Previous Events & Concerts
Spa Trek: A Musical Journey Into Outer Space
With thanks to Qojo Design for publicity material artwork.
Switching On the Leamington Spa Christmas Lights
(Photo courtesy Peter O'Grady)
Royal Spa Brass kicked off the Christmas Season in style by entertaining the crowds for the Leamington Christmas Lights Switch-On Celebrations on November 21st. We played a Seasonal Programme for the event outside the Town Hall which featured Christmas Songs, a Carol Service and the turning on of the Tree of Lights.
Spooky! Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa
Royal Spa Brass celebrated Halloween with an extravagant performance of Spooky! A Family Halloween Concert at The Royal Spa Centre on Sunday October 31st. The enthusiastic audience entered into the spirit of the event by dressing for the occasion in a fantastic array of fancy dress costumes.
Royal Spa Brass performing Thriller complete with Michael Jackson!
Hugh Rashleigh conducts his composition Spooky! with Buddin' Brass
Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa
Sunday 27th June was such a hot day that Royal Spa Brass broke with tradition and set up in the shade underneath the trees In Jephson Gardens rather than on the steps of the Botanical Glasshouse. Despite a clash with England's match against Germany a large and appreciative audience enjoyed an afternoon of sunshine and music ideal for a summer Bands in the Park Concert.
Kenilworth Lions Show
On Saturday 12th June, another fine Summer's day, the large crowds at the Kenilworth Lions Grand Charity Show were entertained by Royal Spa Brass playing a programme of well known favourites. Well positioned opposite the Hog Roast, the band attracted a large audience throughout a very pleasant afternoon.
Spring Brass at Wappenbury
On Saturday 22nd May, a full house at St John the Baptist Church at Wappenbury enjoyed a varied programme of music to celebrate the re-opening of the Church following the restoration of the roof. The Royal Spa Brass Ensemble were invited by the Village Voices Choir to join them for the concert and to play their first formal indoor engagement. The excellent acoustics were ideal for the 'scintillating and soulful' sounds of the Ensemble (as described by our hosts!). The splendid setting, the fine weather and interval refreshments on the lawn added to the occasion which was enjoyed by all and helped to raise funds for the Church. Ben even won a raffle prize! Thanks to Village Voices for giving us the opportunity to perform.
Heroes and Villains, All Saints Church, Leamington Spa
A family audience of more than 200 enjoyed our latest performance in the fine surroundings of All Saints Church, Leamington. The theme of the concert was Heroes and Villains and the programme of well known music was given a very warm reception. Iain Masson's enthusiasm and energy shone through in his debut major indoor concert as Musical Director of Royal Spa Brass. We were delighted to be able to help the African Oyster Trust who were our very welcome guests for the evening. In their first major public performance, our up coming stars of Buddin Brass also turned in a great performance conducted by Hugh Rashleigh.
It was also a suitable occasion to pay tribute to our friend Kenneth Owen and to thank him properly for his services to the band over more than half a century. He was awarded Honorary Lifelong Membership of Royal Spa Brass and presented with a top of the range iPod Touch to listen to our recordings in style!
A brief excerpt of our encore, Deep Harmony.
Royal Spa Brass in All Saints
Buddin' Brass
Congratulations and Thank You Kenneth!
Kenneth leaves us smiling!
Kenneth Owen retires after more than 53 years with Royal Spa Brass!
We were sad to hear that Kenneth Owen, the longest serving member of Royal Spa Brass has decided to retire after an incredible 53 years of playing and service to the organisation. Kenneth'sexemplary service as a player, band member, trustee, librarian, archivist and committee member is beyond compare in the entire history of the band and an astonishing achievement.
We would all like to sincerely thank Kenneth for his unswerving help and support to the whole organisation throughout a lifetime of banding. This includes not just the current members and players but the many hundreds of players that he has helped and supported during his time with the band. It just won't be the same without him.
Kenneth in 1959 Pump Room Gardens
Kenneth in 1981
On completing his 50 years of service, Kenneth recorded his reflections on his years of banding. To read it click here . He is now spending his time researching and writing a comprehensive history of Royal Spa Brass and the Leamington Bands.
We wish Kenneth all the very best for his retirement. Thankfully, he will continue his regular contact with the band and will continue to serve as a trustee.
Carols at the Castle, Warwick Castle
(Photo courtesy Claire Bazeley)
The recent Carols at the Castle event was a phenomenal sell-out success and we've received some great reviews in the local press.
Drumming Up Support
One of our percussionists, Angela Humphries, recently featured in a national magazine (My Weekly , October 17th). In an article called Drumming Beats The Gym!, Angela describes her experiences with Royal Spa Brass and says 'Drumming gives you a real high - it must trigger the same endorphins as laughter'.
Angela practises in the garage
We're on the right lines!
Work has just been completed to resurface our car park and put down new markings. This is just the start of a programme of developments that will improve The Band Factory for the benefit of all users.
Leamington Bowls Club Centenary
The Ensemble played at a Picnic to celebrate the climax of the Centenary Celebrations of The Leamington Bowls Club on August 23rd. The programme included a number of Old Favourites from the Edwardian/Victorian Era as well as a variety of popular classics - just right for a lovely summer afternoon. The enthusiastic audience, suitably attired in Edwardian costumes, enjoyed it so much we were asked to play for an extra half an hour!