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.

This leaves the Band wondering what might have happened if they had been given the chance to compete in the National Finals on the same piece...

With Christmas fast approaching, the Band is dusting off its seasonal repertoire, and adding to it a number of new items for the upcoming Christmas concerts. The first is at Steam, the railway museum, on December 4th, but as ever, the main event is the Band's own Christmas concert. This year the concert is at a different venue, Bath Road Methodist Church. Tickets are available from all the usual places (Band members, Tourist Information, online...) and the Band very much looks forward to seeing you there.

No, not a musical reference, the Band is as tuneful as ever!

As part of the School of Brass promotion activities, the Band played at St Catherine's school fete. Fete's are always a challenge regarding musical selections, but comments from those listening suggested the Band got it right. Ranging from "Caravan" to "Puttin' on the Ritz", every number was a toe tapper, and every number seemed to hit the spot with those attending the fete. The Band's regular Musical Director was otherwise engaged, so the Band called on the services of the previous MD, Steve Armstrong-Watkins. Ever the entertainer, Steve employed the full range of baton, head, crab pincers and thrusts to amuse the Band as much as the audience.

Steve was almost late for the engagement, having driven from his home in the south of the county. He made it all the way to Covingham before picking up nail in his tyre (something sharp, something flat!) and had to pull over and call the Band Chairman for help. Within minutes help was on it's way, and Steve was transported to the fete in time, abandoning his beloved MG at the roadside. But soon the AA arrived to replace his tyre and after a successful concert, Steve was reunited with his car.

The Band would like to thank Steve for his services once again, and look forward to working with him in an entirely different manner at the concert in October. Watch this space for more information...

The Band is fast becoming recognised for the richness of it's tone these days, with hardly an event passing without audience comments to that effect. To demonstrate this, the Band included numbers such as Von Suppe's "Light Cavalry" and Faure's "Pavane"; in the acoustics of St Barnabus, they really were a delight to hear.

However, the Band also took the opportunity to show off individual capabilities too. A number of soloists took to the stage: percussionist Jason Ferris playing Anderson's "Sandpaper Ballet", fetchingly wearing a pink tutu; Ian Williams pulled off the very challenging Euphonium solo "The Old Rustic Bridge" by Doughty and principal cornet Sarah Jannaway floated her dulcet tones around the church as she played Sedaka's "Solitaire". The audience was in for a special treat when Mike Lock, the Band's Musical Director, took out his trumpet, and demonstrated the art of blues as he deftly blew his way through Louis Armstrong's "West End Blues".

The first soloist of the evening was David Williams, making his first appearance as a soloist in front of the Band with Peter Graham's "Catnap". Belying his young age, the Band's newest member played the trombone with a tonal quality and maturity well beyond his years.

David recently moved up into the Band from the School of Brass, a path that many youngsters have previously followed. The Band is currently on a recruitment drive for the training band, and is attending school fetes throughout the summer, and giving potential players the opportunity to hear the Band and to play an instrument themselves. See School of Brass for more details.

Contesting is a funny game. The fate of a band hangs on the opinion of the all powerfull adjudicators on the day, and if they don't agree with the band's interpretation, there's nothing to be done. Playing Eric Ball's "Resurgam", the Band put in a very musical performance, carefully crafted to match the style the composer had in mind. But on the day, those in the box saw fit to place the Band way down the list, instead favouring alternative interpretations. As one independent commentator wrote "Sunday was equally enjoyable, Pegasus putting in a fine performance which I was surprised by their placing, making a very fine sound".

The fact is, the judge's decision is final, and poor though that was, the Band is still placed second in the section. Poetic though it would have been to rise again on a piece entitled "Resurgam", the Band will be all the more determined to gain promotion next year.

Swindon Pegasus Brass were delighted to take part in the Mayor's Charity Concert on Friday night. The Band opened the second half of the concert with the curtain raiser "There's No Business Like Show Business" by Irving Berlin.

