Gala Concert to celebrate Centenary

This year Northampton Concert Band are celebrating our centenary. Formed in 1919 by a group of ex-servicemen who wished to continue their musical interests in civilian life. The band was originally called the Northamptonshire Comrades of the Great War and were locally known as the 'Merry Comrades Band'. In 1976 the name was changed to the Northampton Concert Band to reflect the increase in membership of younger musicians and the wider repertoire of music played.

Today the band is stronger than ever with over 50 members under the baton of local maestro Graham Tear (64), who has been an educator of music in Northampton for all his adult life. 

To celebrate this milestone we are performing a concert of music that reflects our musical history. 

Graham Tear said, "The band has so much music in its library it was difficult to decide which items to include. We've all had a say in what we should play. Some choices reflect the eras of the band under different conductors and their favourite pieces. My personal choice is 'Thames Journey' by Nigel Hess, which was one of the first items I purchased for the band when I took over the batton in 2015."

As well as performing famous band pieces, like the 'Dam Busters March', we have also commissioned a new piece for our centenary by Daniel Basford. Entitled 'A Northampton Prelude', the piece will have its world premiere at the Gala Concert on the 23rd March.

The evening will be compered by BBC Radio Northampton's Anna Murby at Abington Avenue United Reformed Church at 7:30pm on Saturday 23rd March. Visit our Tickets page for more information and to get your tickets.

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New Year - New Musical Opportunity

It's that time of year when you decide to make a change in your life. We'll if that change is playing that old instrument of yours then we have a brilliant opportunity for you.

This year Northampton Concert Band will be celebrating their centenary year with a Gala concert on Saturday 23rd March at Abington Avenue United Reformed Church, and this could be your opportunity to join us at our weekly rehearsals leading up to the event.

Ideally, we are looking for grade 6 and above, though if you're rusty or are determined to improve you're also welcome.

We are particularly keen to find more :

• Trumpets/Cornets
• Trombones
• Tuba
• Alto Clarinet
• String Bass
• Percussionists (percussion instruments provided)

For more information about joining us read our Join Us page or contact members.ncb@gmail.com.

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Twas the Night Before Christmas

Join Northampton Concert Band for a special performance of 'The Night Before Christmas'

Becky and Mark

Following the success of last years performance of Tubby the Tuba, narrated by Mark Woodham. Mark has been invited, with his wife Becky, to narrate The Night Before Christmas, the famous poem by Clement C Moore with a musical setting by Randol Alan Bass.
Featuring the whole band, the story of a surprise visit from Saint Nicolas with his sleigh and eight reindeer.

Mark, and Becky, who are members of the Northampton Musical Theatre Company, said, "This is more of a challenge than last years Tubby the Tuba; the timing of the dialog with the music needs to be just right."
Becky said, "I was delighted Graham asked us to help bring this magical poem to life."

The programme will also feature music from the animated adaption of Raymond Brigg's 1978 picture book: The Snowman, which celebrates it 40th anniversary this year.
This arrangement of Howard Blake's music includes the Piano Introduction, Music Box Dance, Motorcycle Gallop, Walking in the Air and Dance of the Snowmen.

Other music includes a popular selection of songs from Mary Poppins, the theme from The Incredibles, music from Disney's Aladdin, White Christmas, The Christmas Song, Let the Bells Ring, Christmas Swing-along, And Nigel Hess' A Christmas Overture.

Tickets are available from our website or by calling Rachel on 07561 390099

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We Will Remember Them

‘WE WILL REMEMBER THEM’ 
100 years ARMISTICE ANNIVERSARY
with ACT OF REMEMBRANCE

SATURDAY 10th NOVEMBER 2018
Reception @ 6.30pm
Performance @ 7.30pm
with
NORTHAMPTON CONCERT BAND

Tickets: All Admissions £11.00 U/16 £6.00

Tel: 01604 754 782
or
Post your booking to
JOHN KIGHTLEY
22 LYNCREST AVENUE
NORTHAMPTON
NN5 5PE
 complete with stamped addressed envelope please
or
Email: crusader.round@btinternet.com

Please make cheques payable to Holy Sepulchre Restoration Trust 
Thank You

Northampton Concert Band are proud to be performing at the annual remembrance concert at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Northampton.
Music will include: Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines, Colonel Bogey, Dancing through the Years, Nimrod, Elegy on the RAF March Past, Pomp and Circumstance No.4, Songs of the Great War, At the close of the Day/Last post, Calling All Workers, Coronation Scot, Scramble! and more.

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Bands in the Park - 2018

'Bands in the Park', hosted Northampton Brough Council, returns from Sunday 1st April and runs until September 16th at the Victorian bandstand in Abington Park, Northampton
Come and enjoy traditional music from a large mix of bands in the beautiful and relaxed surroundings of Abington Park.

Northampton Concert Band will be performing in the park on Bank Holiday Monday 28th May from 2 -5pm

Our programme will be varied including:
A rousing march of The Liberty Bell.
A tribute to Michael Jackson.
Songs from Broadway shows such as Fiddler on the Roof and Hairspray.
Disney's Aladdin.
The popular classic, the Gold and Silver Waltz,
Film theme music from The Great Escape and The Magnificent Seven.
Novelty numbers; Mah-na Mah-na, Cornet Carillion, and Can-Can a-la Rossini. 
And much more!
With the afternoon finishing with a patriotic flourish of Land of Hope and Glory and Last Post and Sunset.

Bring a picnic and good weather.

For a full list of performers visit https://www.northampton.gov.uk/bandsinthepark

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