Friary Diary - Issue 122 - April 2025

Welcome to Friary Diary issue 122 - a monthly round up of news about the Friary Brass Band.

GRAND SHIELD OPEN REHEARSAL:

After the disappointing result at Stevenage, Friary is looking to bounce back in the Grand Shield contest at the British Open Spring Festival on Saturday 10th May at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.  The test piece is Edward Gregson’s Dances and Arias, originally commissioned for the National Championships of Great Britain in 1984 and dedicated to the composer’s brother and sister.  Professor Gregson will celebrate his 80th birthday this year.

Our aim will be to secure one of the top two places which would earn Friary entry to the British Open, a long-held ambition.  It’s a tough task:  the Grand Shield is arguably one of the most difficult contests in which to win promotion.

As is our custom with major contests, we are opening the doors of Chertsey Hall KT19 9DR for an open rehearsal next Wednesday, 7th May at 8.00pm.  Do come along if you can and listen as we put the finishing touches to our performance.

SUMMER SERENADE CONCERT, GREAT BOOKHAM:

We are delighted to be returning again to St Nicolas Church, Bookham KT23 3PG, this time for A Summer Serenade concert on Saturday 7th June at 7.30pm    Both our previous two concerts there were sold out in advance, so do book early to avoid disappointment.  For tickets, please visit this link   (Prices:  Adults £16;  Concessions for those in full time education £8).

RANKING NEWS:

4barsrest.com updated their world rankings table in the last week, with Friary slipping 10 places to 43rd following the disappointing result in the Regional Championships.  In the brassstats.com table, Friary slipped to 38th  following their update on 1st April.  Now to get back to the top 30 …