BYB Tour Ends with Sell-out Concert at Didcot Civic Hall

Blewbury Youth Brass played to a bumper audience last night as a finale to their successful Germany tour. In addition to family and friends, we were joined by Mrs Jackie Billington, Major of Didcot, and representatives from the ODBBA, Abbey Brass, Abingdon Town Band, Yarnton Band, Cholsey Silver Band and Wantage Silver Band. In addition, several current and past members of Blewbury Brass Band came along to show their support to our young players.

The band rose to the occasion and put in a great performance. Musical Director, Judith Atkins, said, ‘This was our best performance to date. Our soloists excelled themselves and the band sounded superb and filled the hall. It was great to have such an enthusiastic and appreciative audience’. Highlights included a rousing rendition of Harold L Walters’ ‘Hootenanny’, a very enthusiastic ‘Slaidburn’, and a fine playing of ‘Praise my Soul’, which demonstrated the band’s ability to play with great control and a wide dynamic range.

Tour Leader, Ian Barlow, explained, ‘This is the first tour the band has undertaken. Our players enjoyed not only the opportunity to perform in some beautiful venues but also to experience some interesting excursions and a taste of German culture. It was a pleasure to take away such a well-mannered and polite group of young people’.

At the end of the evening, Band Ambassador, Rachel Waterman, thanked the staff for their efforts in planning and organising the tour and Ian Barlow was presented with a band photograph in recognition of his work as tour leader.

A selection of photographs was on display in the foyer and the children were encouraged to add their own entries to this. The Mayor of Didcot awarded a small prize (a box of Lindt Chocolates!) to David Carvalho for his print of the cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

The band will now be having a rest for a few weeks, but will get together again to take part in the ODBBA Entertainment Contest in October. Plans are afoot to continue activities throughout the coming year. Please visit our website and Facebook page to see details as they are released.

Thanks to everyone involved for a great tour and a wonderful concert.

(Photos kindly provided by the Waterman family.)