Friary Brass Band

Welcome to Friary Diary issue 90 - a monthly round up of news about the Friary Brass Band. GODALMING BANDSTAND CONCERT: September started with a very welcome return to Godalming bandstandfor a prom concert together with Godalming Rock Choir. It’s a wonderful setting, and the weather was kind. An enthusiastic audience with flags, and children with giant bubbles aided the prom atmosphere. Rock Choir took to the stage for the first half, with a programme including favourites s

The first Saturday in September saw Friary return to one of its best-liked venues, Godalming bandstand, for a prom concert together with Godalming Rock Choir. It’s a wonderful setting, and the weather was kind. An enthusiastic audience with flags, and children with giant bubbles aided the prom atmosphere. Rock Choir took to the stage for the first half, with a programme including favourites such as James Bay’s Hold Back the River; Take That’s Shine; the late lamented Meatloaf

Friary has bid a fond farewell to long-standing member Alex Sears, a key player on baritone and latterly tenor horn for nearly 20 years. She was also the Band’s Contest Secretary and an integral member of the Management Team for many years. Alex plans to take a break from full-time banding, before finding a band to join with her husband Paddy who has also provided logistical support to Friary on many occasions. Band Chairman David Wicks acknowledged Alex’s immense contributio

Former RAF Central Band bass player David Stokes has landed at Friary. David is a highly experienced tuba player who has played with a number of leading bands in the Midlands, London and South of England. His musical roots are with The Salvation Army and he was for many years a member of the renowned Chalk Farm Band. Upon leaving full time education he joined Royal Air Force Music Services and was a member of the Royal Air Force Central Band for 12 years. During this time he