News
James Alexander & Edward Haskell
Congratualtions are due to James Alexander for passing his Grade 5 Music Theory examination with distinction and to Edward Haskell who has passed his Grade 2 Music examination.
James Alexander & Des Law
Michael Luxton Retires
After more than 15 years, Michael Luxton has retired from the Band. Michael has been a loyal member playing the Bass drum, marching up and down the hills of Okehampton and at parades and carnivals throughout Devon and Cornwall - he will be much missed and the Band wish Michael and Megan a happy retirement and hope to see them at future concerts.
Stadtgarde Wesseling
The bands 24 year long twinning link with the German band of Stadtgarde Wesseling continued in October when they hosted their friends from the town on the Rhine for a week, when the sun shone and without a drop of rain.
The band played in Red Lion Yard followed by a reception at the town hall. A joint concert was held at Fairplace Church and the visitors were also taken to the Eden Project at St Austell. A ten pin bowling evening in Exeter and a party was held at the Pretoria Vaults.
It is likely that Excelsior will be Visiting Wesseling in 2012, and are very grateful to all those people who helped to make this
visit a success.
Stadtgarde Wessling rehearsing in Faiplace Church
Saturday June 18th
Band succeed at Bugle
Not even the blustery wet early morning start could deter the determination of the band, as they headed off to Bugle, near St Austell, for the annual West of England Bandsman’s Festival, which has been running since 1912.
For those of you who may not be familiar with the festival, bands from across the West Country march through the village to the contest ground where they compete for various prizes, including one for Deportment.
The day closes with the winning band performing in the village square.
Okehampton Band finished in second place this year, their highest placing to date, and were also awarded second place in the Deportment category.
Watch a YouTube video of the Band Performing at Bugle
The trophy and shield held aloft by Des Law, Musical Director pictured left, and Richard Beardon who conducted on the day, along with Richard’s daughter Hannah.
Saturday 11th June
Bideford Brass Band Solo and Quartet Contest
Four of the younger members of the band, under the guidance of Cathy Lovegrove, took part in the annual Bideford Brass Band Solo and Quartet Contest, which has competitors coming from bands from near and far.
Victoria Isaac, aged 10 and Edward Haskell aged 11, both on cornet, played the duet ‘Allegretto’ in the 17 years and under category and came a well-deserved fourth.
James Alexander, aged 13 and Josh Quick aged 15, again both on cornet, played the duet ‘Love’s Old Sweet Song’ in the same age group and were very pleased with their second place.
Many thanks to Cathy Lovegrove for the time and effort she put into bringing this together over recent weeks. Thanks also to Adrian Edwards for kindly agreeing to accompany them on piano.
Pictured left are Josh and James in the back row, with Victoria and Edward in front.
Okehampton Band Success at 2 Competitions
Okehampton Band has enjoyed success at both Bideford Brass Solo and Quartet Contest and Bugle West of England Bandsman’s Festival.
Saturday June 25th
Northlew Band Centenary Day
The band took part in Northlew Band Centenary celebrations, joining Northlew and Hatherleigh Bands in an afternoon of combined playing.
Watch a YouTube video of the Bands playing
Also see the June 2011 issue of Norhlew News for a description of the occasion.