History
The origins of the Band go back 90 years to the St James Mission Church Band, which was established in 1921. The urge to compete saw the band set up on its own in 1930 as the Bath Spa Imperial Band. "Imperial" was dropped from the title in 1968.
By 1939 the Band was firmly established on the local scene but was disbanded for the duration of the war. Fortunately, unlike many other fine bands, the players managed to get together again and were soon back in business attired in an outfit derived from surplus Special Constables' uniforms. Images from these early days can be found in our photo gallery.
The Band Today
Although a non-profit making organisation and with no professional players, the instrumental standards expected are high.
As well as performing in regular concerts throughout the year, the band also competes in brass band contests. The band is currently in the Second Section of the National Brass Band Registry of Great Britain.
Our competitions are usually in the west country, in Weymouth, Torquay and Weston-Super-Mare, but we have also competed in Wychavon and Harrogate in recent years.
The band has been working with Dave Hayward since 2007 to improve the general standard of the band. This partnership has already been a resounding success with a couple of contesting prizes and a trip to the National Finals to our name. We look forward to building on these successes into the future.
In 2008 we went to the National Finals in Harrogate, and played in a prestigious concert at the Forum in Bath, sharing a stage with Foden's Band and Bath Philharmonia.
In 2006 the band recorded a CD containing a varied programme of marches, brass band classics, film music and pop songs. Please contact us to order your copy.
The Band Calendar includes many engagements each year being particularly busy during the summer months and around Christmas. The wide musical repertoire includes not only 'popular' pieces for easy listening but also complex compositions for contest work. Musically the band embraces well-loved foot-tapping marches and traditional classics through to music from film and stage, and other popular tunes.
Training Band
In 1987 a Training Band was set up on the inspiration of the then Musical Director, Tim Body. One of the objectives was to sustain the strength of the main band by ensuring a steady influx of 'home grown' talent from the Training band. Players of all ages and playing abilities can gain experience and find their musical feet before joining the main band. The training band is currently led by Rachel Jennings, and plays at a selection of different concerts throughout the year.
See the Training Band page for more information.