the year.
The band rehearse in a dedicated band room on Wednesday evenings in Haverhill, Suffolk (only 30 minutes from Cambridge), with extra rehearsals on Sunday evenings prior to contests.
Please contact Matthew Waterson (Secretary) at info@haverhillsilverband.com to arrange a trial with the band.
February Concerts
Happy New Year!
A 3rd place finish in the Senior Trophy and subsequent promotion to the Senior Cup. Our debut appearance at Whit Friday, where we placed 11th overall out of 117 competing bands. Some great concerts across the year, including performing a charity concert at The Apex in aid of St Nicholas Hospice, a sell-out Family Christmas Concert with our fantastic Youth and Community Band in Haverhill Arts Centre, and of course the wonderful Carols for All concert last Sunday.Christmas 2024
Christmas started in late November with small groups of HSB playing in Bury St Edmunds Cathedral at the Christmas Market. The following day was the date for the Annual Family Christmas Concert at Haverhill Arts Centre featuring HSB and HYACB. This was sold out about a week beforehand. On Monday 2nd, HSB travelled back to Bury St Edmunds Cathedral, to play for the West Suffolk Civic Carol Service. West Suffolk Mayor for 2024/25 is Haverhill councillor Pat Hanlon. On Wednesday 4th HSB played at the Haverhill Civic Carols, in St Mary’s Church by invitation of Haverhill Mayor David Smith.
Many carol playing sessions were carried out then until Christmas. Altogether there were potentially twelve Christmas events which HSB members could have been involved with, plus three rehearsals. The highlight for HSB players was the Carols for All concert on Sunday 22nd December at the Old Independent Church. The Haverhill Singers choir were invited to join HADOS, organist Franky Garland and the band in a 50th year celebratory event. Attendance at the event had been waning over previous years, especially since the pandemic, but an audience of over 300 helped to make the celebration a special evening of Christmas music and song. MD of HADOS and Singers choirs, and HSB’s drummer for the evening, Cian Harris, made a presentation to David Hart who has performed at every Carols for All concert since it’s inception in 1975. The concert was the idea of former MD of both HADOS and HSB for many years, Les Ager. Cian mentioned Les and thanked Mark and Karen for their work over the years with this event.
Autumn 2024: New Members
Haverhill Silver Band are delighted to welcome two new players. Ben Willis joins the band on 2nd Baritone and Tim Waterson joins the band on Bb Bass.
Ben has always been around brass bands since birth. He originally started his brass playing on tenor horn with Potters Bar Town Band at the age of 11, moving on to baritone horn three years later. Ben joined Royston Town Band in 2023 on trombone and competed in the 2024 area contest with them. In addition to his brass playing, Ben sings for Cantate Youth choir and the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, alongside studying for A levels in Music, Media and Psychology. Having now joined Haverhill Silver Band, Ben is looking forward to extending his baritone playing further, exploring a wide range of challenging music.
Tim started his brass playing with Hade Edge Training band, and quickly progressed to play baritone with the senior band. After moving to university, Tim played solo euphonium with Brackley and District Band, before joining Huddersfield and Ripponden Band on 1st baritone. After relocating to Ely, Tim joined Hadstock Silver Band, playing both baritone and euphonium. Tim is excited to start a new chapter of his musical career in the ‘engine room’ of the band, following a move to Bb Bass.
July 2024: Annual Awards
Haverhill Silver Band are delighted to announce the winners of their annual awards.
Adam Waterson, 2nd Euphonium, was voted the Bandsperson of the Year following a poll of the band members. The band’s Musical Director, Paul Filby, then presented bass trombonist Tom Willis with the Most Improved Player award and flugelhorn player Kate Llewellyn with the Player of the Year award.
Commenting on the awards, MD Paul Filby said: “You look around the band and you see many fine musicians. All the principal players deserve our thanks for their performances throughout the year and then there are the excellent examples of the players on those perhaps less glamorous parts – these all come together to make the band what it is. The choice is difficult; but Nathan (Associate MD) and I have been impressed by the exceptional skills and quiet dedication to achieve the highest performance levels demonstrated by this year’s winner of the Player of the Year award, flugelhorn player Kale Llewellyn. The most improved player award is probably the most difficult award to decide as there have been great strides made by several members. After very serious reflection and consideration, the Most Improved Player award goes to bass trombonist, Tom Willis”.
July 2024: Busy Period for Haverhill Brass Musicians
All groups associated with Haverhill Silver gave concerts between July 6th and 16th, with over 100 musicians performing in total!
Haverhill Youth and Community Band started off our busy period with a performance at Balsham Feast on Saturday 6th. The showers didn’t keep the public away and the band played two sets under a large gazebo. The photograph shows drummer Dylan Pod surrounded by the under 12s in the 30-strong band. The drum kit is new and was purchased from money kindly donated by Tesco as part of their Community grants, and Suffolk CC Councillors Heike Sowa and David Roach who donated money from their Locality Budgets.
Veterans Brass, which is a monthly day-time band made up of players from all the local bands, then performed to a sizeable audience for the Friends of St Mary’s lunchtime concert series on Thursday 11th. £125 was raised for the church fund.
Haverhill Silver Band took to the stage for a proms concert as part of the St Ives (Cambs!) Carnival and Music Festival on Friday 12th, guided by the band’s new associate conductor, Nathan Waterman. It was cold in St Ives, there were showers, but the audience enjoyed the band’s programme in which many of their soloists were featured. Bernstein’s Candide Overture and part of his West Side Story Suite went down well with band and punters alike. The night ended in a firework spectacular which was accompanied by the 1812 overture.