To great applause from a packed out Wyvern Theatre the Band continued with Ian Moore's rendition of "Autumn Leaves" followed by Richard Bullock's interpretation of "Live and Let Die". The Band finished off with Duke Ellington's "Caravan", and by the end of the last number the audience was on its feet.

The concert was in aid of the Mayor's Charities; this year's charities are the Prospect Hospice, The Willows Counselling Service and the Calm Trust. Over 500 tickets had been sold before the night, so all the acts taking part were assured of a great reception, none more so than the Band.

Heavy snow fall created a picturesque backdrop at Christ Church, but with temperatures forecast to plumet to minus 10, the decision was taken to cancel the Christmas Concert, for fear of audience members slipping in the treacherous conditions. For those who ventured out on the bitterly cold night, the Band would like to say "thank you".

The previous night saw the Band playing as guests of Wessex Choir at a packed Holy Rood Church. Playing old favourites such as the David Essex hit "A Winter's Tale", Prokofieff's "Troika" and Adolphe Adam's "O Holy Night", the Band also gave it's first public performance of "Rudolph Around the World". Written by Johny Marks and arranged by Darrol Barry, this novelty number adapts the well known "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" tune and gives it several twists, starting with a Japanese theme, then moving on to Switzerland (Die Schneewalzer), Germany (Old Comrades and Under the Double Eagle), Russia (Volga Boatmen) and France (Plaisir d'Amour) before finally landing in America as the theme interweves with "America the Beautiful".

Pegasus Brass wishes you all a happy and prosperous New Year...

The Band played part of its Christmas repertoire at Steam on Sunday, including Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" and Adolphe Adam's "O Holy Night" along with a selection of popular carols and other Christmas music.

The Band continued a busy weekend with two Remembrance Parades again this year. Another grey November's day set the backdrop at the Cenotaph in Swindon, a job which the Band has been privileged to do for many many years (see archive from Swindon Viewpoint in 1983).

In the afternoon the Band headed the parade at Wootton Bassett, pausing for wreath laying at the War Memorial, before continuing on to the Church for the Service of Remembrance. During the service, in which HRH Prince Harry joined members of the congregation laying poppies at the altar, the Band accompanied the hymns and played the National Anthem before leading the parade back down the High Street.

This weekend marks the start of a busy month in the build up to Christmas. With a contest in Weymouth later this month, and many Christmas jobs between now and Christmas, the Band is preparing for it's busiest month of the year. You can hear the Band attheir Christmas Concert at Christchurch on December 18th. Tickets are available online, from any Band Member, and the Tourist Information Office (01793 530 328). The Band's last concert was a sell out, so to avoid disappointment, buy your tickets now...

The Band joined a line-up of the best of Swindon's musical groups, introduced by Heart FM in the build up to the switching on of the Christmas lights at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Village. And for those thinking Christmas is still a way off, the crowds in the East Mall certainly would disagree, as the Band entertained with classics such as Leroy Anderson's "A Christmas Festival" and Prokofieff's "Troika".

Swindon Pegasus Brass, together with Swindon Concert Band and Swindon Male Voice Choir, captivated a packed house at the new St Joseph's Catholic College.

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The Band was honoured again this year to take part in the Swindon Cares concert at Christ Church.

The concert was in aid of Swindon Cares, and was recorded for broadcast on Sunday 18th July. Invited to play for the whole of the second half of the concert, the Band delighted a packed Christ Church with the quality of sound that is now becoming its trademark.

The quality of music making was no more evident than in the Band's rendition of "Pavane"; a sound that was truely delightful. But there was technical competence on display too, with two numbers from Peter Graham's challenging "Windows of the World". In an ever expanding repertoire, the Band included new numbers too: Leroy Anderson's "Sand Paper Ballet" featured percussionist Jason Ferris and the duet "Deep Inside the Sacred Temple" from Bizet's Pearl Fishers showcased the Band's Euphonium section.

Undetered, the Band rehearsed in the village square, as the dep Bass player learnt his solo. Eventually, late into the evening, the Band descended on the only restaurant still open.

