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.Swindon
Pegasus Brass Band Society
..Registered
Charity 1039531 |
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| June
2010 |
Another
top three finish for the Band |
The Band was awarded third place at the 2010 French Open
in Amboise, France.
June saw the Band head off to France to compete in the
French Open. Any trip that starts at 3am with a 15 hour
coach journey can be relied upon to have its share of spills,
and this trip was no different. Starting the night before,
two players withdrew. On the morning a lost passport meant
a delayed start, in turn leading to a missed ferry. Paris
then held the Band up further with the worst traffic jams
for 3 years. All this meant the bus driver needed an extra
stop, so by the time the Band got to Amboise the rehearsal
room was locked and the keyholder could not be found!
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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"
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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! |
| March
2010 |
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Swindon's top Brass Band
in top three finish |
In a spectacular return to contest form, the Band picked
up third place in the West of England Regions.
The culmination of several month's work saw a top three
performance, all the more satisfying as the composer of
the piece, Philip Harper, was sat in the front row of the
auditorium. He should have been happy with the Band's rendition;
the adjudicators were, describing the performance as "a
well controlled and disciplined reading" and "some
very fine playing in this difficult piece".
A great result for the Band, and also for the Band's new
Musical Director Mike Lock LTCL. Mike was initially appointed
to take the Band to the Area, and has since taken on the
role as resident MD.
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| Swindon
Pegasus in Torquay 2010 |
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| December
2009 |
| Francis
Cowley conducts the massed bands of Swindon |
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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". |
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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. |
| November
2009 |
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Band Leads Remembrance Parades |
Armistice Day commemorations somehow seem more fitting
and poignant in the cold and rain. As thousands across the
land honoured the war dead, the Band was proud to lead two
Parades again this year, through Swindon and Wootton Bassett.
Although the rain had stopped in time for the Wootton Bassett
Parade, the occasion was no less moving as a soldier from
the Royal Artillery fired a light field gun and Wootton
Bassett High Street once again fell silent under the glare
of the international spotlight.
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After a busy weekend, including a contest in Torquay on
the Saturday, the Band's schedule continued with a concert
in the Wyvern Theatre, under the baton of Major Peter Clark.
As guests of the Rotary Club, the Band closed with its traditional
"Last Night of the Proms" routine, with Lynn Hawkins
once again leading the singing as the packed Wyvern resounded
to the strains of "Land of Hope and Glory", "Jerusalem"
and "Rule Britannia".
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| October
2009 |
| An
Evening of music from the World of Films |
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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. |
| July
2009 |
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Swindon Cares |
The Band provided a fantastic finale to the High Sheriff's
Concert at Christ Church on Saturday, helping raise money
for LEAVES (Local Enterprise And Vocational Employment Schemes)
and Swindon Down's Syndrome Group. The concert, compered
by BBC Radio Wiltshire's Chris Warburton, helped to raise
£4000 for Swindon Cares.
The performance saw a welcome return to the Band of Major
Peter Clark, who has conducted the Band on a number of occassions
previously. As ever, the combination of Peter's experience
and the Band's musical prowess lead to some delightful and
moving music, including La Forza del Destino, Benedictus,
and the original brass band composition "Windows of
the World".
The concert was broadcast on July 26th from 4pm, so if
you missed the concert, or just wanted to hear the band
again, there was another opportunity to tune in and listen.
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| June
2009 |
Band
Closes Armed Forces Day Celebrations |
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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. |
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| May 2009 |
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Swindon
School of Brass Open Day Boosts Numbers |
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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 |
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| March 2009 |
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Best Result in Three Years |
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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... |
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| February 2009 |
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Pegasus Gets to Grips With Pentacle |
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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 |
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| January 2009 |
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Credit Crunch Doesn't Affect Town's Generosity |
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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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| December 2008 |
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A Night of Christmas Music |
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for larger image |
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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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| October 2008 |
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A Festival of Music and Annual
Proms Concert |
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for larger image |
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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. |
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| July 2008 |
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Grand Finale at the Old Town
Festival |
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The Old Town Festival drew to a close in the
Town Garden's Bowl to the sonorous sounds of Pegasus Brass.
A good crowd held on to enjoy the band as it performed a range
of music from Bohemian Rhapsody to the Nun's Chorus. For that
number, the band was joined by local Soprano Lynn Hawkins,
who also gave her rendition of Pucinni's O Mio Babbino
Caro. |
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Although last year's concert was unfortunately
canceled due to the weather, this is by no means the frst
time the band has played in the Bowl, as you can see from
the picture above. This photo is one from the many that former
Musical Director Francis Cowley has in his scrap book. He
was kind enough to lend it to the band, so watch this space
for many more pictured from the archive. |
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| October 2007 |
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Surprise at Band's Centenary
Concert |
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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 |
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| September 2007 |
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Band Celebrates Centenary |
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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.
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| Swindon
Pegasus Brass Band Society is dedicated
to the art of music making through brass bands. As a registered
charity,1035931, the Band is also committed to supporting other
charitable causes. Established in 1907 as the Great Western Railway
Staff Association Band, Pegasus is Swindon's oldest musical organisation,
and is as much a part of Swindon's heritage as the railway and Isambard
Kingdom Brunel.
Site maintained by
ian.williams@swindonpegasus.com |
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