On Tuesday 16th, pupils at both Primary Schools involved with Haverhill Silver Band’s Primary Brass Initiative presented this term’s work to other pupils, staff and parents. Altogether there were 17 pupils involved and the project will be expanded next year at both schools. Photos show the eleven Place Farm and six Clements pupils. Four of the Place Farm group will have their first session with the Youth and Community Band this week.
May 2024: Whit Friday Debut
It was our debut appearance at Whit Friday and we managed to make it around 7 villages in the Saddleworth area. We were delighted to place 11th overall (there were 117 bands competing), picking up 4 top 10 placings along the way!
May 2024: Spring Festival Success
The band had a great weekend at the Spring Festival Contest held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, coming 3rd in the Senior Trophy and gaining promotion to the Senior Cup next year!
April 2024: Haverhill Silver Band moves to a new home
After a ten-year period, the Haverhill Silver Band has moved into a new band room. The band had previously used the Unity Schools Partnership premises in Haverhill, but these are destined for redevelopment in the near future. The band and committee members undertook a year-long project to identify suitable alternative accommodation. The result of this project is the new band room in a studio within the Clements Primary Academy site, in Haverhill.
Both the Haverhill Youth & Community Band and the Haverhill Silver Band will hold its rehearsals in the new facility.
The band is indebted to both the Governors and Mrs Hogg, head teacher, of the Clements Primary Academy for allowing the band to take up this residence. The studio has been modified to ensure the sound quality of the room is absolutely suitable for a brass band. The band is extremely thankful for the support it has received in making the alterations from: the Haverhill Town Council, local carpet and furniture suppliers Glasswells, sound and acoustic engineers Ramboll and to Tom Walker Carpentry Services. Modifications have included acoustic dampening to the floor and the installation of acoustic wall panels. All Haverhill Silver Band members helped with the actual move of equipment and the library. The first rehearsal was held on Wednesday 27th March 2024.
David Stevens, the HSB Chairman said. “Since we first received notice for our previous band room, it has been quite a worry not being sure where the band would rehearse. However, the committee and band members worked tirelessly to find alternatives and make an informed decision for the move. Through the support of Clements Primary Academy and other organisations that have helped us we can now feel more relaxed in our new home. Part of the band’s mission statement is: “we aim to establish a vibrant, diverse and inclusive banding community as an integral part of Haverhill society.” Obviously, finding a band room in Haverhill will enable us to continue the local connection in line with the band’s vision. We are enjoying the new acoustic and facilities as we start our preparations for the band’s appearance again at the Spring Festival contest being held in Blackpool in May.”
Feb 2024: Haverhill Silver Band (HSB) Appoints Associate Musical Director
HSB is delighted to confirm the appointment of Nathan Waterman as Associate Musical Director. Nathan joins the other members of the artistic direction team: Musical Director Paul Filby and Associate Musical Director Matt Brown.
The HSB Chairman David Stevens said, “having a strong musical director team is essential for the future development of the band and we are fortunate to have these experienced and highly competent musicians to work with.” Speaking about the appointment MD Paul Filby said. “Matt and I have known Nathan for some time, and we are extremely pleased that Nathan, a musician of known high quality, has agreed to join us. We all look forward to our future collaboration and partnership as HSB continues to develop.” Nathan will of course continue in his role at Thrapston Town Band, just as Paul and Matt continue in their other musical activities when they are not working with HSB.
Nathan’s brass playing career has mainly been on Tenor Horn, playing for many top Brass Bands but predominately The GUS Band, whom he joined on Principal Horn in 1991 and from which position he retired after his 14th appearance at the National Brass Band finals at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019. Nathan has been a featured soloist on many recordings as well as on tours of America, Canada, and Europe. Also on radio, on shows such as BBC’s ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ and ‘Listen to the Band.’ He has played alongside brass legends such as Maurice Murphy, Rod Franks, James Fountain and John Wallace, and singers like Madonna, Laura Wright and Faryl Smith. Nathan has been fortunate enough to have played under many amazing conductors including Bramwell Tovey, Russel Gray, Howard Snell and feels especially lucky to have been mentored by the great John Berryman, a close friend.
Nathan enjoys teaching, band training, arranging and conducting. From 2019 Nathan has been the MD of Thrapston Town Band, where, over the last few years, they have gained much success culminating in winning the 2023 Midlands Area and gaining promotion to the 3rd Section in 2024. Nathan is thrilled to be added to Haverhill’s conducting team and is extremely excited to see where this association will lead both him and the band.
The band is currently preparing for concerts and their appearance at the London and Southern Counties regional contest, where Paul Filby will direct them. The band will then be concentrating on concerts, the Spring Festival and Whit Friday, in which Matt Brown will conduct them. Nathan’s first public appearances with HSB will be announced in due course.
Successful Christmas Period
The band enjoyed another successful festive period, with highlights including our Family Christmas Concert in Haverhill Arts Centre joint with the Haverhill Youth & Community Band and ‘Carols for All’ – a joint concert with the Haverhill and District Operatic Society.
2023 also saw a marked increase in the number of small group carolling engagements, and the band enjoyed getting out into the community performing carols in Haverhill, Bury and Cambridge.
We’d like to wish all of our friends and supporters a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. We’re looking forward to what 2024 will bring!
New Associate MD for Haverhill Silver Band
Haverhill Silver Band are delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Brown as Associate Musical Director. Working alongside Paul Filby, the Musical Director of Haverhill Silver Band, Matt joins the conducting team who will share the band’s artistic direction responsibilities and conducting requirements.
