A Win For Roger

Published in Contest on 2016-03-14 by Phoenix Brass Crewkerne

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Crewkerne Town’s own brass band, Phoenix Brass, returned victorious from the West of England Brass Band Championships this weekend. Held at the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay, the band beat 18 other bands from the region to be crowned the West of England champions. Along with a magnificent trophy the band have been invited to compete at the prestigious National Brass Band Finals in Cheltenham this September.

The victory was especially poignant as the band lost a stalwart band member in January to meningitis. Roger Newton, one of the original members of Phoenix, was only 64 when he passed away. “We are a close band, and Roger’s death hit us hard. Our win is in his memory – we even had an empty seat on the stage for him draped with his band waistcoat”, said Chris Murphy, the band’s Chairman.

There are 5 brass band sections in the UK, and Phoenix are currently competing in the third section. This win, however, could promote them to the second section. They meet to rehearse every Tuesday evening in humble surroundings; their bandroom is a small “hut” in the middle of an allotment, and, with the odd exception, you’ll find them rehearsing there all year round. Under the direction of their conductor, David Boorer, the band focus on fun and good music making. “The band enjoy what they do, and work hard on developing their playing during the rehearsals. They deserve this victory.”

Phoenix Brass will be back in their potting-shed on Tuesday as they prepare for their next concert at the Bridgwater Salvation Army Hall on April 23rd.