Formed in 1992 from quite humble beginnings, this is a familiar story in the brass band world. With an existing brass band in decline, with very few members and struggling to exist, the new band was formed by the sheer determination of a few members, most notably Neville Eden, who was determined that the new band would be a success. Out of this determination, and a merger with the local brass group Neville Brass, the new band Derwent Brass was born. Accommodation was found (not ideal but good enough - a small room behind a pub - not an unusual scenario in brass bands!) - the essential qualification for the new members waas that you had to have an instrument - and enthusiasm. The music library from the former davis-derby band was inherited - and we were off!
A year later a Musical Director was sought, and the band appointed Keith Leonard, who is still with the band, along with several founder members, as we enter into the 10th anniversay year.
Over the years the band has progressed through the brass band rankings, enjoying three consecutive visits to the Boosey & Hawkes National Finals, to become a firmly established 1st section band, and with a reputation as a quality, entertining band in concert.
In 1996, a lottery grant was obtained after much hard work (- that man Nev Eden again !) enabling the purchase of new instruments and percussion equipment, and in 1997 the band moved to larger more suitable premises in Mackworth village
Many friends have been made over the years with several local musical groups enjoying working alongside the band.. Several charities have benefited from the band's activities, with several thousands of pounds being raised in charity concerts..over the years.
concert celebrations
There were one or two concerts during the year to mark the 10th anniversary. The idea was to highlight or 'celebrate' different aspects of the band's concert activity. The first 'anniversary' concert was a Big Band night at Loughborough Town Hall.
The next anniversary concert took place at the Queens Hall where the band have enjoyed so many succesful concerts. Charity Fund raising is a big part of the band's performing activity, and this concert featured just derwent brass performing in aid of the Friends of Nightingale MacMillan Care Unit - first half traditional brass band, second half big band.
To celebrate the band's long tradition of working with choirs a concert was staged at Worksop where the band performed alongside The Grand Central Chorus with whome we have had several successful concerts over the years.This event also featured a performance of Tubby the Tuba with guest soloist Robin Norman
The 'grand finale' in terms of concerts was a concert staged by derwent brass in the Landua Forte College Theatre, which is also where we staged our 5th anniversary concert. This final celebration highlighted the band's experience working with guest performers. What better guest could there be on this occasion than the famous trombonist Chris Jeans; as well as spectacular trombone playing career which includes principal trombone of the Black Dyke Band, Chris is also a former conductor of our band before it became derwent brass. click here for more details of this event
anniversary social
The 10 yearr anniversary social evening was an informal get together for all the band members and of course their families, who give so much behind the scenes support to the band's activities, as well as some regular band supporters amd friends of . It was also good to see some past members of the band renewing old acquaintances. Band Manager Chris Clayton, Band Chairman Nev Eden and Musical Director Keith Leonard had put their heads together before the event and came up with a British Open band contest quiz, general knowledge quiz, brass band trivia quiz and a name that tune performed by a quintet of derwent brass players. To make the party complete a birthday cake was provided by Jennifer Marsden's sister. A display of photographs of band events over the years brought back many memories and we also had a guess the baby competition. Click here to see for yourself
contest celebrations
To celebrate contest activity the year could not have started better; the band took first prize at the Oxford & District Contest and David Neville added to his Best Player Award collection. The band then took 3rd prize at the Midlands Area Contest to qualify for a 4th appearance at the National Finals :-
In the summer Derwent Brass were runners up in the Summer Entertainment Contest at Belvoir Castle, with the band's flugel horn soloist Ruth Fenner taking the solo prize.
2002 saw the band celebrate it's 10th birthday - and what a year we had !
The band performed a unique 'big-band' concert to a capacity audience at loughborough Town Hall together with guest vocalists, and on a hot summer's afternoon entertained a large crowd at Newark Castle. A very sucessful 'Last Night of the Proms' concert was held at Melbourne and the band revisited several favourite venues including Chatsworth Centre and Queens Hall Derby.
The 10th anniversary concert was performed to another capacity audience and featured trombone virtuoso Chris Jeans, and the year was rounded off with Christmas concerts at Queens Hall, Derby Assembly Rooms and Et.wall Church
The CD released to celebrate the anniversary - Celebration - received excellent reviews on 4 bars rest and was well received. Sales have been very good including as far afield as America, Australia, Switzerland, Holland & Germany
During the course of the year the band was highly placed in all four contests entered :-
Oxford Brass Band Association Contest1st prize & best solo cornet award
Midland Area Contest 3rd prize (& qualification for National Finals)
During the course of the year other special events were a trip to London to perform in St James Park, an Anniversary Social and the band appointed it's first ever President - former solo euphonium Eric Johnson
1st prize & best solo cornet award
