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History
The origins of the Band go back over 80 years to the St James Mission
Church Band established in 1921 but 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.
Currently the band is in the Third Section of the National Brass Band
Registry of Great Britain and in the First Section of the Wessex area.
Over the last few years, the band has worked with a number of professional conductors
from the local area. More recently, we have been working with Dave Hayward 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.
The
Band and the Community
The Band plays its part in promoting the City's name on tours to
Bath's twin city in Holland, Alkmaar. It has also played at the
Bath Festival and at the Jose Carreras and Kiri te Kanawa concerts
in front of the Royal Crescent.
The Band can
also be found playing for audiences in the parks and gardens, for
local churches, retirement homes. Concerts at the MENCAP centre in
Twerton are also a regular feature in the Band's calendar.
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