Band News 2003

News Flash: CPB raises £1677 at the December Christmas Charity Concert. Click for review
.Band Newsletters
Spring (3) - Summer (4) - Autumn (5) - Winter (6)
Picture Galleries
Hove - Hever Castle - Norton - Herne Bay - Fort William - Greenwich - Xmas Gala Concert
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​After the annual Epiphany concert at St Michael's Church, Sydenham the band continued with their 2003/4 Contest Season. Various members of the band participated in the 110th SCABA Quartet/Ensemble contest on 16th February at Lewes. Three ensembles took part, playing arrangements of Weber’s ‘Euryanthe’, Mozart’s ‘Cosi Fan Tutti’ and Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’. The results were:
1st Section Quartets, 4th place; Open Section Quartets, 2nd place; Section "A" Ensembles, 2nd place.

The band consolidated its position in the National Second Section with 7th place at the Stevenage Area contest on 15th March.

At the SCABA Contest at Hove on 13th April, a good performance resulted in a disappointing equal 5th place for the March and 6th place for the Test Piece.  For pictures, click here.

In April the summer season began with a performance in Canterbury, at the Dane John Bandstand. It was well-attended and surprisingly warm! This occasion was also the premiere of the Band's display board. Designed to notify listeners of future engagements and provide a little background information on CPB, it contains a leaflet dispenser and has so far proved to be a great success. The board was kindly donated to the Band by the Props Department at ITV's 'The Bill' (thanks, Dave!), where it previously advertised 'Halal meat and tropical fish' in one episode! A little redesigning and it was as good as new - ready for another starring role.

In May it was back to business with our Spring Concert on 17 May at St John's Church, Penge, and a chance to entertain our regular supporters in South London. Golders Hill Park Bandstand in Hampstead Heath was another sunny day, and a good opportunity to try out some new pieces . The front row cornet section gave a superb performance at Canbury Gardens, Kingston, under difficult circumstances - but it was yet another gorgeous day, and the sunshine drew an enthusiastic crowd.

The Band was fortunate to have fantastic weather again for Hever Castle on June 29, and enjoyed a picnic beforehand (pix) - no-one got lost in the maze at half time, and most people remembered to apply their sun cream.

July proved to be another busy month for the band. The Old Coulsdon Village Fair on the 12th was scorching, and the Band kicked off their programme with 'The Great Escape' - rather apt considering the heavy traffic delays! The fair's sixties-theme was reflected in the choice of music, with Roger Clements and Ian Whittaker standing in for conductor Mike Gray.

Then it was over to Norton, near Sittingbourne, for St Mary's Church Flower Festival. Built in 1089 in a secluded orchard, the church was host to an amazing display of flower arrangements. Previous CPB Secretary, Paul Newman, had booked the Band and thoroughly enjoyed hearing us again - and then it was off to the pub to cool down! (Pix) What a complete contrast to the weather at Broadstairs. Nigel Waites valiantly battled on through his debut soprano cornet solo with the band as he got soaked - but sadly the job was abandoned. A band cannot play as their music runs off the page!

The Band summer trip this year was to Fort William in August and a good time was had by all.
Click for Maggie's report.and the Tour Awards