Matt enjoyed an extensive musical career in the Army and was selected for the Bandmaster course at the Royal Military School of Music. Following on from this he moved to a role in education and developing the musical lives of young people. He has a degree from the University of Salford gaining a Distinction. In his playing career he has played with Black Dyke, Leyland, Grimethorpe and Brighouse & Rastrick bands, as well as appearances with the world-renowned Black Dyke Trombone Quartet. Other contest appearances have included Milnrow, Hammonds, Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band and the GUS Band.
Matt has other conducting assignments, including the Milton Keynes Band as well as fitting in his playing on trombone with the Desford Colliery Band.
Matt is a member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.
The first concert appearance for Matt with Haverhill Silver Band will be on 19th of November 2023 at the Arts Centre in Haverhill.
Speaking of this appointment Paul Filby said “building a conducting team at Haverhill Silver Band that can direct the organisation musically and artistically is essential for the future development. Matt and I have known each other for quite some time, but creating this opportunity for us to work closely together is a really positive move that I am certain the band will enjoy and will lead to greater success.”
Tesco Stronger Starts Fund
Haverhill Silver Band & Haverhill Youth and Community Band are bidding for a cash boost from the Tesco Stronger Starts initiative. Tesco works with community charity Groundwork to run its community funding scheme, which sees grants of up to £1,500, £1,000 and £500 awarded to local community projects, with a particular focus on children and young people.
Three groups in every community have been shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers are being invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they think should take away the top grant.
Haverhill Silver Band & Haverhill Youth and Community Band is one of the groups on the shortlist.
Haverhill Silver Band has a history in the town going back to 1820 and the more recent Haverhill Youth and Community Band, an affiliated group provide an important start for musicians of all ages to enjoy music and develop their skills. Some members of the Youth and Community Band have gone on to study music full time and others have progressed to play in the main band, which has achieved a hard won status of becoming a Championship Section Brass Band.
The success of both groups largely depends on it’s ability to purchase musical instruments in order that members don’t have to buy one to be able to join in.
We now desperately need to replace some of our percussion, including our very tired drum kit, which is shared by both bands. We are very grateful to be given the opportunity for the Haverhill community to help us in our quest to keep the bands playing on, by supporting us in this way.
Dylan aged 11 from Haverhill Youth & Community Band
Billie Farr, Principal Percussionist of Haverhill Silver Band and Percussion Teacher says ‘ it would be great for our youngsters who are keen to experience the wonderful world of playing percussion within an ensemble to have access to more suitable equipment. We want to be able to open up this opportunity to many of our youngsters within the town and having the correct and up to date instruments is key to this’.
Voting is open in all Tesco stores from the first week of October 2023 until mid-January 2024 and customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out each time they shop.
To boost funds for extra food and activity equipment, Tesco is introducing a £5m grant programme, in partnership with Groundwork UK, to give children across the UK a stronger start in life. The grants will help schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, and equipment for healthy activities.
Tesco’s Stronger Starts – previously Tesco Bags of Help and Tesco Community Grants – has already provided over £100 million to more than 50,000 projects across Britain.
Jason Tarry, Tesco UK CEO, said: “Helping schools and children’s groups access the food and resources they need is vitally important in getting children a stronger start in life. Children with enough food have more energy, better concentration, and ultimately achieve more too.”
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “As a community charity, we have seen first-hand how schools and other groups supporting young people have been playing a much bigger role in ensuring children are getting a healthy start to the day and getting access to spaces and services to support physical activity and mental health. Family budgets are tight and school budgets are tight, but it’s so important that children stay fed, fit and focused, so we’re delighted to be able to prioritise these activities alongside Tesco with the Stronger Starts programme.”
Stronger Starts is being supported by Kiss FM presenter, Jordan Banjo, who said: “It’s hard for kids to dream big when they’re hungry but by nominating your local school or children’s group, you can make a massive difference to the lives of thousands of youngsters.”
Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities, particularly those helping to provide food and giving children the support they need for a good start in life. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online. To find out more visit tescoplc.com/strongerstarts
Success at Bolsover Festival of Brass
We’re delighted to announce that we were awarded 2nd place at Bolsover Festival of Brass on Sunday. Congratulations go to our principal cornet player Tim Pannell who, as well as arranging 4 of our 5 pieces, also picked up the best soloist award for his sublime playing on cornet, flugelhorn, and trumpet! Our thanks also go to our musical director, Paul Filby, who has been working the band very hard in recent weeks in preparation for the competition.
Haverhill’s programme was called The Magical Mystery Tour and featured music either written or performed by The Beatles. Tim’s solo was specially commissioned for him and prompted him to arrange the other associated pieces, which were designed to show off the strengths of the band. By achieving this position, Haverhill Silver Band has also received an invitation to the prestigious Blackpool Spring Festival, a competition for only the best bands in the country.
For the next few months, the band will be preparing for concerts in Thaxted Church (28th October), Felixstowe (November 5th) and Haverhill Arts Centre (19th November). This will be followed by a busy calendar of concerts and carol playing in the lead up to Christmas. Please check out our events page and our social media accounts for further details of these events.
New Signings
Haverhill Silver Band are delighted to announce two new signings. Josh Barlow joins the band on Eb Bass and Will Bennett joins on 2nd Trombone.
