History
The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Bands was formed in July 1980 by Angela Lowe, using instruments from the old Radstock Silver Band held by the trustees, £400 from the Midsomer Norton Band held in trust and a further £600 grant from the Local Council. The money was used to overhaul the instruments. Fourteen people turned up for the first rehearsal and as this was not enough to form a full band, Angela decided to start teaching learners.
Angela was born into a non-musical family and began her musical career at the age of ten, playing the cornet with the Shepton Mallet Town Band. In 1973 she took up the post of Principal Cornet for Mere Manor Brass and she remained here until founding the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band.
Her boundless enthusiasm drove forward the band, which went from strength to strength and as well as her involvement with the Band she was also a well-respected local brass teacher. She taught brass in local schools and started a band at Fosseway Special School using old instruments belonging to the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band. Sadly Angela passed away on 23rd May 2003, but the Band has continued to thrive since then.
Since 2003 the Band has had 4 conductors all of whom have helped to develop the band in their own individual ways. From 2003 until 2004 Keith Haines conducted the band, until he left due to work commitments, he was followed by Stewart Lewins who remained with the band until he moved away in 2007. Rupert Bond then led the band for 6 months in 2008 until he too moved out of the area and in June 2008 Colin Cunliffe was appointed Musical Director of the Band. Unfortunately at the end of April 2010 Colin resigned from his position due to ill health. In June 2010 Jo Sykes took over the position of MD.
In November 2011 the band entered the fourth section of the SWBBA 65th Annual Championship and came second winng the Newcombe Cup.
Added by admin January 21, 2011 (6:37PM)
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