PHOENIX CONCERT BAND: ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 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. We have now ceased to be a SCOLA evening class but instead meet on the SCOLA premises as an “associate” body. We have 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. Since last year’s AGM, we have played at St Dunstan’s Church, Cheam (27 June), with the SCOLA choirs; at the Chipstead Centenary fete (18 July); at our own Christmas concert (5 December), in aid of St Alban’s Church, Sutton; at Redhill Methodist Church (27 February), in aid of Redhill “Live at Home”; and in Sutton Town Centre (15 May), as part of Adult Learners Week. A group of band members under Paul also played at the British Home Christmas Fair (28 November). Our usual summer garden party took place on 5 July and we are very grateful to Richard and Gloria for providing such a pleasant venue. For the first time in over 10 years, bad weather forced us to cancel our annual January residential weekend as the roads leading to Wychcroft were impassable. Suggestions for future activities are welcome, particularly concerning opportunities to play at events. Thanks are due to our treasurer, Neil, for his sound financial stewardship. As a result we are able to maintain our membership subscription for next year at the same level as this year’s. Many thanks also to Paul, to Pam for organising our music, to Richard, our secretary, to Roger for maintaining the website (www.phoenixband.org.uk), and to every member of the band for making Friday evenings so enjoyable. BRIAN GLICKSMAN CB Chair July 2010