Fairlop Brass Newsletter
January 2023
2023 – Hopefully a year to remember for all the right reasons!!
We started 2023 with an excellent one-day workshop lead by Mike Fowles. Mike is the Musical Director for The Foden’s Band, who have been National Brass Band Champions for three out of the last four years that the contest has been held. The day with him is a great opportunity to get the input of one of the leading band trainers in the country and we have now enjoyed working with Mike for several years.
We have put together an interesting programme of music and events for you, our supporters, who are so important for the future of the band.
Spring
Monday 13th March
The Band is very pleased to have been invited to play at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall as part of a massed Band and Choral event. Organised by the Redbridge Music Service, we will be on stage with Redbridge Brass Band and many young brass players, some who will have only been playing for a few months. All in all, there will be around 200 performers: tickets can be obtained directly from the Royal Albert Hall ticket office.
Sunday 19th March
The Band travel to Stevenage to take part in the Qualifying Round of the National Brass Band Championships.
Sunday 7th May
The return of the ever-popular Baking with Brass. The Concert will start at 3pm at St. Francis Church, where you are invited to enjoy an afternoon of good music and great cakes, hopefully with a “Special Guest Appearance”. Tickets will be available on the door.
Summer
Friday 2nd June
The Band head north to take part in the legendary Whit Friday Marches. This event was featured in the famous 'Brassed Off' film. Parts of the North West come to a standstill as Bands from across the world assemble to take part in these contests. The Band will travel around by coach to play in 8 or 9 contests. Arriving at each village, the Band will register, possibly play and march for a deportment prize, then progress to the contest stage to play another march in a music only contest. Some contests will see over 70 Bands play and we could line-up next to great Bands such as Black Dyke or Brighouse and Rastrick.
Saturday 1st July
Brass on the Grass has proved very popular with a record audience enjoying the afternoon outdoor concert at St. Nicholas Church Kelvedon Hatch, enjoying their own picnic and refreshments. The concert will start at 3pm and ticket details will be released closer to the day.
Autumn and Winter
Sunday 5th November
Big Band Brass – the Band present one of their most popular concerts at Theydon Bois Village Hall with a 2pm start (to give you plenty of time to get home for your Fireworks). As well as the popular Big Band Music you will be able to bring your own food and drink to make this a very relaxed an enjoyable afternoon at a great venue.
Tuesday 19th December
Festive Crackers – the Band returns to Theydon Bois Village Hall for its popular Christmas Concert – again bring your own food and drink and join in the festive fun by singing Carols and well know Christmas songs.
In December the Band will also be supporting several Christmas Church Services and details of these will be announced later this year.