Hampshire Now - your County Council magazine

1963 - A first for the Beatles, Bond and Brass

Friday, 15 March 2013

1963 saw the first Beatles album, the first James Bond film, the first Dr Who episode and the first appearance of Hampshire County Youth Band (HCYB). To celebrate its 50th anniversary, band members, old and new, will perform at the Anvil in Basingstoke on Saturday, 13 April. The musical programme includes a specially commissioned piece by acclaimed, Winchester-based composer, Kenneth Downie.

HYCB's founder John Knight, now 90 years old, will be conducting part of Saturday's concert. John is one of only four directors in the Band's 50-year history. Current HCYB director, Jock McKenzie, puts the enduring success of the Band down to the wealth of young musical talent in Hampshire and sheer hard work and said:

"Every member of the Hampshire County Youth Band, both now and over the past 50 years, has shown incredible commitment to practising and performing, week in week out. My thanks and admiration go to every one of them and to their parents for supporting them every step of the way."

Councillor Roy Perry, Executive Member for Children's Services at Hampshire County Council, said:

"This concert is an incredible celebration of the lasting success of Hampshire County Youth Band and bodes well for the ensemble's future. The Band is one of more than 70 ensembles, choirs and orchestras that are supported by Hampshire County Council's Music Service. They give young musicians the opportunity to perform regularly at venues across the county, giving great enjoyment to all those who come to hear them."

Many ex-members of HCYB have gone on to enjoy successful musical careers as performers in professional orchestras and ensembles as well as the Royal Marine Band Service. Others have followed successful paths as composers. For many more ex-members, their years spent in HCYB have paved the way for a life-long hobby playing in bands and ensembles.

As part of the 50th anniversary weekend's celebrations Mnozil Brass, one of the world's top brass groups, is performing at the Anvil on Sunday, 14 April. Their performance is already sold out.

For tickets to the 50th Anniversary concert please visit Anvil Arts.

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