Our History
In the beginning...
Norfolk Wherry Brass was formed in early 2004, by a group of musicians from across Norfolk and Suffolk, who came together under the musical direction of Andy Craze, to make great music and to enjoy a new experience in banding in East Anglia.
Norfolk Wherry Brass started from humble beginnings, with no music, instruments, equipment or uniforms. These were borrowed from local friendly bands.
then there were the contests...
In 2005, the band made their debut appearance at the London & Southern Counties (LSC) Regional Contest in Stevenage, where they were awarded First Place from a field of 22 bands. This result meant a promotion to the Third Section from January 2006, as well as an invitation to take part in the National Finals in Harrogate, where they were placed 5th overall. The band won the East Anglian Brass Band Association Spring Festival for the second time, securing them a promotion to the local Championship Class.
and charity work...
But the story isn't all about major competitions.
A large proportion of the band's concerts are in association with local charities to help with their fund-raising activities, such as the Royal Air Force Association, the Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust, the Norfolk and Norwich Pensioners' Association and several local churches.
nothing stays the same...
2006 saw us say goodbye to our founder Musical Director, Andy Craze.
Geoff Barber, who had been a flugel horn and cornet player with the band, replaced Andy. In 2007, the hard work put in rehearsing the test piece was rewarded with a 5th place in the second section of the LSC Regionals at Stevenage.
but the concerts go on...
Our concert programme for 2007 included appearances at local churches, 'Last Night Of The Proms' concerts, the Remembrance Sunday Service in Stalham and the R.A.F.A. Christmas Concert.
Other memorable events for the year also included a concert at the Auden Theatre at the Gresham School in Holt, a concert in Wymondham Abbey as part of their 900 year celebrations and at the prestigious Eastern Daily Press Festival of Carols at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.
what goes up...
2008 was a very unsettled year. Geoff Barber stood down as MD and several guest conductors, to whom we are very grateful, helped the band fulfill our concert engagements.
Our solo tenor horn player, Linda Purdy, then stepped up to the rostrum to prepare the band for the Regional contest in March 2009, but a disappointing result saw the band relegated to the 3rd section.
looking to the future...
But, perhaps most important of all is the establishment of the Norfolk Wherry Brass Youth Band, directed by Clive Cordukes and managed by their own committee, together with experienced members of Norfolk Wherry Brass who encourage and coach new young players.
new MD appointed...
We are very pleased with the appointment of our new Musical Director, Kevin Hegarty in 2009. Kevin has a long and distinguished background in music and there is no doubt that he will challenge the band to improve their already high standards.