Cross Keys Silver Band

Busy Weekends

Dan — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:43:29 +0000

The band will be busy for the next two weekends. This Saturday we will be playing at the TA barracks in Newport for the TA Band dinner. Normally a fairly laid back, enjoyable event for the band which we can relax ready for the pressures of Ebbw Vale Contest on the 28th.
It looks like we’ve managed to get a full band together, so thank you to those that are helping us out. We’re looking forward to it, and it’d be great to have your support at Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre.

Cross Keys Comment CAPTCHA

Dan — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:33:46 +0000

Though our spam filters are working really hard and doing an excellent job at keeping a lot of false comments off our site, you may have noticed that a few messages are slipping through the net that shouldn’t be, mainly on the guestbook.
We have implemented a new method to help reduce the amount of spam we get. It will involve you completing a simple maths question before being allowed to comment.
If it keeps spam away and our brains ticking over, it can’t be a bad thing!

Long Weekend

Dan — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:11:05 +0000

There will be no band this Friday due to a handful of members having various other plans over the Easter bank holiday. It gives the band time to relax before we really crack down on the jobs in hand.
Work is going well on the test piece for Ebbw Vale and for the various jobs that are lined up already in the calendar.
It was a pleasure to see Kelsey-Jane back on the front row after her operation. Also, we’re thankful for the temporary return of Kirsty while she is on a break from her university studies. There’s also a new face in the lower end of the band. Phil has come along on bass and we appreciate his input.

Still working at it

Dan — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:37:16 +0000

Despite the band’s withdrawal from the Regional Finals in Swansea which are due to take place this weekend, the band have still been working hard in the practice room. The main focus is the testpiece that’s planned for Ebbw Vale, but there’s a lot of music out around the stands that’s going to help put on a few good shows when the summer rolls around. Some interesting solos and a few sectional highlights are testing us, but it’s enjoyable.

We’re still working on filling some empty seats and are happy for anyone to come along to help out. Please see the Vacancies page and Contact us if you’re interested!

Band Withdraws from Swansea

Dan — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:41:05 +0000

Despite the band’s efforts on Cross Patonce improving over recent weeks, the band has decided regretfully, to withdraw from this year’s Regional Finals in Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall. Withdrawing from any contest is something that no band wants to do, but due to various circumstances it was the only fair choice. The rehearsal time has been far from wasted and has shown that we’re capable of picking up the basics of a particularly difficult piece.

Though the middle of the band is fairly strong, we’ve found ourselves lacking the numbers in the upper and lower sections. It’s clear to see that the front row and the basses are putting in a huge amount off effort to cover for the empty seats, it’s just too much effort for them.

The basses have been covering their two empty seats for some time now and although they’ve done a good job at filling the gaps, but are now starting to feel the pressure of the extra responsibilities. Meanwhile, the front row has shrunk from three members to two recently after the unfortunate resignation of Steffan Frank. Since then, it’s been even clearer to see the improvement in Kelsey-Jane Vaux and our Principal Cornet, Ellis Davies despite their fairly recent migration from 2nd and 3rd cornet.

By reading this, do not think that Cross Keys Silver Band is fading away. Far from it! The withdrawal from Swansea gives us time to recruit more players and work on a new programme for the busy summer and various contests that we have ahead.

If you’re interested in playing with the band, please get in touch, we don’t bite.

Swansea Preparations Going Well

Dan — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:21:09 +0000

The regional finals in Swansea are creeping up and it’ll be upon us sooner than we know. So far, it seems that the man in the middle is quite happy with our progress, but it’s clear to see that we need to make good use of the remaining time. The interesting use of time signatures in Cross Patonce seem to cause a few trips, but in time, I’m sure its something we can overcome. We’re looking forward to competing again though, it seems so long since the last time.

Conductors Comments 2011

Dan — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:18:29 +0000

Musical Director, Kerry Bowden has given an overview of his thoughts over the past year.

Overall, I think that 2011 has been a pretty successful one for the Cross Keys Silver Band. No, we didn’t compete as often as we have in the past, and some of the results were a little disappointing, but considering the upheaval that the band has experienced, I believe that we can feel quite satisfied with what we achieved! On the engagement side of things, the Cardiff Castle contract was a great success, also our foray into Talgarth and Rogerstone. Our commitments to local community projects were well received, and of course the band has already been engaged to play at the 2012 Remembrance Concert, and of course much sooner we are engaged to play at the Rorkes Drift Dinner, I think this is at least our tenth year, and a little later in the year another full season in Cardiff Castle. Obviously, we need to recruit one or two players, which I’m sure we’ll manage, and hopefully we can resume a full contest programme!

Well, That’s 2011

Dan — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:09:45 +0000

Another year of banding has come to a end after last nights carolling session at Cwmbran Asda. To celebrate the efforts that everyone has put in, the band descended upon Tiffins Indian Buffet after Asda for a sneaky curry. Delicious doesn’t cone close to describing it.
Its been a busy 12 months. We’ve seen the loss, arrival and return of players – but we’re still short on a few seats – we’ve competed to receive mixed results but most of all, we’ve all had fun.
We will be having a little break over Christmas and new year while some of us may work on getting a Bass player physique, but we will be back in the band room on January 3rd.
Thank you to everyone that has made 2011 possible for us, members, families, fans, followers and helpers. From everyone at Cross Keys Silver Band, we wish you the Merriest of Christmases and good health and happiness in 2012.

Christmas Season

Dan — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:44:05 +0000

The band are getting into the festive spirit and the Christmas jobs are well under way while December disappears pretty rapidly before our eyes. Keep an eye on the diary for any last minute updates and make sure you try and free up some time to come and see us at least once.

2011 Presentation Evening

Dan — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:45:59 +0000

The bands annual presentation evening took place yesterday at Cross Keys Rugby Club. It’s not always an event that you can truly let your hair down for… until after the results!
Other than the main focus of the event, there was also a disco, an excellent array of food set out in a buffet fashion and of course, the karaoke. We mostly play as a band in tune… singing is a somewhat different story!
But, rather than tell you about our band members singing talents, I’m sure you’re going to want to know the results.
Starting with the Junior members of the band we saw Kelsey-Jane Vaux take the most improved player award. Since moving from 2nd cornet to sitting on the front row, her playing has come on leaps and bounds. Another front row member, Ellis Davis who is currently doing a brilliant job at filling in the principal cornet role was very happy to receive Junior Player of the Year. Their prizes seem to have swapped places since last year.
2011′s Progress Prize went deservedly to Flugel Horn player David Glastonbury. It shows with the effort that he puts in both inside and out of rehearsals.
This year the award for Best Section, the John Redman Memorial Cup, was presented to the Bass section. Its one section that we’ve lacked in players for some time, but with Paul Stephens and Craffer Johnson on the seats, one thing it doesn’t lack is character!
Euphonium player Mike Davies received Player of the Year. A lot of pressure is put on Mike in the practise room and its generally dealt with like water off a duck’s back and he’s unfazed.
Last but not least, band treasurer, Darryl Rees proudly received for the second year running, as voted for by the members of the band, the Bands Person of the Year. There is so much work that this man does for the band that some people are not even aware of. The dedication he has is unreal!
Generally it looks as though the night was enjoyed by all and it was great to see the members of the junior and learners bands and their families also attend this year. It was a brilliant turnout and we’re already counting down to next years! Thank you to everyone that came and made the night work.