Josh started his musical journey at the age of 7 playing Upright Bass, and a year later took on the Tuba. In those early years Josh found an affinity for playing brass band music. Having pursued his music from school, he then went on to study at the University of Chichester under the tutorship of one of the UK’s leading tuba players; Jonathon Rees. As a multi instrumentalist, covering electric bass, double bass and tuba, he has been able to build up an impressive resume of performing in some of the most prestigious locations. Highlights include Cadogan Hall and multiple recording sessions at Abbey Road. Though josh has a wide passion for all music, brass banding has been there from the very start. He has played for many bands around the country and was a participant during Chichester University’s win in the Unibrass competition in 2019. Commenting on his appointment, Josh said: “Banding has been a big part of my musical journey and I’m very excited for the opportunity to play with the Haverhill Silver Band”.
Will began playing a musical instrument at a very young age, starting on the tenor horn before moving to the trombone at the end of primary school. At the age of 11, Will auditioned for the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he studied under Rob Burgess for 6 years and discovered his love for Brass Bands as well as playing with the Symphony Orchestra, Big Band, and Ten Piece. Over lockdown, Will decided to audition for the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain, and completed one virtual course before auditioning for the Youth Band and completing his first course with them in the summer of 2021. He has now attended 4 courses with the Youth Band, where he now plays 1st Trombone. Will is really excited to be part of HSB and is looking forward to gaining lots of playing experience for the future.
These signings come as the band begins preparations for our appearance at Bolsover Festival of Brass in October. The band are also looking forward to our autumn concert season, with highlights including: a concert in Gosfield School’s new Performing Arts Centre on Sunday 17th September; a concert in Thaxted Parish Church in support of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal on Saturday 28th October; and a concert in St John the Baptist Church, Felixstowe on Sunday 5th November.
Band Awards 2023
Haverhill Silver Band are delighted to announce the winners of their annual awards, which were presented at the AGM on 14th June. Band stalwart Richard Pannell was voted the Bandsperson of the Year following a poll of the band members. The band’s Musical Director, Paul Filby, then presented front row cornet player Jamie Clay with the Most Improved Player award and percussionist Billie Farr with the Player of the Year award.
Commenting on the awards, MD Paul Filby said: “There were several good candidates for the Most Improved Player award, and I decided that it should go to someone who very quietly goes about their playing and works diligently and consistently on the music – a great team player. For the Player of the Year award, you look around the band and we have many fine musicians. Strong corner men/ladies, important internal part players and good players on less glamorous parts that all come together to make a band. So, the choice is difficult, but the winner has in my mind brought their experience to great use, their artistry and shown excellent leadership skills. I am delighted to announce that the Player of the Year award this year goes to Billie Farr”.
The band now look forward to their remaining summer engagements, including a ‘Proms in the Park’ concert on Saturday 8th July as part of the St Ives Carnival & Music Festival, as well as a performance at the East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival on Sunday 27th August in Bury St Edmunds.
New Signings
Haverhill Silver Band are delighted to announce that Kate and Guy Llewellyn will be joining the band on flugel and tenor horn respectively.
Kate Llewellyn started her musical life as a cornet player, swapping to trumpet at Junior Guildhall and then going on to study at Royal Northern College of Music in the mid 90s with Howard Snell. Kate has always loved playing in brass bands, both on flugel and soprano cornet, and is very excited to be playing flugelhorn for Haverhill Silver Band. She teaches trumpet locally and is the Head of the Saffron Centre for Young Musicians in Saffron Walden, which now has a full youth brass band conducted by Jayne Murrill. Kate is married to Guy and is currently in her final year of a Masters in music education at Trinity Laban researching gender and improvisatory skills in jazz, with plans for further research in gender roles within brass bands.
Guy Llewellyn studied French Horn at Royal College of Music and is a member of The Paraorchestra, Army of Generals and the Charles Hazlewood All-Star-Collective. His experience of brass ensemble playing was previously in the brass quintet and ten piece arena, playing with Cambridge-based Prime Brass for around 30 years. Having taken up Tenor Horn during COVID Lockdown, he joined Hadstock Silver Band, learning the ropes under the guidance of Di Pannell. Guy is delighted now to be joining Haverhill Silver Band as 2nd Horn and has been completely bitten by the banding bug.
These new signings come following the departure of David McClintock (2nd horn) and Bob Bales (Bb Bass), who leave the band due to increased work commitments. We thank them for their service to the band and we wish them well for the future. Due to his work commitments, Peter Mackley (Flugel) also steps down from the contesting band, but we are delighted that he will remain with the band to bolster the cornet section for our concerts. We are currently seeking an Eb or Bb bass player to join our ranks, so if you are interested, or would like more details, please email Matthew Waterson in confidence on info@haverhillsilverband.com.
These are some fantastic new signings in what has been an exciting time for the band following our victory at the L&SC area contest in 2022. Kate and Guy made their first official appearance with the band at Great Wratting Village Fete on Saturday and are looking forward to the rest of our summer concert season and competing at Bolsover Festival of Brass in October.
Brass at the Movies
The band are looking forward to performing at Haverhill Arts Centre again on Sunday 23rd April for our concert entitled ‘Brass at the Movies’. We will be performing music from films such as: Oklahoma, Brassed Off!, The Greatest Showman and Mary Poppins – as well as featuring works by the composers: John Williams, Ennio Morricone, Richard Sherman, Richard Rodgers and William Walton. The concert starts at 4pm and you can purchase tickets online from the Haverhill Arts Centre box office (click here for tickets).
Regional Contest
After weeks of preparation and many hours of home practice and band rehearsals, the band performed at the London and Southern Counties Regional Contest in Stevenage on 19th March. The band gave a creditable performance, but unfortunately failed to stand out within a strong field of 12 bands, and ultimately were placed 9th.
