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Welcome to the official website of the Watlington Concert Band.
We are a friendly band who enjoy performing music regularly throughout Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, and occasionally further afield. If you would like to learn more about us, become a member or book our services, please use the enquiry form on the contact page. Vacancies We currently have vacancies for woodwind and brass players. If you would like to join us please contact us. |
Pyrton Fete 2019 - Photos courtesy of Nichola Schafer
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News
Dave Pullen
22 years ago a chance meeting with Lady Mogg in the Churchyard led to the Watlington Band gaining a new conductor. Dave Pullen took up the challenge, despite having never conducted before, and during his time as conductor built the band up from just four players.
Dave started playing cornet at the age of 11 for Chinnor Silver Band before joining City of Oxford Band on Euphonium. He also played for Ercol Band and later with Kidlington Concert Brass.
During the 22 years, the band grew in number and ability, playing at many varied events, concerts, weddings and funerals! The band also developed links with a band from Bavaria who came to Watlington with a film crew. Watlington Band then enjoyed a return trip to Germany playing for their Oktoberfest. A joint concert in St. Leonards last year with a visiting band from Canada was also a great success.
Concerts with Dave at the front were never dull! Often with a theme, the band hosted many events from Big Band style ‘Swing’s the Thing’, ‘Last Night of the Prom’s, Watlington’s Oktoberfest, and the Spanish – ‘Viva la Musica’ showing the versatility of the band and Dave’s leadership. However, Dave is the only conductor to have to ask the audience for a belt when his trousers fell down during a concert!
The band have become an integral part of Watlington and the local events during Dave’s time as conductor, supporting the RBL annual Remembrance Parade and concerts, the WBA events in the High Street and the traditional Christmas Eve carols.
Earlier this year, Dave made the difficult decision to retire as Conductor and to ‘hand over the baton’ to a new leader who could continue his good work and develop the band further.
The band are delighted to introduce Ben Ruffer as our new Conductor. more.....
September 2019
22 years ago a chance meeting with Lady Mogg in the Churchyard led to the Watlington Band gaining a new conductor. Dave Pullen took up the challenge, despite having never conducted before, and during his time as conductor built the band up from just four players.
Dave started playing cornet at the age of 11 for Chinnor Silver Band before joining City of Oxford Band on Euphonium. He also played for Ercol Band and later with Kidlington Concert Brass.
During the 22 years, the band grew in number and ability, playing at many varied events, concerts, weddings and funerals! The band also developed links with a band from Bavaria who came to Watlington with a film crew. Watlington Band then enjoyed a return trip to Germany playing for their Oktoberfest. A joint concert in St. Leonards last year with a visiting band from Canada was also a great success.
Concerts with Dave at the front were never dull! Often with a theme, the band hosted many events from Big Band style ‘Swing’s the Thing’, ‘Last Night of the Prom’s, Watlington’s Oktoberfest, and the Spanish – ‘Viva la Musica’ showing the versatility of the band and Dave’s leadership. However, Dave is the only conductor to have to ask the audience for a belt when his trousers fell down during a concert!
The band have become an integral part of Watlington and the local events during Dave’s time as conductor, supporting the RBL annual Remembrance Parade and concerts, the WBA events in the High Street and the traditional Christmas Eve carols.
Earlier this year, Dave made the difficult decision to retire as Conductor and to ‘hand over the baton’ to a new leader who could continue his good work and develop the band further.
The band are delighted to introduce Ben Ruffer as our new Conductor. more.....
September 2019