*
banner

Double Cornish Cream to enjoy 40th anniversary concert

The 1983 and 2023 Cornish Youth Bands will come together for a special celebration event later this month.

cORNWALL yOUTH bAND
  The current and past youth band members will come together for a massed band finale

2023 marks the 40th anniversary of a milestone event in the history of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band.

In 1983, under the guidance of the late Albert Chappell, they entered and subsequently won the National Music for Youth competition at the Royal Festival Hall. It led to the band performing at the final night of the Schools Prom at the Royal Albert Hall later that year.

Time and place

To celebrate the achievement and to support the resurgence of the present band, members of the 'Band of '83' are joining forces to for a special performance on Friday 29th December (7.00pm) at Camborne Wesley Chapel (TR14 8EG).

The concert which will conducted by Leonard Adams, who was a cornet tutor for the 1983 band, will include a reprise of 'Stage Centre' and 'The James Bond Connection', two of the pieces by Cornish composer Goff Richards the band played at the event.

Alumni

Many of the 1983 alumni have gone on to enjoy wonderful musical careers — either professionally or within the brass band movement. These include the top three solo cornets from 40 years ago: Paul Richards (now soprano with Flowers Band), Mark David (Head of Brass at the Royal Academy of Music) and Ed Collins (professional session trumpet player)

Others such John Hitchens and Paul Bilkey who have also made a mark on the banding world will be performing, although professional engagements mean that Byron Fulcher (Principal Trombone with the Philharmonia Orchestra), Nick Hitchens (Tuba with the English National Opera) and Graham Sibley (Director of Orchestra Operations of the CBSO) will be there in musical spirit.

The evening will first feature the current Cornwall Youth Band under the direction of David Johnson, followed by the 'Band of 83' and concluding with a great massed band finale4BR

Talent

Speaking about the event, Jemery Squibb, who himself played soprano with the 1983 band said: "Looking back it is incredible to see the musical talent that was part of the band.

The evening will first feature the current Cornwall Youth Band under the direction of David Johnson, followed by the 'Band of '83' and concluding with a great massed band finale.

Jeremy added: "We would love to welcome as many people as possible — and especially those who may no longer play but still have the fondest of memories of their time with the band.

And if they want to dust off their instrument and join us — we would be thrilled!"

Get in touch

Any players who performed at either the Royal Festival Hall or the Royal Albert Hall with the band are encouraged to contact Jeremy Squibb at: jeremy.squibb@gmail.com or Steve Wearne at: skwearne@gmail.com

The recording of the band's performance of 'The James Bond Connection' can still be enjoyed at: https://youtu.be/z0fw8Pf-Z1k?si=uXhFjsOfAgi2NnhX

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    


Cumbria

Youth places up for grabs in Cumbria

July 23 • There are still places to be filled for a cracking youth led course at Sedburgh School next month.


Riverside Youth Band

Warm welcome and hot playing for Riverside Youth

July 23 • Young players wishing to take their first steps on their banding journey are being encouraged to give things a buzz with Riverside Youth Band.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

July 23 • From ABBA to Slavonic Dance over the airwaves with Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge this weekend.


Rodney Newton

80th birthday concert celebration for Newton

July 19 • Rodney Newton will enjoy a musical celebration of his birthday this weekend in Cambridge.


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 23 • Moving to the West Midlands this autumn or fancy a change of bandroom scenery? . The band are looking to recruit a 2nd Euphonium and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 23 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Tewit Silver Band

July 23 • Tewit Silver Band is looking for a talented and committed Solo Cornet player to join our dedicated team as we build towards the Scottish Open 25 and beyond. Based in Huby- between Leeds, Bradford, and Harrogate, 5 mins walk from Weeton Station.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd