The band is making its own history with an unprecedented win in the recent First Section Regional Contest held at Stevenage, competing against 14 other bands and winning the title of London & Southern Counties Regional Champions. This also means another invitation to the National Finals in September. Not only that, the band is now at the top of the First Section table and will gain promotion to the Championship Section next year! The band’s four tuba players won an additional award for the best bass section.
Band Chairman, Fred Harrison said “this is an amazing achievement with the band taking only a few years to progress from the Fourth Section to Championship level, winning many prizes along the way. This is, by far, the highest standard that the band has reached in its 175-year history and it is a great credit to the teamwork and commitment of our band members.”
However, this was not the only success for the band as the following day our intermediate-level band, Amersham Community Brass, took to the stage in the Fourth Section contest. Comprising mostly young people, the band only started competitions in 2018 and this year came a very credible 13th out of 20 bands. Caroline Perkins, Band Manager, said “Amersham Community Brass entered their second regional contest, with over half of the players under 18, they played with great teamwork under Musical Director Malcolm Peach, achieving a solid result among many more experienced bands. The future is bright at Amersham with a further 28 brass players in our beginner band and who are already knocking on the door of our Community band.”
Musical Director, Paul Fisher, said “I am thrilled about the success of our bands and proud of every single member of our band community who took part. Everyone supports one another with a smile, and strives to learn new things – that is undoubtedly the secret of our success.”
To support the growth in the number of people wanting to join, Amersham Band is in the process of constructing a new music rehearsal facility in the town centre. The project is now 85% funded and site work is scheduled to start in the Summer. The plan is to start a new youth band, other ensembles and to launch a brass teaching academy in 2020. If you think you could assist or support the project then get in touch via our website www.amershamband.com
