About the band
Cowes Concert Band is a brass band which performs regularly throughout the Isle of Wight. Its busy concert schedule includes performances at many churches and during the summer it plays regularly on the bandstand at Rylstone Gardens, Shanklin.
The band rehearses on Monday evenings between 8pm and 10pm at the Parish Rooms attached to St Mary's Church, Cowes.
New players are always welcome to join and should contact Musical Director Andy Norman (01983) 566826 info@cowesconcertband.co.uk
Band History
Details of the early years of the band are somewhat sketchy but it is understood East and West Cowes Town Band was formed towards the end of the 19th century.
By the early 1930s the band was flourishing and had close links with the town’s huge J S White’s shipyard, regularly performing at launching ceremonies. The band was also a popular sight at Island carnivals, often leading processions, and became known for its high standard of marching.
The Second World War put an inevitable strain on membership and the band was put in abeyance. However, thanks to the enthusiasm of Mr Lewis (Sid) Bircham it was resurrected in 1951 when he moved to the Island to work at Saunders Roe plane makers at East Cowes.
The Band in 1951 when they were newly re-formed
By 1954 they were resplendent in their new uniforms
The band slowly grew in playing strength again and regularly attended contests in the south of England up until the 1970s, as well as performing in carnivals and at bandstands in the summer.
On deciding to drop its marching role, the 1980s brought about a change of name to its present title of Cowes Concert Band.
After several years of struggling with low membership, the band made the bold decision to appoint a professional Music Director. Andy Norman was appointed in 2005 and under his guidance the band has come back up to (almost) full strength.
In 2008 the band commissioned new banners featuring the Cowes Town Crest and in 2009 with the help of a grant from HIWCF the band was able to buy new uniforms to finish off their new look.
March 2009
Photo by Thearle Photography
Cowes Concert Band is very grateful to HIWCF, Cowes Town Council, East Cowes Town Council, Mrs Sonia Price and the audiences of the Isle of Wight who have all helped in the regeneration of the band.
Biggest thanks of all go to the playing members of CCB.
Thank you all.
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