Welcome to Friary Diary issue 49 - a one page monthly round up of news about the Friary Brass Band.
MAYOR OF FARNHAM'S CONCERT:
The Band was delighted to be invited to play in the Mayor of Farnham’s fundraising concert at Weydon School’s magnificent Medici Theatre on 9th February.
The evening started with the young players of the Farnham Taiko Club showing their skill on the drums: a great feat of rhythm, memory and energy. They then provided the ideal accompaniment to the Band for We Will Rock You before leaving the stage to rapturous applause.
Friary then took centre stage for its first set, starting with Where Eagles Sing and For the Love of a Princess before Lauren Straker’s beautifully played flugel solo, You’ve Got a Friend. After a selection from the musical Wicked! it was time for the Farnham Guildford and Godalming Rock Choir to close the first half, starting with Don’t Stop Me Now sung with Friary’s accompaniment. Their set certainly got most feet tapping.
The Rock Choir opened the second half before Friary returned with the remainder of their Butlin’s programme. This again featured a stunning trombone solo performance of Thoughts of Love by Izzi Daws before it was time for the traditional Last Night of the Proms favourites, Fantasy on British Sea Songs, Jerusalem and Pomp & Circumstance March No. 1, with full audience participation, including energetic flag-waving. The encore I Wanna Dance with Somebody brought a highly successful and memorable evening to a suitably rousing conclusion.
We are deeply grateful to the Mayor of Farnham for inviting the Band to be part of the occasion.
HONOUR FOR PHIL GERMAN:
Our long-serving bass player Philip German was honoured recently with a Services to Farnham Award, for his exceptional service to scouting in the town. Philip has been District Commissioner for Farnham Scouts for the past eight years, having been Chairman of the Scout District Executive Committee for many years previously. Under his leadership, the numbers of scouting youngsters and leaders have risen, along with improvements in welfare, training and morale. Working together with a dedicated team of volunteers and supporters, Philip will leave a lasting legacy for Farnham with a rejuvenated Garner’s Field Activity Centre, following a major fundraising campaign which included the Mayor’s concert mentioned above.
Warmest congratulations to Philip on this richly deserved Award.
RANKING NEWS:
Friary remains 23rd in the World Rankings – next update due after the Regional Championships in March.
REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS:
As you’ll see from the calendar, our next engagement is a trip to Stevenage on 17th March, to defend our Regional Champion Band title. Preparatory work on Ray Steadman-Allen’s Seascapes is in full swing, which will be adjudicated by Dr Robert Childs and Michael Fowles. We are hoping to retain the title for the fifth year in succession, but are all too well aware that the competition will be fierce. Wish us luck, please!
Please visit our calendar page here to view our forthcoming events