March 2023
We are hard at work preparing to defend our title at the London and Southern Counties Regional Championships on Sunday 19th March. As part of our preparations, we are holding an open rehearsal in Kedington Community Centre at 7:30pm on Sunday 12th March. Entry is free and you are welcome to join us as we rehearse and perform Red Priest by Professor Philip Wilby.
February 2023
We’re excited to be performing our first concert of 2023 on Sunday 5th February in the Kind Edward VII Memorial Hall, Newmarket. Please do join us for an afternoon of top brass music, details below.
December 2022
The band enjoyed a busy festive season, with concerts in Haverhill Arts Centre and Haverhill Old Independent Church, as well as carolling sessions in and around Haverhill and a performance as part of the Haverhill Civic Carol Service. We’d like to wish all of our supporters a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 2022 has been an amazing year for the band: winning the L&SC regional contest in March; celebrating our (belated) 200th anniversary in style with a joint concert with Brighouse & Rastrick Band in May; making our debut appearance at the National Finals in the Royal Albert Hall in October; and, of course, performing in lots of concerts and events throughout the year.
15/10/2022: National Finals
The band had a very enjoyable debut appearance at the Finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. Whilst the result wasn’t what we were hoping for, it was a fantastic experience for the band, and we hope that it won’t take another 202 years for us to qualify again!
We now turn our attentions to our upcoming concerts in Haverhill and Thaxted on the 6th and 12th November respectively. Further details below:
Haverhill Arts Centre – Sunday 6th November, 4pm. Tickets £12/£10 from the Arts Centre Box Office: https://haverhillartscentre.co.uk/performance/haverhill-silver-band-in-concert/
Thaxted Parish Church – Saturday 12th November, 7:30pm. Tickets £12/£8/£1 from Gifted, Town St, Thaxted or online from https://thelittleboxoffice.com/haverhillsilverband/ . This concert is in support of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
13/07/2022: Band Awards and AGM
Haverhill Silver Band are pleased to announce the appointment of their new Chairperson, David Stevens, following their recent Annual General Meeting. The band wish to thank the outgoing Chairperson, Tom Walker, for his contributions to the band over the past 16 years.
David Stevens said: “Haverhill Silver Band is very sorry to be saying goodbye to Tom Walker as he stands down due to increased work commitments after 16 years as a cornet player and in more recent years as band chairman. Tom has been a popular and highly valued member of the “back row” in that time as the band has progressed to national championship level and been involved with multiple award-winning performances across the country. Tom has also made very notable contributions to the band behind the scenes. His leadership of a highly effective committee as chairman through the energy and pragmatic approach he has brought to the role has been a significant factor in the success of the band. The band will also inevitably miss Tom’s logistical skills as he has often been seen transporting much of the band’s equipment in his van to wherever we have been performing. He always had a warm welcome for everyone, and the band will miss Tom most as a friend. I am sure that we will keep in contact, and we all send Tom our best wishes for the future.”
The AGM also saw the announcement of the band’s annual awards. Tom Walker was voted the Bandsperson of the Year following a poll of the band members, and the band’s Musical Director, Paul Filby, presented Adam Waterson with the Most Improved Player award and Tim Pannell with the Player of the Year award.
Paul Filby said: “Choosing two of the annual player awards at Haverhill Silver Band is a pleasurable task for the MD although, with many suitable candidates, it isn’t necessarily easy! This year I chose Adam Waterson to receive the Most Improved Player award. Adam has developed tremendously since moving to Bass Trombone. He works extremely hard at improving his technique and is just such a great team player.
For the Player of the Year award, I had a list of band members that all consistently performed well throughout the year both on stage and in our isolation recordings. I decided to award it to principal cornet Tim Pannell. Just one of the highlights was his second movement solo in Contest Music at the 2022 Area contest, where he demonstrated such artistry and strength. His playing on that day played a big part in our win and he was also awarded the outstanding cornet player cup by the adjudicators Steve Sykes and Stephen Roberts.”
31/05/2022: Summer Concerts
After the success of our joint concert last weekend, all our bands are now hard at work preparing for their upcoming concerts. If you want to listen to our bands over the summer, here’s a full list of engagements, see you there!
Haverhill Silver Band:
4th June, 1:45pm – Great Wratting Village Fête
4th June, 7pm – Finchingfield Proms Concert
19th June, 4:30pm – Bury St Edmunds Beer Festival
3rd July, 3pm – Haverhill Show
3rd July, 6pm – Concert in St Mary’s Church, Haverhill
Haverhill Youth & Community Band:
2nd July, 2pm – Balsham Feast
Haverhill Veterans Brass:
2nd June, 3:30pm – Concert in St Mary’s Church, Haverhill
25/05/2022: Joint Concert Success
As part of our 200th anniversary celebrations, we held a joint concert in West Road Concert Hall on 22nd May with the world-famous Brighouse & Rastrick Band. The event started with a pre-concert performance from the Haverhill Youth & Community Band, lead by Diane Pannell, before B&R took to the stage for the first half, conducted by our very own Paul Filby. Haverhill Silver Band started the second half and were then joined by B&R for a rousing massed bands finale. The concert finished with a performance of Wagner’s Procession to the Cathedral and, of course, no B&R concert would be complete without an encore of The Floral Dance. We all greatly enjoyed the experience and we were delighted to receive a standing ovation.
12/04/2022: Upcoming Concerts
Following on from our recent contest success, the band are delighted to announce the details of two upcoming concerts which form part of our (belated) 200th Anniversary celebrations.
Sunday 24th April, 7:30pm – Concert in Haverhill Arts Centre.
