The band, under the baton of Jason Glynn, secured its national First Section status in the annual Midlands Regional qualifying contest at Bedworth Civic Hall. A competent rendition of Carnaval Romain received encouraging comments from the adjudicators but saw the band placed 13th of 18. Not quite what we had hoped for but enough to keep the band in the First Section on the basis of results over the preceding two years. This represents the band’s 9th consecutive year in the First Section, which contains a large number of high quality bands, many of which have commercial sponsorship or other financial benefactors. The band now looks forward to a busy summer season of concerts and outdoor events throughout Brackley and the surrounding area.

Brackley Town Hall was the venue for an inaugural New Year Celebration concert held by the band. An enthusiastic audience, which encouragingly filled most of the upper hall, were treated to a short programme of seasonal music to bring in 2011. Good to see so many of the audience in the Band Club for drinks afterwards. An undoubted success and a style of concert we may repeat in the future. Thanks to all who came along. The band now starts preparation for the all important national qualifying contest on the 12th March.

Following an assessment taken last night following the recent heavy snow fall, a reluctant decision has been taken to cancel the annual Christmas Concert, scheduled to take place this evening (Mon 20th Dec),

Untreated roads around the St Peter’s Church venue are heavily affected making access very difficult by car and on foot. Also, many of the band live in the Oxford and Banbury areas where snow falls were even heavier so journeys to Brackley would be unnecessarily hazardous.

The band wishes all our supporters a Happy Christmas and would very much like to see you at our New Year Celebration concert at the Brackley Town Hall. The concert is free admission and starts at 6pm on Sunday 9th Jan.

A much reduced attendance than normal (both band members and participants) braved the heavy snow and freezing temperatures to attend the annual Carol Service outside the Town Hall. A full Programme of singing, supported by the Brackley Jubilee Choir, and entertainment was enjoyed by all present. Proceedings were not helped by trombone slides and tuba valves completely freezing up but the show must (and did) go on.

A small ensemble, made up from members of the band, provided background entertainment and carol singing accompaniment at the Christmas party of the Waynflete Freemasons Lodge. A variety of favourable feedback was received from party attendees regarding the quality of the music. The event was held at Brackley Town Hall where the full band will be performing a New Year concert at 6pm on Sunday 9th January (free admission).

4th with one of our best contesting performances of recent years!

Brackley, playing ‘Prisms’ by Peter Graham came fourth of eighteen bands yesterday at the Leicestershire Brass Band Association contest at Garendon High School in Loughborough. The adjudicator praised the bands ‘rhythmic, exciting and confident’ playing and an enjoyable day was had by all the band and our supporters! Many thanks to all of our ‘dep’ players, especially Zoe who stepped in at the literal last minute to play an extremely tricky percussion part! Next stop the Area, then…

The band again provided the music for the annual Armistice Parade in Brackley town centre. Special mentions for Nick for stepping as conductor at the last minute and Kay for a very sensitive and well played last post.

Bathed in sunshine and encircled by hundreds of people relaxing on a summer Sunday afternoon, Abington Park bandstand provided the venue for an afternoon’s music for all in attendance. A varied programme, ranging from the Strauss to the Beatles, supplied the entertainment for the jugglers, BBQ party goers and rounders players, not to mention the brass band enthusiasts and just those who fancied sitting in the sun for a couple of hours. A very popular job for the author also, being untypically five minutes drive from home. Pleasing that so many people came up afterwards to thank the band for an enjoyable concert.

Charlton village fete again reverberated to the varied repertoire of Brackley Band. Another annual commitment enjoyed by the band and patrons. Held in the (large) rear garden of a village resident, the music provided a subtle background to the sound of tennis matches, hoop-la and felled coconuts. We hope to be invited back again next year as Dave Piper has promised to have a go on the wheeled jousting horse. We will be selling tickets!