Often described as 'the greatest free show on earth'! The Whit Friday Marches in Yorkshire see's musicians from all around the world travel to Saddleworth and tour the villages performing marches for the public in each village over the course of a day. Whit Friday and the brass band marches are an important historic tradition and by sending the recently formed Richmond Brass Band local players from Richmond Upon Thames will connect with other musicians, perform for the Yorkshire public and participate in one of the oldest brass traditions in the world.
A recently formed community group, The Richmond Brass Band has a regular playing membership of 30+ local amateur brass musicians & provides a forum for players to connect and socialise. This culminates in regular public performances, bringing brass music to the community. This project will allow a young group with no regular funding to travel, perform and document what will be an historic event, then march in a display in Richmond.
What we'll deliver:
- Public performances in at least 6 villages
- Video documentation to publish the experience of the band
- A march-past with concert march at an event in Richmond Upon Thames
Why it's a great idea:
This project is needed as it will provide experience to a recently established community organisation & bring more diverse musical experiences back to the borough, including a performance. The Richmond Brass Band already has a regular membership of over 30 musicians from around Richmond Upon Thames that rehearse weekly and extends to those that cannot commit to regular rehearsal for project-based performances and learners. Public performance is the culmination of work in rehearsal and the demand for brass music in the community.
Historically, there has been a brass band in the borough since 1937, however it 'disbanded' in the mid-eighties and has only recently been reformed in October 2017. By enabling the band, which is still developing resources and funding, to travel to this historic event it will allow Richmond Upon Thames to be part of a festival that has international representation. It will also provide a new and diverse experience for the players to bring back to Richmond.
Steps to get it done:
- Whit Friday Marches - May 25th, 2018
