Stannary Brass Band of Tavistock.

Welcome to the band's website. This site will be moving soon to www.stannarybrassbandtavistock.com STANNARY BRASS BAND was formed in 1995 and is based in Tavistock, Devon. It's objective is "to maintain, improve and advance the education of the public through the promotion and practice of brass band music". This website includes information about the band, its musical director, a list of engagements and items of special interest. Rehearsal Times: Wednesdays 6 -7.15pm Beginners and Training Band (term time), 7.30 - 9.30pm Main Band. Sundays 10.30-12.30 Main Band. Youth Band: Sundays (for dates please look under "Youth Band" on this website). Players, or supporters, of any age or musical ability are welcome but we ask that you please contact us first on (01822) 612675. Beginners may be asked to wait until a vacancy becomes available. For bookings and enquiries please contact (01822) 612675. Visiting players always made welcome. Fundraising. In 2000 the band started fundraising to supply a full set of new instruments for the main band and a youth band. This started with the Tuba Appeal, which was successful in raising funds for 4 new tubas. The band needs to raise a further £10,000 approximately to complete this project. As they are replaced, the older instruments are passed on to learners within the band. Instruments have also been purchased using youth grant aid. Stannary Brass Band is grateful to the following businesses and individuals for their contributions to the instrument fund: Devonport Royal Naval Dockyard (DML) DML Sports and Social Club Carlton TV / ITV Westcountry Mansbridge and Balment Estate Agents Hollinshead & Co. Francis Clark accountants Edmunds of Tavistock Westmoor Veterinary Centre Rowett Insurance Harford Bridge Park Town Farm Veterinary Centre Mr. Arthur Smith Antex (Electronics) Ltd. West Devon Borough Council Tavistock Town Council Fulfords Estate Agents Lions Club of Tavistock Rotary Club of Tavistock Thanks also to the many businesses in the Tavistock area that have given their support in various ways. Stannary Brass Band is now a registered charity, no. 1091307. Old mobile phones can be donated for recycling and the band benefits from every phone received. They can be taken to Lee Furneaux Books in Tavistock Pannier Market or Fulfords Estate Agents in Brook Street. About the M.D. Mr. Peter Jones started playing brass as a youngster in the north-east of England. In 1974 he joined the Royal Horse Guards, and served with the Blues and Royal band and State Trumpet team for 15 years. During that time he studied at the Royal Military School of Music under Mr. Patrick Harold, then the principal tuba player of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Professor at the Royal Academy. Peter has played at a number of State occasions and concerts. He has conducted various wind bands and brass bands and has been involved for many years in the training of young musicians. Having performed with the National Junior Philharmonic Orchestra, he is very aware of how worthwhile it is to encourage young people in their music. Interviewing Pete. By Kay, Rebecca and Matthew. At 11 Pete started playing the tuba and he has progressed to be the conductor for Stannary Brass Band. His favourite piece of music is: Rimpsicortsocof. For tea Pete likes collyflower cheese and lemon marangue pie. Whilst eating that he likes to watch T.V. Pete’s favourite programs are history programs. The most important person that Pete has played to is his mom! The most famous person he has played for is the royal family! He was at Princess Diana’s wedding and on the balcony at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s 60th birthday. The funniest moment in the band was when they were marching in Belgium and someone had left a manhole cover off and the Eb bass player fell down it! The player was alright but the bass needed fixing. Pete’s favourite instriment is the tuba allthough he plays alot of other instriments too. The hardest thing that Pete has done is playing a tuba whilst horse riding. Pete’s job is teaching music. He says that he enjoys it so it’s all worthwhile. Pete says, “The best part of it is when you go to other people’s houses they give you a cup of tea”.