Tickets: https://haverhillartscentre.co.uk/performance/brass-in-concert/
Sunday 22nd May, 4pm – Haverhill Silver Band with Brighouse & Rastrick Band – West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge.
In celebration of their 200th anniversary, Haverhill Silver Band are delighted to present a joint concert with the world famous Brighouse and Rastrick Band in West Concert Hall, Cambridge. The concert starts at 4pm and will feature a set from each brass band before finishing with a rousing massed bands finale.
Tickets (Adult: £25-£15, Student/Under 18: £15-£9): https://thelittleboxoffice.com/haverhillsilverband/.
It would be great to see you there!
21/03/2022: Regional Champions – 2022
The band are delighted to announce that we won the London & Southern Counties Regional Contest yesterday under the baton of our MD, Paul Filby, and have qualified for the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October!
Our principal cornet player, Tim Pannell, and principal euphonium player, Antony Sanders, were also awarded prizes for their individual contributions.
We are now looking forward to returning to the concert stage with a number of exciting concerts lined up to belatedly celebrate our 200th Anniversary, watch this space for further updates.
Butlin’s Open Brass Band Festival 2022
The band enjoyed returning to the contest stage at the Butlin’s Open Brass Band Festival and were placed 5th of 6 bands in the Championship section. On the Saturday we performed the set test piece, Paganini Variations by Philip Wilby, and on the Sunday we performed a entertainment set comprising Cut to the Chase, Grand Central, La Virgen de la Macarena (featuring our principal cornet player, Tim Pannell), Wild Mountain Thyme, Rondo Alla Turca (featuring our Eb Bass players, Michael Dawson and David Minchin), and Nightingale Dances.
Christmas 2021
After not being allowed to perform in 2020, the band enjoyed playing at a wide range of Christmas events in 2021, including a performance at the Christmas market in Bury St Edmunds Cathedral; two carol playing sessions in Haverhill town centre; our Family Christmas Concert in Haverhill Arts Centre, which featured both the Silver Band and the Youth & Community Band; our Carols for All concert in the Old Independent Church in Haverhill, joint with the Haverhill Operatic Society; and a very special performance alongside stars such as Ruthie Henshall, Eddie Izzard and Johnny Vegas at the Happy Christmas Ipswich 2 Charity Concert, raising money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, EACH.
Both bands return to the concert stage this weekend
After having had an enforced period without public performance, both Haverhill Silver and Youth & Community bands return to the formal concert stage this weekend. HY&CB can be seen at 7pm on Saturday 9th October at St. Mary’s Church in Haverhill. St. Mary’s were kind enough to let us use the Church to rehearse in through the summer, when restriction meant we couldn’t use our bandroom.
HSB will be performing at Haverhill Arts Centre on Sunday at 7.30. The prolonged of enforced inaction has lead to some comings and goings and the band will be showcasing it’s new talent,
COVID-19 – A Different Kind of Banding
Roughly two months have now passed since the band made the difficult decision to cease performing. However, the virus hasn’t managed to completely silence us… Thanks to a lot of hard work from band members, we have recorded several ‘socially distanced’ performances; all performed in our own homes, each part recorded separately. Musical Director Paul has had the tricky task of piecing each video together to create one full band performance, but the results have been pleasing. We have managed to create three videos so far, and are currently hard at work on our next project. Our third video (Blaze Away) was recorded especially for the VE Day anniversary celebrations and was broadcasted by Haverhill Town Council to the public via Facebook. Check out our videos by visiting our YouTube channel.
COVID-19
In light of the latest official Government advice which has been reinforced by Brass Bands England, the HSB Management Committee have sadly decided to cease all band activities until further notice to prevent the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak within the organisation.
Brass in the Wire – 4th place and a cup for Tim!
The band have just returned from Warrington where we competed at the Brass in the Wire Contest. Competing against 13 other Championship/First Section bands from across the North of England, we put on a solid performance of ‘A Tale as yet Untold’ and was awarded 4th place by adjudicators Sandy Smith and Paul Andrews. Principal Cornet player Tim Pannell was also awarded ‘Best Soloist’ for his outstanding contribution to our performance, so a big well done to Tim.
Happy New Year from Haverhill Band!
The band enter 2020 rehearsing hard for the upcoming Brass at the Wire Contest and L&SC Regional Championships, where we will be performing ‘A Tale as yet Untold’; the set test-piece for the 2020 National Brass Band Championships. The latter half of 2019 saw a number of changes within the band; we said goodbye to Rebecca Mason (Second Cornet), Kevin Chapman (Bb Bass), David Howell (Solo Horn) and Tim Vinall (Flugelhorn), but have equally welcomed new members to fill the seats mentioned.
Nick Batty has recently joined us on Tutti Cornet (having previously played for Hade Edge Band), Ryan Morley has decided to fill the vacant Second Cornet seat (moving from Tutti Cornet), Matthew Waterson has filled the Solo Horn seat (after stepping up from First Horn), Ian Jacobs has filled the Flugelhorn seat (after moving from Assistant Principal Cornet), with Gary Howard and Lisa Jardine-Wright rejoining the band on Bb Bass and Second Horn respectively.
