Chalgrove Band News

Chalgrove hit the races! (April 2010)

Chalgrove Band visited Newbury Racecourse on 17th April, to entertain the masses on what proved to be the sunniest day of the year so far. Members of the band had one eye on the tipsters during what proved to be a great afternoon of tunes and turf, as well as being on Channel 4 Racing! Click on the picture (right) to see more images of this superb kick off to the band's spring and summer activities.

The video below shows the band in action.

Richard Evans comes to Chalgrove (February 2010)

Chalgrove Band were fortunate to be able to spend a day with Richard Evans in February. One of the most colourful and flamboyant characters on the British brass band scene today, Richard helped to put further polish on the band's efforts toward success in the Areas contest in March. With a unique ability to instil pride and passion into every player, he is ultimately the driving force behind each band he conducts and this showed in the response that the band gave. We hope to live up to Richard's expectations at Stevenage!

Chalgrove's Christmas Extravaganza! (December 2009)

Chalgrove Band kicked off Christmas with a concert to remember on 19th December. As well as Christmas favourites such as The Snowman and Sleigh Ride, the band played new arrangements such as Box of Delights and a fantastic swing version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. To avoid Christmas overload, the audience were also treated to such solos as "Virtuosity", performed by our principal cornet, Steve Clapton, and high-energy music such as Manhatten Skyline. Honestly, who needs Slade during Christmas when you've got a Chalgrove concert! And the event also formed the concert debut of Chalgrove's own Noddy Holder, our new Musical Director, Terry Brotherhood. Celebration all the way! Click on the picture above for more images.

The Brotherhood comes to Chalgrove! (November 2009)

Terry Chalgrove band is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Musical Director, in the shape of Terry Brotherhood.

After an illustrious career as a player, including Principal Cornet at Morris Motors Band, Terry’s conducting career took him to City of Oxford and then Kidlington, who he took to Championship Section status. Terry then joined Stonesfield Silver Band in 1997, and led them from the bottom of the fourth section to the upper reaches of the first in under a decade, competing in three national finals on the way.

The band is looking forward to a long and successful association with Terry, building on the solid foundation created by Mike Pegram. We wish Mike all the best for the future and thank him for his hard work and inspiration over the past four years.

Timothy Spall meets Chalgrove (December 2009)

During the band's recent hectic Christmas season, we were fortunate enough to meet actor Timothy Spall during a performance at Oxford Services. The actor, famous for his part in Auf Wiedersehen Pet and recent movies such as Damned United, was happy to be photographed with the band. We always enjoy meeting fellow showbiz types!

Chalgrove Band hit Pontins! (October 2009)

Chalgrove Band represented itself very well at the Pontins Championship in October, achieving fourth out of twelve in the third section. The band has worked hard this year to improve playing and to take part in more contests, and this bodes well for the future. Everyone is now looking forward to an enjoyable Christmas season, with the Christmas Concert on 19th December as its centrepiece. Use the Contacts page if you'd like to find out more information, or to obtain tickets.

Chalgrove's Spring Concert entertains the campers! (May 2009)

Chalgrove's Spring Concert proved to be a huge success in mid-May. As usual, the band combined high quality music with an entertaining theme as the audience were treated to comedy with a holiday camp theme in between band performances. Members of the band performed as "bluecoats", alongside the "entertainments manager", who also happened to conduct the band, plus the camp host and his trust comedian sidekick (click the photograph above for a better look). And of course, there was the horn player who really wanted to be a bluecoat! By the end of the concert, the audience were already looking forward to the band's Christmas Concert, which should also have a similarly entertaining theme.

Matt and Sam's Wedding (October 2008)

Congratulations to Matt Warman and Sam Tyler (left), two Chalgrove solo cornets players, who recently took the plunge into matrimonial complexity. It's a shame really that we can't claim the matchmaking prize for Chalgrove, but they knew each other before they joined us. Mind you, you never know where romance is going to strike next. There's still another two on the front row!

Band Annual Tour - Minehead (July 2008)

The band's annual tour took place in July, and - as usual - was a great success, enjoyed by all, and looking like providing a seemingly endless source of post-practice pub anecdotes. The band's reputation was undoubtedly enhanced by its collective enthusiasm for karaoke, with two horn players (left) demonstrating what Jagger and Richards really should learn about stage presence and charisma (click the image for a larger version).
Looking through the pictures, the band really should consider diversifying into pantomime. Click the image on the right to see the iconic three ugly sisters in action. Or is one of them maybe considering the part of the wicked witch?
Either way, the band had a great time and thanks to all who helped organise the trip.

National Finals (September 2007)

The band managed 9th place out of 20 bands at the national finals in Harrogate. Although the band played very well, the standard was very high. The challenge set by Leigh Baker's Roman Triptych has helped the band grow and should prepare Chalgrove for Section 3 next year. Congratulations to Formby on winning the 4th Section national title.

Chalgrove Band Qualify For National Finals (March 2007)

Chalgrove Band booked a ticket to the national finals in Harrogate by winning the London and Southern Counties Regional Championships 2007 in Section 4.

The band put in a solid performance of 'The Seasons' by Philip Wilby. The soloists in the band all played very well, especially our solo horn player Ian Over, who had good remarks from the adjudicator for his solo in the 2nd movement.

This now places the band 2nd in the London and Southern Counties area Section 4. Which means Chalgrove Band will play in Section 3 next year.

The band went back to the Red Lion in Chalgrove to celebrate in true brass band style.

Chalgrove Band Come Third At Leamington (November 2006)

Chalgrove had a successful trip to Leamington on Sunday 26th November 2006

The band were drawn first in the forth section which meant an early start but still managed to give a respectable performance of 'A Malvern Suite' by Philip Sparke.