History of the Band |
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The Norfolk Broads Concert Band can trace its roots back to November 1991 when the original Brass Band was first established. Initially known as Fleggburgh Brass, the founder members were all pupils of Linda Purdy. In the first few years Wind players as well as Brass approached the Band and it was not uncommon to see a Clarinet amongst the Cornet ranks. By 1995 the Band had expanded to the extent that larger rehearsal facilities were required so moved to Repps. In the following year the Band name was changed to Norfolk Broads Brass and a training Band was set up to cater for less experienced players. Over the next few years the Band regularly competed at the Annual Spring Festival run by the East Anglian Brass Band Association. In 1998 promotion to the ‘B’ section was gained and in 1999 the Band won third place. The same year also saw Norfolk Broads appear in the Fourth section of the National Brass Band Championships - the highlight of seven years hard work. |
Very Early Photo The little boy bottom right still plays in the band (big boy now) |
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Fleggburgh Brass in disgusting uniforms |
Having been awarded a National Lottery Grant for the purpose of purchasing Instruments in 1998, the band worked very hard over the next couple of years in order to raise their share of the funding. Several thousand pounds were earned and a full set of Courtois Brass Instruments were gradually purchased as well as a set of percussion equipment. In the meantime, the training band had been receiving enquiries from Clarinet and Saxophone players interested in joining. In 1998 support was offered by the Music for Schools Foundation which meant the regular provision of an experienced tutor as well as help finding music and players ! So the training Band became Norfolk Broads Wind Band. |
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The two Bands operated under the same banner with very close ties but separate identities for the next couple of years. The highlights, however, were always the joint concerts. In 1999 Stephen Kenna wrote the March ‘Norfolk Broads’ for the band and conducted it at a very successful Christmas Concert. The year 2000 was rounded off with yet another massed band event held in Fleggburgh Village Hall. |
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During 2001 the Brass Band increasingly relied upon the Wind players to boost ranks being particularly short of upper instruments. The Wind Band, on the other hand needed some Bass instruments to boost its sound. The next step was obvious and in September of that year the two ensembles amalgamated. The Harvest Festival at Repps was the first outing and Norfolk Broads Concert Band had become a reality. With only a few weeks to go, the team pulled together and presented its first Concert Winterton Church which was a great success. |
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With increased numbers and a wider variety of instruments the Band were able to produce more challenging and interesting programmes and set even higher goals. The autumn of 2002 saw the visit of guest conductor, Denis Wilby for a day workshop and evening concert which was greatly enjoyed by players and audience alike. Then, in 2003, plans were finalised for an exchange with the Ardee Concert Band from Ireland. Hall Farm Barn in Repps was turned into a Concert Hall which managed to house a Band of almost seventy musicians and a fantastic weekend was had by all. A close second in the list of successes for that year was the Autumn Jazz Concert although this was completely upstaged in the June of 2004 by the return trip to Ardee, just North of Dublin. . |
Queen's Jubilee |
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Julie & Martyn |
During the latter part of 2004 the Prep. Band was formed. This group caters for less experienced players (approximately Grade 1 – 3 in standard). The Band now number forty five…planned CD….competition work………… | ||