COMMITTEE 2008-2009

Chairman: Alan Fisher Vice-Chairman: Jon Benzie Treasurer: Jenny Gray Asst. Treasurer: Liz Butler Secretary: position vacant Asst. Secretary: John Northey Librarian: position vacant Training Band Rep: Craig Eastman and Claire Jenkins Child Protection officer: Jennie Fisher Floor members: Janet Northey Steve Wagstaff Steve Gray (Public Relations) Musical Director: Peter Jones Asst. Conductor: Tony Holder Chairman's Report on 2007. Another good year for the band and we invested significant levels of funds in purchasing new instruments during the year and are quickly approaching our goal of a complete set. Well done everyone. All sections of the band are progressing well and our membership numbers remain encouraging. Our Christmas Charity Concert was a great success, especially as we were the sole performers this time with no external guests, the audience support for such a local charity, the Church roof, proving to be very strong. Our change in rehearsal venue to Mount House has been very successful. We must continue to respect the school's property, rules and security measures and especially their vast array of musical instruments. Mount House are progressing well with their plans for a new music facility and performance venue, whilst understanding our requirements as well, all very encouraging for the future development of SBB. The committee continues to try and balance the potential income opportunities with the demands of our busy lives as we all continue to maintain the successful and happy organisation we have today. We are planning to visit Pontivy in October 2008 and hope all players will be able to join us for a busy but relaxing weekend in France. May I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continuing support and commitment to all our activities and hope that you continue to enjoy your banding with SBB. Alan Fisher, Chairman SBB, February 2008.

Following the 10th Anniversary Concert September 2005.

Christmas Charity Concert 2006

Tavistock Parish Church was full for the Stannary Brass Band Christmas Concert. The band, under their musical director, Peter Jones, gave a lively and enjoyable concert, the main band being joined in the second half by the youth band. This contributed to a warm and exiting sound; the band plays with great confidence and can easily fill the church with music. The concert was introduced by the band's patron, Angela Rippon, who even got to conduct one item when Peter Jones was conveniently "late" returning from the interval! Philip Hunt of Radio Devon stood in as presenter at this point. They were joined by singer/songwriter Amy Coulshaw, who showed her vocal range in two sets of songs, some of which she had composed herself. She was accompanied by David Gray and Jenni Martin. A new work by David Gray was performed by the band, the highly enjoyable "A Christmas To Remember". This concert was an excellent way of preparing for Christmas and showed Stannary Brass is going from strength to strength. Felicity Barnaby, Tavistock Times Gazette 21/12/06

Concert 29th September 2007.

Stannary Brass Band's concert was front-page news for the Tavistock Times Gazette in October. The newspaper reported that there had been a light-hearted flavour to the concert, which was hosted by Tony Beard, the "Wag from Widecombe". His stories, songs and jokes were much appreciated by the audience. He included "Tavvystock Goozey Vair" sung in the local dialect.

The Band, led by Musical Director, Peter Jones, played the march Star Lake, Harry Potter, A Taste of Honey, A Swinging Safari, Television Showcase, The Lark in the Clear Air and All That Jazz.

During the interval the Lions Club of Tavistock provided refreshments. They were thanked, together with Fulfords Estate Agents and St. Eustachius Church for supporting the event. Two brass players were congratulated on being accepted into the National Youth Brass Band.

The band returned to play Breezin' Down Broadway, Something Stupid, Young Amadeus, Cranberry Corners USA, Evening Song and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Proceeds from the concert will be used by the band to purchase new instruments.

Christmas Concert 2007.

On 15th December 2007 the band’s Christmas concert featured players from all sections. Some of the junior players found themselves performing in public for the very first time and in front of a large audience that filled St. Eustachius church. They were applauded by the appreciative audience and enjoyed the experience. During the evening the band thanked Rachel, Jennie and Janet who teach the beginners and training band, together with Peter Jones, the band’s Musical Director, who leads the youth band.

The programme for the main band performance included Hallelujah Chorus, The Holly and the Ivy, I Wan’na Be Like You, A Christmas Bolero, Rhapsody for Euphonium, A Christmas Festival, March – Christmas Joy, A Special Place, Christmas Swingalong and War of the Celts plus some carols with audience participation.

The Lions Club of Tavistock supplied refreshments and generously supported the concert. This year the proceeds were donated to the Church Roof Restoration Fund.

Revd. Michael Brierley, Priest in charge of Tavistock said,” Not only was it a superb concert: close to £1000 was raised, which is an incredible total, and extremely appreciated. A great evening all round, and what a great band!”