News

May 2009

Visit from Down Under!

Two players from the Hahndorf Brass Band of Adelaide, South Australia paid the Festival Band a visit and a great time was had by all. They were touring Europe and the UK, playing in various bands along the way. We hope they enjoyed the visit and give our best wishes for a great tour and safe journey.

March 2009

Roy Goodson

Coventry Festival Band were very sorry to learn that Roy Goodson lost his battle with cancer this month. A dedicated member of the band for many years, he played BB-flat bass but did many other things besides. A great supporter of the band, he regularly came to practices and engagements even after his illness prevented him from playing. Most of the photos on this website were thanks to Roy plus his sense of humour and good spirits always helped to lift both practices and engagements. The Band were glad to accept an invitation to play at his local, the Greyhound Inn following his funeral. Thanks for the memories, we will all miss you.

December 2008

Busy but successful Christmas

The band has well earnt its breather over the festive break after completing a hectic but well received Christmas concert programme. As usual players attended well and braved the cold in some instances to entertain many over the festive season. There were regular favourites like the Bull and Butcher and St Luke's Church, coupled with new venues like Eathorpe Village Hall. We were certainly taken aback by their wonderful Christmas lights display throughout the village!

October 2008

New Conductor!

Coventry Festival Band are pleased to announce that Philip Rowsell has been appointed as their new Musical Director. Phil has been a member of the band for 10 years this December and has extensive playing experience on baritone, euphonium, trombone, Eb bass and until recently, as principal cornet player for the band. He was also previously a member of the City of Coventry Youth Orchestra. Coventry born, he is well known around the midlands and plays in several bands and has played at venues such as St James's Park in London, Symphony Hall, the Adrian Boult Hall and Warwick Arts Centre. His main aims for the band are to expand repertoire, further improve our musical standard and raise the profile of the band as a whole.