Christmas is always a busy time for the Band. Last week the Band was at Steam, and next week sees the Band as guests of the Wessex Choir at Holy Rood Church.

Of course, the main event is the Band's Annual Christmas Concert, which this year took place at Bath Road Methodist Church. Joined by the angelic voices of the JTP Trust Choir, the Band played old favourites such as "O Holy Night" and John Rutter's "Shepherd's Pipe Carol" alongside Darrol Barry's quirky "Rudolph around the World", first heard last year. However, judging by the audience's response, most popular was Craig Broadhurst's rendition of "Frosty the Snowman". Craig demonstrated his mastery of the Bass Trombone by using the full range of the instrument in the challenging piece which culminates in a cadenza covering more than four octaves. And the crowd loved it!

The concert also saw Swindon School of Brass take to the stage for the first time since its relaunch on Saturday mornings. The youngsters played a number of traditional Christmas pieces. See School of Brass for more information about the training band.

The Band was also delighted to welcome Fran Cowley as guest condutor. Fran has a long history with the Band, and he was invited to share the conducting with Mike Lock. Many of the Band were taught by Fran as youngsters, and one of his former pupils, Rob Marsh, presented him with a bottle of his favourite tipple as a thank you for his appearance as guest conductor.

If you were unlucky and missed the Band, there is another chance to hear them again at Holy Rood next Friday.