LBBA Contest
Sunday 24th November saw the band return to Loughborough to compete at the LBBA Contest. Performing Wilfred Heaton’s ‘Contest Music’, we were unfortunately placed 5th out of 7 competing bands. The full result was as follows:
- Ratby Co-operative (Mareika Grey)
- Derwent Brass (Jack Capstaff)
- Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
- Kidlington Concert Brass (Duncan Wilson)
- Haverhill Silver (Paul Filby)
- Hathern (Stephen Barwell)
- Rushden Town (Adele Hudson)
Busy Times for HSB
The last two months have been a busy time for both HSB and HYAC. September 21st saw the Senior Band present their latest Haverhill Arts Centre concert (a Last Night of the Proms themed event), followed by an excellent performance by the Youth & Community Band at their latest concert, held on October 19th at Haverhill Methodist Church. The Senior Band have also just enjoyed another visit to the picturesque setting of Thaxted Parish Church, leaving a packed crowd wanting more.
We now turn our attention to the forthcoming LBBA Contest, where we aim to go two places better than our solid showing last year, where we were awarded 3rd prize.
Summer Season
The band has recently enjoyed performing at several events throughout June and July. Thaxted Fayre, Haverhill Show and Proms in the Park (St Ives) all proved to be highly enjoyable engagements, with the band putting on a fine show for each one. Next week (Saturday 20th July), is the turn of Haverhill Youth & Community Band, where they’ll be performing at the Willows Care Home in Lawshall, Bury St Edmunds.
Haverhill Youth Solo Festival The band held our annual Open Youth Solo Festival on Sunday 5th May. This was an opportunity for young players to experience playing solos to an audience in a competitive yet supportive and friendly atmosphere. Players from Haverhill Youth and Community Band were joined by young people from other youth bands in the Cambridge area. The solo playing was followed by a fun play, where many of the competitors, teachers, parents and even the adjudicator joined to play through some well known Disney and Gershwin tunes.
The adjudicator, Cliff Wilkinson, who has played for the winning band in both British and European Championships, produced written comments for all the competitors and chose a winning performance in each of 4 sections. He also gave some general comments and said how impressed he was with the confidence and competence of all the young players.
Winners were:
Under 11 Slow Melody: Lucia Browne (Cottenham Brass Juniors)
Under 11 Florid Solo: Archie Pannell (HYAC)
Under 18 Slow Melody: Anna Bailey (Cottenham Brass Juniors)
Under 18 Florid Solo: Noah Blythe (HYAC)
From Hollywood to Broadway/Band Awards
Sunday 28th April saw the band present our latest Arts Centre concert and were delighted to perform in front of a packed auditorium. During the evening, we were delighted to present our annual band awards, so congratulations go the following players:
Most Improved Player – Sarah Jordan (Second Horn)
Player of the Year – Ian Jacobs (Assistant Principal Cornet)
Bandsperson of the Year – Tom Walker (Third Cornet)
On a sadder note, we also said goodbye to two members of the band who move on to pastures new. A massive thank you to Matt Ralph (Second Baritone) and David McClintock (First Horn/Assistant MD) for all of your hard work and commitment to the band over the four and three years respectively. We hope to see you both soon!
Success at Stevenage – 4th place!
Following several weeks of intense rehearsal, Sunday 17th March saw the band journey to Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre to perform at the London & Southern Counties Regional Contest. Having drawn to play number 10 out of 12 competing bands, we delivered an impressive rendition of Ray Steadman-Allen’s ‘Seascapes’ and were delighted to be awarded 4th place by adjudicators Robert Childs and Michael Fowles.
We also send our congratulations to the band’s Solo Euphonium player Antony Sanders, who led Tendring Brass to a fantastic 2nd place in the Second Section.
Welsh Open Entertainment Contest – 8th for the band, but a win for Tim!
The band have returned to East Anglia following our debut at the Welsh Open Entertainment Contest. Despite putting on a solid performance of our ‘Greek-themed’ programme, we were awarded a disappointing 8th place out of 14 competing bands by adjudicator Philip Harper. However, all was not lost as our principal cornet player, Tim Pannell bagged the prize for ‘Best Cornet Player of the Day’ for his outstanding contribution to our performance.
The band would like to congratulate Filton Concert Brass, City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Brass Band and Llwydcoed Band for their 1st, 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
Haverhill Look Forward to Welsh Appearance
The band are currently hard at work preparing for our first appearance at the Welsh Open Entertainment Contest, held in Porthcawl, South Wales. Competing against 13 other Championship/First Section bands from across both Wales and England, a good performance could see HSB return to Suffolk with an invite to compete at the 2019 British Open Spring Festival, held in Blackpool later this year.
Three is the Magic Number
The band have just returned from an enjoyable weekend in Skegness, after competing at the Butlins Mineworkers Contest. On Saturday, the band performed Dvorak’s ‘Carnival Overture’ as our chosen test-piece. Having drawn to play number three, the band produced a fantastic performance and was placed 3rd out of seven competing bands in the test-piece contest. This means that HSB beat Virtuosi GUS Band (current Midlands Champions), Flowers Band (current West of England Champions) Friary Brass Band (current London & Southern Counties Champions) and Redbridge Brass (2017 National Finals Qualifiers). This is a major step forward for the band and we are all thrilled with this result.
(Photo credits: Paul Barker, 4barsrest & The British Bandsman)
The adjudicators were not as impressed with the performance in the Entertainment Contest held on Sunday, but many of the 3000 people listening complimented the band on our continued improvement in style, sound and confidence.
Band looks forward to Butlins
Members of HSB are currently working hard for our third appearance in the Championship Section of the Butlins Mineworkers Contest. As always, we look forward to competing against some of the country’s best top section outfits and aim to put on a performance that we can be proud of.
Christmas
The band is midway through a busy Christmas season and has so far enjoyed three engagements; Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre, the Mayor’s Carol Service in St Edmundsbury Cathedral (many thanks to Helen Hooker for taking some great photographs of the band!), and our annual Family Christmas Concert with Haverhill Youth & Community Band.
