FORDHAM CHARITIES CONCERT

Friday 25th April saw the Wicken Coronation Band perform for the ever- popular Fordham Charities Concert at the Victoria Hall, Fordham to a full house and a most enthusiastic audience.

 Jointly compered by John Pryke of the Fordham Charities and Laurence Finlayson, President of the Wicken Coronation Band, the audience enjoyed a programme of popular and well-known music interspersed with the usual stories and anecdotes from John and Laurence which are now an expected part of these events!

 Under the direction of Colin Badcock, who kindly deputised as Bandmaster, the concert began with the march 'Bandology' (Eric Osterling) followed by a selection from the hit musical 'The Sound Of Music'.

 n quieter contrast the band then played a traditional Maori melody called 'Hine e Hine', a ballad which has been recorded by both Kiri Te Kanawa and more recently Hayley Westenra. 

 'Annie's Song', written by John Denver, was beautifully played by Solo Cornet Player Helen Day and the audience suitably showed their appreciation

 Not to be outdone the trombone section were represented by Steve on Solo Trombone playing the well-known solo 'The Acrobat' with suitable poetic licence!!  

 As the interval approached, Andrew Lloyd-Webber's 'Love Changes Everything' was followed by Ron Goodwin's march 'Aces High', the theme from the film 'The Battle Of Britain' which brought the first part of the concert to a close.

 The band returned after the interval with a more traditional type of march 'True And Trusty' and then a Flugal Horn Solo, 'I Don't Know How To Love Him', another Andrew Lloyd-Webber composition from the rock operal 'Jesus Christ Superstar', finely played by guest Flugal player Phil.

 Again, in a contrasting programme, this was followed by Eric Ball's brass band arrangement of the hymn tune 'How Great Thou Art' which was given due acknowledgment for the performance.   

 John Pryke then told the story of 'Sam The Clam' in his own inimitable style!!

 The trombone section were again featured in the trombone trio 'Trombola', obviously enjoyed by the audience!!

 'Buddy', a selection of songs by the late Buddy Holly, was followed by the final item of the evening and appropriately for the time of day and the month, Eric Ball's arrangement of Hugh Roberton's 'All In The April Evening'.

 The audience showed their due appreciation in the usual manner and a most enjoyable evening was brought to a close.  

 The proceeds from the concert were generously donated by the Fordham Charities to the Wicken Coronation Band funds for which the band is extremely grateful.

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  NEWS UPDATES 2008

Since last writing for this site, the band are pleased to welcome Tim Hammond as the new Musical Director. 

Tim took up his new position at the end of January and we wish him a long and enjoyable stay at the helm.

 PLAYERS:

 Whilst we are updating this page, a reminder to any interested and unattached players that we would welcome their services.

 We still seek 2nd/3rd Cornet Players, Bb/Eb Bass Players, Euphonium, Baritone and Tenor Horn Players. Other players more than welcome to join us, especially Tutti Cornets.

 Contact our Chairman, Robert Peacock on 01353-723804 for further info:

FORDHAM CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2007

On Saturday, 15th December, 2007 a capacity audience enjoyed a programme of festive and seasonal music in the Victoria Hall at Fordham provided by the Wicken Coronation Band.

 After a year of uncertainty and continued concern for the future of the band, it was pleasing to once again see them performing 'in concert' under the direction of guest conductor and former Bandmaster Lisa Jardine-Wright who had kindly offered her services for 'one-night-only'.

 A varied mix began with the march 'Christmas Joy' followed by the theme music of the popular TV programme 'Darling Buds Of May'. 'Christmas Swingalong' was followed by a cornet solo 'Annie's Song' and 'Let It Snow'.

Interspersed by communal carol singing, the first half concluded with the well-known Mel Torme number 'Christmas Song' and a march, 'Portsmouth Chimes'.

 The second half began with the march 'Aces High' from the film 'Battle Of Britain' followed by 'Zambezi', made popular in the 1950's by one Eddie Calvert. The evergreen 'White Christmas' was followed by another march, 'Pendine', and this in turn led into 'Mary's Boy Child', a hit, again in the 1950's, by Harry Belafonte and also, more recently, for Boney M in the late 1970's.

More communal carol singing preceded Leroy Anderson's 'Sleigh Ride' and another march, 'Vermont'. The programme concluded with 'Rockin Around The Christmas Tree' which was rapturously received by a very appreciative audience who had obviously enjoyed a very pleasant evening's music.

 The concert was augmented by a singing trio of young ladies, Three Girls Aloud, whose performances of well-known seasonal songs and arrangements were excellently executed and received.

 This performance by Wicken Coronation Band sees the end of their engagements for the year and we all hope 2008 provides more positive and consistant prospects for the band's future.

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FORDHAM CONCERT May 2007

As always at Fordham an appreciative audience enjoyed an evening concert by the Wicken Coronation Band at the Victoria Hall, Fordham on Saturday, 19th May.

A varied selection of popular, contemporary and light classical music included spots for Helen on cornet with 'Say you, Say me' and Steve on trombone with 'Memory'  which were very well received by all.

Other items included a selection from 'Godspell', 'I Dreamed A Dream' from Les Miserables, the theme from 'Ground Force' and Mozart's 'Eine Kleine Nacht Musik' together with the Boney M hit 'Rivers of Babylon' which went down well with the audience. 

An appearance by special 'guest conductor' John Pryke of the Fordham Charities taking the band for the march 'True and Trusty' was greeted by much enthusiasm and applause.

The concert was to raise funds for both the band and  the Liam Fairhurst cancer charity and the event was well supported by a full house for the occassion.

This site is pleased to announce that since the press reports earlier this year highlighting the band's uncertain future, Wicken Coronation Band continues to flourish under the leadership of it's new Musical Director Colin Thomas and the influx of additional players combined with the ongoing endeavours of it's longer-term members and supporters.

 A period of re-building and transition has begun and the future certainly looks more promising with heightened enthusiasm all round.

 However, we still have need of a Euphonium, 1st Baritone, Eb and Bb Bass players, 2nd/3rd cornets and would welcome instrumentalists who would like to join our steadily increasing ranks to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere and optimism which surrounds our friendly band.

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First performance of 2007

 Wicken Coronation Band performed their first engagement of the season at the Reach Fair over the weekend of 6th-7th May 2007.

 On Sunday 6th the band played for the hymns at an open-air service while on the Monday (7th) they gave a concert at the Fair in the Church consisting of various items to suit all musical tastes which were well received by the audience.

See 'Contact'  to make your interest known; we look forward to hearing from you.

 Engagements are being undertaken - see list under 'Engagements'.