*
banner

Final bow for Wantage inspiration

Flugel player Helen Wright will perform with Wantage Band for the last time this weekend — 48 years after she played her first note with the organisation.

Wantage Band
  Sunday's virtual performance will be Helen's last with the band after 48 years

The Wantage Band will pay tribute to their sole remaining founder member this weekend when Helen Wright will perform a solo in the band's latest virtual 'Brass on the Green' live event broadcast on their Facebook page on Sunday 21st June (2.00pm).

Last performance

It will mark the flugel player's last performance with the band after 48 years of dedicated service — one that started at the age of 8 on cornet back in 1973. Helen went on to become a much respected principal cornet for 20 years, before spending the last decade on flugel.

She was also a member of the National Youth Band of Great Britain from 1977 to 1982 and has enjoyed many memorable successes — from a first Pontins win in 1977, right through to the band's 2014 top flight Regional Championship success.

That saw the band qualify for the National Final at the Albert Hall — an occasion Helen said "was so special"after being with the band all the way up from the Fourth Section.

Privilege

Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic Helen missed the opportunity of closing her Wantage career with performances at the Regional Championships and a debut at the Grand Shield.

She added: "It's been a real privilege to play in the band for such a long time and I was really disappointed that I wasn't able to finish on a high at the Grand Shield.

The British Open is about the only thing the band is yet to achieve but I'm sure it won't be long before they get there."

In addition to her playing dedication, Helen also undertook important administrative roles with the Wantage organisation, recently spending most of her time helping to progress the building of a new extension to the band hall which will provide future generations with additional rehearsal, concert and social facilities.

Helen has been an inspiration to all our players. As a wonderful musician her solo playing has delighted audiences and her leadership has been invaluableWantage Silver Band

Huge part

Helen concluded: "'Wantage has been a huge of my life; not just because of the music but also the numerous friends I have made and the experiences I have enjoyed over the years, for which I will be forever grateful.

Leaving the band was by far the hardest part of our decision to move to Dorset but I'm looking forward to the next chapter there. I'm already signed up for the local Big Band and you never know, I might even venture to one of the local bands, if they'll have me!"

Inspiration

Speaking on behalf of the band, Eileen Sykes told 4BR: "Helen has been an inspiration to all our players. As a wonderful musician her solo playing has delighted audiences and her leadership has been invaluable."

Helen's final solo performance will be this Sunday 21st June (2.00pm): facebook.com/wantagesilverband

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


NYBBGB

National Youth Band sells out in Halifax

April 25 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain will be joined by the British Army Brass Band for a sell out concert in Halifax this weekend.


bRADOFRD

Bradford boost for Black Dyke Band

April 25 • The Yorkshire champion's involvement in Bradford's celebration as the UK City of Culture on Radio 2 has gained widespread plaudits.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd