Stratford Concert Band’s plays at the Play House this Saturday in celebration of its 50th anniversary

Stratford Concert Band is giving a celebratory concert to mark its 50th Anniversary this year this Saturday (8th June) at the Stratford Play House at 7.30pm, writes Pauline Marshall.

The band’s origins stretch back to 1974. At that time it was the South Warwickshire Schools Wind Band but in 1977, when the economic axe fell on music in schools, the Stratford upon Avon Wind Bands Association was formed and the band became independent and now boasts Stratford Concert Band as its performing band.

The band supports civic occasions; it has been part of the Shakespeare Birthday celebrations in April, plays each year at the Remembrance Gardens on Remembrance Sunday and has also been invited to play on several occasions when Royalty visited Stratford-upon-Avon.

Musical Director, Jonathan Earle has been a member almost from the start when he joined as a very young flautist! He believes that music is a wonderful way of bringing people together and in his own words; “Making music is a celebration and a way of communicating and sharing emotions.”

The band’s members come from many walks of life and with varying experience, some having taken music up more recently while many have music degrees and are very involved in music education and performance in Warwickshire.

With the instrumentation of a typical concert band of woodwind, brass and percussion, the band’s repertoire covers a wide selection of styles including selections from popular films and musicals, light classical arrangements and original works for concert band. The concert this Saturday will be a lively performance of many well known pieces, from Queen to Gilbert and Sullivan, Beauty and the Beast to the Dambusters March and the quieter Hallelujah - something to suit all tastes and all the family! Advance tickets at £10 (under 16s £5) are available from the Playhouse online, by telephone (01789 333990) or from the box office at the theatre, 14 Rother Street, Stratford. On the day they will be Adults £12, under 16s £5.

Do come to join us and help celebrate the band’s achievements!