(last updated 27th June 2010)

Phew what a scorcher !

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.

Roaring Success at 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 at All Saints

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 from 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's exemplary 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.

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.

A Classic Carols at the Castle!

Photo courtesy Claire Bazeley

The recent Carols at the Castle event was a phenomenal sell-out success and we've received some great press....see the recent article in the Courier . More photos are available on our gallery ..and what's more look at these great YouTube videos.....!!

 

 Royal Spa Brass is keen to adopt best practice with respect to looking after the youngsters in our organisation and as a result we have developed a new Child Protection Policy which can be downloaded here.  

Neil Nail's It !!

Royal Spa Brass Solo Euphonium player, Neil Kelsall, won the Ralph Tarn Memorial Trophy for the Best Instrumentalist at the recent WMBBA 2009 Leamington Open  Contest at the Royal Spa Centre. This will not be a surprise to any of the Royal Spa Brass players who have the pleasure of hearing him play with virtuosity every week!

Photo courtesy PJ's mobile!

Neil was guesting for Cubbington Silver Band who took first place in the 3rd Section of the Contest. Congratulations to Neil and to Cubbington who have recently joined the community of musical organisations that are based at The Band Factory. We look forward to a strong and cooperative relationship.    

 

 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 endomorphins as laughter'. See the full article on the Notice Board in The Band Factory.

 Angela practises in the garage

Iain Masson is our new MD !

We're delighted to announce the appointment of Iain Masson as the new Musical Director of Royal Spa Brass. Iain is a 28 year old composer, conductor, and workshop leader from Carnoustie in Scotland. He is a graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Northern College of Music. As a tuba player he has a strong background in brass playing and grew up playing in a number of Scottish bands including the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland.

Now based in Birmingham, he is also an accomplished pianist and conducts a number of Bands and Orchestras including Bedworth Symphony Orchestra. We will be posting a full biography on this site soon but meanwhile you can read more on Iain's own website. 

 

Iain has already rolled up his sleeves and started preparing the band for our Christmas Season and our next major performance at Warwick Castle. We wish him all the very best for a long and successful association with Royal Spa Brass.  

 

We currently have vacancies for experienced cornet players. If you're interested in joining a progressive organisation, and playing with one or more of our bands, we would love to hear from you. 

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.

 

The Royal Spa Brass Ensemble Bowls 'Em Over !

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!

The Ensemble playing with In-Tent                                          Jon Lambdon looking Tubaeutiful