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THE BAND The present band was re-formed in 1990 to promote brass band music in the town. Over the years, the band has seen many changes in members and our numbers have varied over the years with youngsters going to University and older members taking a well earned break. Many Thanks to Sylvia Somers who has kept the band together in recent times taking over as Musical Director. Without her expertise the band would have surely folded, but her real love is playing and now with the appointment of our new Musical Director she can resume her position of Principal Horn, which is just one of the many instruments in her repertoire. Tuesday 9th September 2008 Appointment of Andrew Dunn as Musical Director. Born and educated in Bradford, Andrew began learning to play Tuba at the age of 9, under the guidance of Elizabeth Peet. He recalls trying out for the instrument, saying ‘basically, I was given the E flat Bass because I was the only kid who could get it to make a noise – and what a noise it was! When I first began learning, I remember my next-door neighbour asking if there was something wrong with my mum’s Hoover!’ Nevertheless, Andrew soon found that he was making good progress, and by the age of 14 had passed his grade 8 playing examination. Starting initially with his school orchestra, Andrew played with several bands, including the Yorkshire Schools Brass Band and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, of which he was a member for 5 years. ‘The NYBB was a delight to play with’ recalls Andrew. ‘A band of 120 of the best young brass players in the country, it was conservatoire standard and remains the pinnacle of my classical musical experience. Hard work though it was, I loved every minute of it!’ Yet, in his early 20’s Andrew’s musical career took a different direction as he began first directing, and then writing musicals for production within his local church. This involved training large choirs of around 70 members, composing, arranging and scoring the music for the band, and giving performances at several churches, both locally and nationally. It was this pursuit that led in turn to Andrew’s involvement in modern worship-leading - something that became very important to him - and he has led and trained church-based worship groups for much of the last 20 years. Andrew takes up the story: ‘And then one day I stumbled across the Silsden Town Band’s website and I noticed that they were looking for a Musical Director. I thought “ Hmm, I think I’d enjoy doing that”, and finally, after a few months thinking about it, I made the call. The rest, as they say, is history!’ Andrew lives in Eastburn with his two sons Tom and Ben, both of whom are accomplished musicians. The band currently has the luxury of being able to call upon over 20 playing members and is lucky enough to be able to call upon invited guests if the need arises. All bands are only as successful as their members enthusiasm allows them to be. If our music matched our enthusiasm we would be a championship band…..watch this space!. Members range in age from teenagers to octogenarians and we pride ourselves in being a friendly group whose main aim is to enjoy our music. Any new players of any standard will always receive a warm welcome.
CONTACTS The band is guided by a Committee of five members with a Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. Formality is kept to a minimum and the Committees primary function is to ensure the smooth running of the business part of running a band. Secretary is Claire Corp for bookings please email or phone at 01535 634106. WHERE WE MEET The band practices on Tuesday evenings from 7.00 to 9.00pm at Gloucester Avenue Rest Centre off Dradishaw Lane in Silsden. ( map) WHERE WE PLAY The band play concerts, galas, weddings and church services and are happy to consider other functions in the locality. We play in Silsden, Addingham, Skipton, Ilkley, Keighley and surrounding areas. We usually entertain a full summer programme and we are always busy at Christmas playing carol concerts which, each year allows us to make a donations to various charities. HISTORY Silsden has had a band over various periods, since the early part of the 20 th century. (pictures) as you will see from this early photograph taken in 1906. We have changed slightly since then! We are keen to improve our archive and would welcome information about any part of our band history. If you can assist please contact Claire or come along to our band night.
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© Silsden Town Band 2010 |
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