Welcome to the Crystal Palace Band History Pages
Crystal Palace Band was founded as the Upper Norwood Temperance Prize Band by the Upper Norwood Temperance Society in 1901, and lived up to its name in its first year by securing prizes at all three contests it entered. Over time it became closely linked with the Crystal Palace and played there for many years. After the First World War. permission was granted in 1924 by the Crystal Palace Company to change the name to "The Crystal Palace Band". Read an article from the The British Bandsman dated 12th January 1902.
In 1936 the band's close association with the Crystal Palace Company came to an end when the Crystal Palace burned down. Until 1936 the National Brass band Championships were held at the Crystal Palace with the band winning the Grand Shield (Second Section) Twice in the 1920's. The band reached a peak during the 1930's as a Championship Section Band under the baton of Dr Denis Wright, the well-known composer, arranger and conductor.
Crystal Palace Band in the 1960's
After the Second World War the band's fortunes gradually declined as membership dwindled. At one time in the 1970's there were only a handful of players left, but the band kept going with the determined efforts of a few die-hards Today there are over 30 playing members in the main band with a thriving 'Progress Band' as well. The band's resurgence in fortunes can be measured by their extensive summer bandstand programme under the enthusiastic musical direction of Michael Gray. This reflects the relatively low turnover of players, and the popularity of the annual band trips!
In 1996 the band received an extra boost after being awarded lottery funding from the Arts Council for England which, together with its own funds, enabled the purchase of a whole new set of band instruments. Further internal investment in the band has followed since then with the acquisition of new timpani in 2003, new banners in 2001 and new uniforms in 1997 which means that the band not only sounds the part but looks the part too!
CPB has performed at numerous venues over the years including Royal Parks, seaside bandstands, concert halls, carnivals, shows, BBC Radio and has even recorded a soundtrack for a film. The band has also made numerous successful trips to Europe including concerts in Belgium. Holland, Germany, France and Switzerland.
In the band's centenary year (2001) over £1,800 was raised for St Christopher's Hospice via two concerts at St John's Church, Penge and a Gala Centenary Concert at Ravensbourne School in Bromley (concert review). The Band has continued to support the Hospice for most of the years since and the total raised is now over £10,000.
For the future, the band is looking forward to improving musical performances, further contest successes and continued involvement with the local area. One particular aim will be to find and acquire a permanent rehearsal room for the band so that it can continue to provide musical entertainment.
In 1996 the band received an extra boost after being awarded lottery funding from the Arts Council for England which, together with its own funds, enabled the purchase of a whole new set of band instruments. Further internal investment in the band has followed since then with the acquisition of new timpani in 2003, new banners in 2001 and new uniforms in 1997 which means that the band not only sounds the part but looks the part too!
CPB has performed at numerous venues over the years including Royal Parks, seaside bandstands, concert halls, carnivals, shows, BBC Radio and has even recorded a soundtrack for a film. The band has also made numerous successful trips to Europe including concerts in Belgium. Holland, Germany, France and Switzerland.
In the band's centenary year (2001) over £1,800 was raised for St Christopher's Hospice via two concerts at St John's Church, Penge and a Gala Centenary Concert at Ravensbourne School in Bromley (concert review). The Band has continued to support the Hospice for most of the years since and the total raised is now over £10,000.
For the future, the band is looking forward to improving musical performances, further contest successes and continued involvement with the local area. One particular aim will be to find and acquire a permanent rehearsal room for the band so that it can continue to provide musical entertainment.
