To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lancaster University Brass Band, players past and present recently joined together for a special concert.

The band was formed as a 10 piece group by Mike Golding and Bek Chrimes, and in 2007 the University of Lancaster Music Society (ULMS) official recognised it as a major ensemble.

Since then, they have performed many concerts on campus and in the local area, as well as competing at the Whit Friday contests every year since 2009.

UniBrass founders

In 2011, the band founded the UniBrass contest and has taken an active role as organisers and competitors.

25 alumni returned to join the current members to create an ensemble of over fifty players, with former conductors Mike Golding, Michael Turner, Max Stannard, Chris Childs, Christopher Wadeson and Chris Osborn all taking turns to lead the band in a range of pieces which had been voted for by the players — from 'Hymn of the Highlands' and 'Jurassic Park' to 'Fire in the Blood'.

The concert was organised by the ULMS committee, led by Julian Shield and current conductor Georgia Williams.

In 2011, the band founded the UniBrass contest and has taken an active role as organisers and competitors4BR

Confident and ambitious

Chris Osborn, who conducted the band for three years told 4BR: "It was great to see so many people again, including the first conductor and all the UniBrass founders. The band has developed so much over the last ten years, becoming ever more confident and ambitious.

It's now an established part of the university and local community and has changed the face of university banding nationally by founding UniBrass. It was a pleasure to play with both the alumni and current members and I really look forwards to the next reunion."

Following the concert, a social evening was held where many stories were recalled, as well as the hope to be able to replicate the event in another 10 years.