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