Chalgrove Band was initially formed in late 1800s as Chalgrove Temperence Band, with the earlier photographs recorded in 1906. At that time, band practices were held in the top room of the Red Lion pub in Chalgrove, an interesting choice for a temperence band!

Following a break in its history, the band was reformed in 1972 by three local enthusiasts, Phil Sperrin, Tony Spicer and Chris Maclow.

Since then, the band has had several conductors who have taken the band to new musical heights, encouraging contesting as well as concert work - locally and abroad - together with playing at many local fetes and events.

2007 was one of the most successful in the band's history. Chalgrove Band won the London and Southern Counties 4th Section Championship in March, which qualified them to enter the National Brass Band Finals, held in Harrogate in September. The band performed Roman Tryptych, achieving 9th place out of 20.

In March 2008, the band competed for the first time in the Third Section at the London and Southern Counties Areas Contest, performing Dark Side of the Moon, an atmospheric space trip written by Paul Lovatt Cooper. It was very different to much of the music the band has played in the past, and provided an opportunity to work on new techniques and ensemble playing. The band were a little disappointed to only achieve 13th place out of 17, but successfully improved by achieving 8th in March 2009. Also in 2008, some players from the band competed in the Oxford Quartet and Ensemble contest, achieving 1st place with both the band's quartet and ensemble.

The band look forward to progressing further and building on their recent success for the rest of 2009 and into 2010.

 

The band at the National Finals in September 2007