The digs were allegedly not far away, not much more than a 5 minute walk. Of course, France being an hour ahead, that meant an hour and 5 minutes (don't forget to add the hour when calculating times abroad!)

The contest started 9am prompt the following day. The Band had chosen to play the cornet solo "Solitaire", followed by the compulsary test piece "Rise of the Pheonix" and closed the performance with "Saints Saens Variations"

The contest also included a march, and in 35 degrees of heat, the Band decided shirt sleeves was the order of the day. Marching through Amboise to "The Thin Red Line", the Band then adopted concert formation to play "Knight Templar", and that concluded the serious part of the weekend.

But before the real relaxation began, and the hospitality of Amboise fully exploited in celebration of receiving a rather nice piece of silverware, the Band played an open air concert, which, much to the delight of the locals, Mike Lock compered entirely in French - it's not often the interludes get as much applause as the performances!

As a few flakes of snow began to fall, the warmth of Christ Church was most welcoming on a bitterly cold winter's evening. A warm welcome also awaited Francis Cowley and members of Swindon Brass as they joined the Band for a landmark concert.

Tightly packed on the Christ Church stage, the combined bands of Swindon played a mixed programme woven with a Christmas theme. Old favourites such as Howards Blake's "Snowman" and John Rutter's "Candlelight Carol" to theme tunes from traditional Christmas films such as the "James Bond Collection".

The first half was conducted by former Musical Director Francis Cowley. Francis was associated with the Band for over 50 years until the early '90s, and this concert marked the renewal of that association as he once again conducted the Band after a break of 18 years. The Band would like to thank Francis, and Swindon Brass, for making the evening such a success. Check the gallery for more pictures of the evening.

The concert also featured the Band's own training band, the Swindon School of Brass, who continued the Christmas theme with numbers including "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town", and the whole evening was compered by Shirley Ludford. Shirley is a regular presenter on Swindon 105.5, and the concert was recorded again this year for broadcast on Christmas Day. So, if you missed the concert, or just simply want to enjoy it again, tune into Swindon 105.5 on Christmas morning.

Radio 105.5 presenter Martin Upfold gave a resume of the Band, reminding the audience that the Pegasus Brass lineage could be traced back to the Great Western Railway, and that St Mark's, in the centre of the Railway Village, was a fitting venue.

The evening had a film theme; some obvious, like the themes from Star Wars, The Incredibles and Pirates of the Caribbean, to the really obscure, such as Amazing Grace, which could apparently be heard as a background track in one scene in an episode of Star Trek.

The programme included the sultry Flugel solo "Misty", the moving Euphonium solo "Benedictus", and the foot tapping "Sing Sing Sing". As regular audience members will know, an evening with Swindon Pegasus Brass is always guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Interupted briefly only by a Hercules fly-past, the band closed the Armed Forces Day celebrations at Faringdon Road Park. As the sun blazed down, the Band played many war time greats including a medley of Glen Miller numbers, Keep Smiling Through and A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square.

As the crowds gathered, Radio 105.5 presenter Shirley Ludford gave the Band a great introduction, and also reminded those listening that the Band could be heard again at Swindon's Queens Park the following day.

As the glorious summer weather continued, the Band once again entertained the crowds with a range of music from films, musicals and the classics. A wonderful end to a fantastic weekend - British summer at its best.

Swindon Pegasus Training Band, The Swindon School of Brass, held an Open Day on Saturday 26th April and managed to attract a new clutch of players.

The afternoon was a great success, and the following rehearsal saw several new cornet players, a new horn player and a new trombone player join the ranks.

As ever, School of Brass is open to all standards; some of its newest recruits had never played before, some were already having lessons, and some just obviously had "the gift".

If you missed the event, but are still interested in joining, please get in touch, or just come along on a Wednesday evening. With free instruments, and free lessons for the first term, there are no expensive instruments to buy or rent, so why not give it a try? For more information, see Swindon School of Brass

Members of School of Brass rehearsing

Drawn number 13, the day did not start well for those of a superstitious nature; the Band, on the other hand, got off to a flying start.

