Introduction
Part of the musical
landscape of the East Midlands since 1991, Nottingham Concert
Band is an independent and entirely self-financing community
windband based in West Bridgford, South Nottingham. The band
draws on a diversity of musical styles, from classical transcriptions
to contemporary compositions and from film and show compilations
to big band favourites, and an extensive repertoire ensures
a different programme for each performance.
Since 1993, the band has been led by Conductor & Musical Director
Robert Parker. A Graduate and Fellow of Trinity College London,
where he studied horn and piano, Robert performs professionally
in a wide diversity of contexts. He also teaches brass both
privately and in Nottinghamshire schools and is the county representative
for the Trinity Guildhall examinations board. Robert is assisted
by Associate Conductor Ashley Parnell, who occasionally leads
rehearsals in Robert’s absence.
Under Robert’s baton,
Nottingham Concert Band has established a year-round programme
of formal evening concerts, plus a busy Summer season of outdoor
engagements. Appearances in the recent past have included:
Nottingham Playhouse
Nottingham Arts Theatre
De la Beche Theatre, Keyworth
Goose Fair, Nottingham
Southwell Minster
Center Parcs, Sherwood
RAF Waddington International Airshow
Bingham Town Fair
Christmas in Nottingham’s Old Market Square
Fund-raising events for various charities
Summer fetes for local schools and community festivals
Bandstand concerts in Nottingham, Newark, Melton Mowbray,
Loughborough, Long Eaton, Grantham, Stamford, Ilkeston and
Bourne.
Other activities have included the production
of the ‘Sunrise’ CD and the development of the ‘Playday’ concept.
Both have provided opportunities for the intense rehearsal of
challenging pieces.
Band membership stands currently at over 60 musicians, who come
from all across the East Midlands and who range in age from
17 to 70-plus. Rehearsals are held at Jesse Gray School on Musters
Road in West Bridgford each Tuesday evening - except for the
Summer, Easter and Christmas holiday periods - and any players
interested in attending are invited to get in touch. Read on
for details on membership requirements, forthcoming concerts
and contact points
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