In the month where summer finally reached boiling point, Dunston Silver Band had some engagements that epitomised the British summer: proms, picnics and partially sunburnt players. On Sunday 18th June we competed at the second annual Beamish Open Contest. Attending as the reigning champions playing Love Unknown for our hymn, a piece comprising dovetailing lyrical flugel horn and cornet phrases, and The Centaur for our march, the contest truly tested our ensemble playing and stamina to say the least.

In the competition we were drawn last and put on a fine performance in the glaring sun with the audience responding positively to our committed performance, justifying the hard weeks of rehearsal beforehand. As the results were announced we were placed fifth, a result that on one hand left us underwhelmed but provided us with feedback to keep improving. The competition was fierce and eventually won by The Reg Vardy Band, who we congratulated on their fine performance – and not only because our conductor Aidan Hodgson principals their horn section!

Our second sizzling summer concert was held at St Johns Church, Low Fell with the Low Fell singers. This concert gave us a chance to show off our carefully prepared programme culminating with a proms themed finale. Other highlighted pieces that we featured were The Witch of the Westmerlands; a mesmerising piece telling a fairy-tale-like story, as well as also playing favourites such as Car Wash by Rose Royce and Lionel Ritchie’s All Night Long. The crowd really enjoyed the offering that both the Low Fell singers and ourselves served and were in rapturous applause after the culmination of Land of Hope and Glory. The tremendous finale included our wonderful audience, who sang along with the Low Fell Singers.

A massive thank you to all who attended, played and sang at the concert. We hope to do more joint concerts like this in the future.

We hope to see you at one of our forthcoming events. If you require any further information please contact us. Also watch out for next month’s blog where we will details the month’s events and a sneak preview of the Butlins Mineworkers Competition 2018 piece!