Summer Showcase

What a marvellous annual Summer Showcase we had! Our beginners performed 'We Will Rock You' with the Openband and received their 'Learn to Play Brass' stage one graduation certificates. Pictured below. Openband performed a few numbers they had been working on throughout the year. A selection of our developing players performed, solos, duets and trios, including a pianist, vocalist and even a world premier jazz trio combo.

There was a surprise presentation for our retiring brass education expert and Openband MD, David Rose. We thank him immensely for everything he has done and wish him well for his future 'free time'. Finally, the senior band entertained us all during the second half, with some of their Summer season repertoire. All in all, a great night of music making.

Thanks go to Emma (principal horn) and Kate (principal Trombone) who are fast becoming queens of the raffle for their contribution at the Summer Showcase - not easy when you have to play as well!

A Fond Farewell

David Rose, the driving force behind our beginner and Open Bands has decided that he would like to enjoy his retirement a little more and we are saddened to say he is stepping down from the band this Summer. He will be sorely missed, the amount of work required to maintain and run two bands as well as his commitment to recruiting and retaining new players takes more time than just rehearsing a ‘few hours’ a week and in his new found ‘freedom’ he will continue to run, walk throughout the country and also continue to learn Welsh.

Round up

Summer is well underway and since the last Grace notes we have played at Clifton Reynes Fete, Olney Cherry Fayre and our annual trip on the back of a lorry at the Newport Carnival.

Welcome

After a successful trial and some splendid playing at some of our summer engagements, the Senior band is delighted to announce that Neil Addison has been appointed as our new principal Euphonium player. Neil has recently moved to the area from London where he was principal Euphonium of Regent Community Brass - he was keen to join a local band to avoid commuting to and from London.

LOVAT FIELDS - A New Home

Olney Brass are moving - after a few months of searching we would like to announce that the band will be moving rehearsals to the Lovat Fields site at 128, Japonica Lane, Milton Keynes MK15 9EE as of 15th July 2025. This will give us the opportunity for all three bands to rehearse on the same night using the same facilities. It is hoped that this will give us greater communication between our family of bands and also to integrate socially and musically with members, family and friends.

Ex - players |Open Rehearsal

Following the 50th Anniversary Concert some former members suggested it might be good to gather ogether and ‘have a blow’. So if you fancy dusting off your instrument and coming along to a ehearsal or just turning up to listen and socialise with the band at our new home (see above) we’d be delighted to welcome you on Tuesday 29th July.