Nantwich
and District Band was formed in 1983 as a reformation of the
Nantwich Town Band which folded in 1939. Although initially a
brass band, lack of players led to the band accepting woodwind
players into the organisation. Since the early days when a
rehearsal constituted of just six players, the band has grown and
sees a constant stream of new faces enter into its Brookfield Hall
home. At present membership stands steadily in the high thirties,
with a healthy mix of youth and experience.
Although largely a
concert band, during its existence the band has dipped its toes
into the contest world, with a fair degree of success. The
Macclesfield Music Festival and the Cheshire Music Festival were
won by the band in 1989. Other prizes include a joint second in
the Buxton Festival, again in the late 80's. Over the more recent
years the band has become particularly prolific in the concert
arena, which has led to a decrease in the number of contest's
entered.
The new millennium
has seen a resurgence sweep through the band. Forward thinking
former conductors such as Andrea Stretton have paved the way for
our current musical director Stewart Thompson, seeing a huge
change in band fortunes. CD's and tours are just two of the many
initiatives the band have forged over the past year. 'Bandology'
was recorded in February 2003 and was a real favourite with the
public, with high sales lasting all year long. April 2004 saw the
band travel to Germany to take in a weekend long concert tour, the
first time the band has ever left these shores.
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