Burnham Concert Band
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More about the band
Music Director
Since January 2017 we have been directed by Michael J Pegram FVCM, ARCM, psm (hons)
Michael started his professional career with the band of Her Majesty’s Welsh Guards in 1971 and toured extensively with them.
In 1977 he was accepted for the 3 year bandmasters’ course at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall. He emerged with top honours, including the conducting prize and the coveted Worshipful Company of Musicians’ medal for the best student bandmaster.
In 1980 he was appointed bandmaster of the Royal Regiment of Wales and later transferred to the 9th/12th Royal Lancers. More recently he conducted the RAF Halton band from which he has now retired.
Leader
The band is led by our principal clarinettist, Huw Robinson.
Abbott and Costello take up the story:
Costello: Well, then who's playing first?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: I mean the fellow's name on first.
Abbott: Huw.
Costello: The fellow playin' first.
Abbott: Huw.
Costello: The guy on first.
Abbott: Huw is on first.
Costello: Well, what are you askin' me for?
Abbott: I'm not asking you--I'm telling you. Huw is on first.
Costello: I'm asking you--who's on first?
Abbott: That's the man's name.
Costello: That's who's name?
Abbott: Yes.
And a few more stars...
Meet the sections
Flutes and Piccolo
Specialists in fast-fingering and teenage pouting, the flutes and piccolo are always in the front line. Anything you can play, they can play higher
Trumpets and Cornets
When there's blood to be spilled, the trumpets and cornets won't be far away. Death or glory...
Oboe and Clarinets
If you like a sweet tune and a mellow style, you've come to the right place. Melodies 'R' us!
Saxes
Some people regard saxophones as 'Marmite' instruments, but they don't care - they know they're the sex gods of wind music
Drum kit, percussion and string bass
They keep the rest of us in time, and audiences' feet tapping. And we even allow them a tune to play occasionally...
Mid and Low Brass
Horns, trombones, euphoniums and tubas - it's like plumbing world back there. It's also the engine room that powers the band along
Interested in joining?
We are always keen to hear from musicians wanting to play with the band and are currently particularly interested in clarinets, percussionists, horn players, euphoniums and trombones. There are no vacancies at the moment for flutes or saxophones. Do get in touch - you can email using the button below. Two players who did just that early in 2022 are now playing with us! - so you can see that we really do welcome new faces.
For the type of music which the band currently plays, our suggested standard is approximately Grade 5 or above, but please contact us so that we can discuss your specific experience. We will arrange a trial period to see how you get on with the standard of music we play. No auditions are necessary.
We rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 to around 9.45 pm, at the United Reformed Church, Stomp Road, Burnham Sl1 7LR. See the map below.
If you become a member, there is a membership fee which is currently £12.50 per month (half price for students), payable by standing order.
