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The Wigston Band are delighted to announce that the organisation has been granted registered charity status by the Charities Commission of Great Britain. This achievement has taken much hard work but charity status will particularly enable the organisation to better support the work of the Intermediate Band through grant schemes which would otherwise not be available.
The band will be able to build on its work both bringing live music to the people of Wigston, Leicestershire and beyond and encouraging players of all ages and abillities to develop the skills, friendship and confidence gained through playing music as part of an ensemble.
Band gains registered charity status
Band Gains Solid Area Result
The test piece chosen for this years Area qualifying contest, Pentacle, proved challenging for many First Section bands, not least The Wigston Band. Many rehearsals in the run up to the contest saw Garry sweating and players near to pulling hair out with frustration at counting in fives. On the day the band put in a performance which was described by Garry as solid with no major slip ups, Garry particularly being pleased with the performances from the soloists. The results placed the band in ninth place in a field of sixteen bands which combined with the results of the past two years puts the band mid table at eighth place.
Garry said that he was pleased as the consistent results consolidates the bands position in the first section having dropped straight back to the second section the last time they were promoted.
Off To the Seaside
On May 17th the band made the trip down the M5 to compete in the Weston Super Mare Contest. Although competing in the joint Championship / First Section competition the band are worked hard to put in a good performance of the own choice test "Endeavour" by Philip Sparke. Experiencing mixed weather throughout the day the band finally got on stage to perform at 8pm. Despite being placed at 8th position out of 11 against some very good opposition Garry was satisfied with the performance of the band and a good, if long, days banding was enjoyed by all.
Summer Concert
MUSIC REVIEW: Wigston Brass Band at St Thomas the Apostle Church, South Wigston
Four pieces for solo soprano cornet, trumpet, fluglehorn and euphonium were perfectly executed, with the band providing sensitive accompaniment.
The third and last of these, Concert d'Aranjuez and Morricones Melody, also known as Gabriel's Oboe from the film The Mission, were particularly passionate and moving.
A lively rendition of music from the film 633 Squadron was wonderful, with an effective contrasting middle section leading to a thrilling climax.
Hymn tunes and brass bands go together like hand in glove. The Welsh tune Blaenwarn or Love Divine All Loves Excelling was played at a slower, more thoughtful and considerate tempo than usual, enabling one to extract deeper meaning from the words of the hymn.
The Day Thou Gavest was rightly tender and emotional.
The second half began with The Thunderer, a foot-tappingly joyous piece by the American band leader De Souza.
Further music by Gershwin and Sinatra among others were magnificently played.
In aid of the worthy cause of Loros, this was an extremely well balanced and informal programme, of a very high standard, conducted with flair and enthusiasm and with something for everyone.
It evoked a range of emotions and feelings and I would have been very happy for it to have continued all night.
Congrtulaltions for Wigston Enterprise Solo, Duet and Quartet contest success.
Members of the band took part in the NEMBBA solo
contest recently and came away with a fine prize haul.
Under 18 solo, Gary Perin - 2nd, Alex Bentley - 3rd
Under 18 duet
Gary Perin + Alex Bentley - 1st
Under 14 hymn tune quartet
Wigston juniors - 4th
Under 18 quartet
Wigston B - 2nd, Wigston C - 3rd, Wigston A - 4th
Well
done everyone.
Loros Concert Reviewed in Leicester Mercury.
Click for Leicester Mercury review
Click for Thisisleicestershire
website
Concert to benefit LOROS
Saturday 19th March
The band will be performing in aid of the LOROS hospice at St. Thomas' Church,
South Wigston.
December 2010
Both bands undertook a number of playing engagements ranging from formal concerts, including the
very successful annual Christmas concert where the Enterprise Band enjoyed a slot in the proceedings, to entertaining shoppers in
local supermarkets and stores. A group of 7 members enjoyed the honour of playing for the BBC Radio Leicester Sing Christmas
event which was broadcast live. The choir of St Thomas Church, South Wigston beautifully provided the singing.
November
2010
The band are very pleased to welcome Gary Perrin to 2nd cornet and Tim Rupp on Bass. Tim who is involved in music making of all
kinds has been a stalwart of the "Enterprise Band" and we are particularly pleased that he has decided to play with the Wigston Band.
24
October 2010
Enterprise Band Website "Live"
The re constructed website for the Enterprise Band is now "live". Click on the "Enterprise"
button at the top of the page to access the site.
4 September 2010
At the Annual Summer Concert, long serving member Ian Hayto was recognised for 25 years sterling service to the band.
Chairman Mick Veasey commended Ian for his unstinting work both on stage and behind the scenes. Ian has decided to leave the band
for challenges new and the band wish him well for the future.
24 August 2010
Wigston Brass Band Annual Summer Concert to
be held at Broughton Astley Village Hall on Saturday 4th September 2010. Don't forget the picnic!
19 June 2010
With Garry unable
to wave his right arm around, Colin Jones has taken the baton for the last few rehearsals and will take centre stage for the concert
at the United Reform Church. Colin says he is very much looking forward to the opportunity and is confident that the band will
put on a fine show.
08 June 2010
Get well soon Garry, from your collar bone trouble. Surely the only bones broken at barbeques
should be chicken bones.
16 May 2010
The Band are preparing for the next concert on Saturday 22 May at St. Thomas Church, South
Wigston. A wide variety of styles will be included while showcasing solists from around the band.
21 April 2010
Having enjoyed??
playing Bb Bass for the "Area" so much, "Bandsman of the Year" Pete Harding joins Derek Wadey on the very back row. Julie Maxwell takes
over on 2nd Baritone.
5 April 2010
Pictures from the Band Dinner
Click "Here"
27 March 2010
Band Dinner 2010 - pictures to
follow.
26 March 2010
Garry christened "Glyn" at successful Goodwood concert.
25 March 2010
Welcome to Chris Moore on the
front row
23 March 2010
Band AGM, new committee chosen and annual business completed for another year!
13 March 2010
Unlucky
for some, Saturday 13th not a good day posting a disapointing placing of 17th out of 18.
24 January 2010
Band took the trip to
Skegness Butlins contest. A good weekend of banding but not a favourable result!
January 2010
Welcome to Mike Wildman on Eb Bass