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The
Phoenix Concert Band was formed (as the Phoenix Windband)
in July 1999 by members of the SCOLA Friday wind and brass band evening
class. The original objective was to provide a vehicle for a successful
application for lottery funding to obtain sheet music, which had been a major
difficulty for the evening class in the early years, subsidise the first Wychcroft weekend and buy the drum kit. Its existence
enabled us to buy some other equipment, to maintain a bank account and thus
handle the financial aspects of Wychcroft and of
buying music, and to provide opportunities for the class to play in public. |
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This is
the first annual report since the band moved to independence from SCOLA in
2008. We have now ceased to be a SCOLA
evening class but instead meet on the SCOLA premises as an “associate”
body. At the same time, we changed our
name to the Phoenix Concert Band, which better describes our musical
programme. We are fortunate to have a
leader of Paul's experience and ability and, under his leadership,
we have continued to make progress as an ensemble. |
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Since
this time last year we have played at the Chipstead
fete (19 July) and at our own Christmas concert (6 December), in aid of St
Alban’s Church, Sutton, which proved to be a successful, enjoyable and
well-attended event. Our usual summer
garden party took place on 13 July and we are very grateful to Howard and Sue
for providing such a pleasant venue. In
January we held our tenth excellent Wychcroft
weekend. |
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Suggestions
for future activities are welcome, particularly concerning opportunities to
play at events. |
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I am
pleased to note the excellent financial outcome of our first year of
independence from SCOLA. Thanks are
due to our treasurer, Neil, for his sound financial stewardship. As a result we are able to reduce our
membership subscription for next year, further justifying our decision to
change our status. |
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Following
Howard’s resignation as secretary, Richard took his place and I succeeded
Richard as chair. I should like to
take this opportunity to thank Howard and Richard for their contributions in
these roles over several years and I am pleased that they will continue to be
involved in other ways. We need to
involve others and volunteers will be welcome. |
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Many
thanks to Paul, to Pam for organising the music, to Neil and Howard for the
organisation of the Wychcroft weekend, to Neil for
handling the money, to Roger for maintaining the website
(www.phoenixband.org.uk), and to every member of the band for making Friday
evenings so enjoyable. |
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BRIAN GLICKSMAN CB |