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The "lively discussion" at the band AGM

Text Box: Band Awards A concert at St. Margaret's Church, Leiston on Thursday July 10th provided the opportunity to announce the winner of The Kenneth Pike Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most improved player in the band. This year the cup was presented to young cornet player, Olivia Kersey, who also holds the position of Principal Cornet in the band's training section. Highly Commended certificates were awarded to Robert Skinner, Peter Kirk & Roger Hawes. Well done to all!  

Text Box: New bass We have at long last managed to afford a new instrument for the band. After saving up for several years, we have purchased a much-needed new BBb bass at a cost of £5,000. Roger was well pleased to be the recipient of this shiny new monster. The trouble is he hasn’t been seen lately and we think perhaps he may have fallen in it. Anyway, we’re not too worried as he’s an ex-submariner and is used to being in a confined space. We just hope he’ll manage to find the escape-hatch before the next engagement.   Text Box: Masterclass On May 17th members of the band attended a master-class and band workshop directed by Elgar Howarth. Several young musicians received his expert one-to-one tuition and there was also a full band rehearsal which ended in a performance of Hogarth’s Hoe-down. We are grateful to the Wrentham Band, who hosted the event, for inviting us along to participate and benefit from the expertise of this eminent conductor/composer.  

Text Box: RBL Gold Badge Awards In 2006, the band's 120th anniversary year, two of our longest serving members, Laurie Simpson & Philip Glennon, were awarded the prestigious Royal British Legion Gold Badges in appreciation of their dedication and commitment to the band.    Laurie joined Leiston in 1961, after serving with the Suffolk Regimental Band in Cyprus & Germany. He is now in his 46th year with the band and is our longest serving member. He spent several years as  Principal Cornet before taking over as Musical Director in 1978. After 20 years, he officially retired in 1998, but has returned to the position four times since then and we are grateful for his dedication in keeping the band alive after several changes and  failed attempts at finding a new Musical Director. Having once again handed on the baton he continues to work for the band in his roles as Band President and Librarian and now find himself back on cornet!    Philip joined the band in 1964 and many of his 43 years service have been as Principal Cornet player. He  handed over this position several years ago now to concentrate on the band's training section. He  has encouraged many young people to take up music and offers them the opportunity of learning the discipline of  playing together as a band.  Several youngsters have moved up into the main band, ensuring its future.   Philip (when time allows) also plays Last Post & Reveille at many Legion events throughout the county, as well as on many a foreign field, from Belgium to Normandy,  whilst on RBL visits to war graves and memorials.  

Text Box: Band AGM The band AGM held on Thursday January 10th was, as always, an enthusiastic affair. The Secretary commented that it only seemed like five minutes since she gave her last annual report and asked “where the hell has the year gone?”  The Treasurer reported that the band funds were in good shape for a change and he was actually able to authorise the purchase of some new instruments. Three pairs of eyes in the horn section lit up in anticipation but it was felt that the old spondulics (happily for Roger) should be spent on a new BBb bass.  A lively discussion erupted regarding the summer programme and suggestions for music included: More easier pieces, more harder pieces, more classical, more pop, more jazz, more marches and, more music! (Which brings to mind that old adage: You will never keep all the people happy, all the time!)  The Band President likened the whole affair to a meeting of the Dibley Parish Council and when asked his view on how the meeting went was heard to  comment: “No, no, no, no, no. Yes!  I thought it was never going to end!”   

 

Christmas ConcertConductor: Sue Taylor