GLOUCESTER EXCELSIOR BAND NEWSLETTER NUMBER 1 

Welcome to the first newsletter for Gloucester Excelsior Band. We will be issuing newsletters on a half yearly basis. 

Open Evening Success

4000 pamphlets, a lot of leg work putting them through doors, many letters, emails and telephone calls resulted in a very successful open evening for the band.

When the evening was planned we got into the "What if" syndrome. "What if nobody turns up?" "What if it's a complete disaster?" We need not have worried as we had the biggest band we'd seen in months.  Twenty eight players in all, including twelve cornets! Fran was ecstatic, having struggled with only three or four cornets on many occasions. We also had three euphoniums, a new second baritone player and an extra Eb bass.

It was great to see Mike Crocker and Tim Bailey back for the event. We also welcomed a number of new players.  Joining us for the first time  on cornet were Margaret, Sally and 11 year old Charlie.  The bottom end of the band was bolstered by Mike on Eb bass, Ashley on baritone and Carole on euphonium.

 We really hope they all felt welcomed and that they enjoyed the evening sufficiently to come to future rehearsals.  There was also an audience of both old friends and interested spectators.

 As usual we started the evening with a couple of hymn tunes, then we played ' The March Of The Cobblers, and 'Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron' and 'The Elvira Madigan Theme'. We then had a splendid cornet solo, 'The Lazy Trumpter', played by Jon. Finally, Sue let the trombones loose with the trio 'Trombola'

Then it was time for some well-earned refreshments and a chat to both old and new friends.  During this time a presentation was made to Lavina who played solo horn for us but had to leave for health reasons last year.

Congratulations to all the team for the enormous effort they put in to ensure the evening was a success. We cannot finish without mentioning Rachel who provided the refreshments.

For more pictures of this event please see our Gallery page.

Gloucester Excelsior Training Band

At last we've decided that we have the ability, means and possibly tenacity, to start our own Gloucester Excelsior training band. Hanna Robertson Has agreed to take on the role of teacher/conductor for the training band.

We are planning to start the training band during the summer of 2011 with around six to eight youngsters who we will look to recruit from the Hucclecote area.

So, do you have a brass instrument hidden away in the attic?

Between now and the start of the training band next summer we will be tracking down as many brass instruments as we can.  If you have any instrument that you no longer use and that you feel you could donate to this brilliant cause then please let us know.  We can assure you that it will be put to good use.

Summer Engagements

We will be playing at the following locations through the summer.  Gloucester Excelsior always welcomes guest players and so if you are free on any of these days and would like to join us just contact us via our website or by facebook.  Alternatively phone Alec Prior on 07880 601624.

Sunday 30 May                     Stratford Park, Stroud - 2.30pm start

Saturday 10 July                   Stanway fete

Saturday 17 July                   Christchurch fete

Saturday 31 July                   Compton Abdale fete

Sunday 1 August                   Lido Park, Droitwich - 2.30pm start

Sunday 15 August                 Cripplegate Park, Worcester - 2.30pm start

Friday 3 September               St Barnabas Church, Gloucester

Sunday 12 September           Abbey Park, Evesham - 2.30pm start

Saturday 18 September         Toddington Village fete                                              

Did you know that we are now on Facebook? 

Join as a friend of Gloucester Excelsior and

keep up with the latest band news.

For more information:          

 - join as a friend of Gloucester Excelsior on facebook

 - contact our Chairman, Alec Prior, on 07880 601624