A United Celebration of Brass

On 29th June 2024 from 7 to 9pm at The Minster in Great Yarmouth two community-based brass bands will join forces to put on a concert for Great Yarmouth.
Great Yarmouth Brass – GYB is the resident brass band in Great Yarmouth and has a proud tradition of supporting the community by providing music at the annual remembrance service in St George's Park and numerous other good-cause events throughout the Borough. We are an amateur brass band that strives to represent Great Yarmouth in contests across the country and to entertain at various concerts and engagements throughout the year. Many people within the Borough will have seen and heard us over the years but may not realise we don't play for profit or individual financial gain. All the monies earned are put back into the band to ensure the longevity of GYB. We have a current age range from 16 up to 79 years young, from all walks of life with three aims: to play, entertain, and support each other in the GYB family. That is why we are proud to be part of this event, to play and entertain, and also to support the people of Great Yarmouth.
The West Midland Divisional Fellowship Band – The WMFB was formed in 2000 and serves the music needs for the West Midlands Division of the Salvation Army. They are well-travelled having played throughout the UK and Europe as well as their Division over the years. The band is made up of Salvationists and Christians from other churches who, as well as sharing their faith through music, share an enthusiasm for and dedication to developing both musically and spiritually.
There is a very strong connection between the WMFB and Great Yarmouth, in the guise of Bandmaster Charles King, life-long Salvationist and renowned teacher, performer and conductor.
Charles King biopic
'I was born in Gt Yarmouth in 1935 in the Gt Yarmouth General hospital where St George's Court stands today. A first I lived with my parents in my grandparents' home in Garfield Road (a family of true Gt Yarmouth Bloaters!). 'We Three Kings' then moved to Row 4, a very basic one-up, one-down dwelling. Row 4 was adjacent to the Minster and as a baby I well remember the sound of its bells. Because of the war we moved in 1939 to the West Midlands returning to GY in 1941.
'My family moved to Norwich in 1954, our Salvationist parents were 'musical', Dad played in the Great Yarmouth Salvation Army band (a band I would later lead as Band Master). Dad was a band enthusiast, a good teacher he taught me the theory of music and then the cornet from the age of 6. My mother was a good vocalist.
'I remember one occasion when 25 bands marched along the promenade to The Wellington pier where they competed and gave a massed concert.
'I became a member of HM Irish Guards Band from 1960 to 1965 and then returned to Norfolk to work for Norfolk County Council Education's Music Department as a peripatetic brass instrumental teacher.
'It gives me much pleasure remembering this period of my life with the dedicated staff and school bands plus enthusiastic pupils. You may be someone who was part of this memory and remembers those days, if so why not come along and say "hello" again, it will be good to see you'!
The Concert – The idea of the concert came from Charles. His desire was to put on a performance that is entertaining but also community focussed. There will be familiar pieces of music, some songs, and even some refreshments at half time! In recognition of the diverse financial backgrounds of the people of Great Yarmouth entry to the concert will be free, allowing the young, the old, families and individuals to attend and be entertained without the constraints of a financial burden.
For those who can afford to show some appreciation for a great night of entertainment, there will be a retiring collection as people leave. All profits from the collection will be put towards two local charities:
Great Yarmouth Salvation Army – supporting the work they do in the Borough serving those in need.
The RNLI Gorleston Lifeboat – another great community-led and served local organisation that saves lives around the shores of Great Yarmouth, ensuring that those who visit our lovely beaches are kept safe and sound.


Category: Live Music | Concert