A Short History
As a result of keen interest shown by local people and businessmen the band rapidly expanded and by 1947 had become a full brass ensemble, when it was given official status by the then Urban District Council. The band has continued to provide music for the people of Burnham and Highbridge and indeed to a much wider audience continuously since.
In 1952 the band entered its first contest at Exeter, conducted by Stan Evans of Bridgwater. It gained fourth place from an entry of twenty bands.
At around that time Mr John Brown became non-playing secretary to the band. An officer of the South West Brass Bands Association, John was often to be seen marching in front of the band at summer parades and winter carnivals. From these early beginnings at Exeter the band, subsequently under the baton of Mr W.S.(Tommy) Farr, climbed through the contesting sections and by the 1960s was competing in the second section nationally and in the South West Championship section.
After many happy and successful years under his direction the band lost Mr Farr due to ill health but was able to appoint Mr Eric Heath who remained musical director almost continuously until 2005. Eric still plays in the band. More recently the band has concentrated its efforts towards concerts rather than contesting and is in constant demand for a variety of different concert situations. Over recent years we have carried out regular outdoor engagements in Bath, Clevedon, Burnham on Sea, Street, Taunton, Weston super Mare and Wells.
Amongst our charity concerts are the RNLI, BARB, Lions, The Round Table, St Margaret’s Hospice, Winscombe Millennium Green, Alzheimer’s Association, and various charities supported by the Mayor and Mayoress of Burnham and Highbridge. We aim to maintain an ever-rolling programme of music so that regular audiences enjoy a fresh selection of pieces each time they hear us. This approach also adds a challenge for the musicians and makes rehearsals interesting and enjoyable.
David Fisher took up the post of Musical Director in 2006 having had a military musical education. Himself a talented euphonium player, he continues to play in bands as far apart as Gloucester and Yeovil as well as driving the Burnham and Highbridge Band towards better performance and musicianship.
The band is always eager to engage new members and no matter what level of experience you have, a warm welcome is assured you.
Contact telephone numbers: David Fisher on 01934 515313 or Tony Fricker on 01749671520