This year's Area test piece, Pentacle, commenced with a movement called "Earth", and the adjudicators really liked the Band's interpretation. The old adage that a contest is won or lost in the first few bars clearly didn't hold true this time though, and although the Band was pleased with the way the rest of the piece went, the adjudicators saw fit to place the band 11th overall.

Generally acknowledged as another milestone for the Band, and, whilst not quite a return to contest form, it's highest place for 3 years.

The Band now turns its attention to the concert season, and is currently planning a joint concert with Swindon Brass. Swindon Brass is conducted by former Pegasus Musical Director Francis Cowley - several of the current Band still remain from Fran's days at the helm. As soon as details are finalised, they will be released here first...

Following Steve's departure, to focus on his business, the Band is delighted that Paul Uzzell has stepped up to take over as Musical Director. Paul, a former player with the Band, who has played with other bands including Aldbourne and Jaguar during his musical career, initially offered to keep things ticking over whilst the Band recruited a new MD, but has now agreed to take the Band to Torquay and beyond.

This year's test piece is called Pentacle, and comprises 5 movements: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water and Quintessence. The "five" theme doesn't stop there, with groups of five (quintuplets) featuring throughout the piece.

Unfortunately Paul's spell at the helm will be relatively short-lived, and the Band will be seeking a new MD ahead of next year's Area, so if you are interested in the role, or would like further information, please contact info@swindonpegasus.com

The Band was hoping that the economic gloom didn't affect the Town's generosity over the Christmas period, and that Santa's Band would be rewarded for it's hard work. Well, they need not have worried, for this year's collections have beaten last, and as a result, nearly £2,500 will be going to NSPCC through reciprocal funding.

The Band would like to thank all those who gave so generously, and to all those businesses who allowed collections on their property.

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The Band got Christmas off to rousing start with its annual Christmas Concert. A near full house was treated to a mix of traditional Christmas numbers interspersed with classic and popular music. Opening with Leroy Anderson's "A Christmas Festival", the Band worked through a programme including the Euphonium duet "Deep Inside the Sacred Temple", "Troika" and "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas".

Guests this year included Allanah Skuse with her beautiful rendition of "Away in a Manger" and Swindon School of Brass, who included "Little Drummer Boy" featuring the Youth Band's percussion section..

The Band was also joined by Ten in a Bar, who famously "don't do Christmas", but still managed a hilarious version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas", and other numbers including two joint numbers with the Band; "The Prayer" and "Pie Jesu".

If you missed the concert, there will be another opportunity to hear it, as it will be broadcast on Christmas Day on Swindon's community radio Swindon 105.5.

Finally, the Band would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

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The band promised a festival of music, and provided a veritable musical feast. From the opening chord of "The Jaguar" to the final chord of "Pomp and Circumstance", Pegasus and guests thrilled a very appreciative audience.

Steve Armstrong-Watkins and the band would like to thank Lynn Hawkins, Mike Lock and the Swindon Concert Band, SYM Young Voices, Shirley Ludford, and all those who helped raise money for the Prospect Hospice by attending the gala evening.

As the band entertained a good crowd at the Wyvern Theatre with a centenary flavour to its annual Proms Concert, a surprise turn of events happened. An audience member made himself known during the interval, holding a folder full of old band photographs.

The gentleman was Trevor Wilkins, great grandson of Sidney Wilkins, who was a founder member of the band. Trevor’s father, Sydney George Wilkins, who also played in the band, was conductor of the band in the 1950s.

As well as the pictures, Trevor was also holding a roll of tissue paper containing a ceremonial baton that was presented to the band around the time of the First World War.

Full story

Swindon Pegasus Brass has recently discovered that it is older than it previously thought. Until a few weeks ago it was thought that the band formed in 1912, making it 95 years old. However, whilst researching his family tree, soprano player Paul Mundy found an article from the Swindon Evening Advertiser from 1928, stating that the band had been formed over 20 years earlier.

The article covered a competition in which the then named GWR (Swindon) Social and Educational Union Silver Band competed.