Closed the door on our band room back in March 2020 and 903 days later we’re finally back in our home on Bedward row. Who would have thought that we’d have to wait so long!! Feels good to be back!
What's new
Chester Pride 2022
The band had the absolute honour to march alongside the LGBTQIA+ community at Chester’s Pride March. We are very proud to have supported such an important event!
An evening of music with the DMM
The band had a great time at our joint concert with the Delta Music Makers. On behalf of the band, we would like to thank the DMM and the audience for helping us make the concert a success. We hope everyone enjoyed themselves!
Shrewsbury Bandstand
We got very lucky with the weather today as the band performed at Shrewsbury band stand this afternoon! On behalf of the band, we would like to thank James, Vicky, Leon, Chris, Liv, Hannah and Emily for helping us out. Greatly appreciated.
Band wedding!!!
The band had the honour of performing at Sarah and Sean’s wedding yesterday for both the ceremony and in the evening. We had a fantastic time celebrating with them and made full use of the karaoke!
On behalf of the band, we would like to say a huge congratulations to Sarah and Sean on their marriage and wish them every happiness for the years ahead!!
Band awards 2022
The band had their yearly AGM meeting on Monday, where our player’s player and MD’s player awards were presented.
Our MD Ewan picked cornet player Ryan Jones for the MD award. Ryan is one of Chester’s own, starting in the training band and recently working his way up into the main band onto back row. Big congratulations to Ryan for this achievement!
The band voted for our solo trombone player Callum Hill for the player’s player award. Callum started playing trombone only 6 months ago and has come on leaps and bounds since. Sadly, Callum is leaving us as his time at university has come to an end. He’s currently learning bass clef to take on the challenge of bass trombone back with his home town band. Good luck Callum and congratulations!
Whit Friday Marches 2022
The band travelled back over to Oldham for the first time since 2019 to take part in the 2022 Whit Friday March Contest on June 10th. First one in 3 years due to Covid. Our road march was 1914 and we took on the challenge of Ravenswood on the stand. The challenge paid off as the band were awarded the following:
- 1st place for third section at Dobcross
- 4th place overall at Friezland and best cornet
- 2nd place for third section at Denshaw
- 32nd overall for the entire Saddleworth contest (a 7 place improvement from 2019)
North West Area success!
The band had a great success this weekend at the North West Regionals in Blackpool! After being drawn the daunting place of first band on, the band played Facets of Glass to the early birds who made the 9:30am start time to watch. 14 bands and a trip to the pub later, the band were awarded 3rd place and best Soprano player for 3rd section. Our high placing means we have been promoted to second section from next year. The band are over the moon with the result and are looking forward to the challenge ahead.
The band goes live!
The band had a great evening recording music and interviews for the programme 'In The Band Room' on East Leeds FM. The programme is due to be broadcast on Tues 25th Jan at 10pm. Thanks to all the participants!
Training & Junior Bands Are Back!
After 18 months off the City of Chester Training Band & City of Chester Junior Band both resumed to rehearsals back in July 2021. Within a few weeks of getting back up to speed with playing in an ensemble again, the Training Band have been able to perform at a number of engagements recently such as the Chester Marathon, Chester Half Marathon, Gresford Carol service, Saughall Carol service and Huntington Carol service. The Junior Band remain under the guidance of Ewan Easton MBE, and the numbers are steadily rising again post return. We have a wide variety of ages within the two groups. 7-11 in the Junior Band and 11-80 something with a full range in between in our Training Band.
Both bands are keen to return to full numbers again and are looking forward to doing a wide range of concerts and engagements throughout the year.
If you are interested in learning an instrument this year or joining please contact Tony Blain, Coordinator, on 07904272611 or e-mail: [email protected] Many of our players have returned to playing after a long break.