Witney Town Band in isolation 2020
As a result of the Covid-19 crisis, the band was unfortunately not able to rehearse in 2020. However, that didn't stop us - we had weekly Zoom meetings instead of rehearsals and the band was always in constant contact through WhatsApp groups and mini fun competitions.
To give us something to work towards during that period of isolation and to ensure we still played together, we created some very special projects that we're very excited to share. Each part has been played individually by each band member on their mobile phones, and mixed by Guy James on a mixing deck. Sophie Felton and Isaac Parr then created videos to go with the music and you can see the end results below. We're so proud of these as they kept the band together during a very challenging period.
Countryfile Live - 4th August 2019
We had a very exciting opportunity at BBC Countryfile Live in August 2019, to be one of the first ever brass bands to play the Countryfile theme tune. Our wonderful bass/euphonium player and assistant MD, Guy James, contacted David Lowe, the piece's composer, after last year's event for permission to make a brass arrangement. David very kindly agreed, and so Guy put together the fantastic arrangement you can hear below.
Burford Concert - 28th March 2019
We played a joint concert with the wonderful Durham School of the Arts Choir from North Carolina at St. John's Parish Church in Burford. Enjoy a selection of pieces from our programme below.
'Mid All The Traffic - Leonard Ballantine
Based on the traditional 'Shenandoah'
Prismatic Light - Alan Fernie
A lively concert opener
Deus in Adjutorium - Claudio Monteverdi
Featuring Guy James on Euphonium, and the cornet section
Fanfare and Flourishes - James Curnow
A bright fanfare-style piece
Skyfall - arr. Philip Sparke
A rousing rendition of Adele's James Bond theme
Hymn to the Fallen - John Williams
A moving piece from 'Saving Private Ryan'
The Water of Tyne - Philip Harper
A beautiful arrangement of a traditional melody from the North East. Featuring Guy James on Euphonium, Ali Howes on Principal Cornet and Jenny Howes on Flugel Horn.