Saturday 14th December – John Lewis, Reading, 2 – 3.30pm
The band entertained shoppers with festive music in the Reading John Lewis store
Sunday 15th September – National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain – All Day
The band may not have taken home the top prize in the Fourth Section of the 2024 National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, but the band’s hard work and dedication resonated in every note of Daniel Hall’s Smoke Sketches under the baton of conductor Matthew Ruel. While the result didn’t reflect it, both 4barsrest.com and British Bandsman magazine had tipped us for a top 6 finish, and our performance left a lasting impression on fellow musicians and listeners in the audience.
As highlighted by Brassing Around, the band’s effort was evident, with positive feedback throughout the day, particularly praising the band’s professionalism, sound quality, and attention to detail. While the band may not have won, Matthew and the entire band were incredibly proud of what was achieved, delivering everything that was worked on in rehearsals—and more.
Though a different contest draw may have led to a different result, the experience was a valuable learning opportunity and testament to how far the band has come. Reaching the National Finals itself is a significant accomplishment—one which the band hopes to build upon.
Saturday 25th May – Joint Concert with Honley Silver Band – The Civic, Holmfirth – 2pm
The band joined forces with Honley Silver Band for a concert at The Civic in Holmfirth, a renowned venue in the heart of brass banding country. Performing to a full and appreciative audience, the band further cemented its reputation as one of the finest entertainment bands in Berkshire under the baton of conductor Matthew Ruel.
Friday 24th May – Saddleworth Whit Friday Brass Band Contests – All Day
The band was proud to represent Reading at the Saddleworth Whit Friday Brass Band Contests, where the band was awarded The Dobcross Village Community Cup for Best 4th Section Band under the baton of conductor Matthew Ruel.
Saturday 27th April – Reading Festival of Brass: Free-to-attend Open Workshop Rehearsal on Léon Boëllmann’s ‘Suite Gothique’ arranged by Eric Ball – Saint Laurence Church, Friar Street RG1 3EJ – 2pm to 4pm
Held in the heart of Reading, the festival brought together brass enthusiasts and musicians for an afternoon of brass band music-making that explored Eric Ball’s arrangement of ‘Suite Gothique’ by Léon Boëllmann under the baton of conductor Matthew Ruel.
Saturday 16th March – London and Southern Counties Regional Contest, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre – All Day
The band was proud to have qualified for the national finals for the first time in 65 years under the baton of conductor Matthew Ruel. The band was drawn number one and was awarded second-place in a field of 17 bands. The test piece was Alan Fernie’s ‘Music for Jock Tamson’.