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The final engagements for the band over this December period is finally over, and our members can now enjoy a well earned rest and enjoy the christmas holidays.
December is always a hugely hectic time for the band, but the enthusiasm and support from the general public makes it well worthwhile and every donation which is put into our collecting buckets makes a massive difference to us as a self-supporting band. A big thank you goes to our assistant conductor, Michael Evans, for putting a large amount of work directing the band at concerts and rehearsals through the Christmas season. Here is the band, under the direction of Will Harrison and joined by the enthusiastic voices of the people of Birtley, wishing you - Merry Christmas Everyone!
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Over the course of the last 2 nights (21/22 December), the band have been performing at Sainsbury's in the Arnison Centre. On both nights, the band went down a storm with shoppers and staff, and a big thank you goes to everyone who donated a little something in person, or via our virtual collecting buckets. The support is very appreciated. Over the course of the last 2 nights, we have raised a huge amount of money when both totals have been combined and this will go towards our running costs for the coming year. The traditions remained for the band tonight, albeit in a new venue. The yearly concert with Crook and Weardale Choral Society may've moved venue from the "Church on the top of the Hill" at Stanley Crook, to St Catherine's Church in Crook - but that didn't stop the church from being full. It was lovely to play for such a full and appreciative audience and it was lovely to see some familiar faces from Stanley Crook. The choir were fantastic as always, and we had lots of great feedback from everyone. Let's hope the tradition can continue next year! Today has seen the band spreading Christmas Cheer today at a very windy Dalton Park. A big thank you goes to our collectors David W, David P and Karen for supporting us. Also, a massive thank you goes to all of the general public visiting that dug deep to put something in our buckets - we really appreciate your generosity. Tonight saw the band perform at Beamish Museum for the last time in 2023. A big thank you goes to Beamish Museum for their continued support of the band, it really is appreciated. Tonight has seen the band perform to a fantastic audience at Quebec Village Hall. We featured solos from David Thomas, Michael Evans and an appearance from Frosty the Snowman on Sousaphone. Our president Michael also presented our Bb Bass player Daniel Maitre with his 15 Years Service award. A big thank you to everyone who came along to the village hall for supporting us. Tonight has seen the band perform at one of the Christmas nights which Beamish Museum have. A big thank you goes to everyone who came and listen. We also spied our new conductor from January entertaining the crowds too. The band played tonight at Durham Masonics. It's a long standing tradition at Christmas time to play for this wonderful group of people. Thank you to the Durham Lodge for their continued support over the years. Last night saw the band play a fabulous concert at Birtley Masonics. The first one for Will Harrison as our upcoming MD from January 2024. The audience were on form as always and were very appreciative of the band. As part of our programme, we featured many of our soloists across the evening. David Thomas on Euphonium played O Holy Night, Lindsey Rowell on Solo Horn played In The Bleak Midwinter, Michael Evans on Solo Cornet played Santa Baby and Gareth Chester on Eb Bass played Frosty the Snowman. A great night was had by all and we look forward to coming back next year. This morning the band were honoured to be back playing in the Market Place for the Durham Christmas Festival, spreading some christmas cheer to a rather cold Durham. A big thank you to the general public who dug deep to put a little something in our collecting buckets and also thank you to all of our collectors. |
