LOCAL musicians from the City of Lichfield Concert Band have celebrated their 40th anniversary in style with a sold-out concert in the city’s Guildhall.
The 51-piece wind band performed some of its best-loved pieces from the past four decades to a packed crowd.
Mark Vause, who has been the band’s musical director for the past 17 years, said it was a “privilege” to lead the group into its anniversary year.
“Forty years is an incredible milestone, especially for a community group that is made up of volunteer members.
“It’s always a privilege to lead such a talented group of musicians and I was particularly proud to acknowledge some long-service awards during our concert.
“Carol Terry, one of our clarinettists, has ticked off a fabulous 25 years. She was joined on the stage by two founding members, flautist Carol Bache and bass clarinet player Bryan Gilliver, who have been part of the band from the outset when it reformed in 1985.
“With ages ranging from school and university students, through to members in their eighties, we are a truly diverse group.
“We practice every Monday night in either the Guildhall or Wade Street Church. Of course, we do this for our shared love of making music, but also for the huge amount of fun we have together.
“I hope this enjoyment and enthusiasm comes across in our performances – whether we’re privileged to be playing in our majestic Lichfield Cathedral, performing to thousands at the Proms in the Park, delivering award-winning performances at the National Concert Band festival, or simply playing sing-along tunes in one of our many free concerts in Beacon Park.”
As part of the preparations for its 40th anniversary, the band has been looking back through the archives to learn about more about its history.
They discovered there was a concert band in Lichfield as early as 1908, which consisted of volunteer members, later relaunched in 1912 and gifted the use of the instruments from the previous volunteer band.
By 1932, the band was performing regularly in Beacon Park, until financial difficulties led to it folding in 1935.
It was reformed in 1985 by a group of 20 local musicians under the guidance of the then conductor Richard Murphy.
Today, the community concert band includes brass, woodwind and percussion players. It has toured venues in Europe including Paris and Lichfield’s twin city Limburg in Germany, plus some closer to home, such as Sidmouth, Scarborough and Morecambe.
Mark said:
“Playing together as a band is great, but it’s even greater to know we have so much support from local residents.
“We’d like to extend our thanks to everyone who has come to listen to us down the years and also for the support we receive from Lichfield City Council. It makes all the difference.”
