Another Busy Christmas
Sunday, 01 January 2012 21:24
As is the way with brass bands, the Christmas season is always a busy time of year - 2011 was no different!
This year Onchan Silver Band started their festive engagements with the traditional carol service at the Dhoon Church at the start of December. This was quickly followed up with a flurry of public appearances - Carol services in and around Onchan and Douglas, including St. Mary's School and Onchan Methodist Church.
The band were also due to lead the Onchan Torchlight Parade, although it was called off due to the severe weather conditions. They did, however, still play in the Community centre.
The engagements come thick and fast during the Christmas period and this always provides the ideal opportunity for some of the bands younger members to gain valuable experience of playing out in public. The fundraising events at this time of year go a long way to supporting the bands needs and helping provide instruments, music etc. for the junior members as well.
As Mondays and Fridays are the bands rehearsal nights, these days are traditionally earmarked for fundraising caroling events. This year Onchan Silver could be found outside Douglas Tesco store - Thank you to everyone who supported us with your very generous donations!
There is always time for one last carol service, even after the big day itself - The Old Kirk Braddan Church is the setting for the final carols of the bands Christmas. This is a service they have been supporting for many years and this year was just as popular and well supported as ever.
Thanks to all who have donated to Onchan Silver Band this year and we hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and New Year!
New Trophy For 2012 Manx Music Festival Tuesday, 29 November 2011 14:36
2012 will see the introduction of a brand new trophy at the Manx Music Festival. It will be awarded to one of the Junior Brass solo classes and has been donated in memory of Jessie Russell.
Jessie was an avid supporter of brass banding on the Isle of Man. Her enthusiasm for brass music was shared throughout her family and she was always on hand to support wherever and whenever she was needed. Her granddaughter and grandson both started out with Onchan Silver Band, both working their way up through the ranks to top cornet seats (Jenny still plays as principal, while Russell is now studying for a Masters degree at the Royal College of Music in London). But they are not the only members of Jessie’s family to take up brass instruments – Her brother in law, nephew and son all play as well! Although Jessie herself didn’t play, she was an ever-present at brass events throughout the Island and beyond. Only last year, she accompanied Onchan Silver on their first foray into national competition for 16 years in North Wales even joining in with the partying afterwards on the bus trip home! She could also be found every Christmas alongside the band wherever they played, shaking her bucket – But, despite the freezing conditions, she insisted she would never wear a hat! Having been brought up in Yorkshire, brass bands were always a part of her life and her legacy will live on with her children and grandchildren .... and now this trophy. Remembrance Day 2011 Wednesday, 16 November 2011 21:12
This year saw Remembrance day fall on 11.11.11. although the Sunday services etc. took place on the 13th. As is tradition, Onchan Silver Band led the local proceedings, beginning with the parade through the village to St. Peters Church for the special service of Remembrance. Just before 11 o'clock, the band then led the parade back up to the war memorial where they played for a short service with laying of wreaths.
This year saw the Governor in attendance in Onchan and the 2 minutes silence was, as always, impeccably observed by the large congregation. The last post and reveille was played by Jennifer Gilmour, before the service closed with the hymn "O God our Help".
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Spread The Word Wednesday, 03 August 2011 13:27
Onchan Silver Band are on the lookout for new members .... and a new conductor! Although we are always happy to welcome new players into our very sociable band, we currently have a number of vacancies we are looking to fill. Check out the info section of our facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/onchansilverband) for an up to date list.
We are of course also keen to bring in new members into our junior sections as well! Do you think YOU have got what it takes to conduct your own band!?
Busy Time for OSB. Wednesday, 20 July 2011 15:19
As is always the case, the past couple of months have been a busy period for the band and their fundraising committee. From the start of the traditional summer season of concerts at the Villa Marina Arcade on the 21st of June, the band have hardly stopped! Laxey fair took place on the 24th of June despite the disappointing weather, where the band performed on stage for the group of hardy souls who persevered with the event under difficult circumstances.
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