We’ve still plenty more bookings to do over the next two weeks, so check out where we’re performing here.
Success at the LBBA Contest
Sunday 18th November saw the band travel to Loughborough to compete at the LBBA Open Contest. Performing ‘Tristan Encounters’ by Martin Ellerby, we were delighted to be placed 3rd out of 7 competing bands from across the Midlands, Oxfordshire and even Victoria, (Australia!), by adjudicator Alan Morrison. The piece, comprised of 14 transfigurations, proved to be a challenge for the band, but also one where we emerged with a great deal of credit.
We also congratulate our Solo Euphonium player, Antony Sanders, who led to Tendring Brass to victory in the Third Section – well done all!
The band now focuses its attention to the Christmas period, where we will first be performing at the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre, on Sunday 25th November.
Thaxted Tickets Now on Sale
We’re delighted to announce that tickets for our upcoming concert in Thaxted Parish Church are now available to purchase. Order yours today by clicking on the following link: https://thelittleboxoffice.com/haverhillsilverband
Looking Ahead
After another successful Arts Centre concert, we now focus our attention to our next two major engagements; Thaxted Church on the 27th October, and indeed the LBBA Open Contest on the 18th November. With an exciting programme planned for our next concert and a challenging own-choice test piece for the contest, the next two months will certainly be an enjoyable time for the band.
And The Band Played On…
Tickets are now on sale for our next Arts Centre Concert, ‘And The Band Played On’. We are delighted to launch a new initiative, offering all brass players under the age of 18 the chance to attend this concert for just £1.00! Standard tickets are £10.00 and concessionary tickets are also available for £7.00. Purchase yours today by clicking here…
Band Starts the Summer Season
This Saturday sees the band perform at our first summer engagement of the year; namely Great Wratting Village Fete. It will also mark the start of a busy period for HSB, where the Senior Band and Youth & Community Band will be performing in a variety of events across West Suffolk and Cambridgeshire throughout the coming months. To find out where you can see us this summer, why not check out our events page?
Spring Concert/Band Awards
A good time was had by all at our latest Arts Centre concert; with both audience and band thoroughly enjoying the occasion. Sunday evening also saw the presentation of our annual band awards, and we were delighted to present trophies to the following players:
Most Improved Player – Steve Morley (Third Cornet)
Player of the Year – Andrew Cooper (Soprano Cornet)
Bandsperson of the Year – Tom Walker (Third Cornet)
Youth Solo Festival Hits the Right Notes
Sunday 25th March saw the return of the Haverhill Youth & Community Band Solo Festival, with over 20 entrants (representing HYAC, Cottenham Brass and Tendring Brass) performing in front of adjudicator, Ryan Higgin. The event proved to be a great success and we congratulate everybody who took part – especially the prize winners. Another highlight of the morning was the performance of a massed band (formed of competitors and keen adult supporters), who entertained the audience before the awards ceremony. Congratulations once again to all who performed; we hope to see you all again next year!
Under 11’s Slow Melody Champion – Maisy Brookes (Tendring Brass)
Under 11’s Florid Champion – Daisy Holliday (Cottenham Brass)
Under 18’s Slow Melody Champion – Anna Bailey (Cottenham Brass)
Under 18’s Florid Champion – Florence Wilson-Toy (Haverhill Youth & Community Band)
HSB Retains Championship Section Status
Sunday 18th March saw the band compete at the London & Southern Counties Regional Contest. Despite a good performance of Kevin Norbury’s ‘Odyssey’, our rendition did not find favour with the two adjudicators, who later placed us 8th out of 11 competing bands (Northfleet Brass had withdrew from the contest). The result was however, good enough to secure our Championship Section status for another year and we look forward to returning next March to do battle once again.
Butlins in Review
The band have just returned from Skegness, where we competed in the Butlins Mineworkers Contest.
We began proceedings early Saturday morning with a rehearsal in Skegness Silver Band’s practice room, before eventually making our way back to Butlins to find out where we had drawn to play… 7th out of 8 bands it was to be. Not long later, we made our way to the changing facilities (a small marquee to the uninitiated) before getting ready to go on stage. For our test piece, we had chosen to play ‘The Year of Dragon’ by Philip Sparke – a wonderfully emotive piece written in three movements. Despite an extremely positive rehearsal beforehand, our performance wasn’t without errors and the band generally felt that we had left our best playing in the band room. However, any disappointment soon disappeared when we started our next rehearsal (less than half an hour after coming off stage!), this time working on our entertainment programme which we would perform the following day.
(Photo courtesy of the British Bandsman Magazine)
Our chosen theme was ‘Missions’ and we had decided to perform five pieces that were all related to this idea. We opened our programme with a new composition entitled ‘Nuevos Horizontes’, a fiery Latin number written by Tim Pannell and Craig Sanders, then immediately launched into the ‘Wellington March’. This was then followed by ‘Don’t Doubt Him Now’ performed superbly by our Principal Cornet player, Tim Pannell. The final two pieces of our programme consisted of ‘Life on Mars?’ (a new arrangement also written by Tim) and ‘The Yompers’; a suite of six short movements which depict the events of the Falklands War. Written by Craig Sanders, this was another new composition which we were delighted to perform in front of such a large audience.
Despite a technical fault which left us and several other bands without the use of video screens, we overcame the issue and gave a performance to be proud of.
The result? 8th and last place it was. However, there are plenty of positives to take away from the weekend which we can use to strengthen the band in time for the L&SC Regional Contest. Onwards we go.
Haverhill Silver Band 