It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Martlesham Brass has always held her in great esteem and we will miss her dedication and constant care for us.
We have followed her example of making our organisation open and welcoming to all.

We look to the future when we can celebrate her life and that of our new sovereign, King Charles III.

Newsletter

Around 80 players incorporating members of Martlesham Brass, Watchet Town Band and other local bands joined together for a day workshop led by Bruce Eyley, Adam Cable and guests Brett Baker and Chris Howley.

It was a very productive workshop. The first session involved players "speed dating"; a way to get to know other players very quickly. Players were lined up in two circles facing each other, and were asked to tell the other person their name, band and their most embarrassing banding moment in 30 seconds.

The band then focused on group pieces, followed by solos in the afternoon. A sectional rehearsal was then held to work on any difficult sections, with everyone joining back up to "top and tail" pieces.

An evening concert was held with both Brett and Chris demonstrating what wonderful players they are. Brett performed Bride of the Waves, By the Time I get to Phoenix, Fantastic Polka and Smile by Charlie Chaplin with Chris performing Concerto de Aranjuez and The Nightingale.

The weekend was finished off with a wonderful BBQ held by the Eyleys.

Summer Fayre

It is now less than 5 weeks to the main event of the summer, the Band Summer Fayre.

You will be receiving Grand Draw tickets next week and we ask that you do what you can to sell these on to friends and relatives as the draw is a key source of funds for the band - and we have some wonderful prizes.

All the bands will be playing for the event and we will have the, by now traditional Sumo wrestling inflatable for you to �Beat up a Bandleader� on.

To make this event a success we are looking to you, the band members to contribute. Help with running a stall; create a game of your own; sell raffle tickets��.If you would like to set up a stall, then please see Jayne or your bandleader.

We will be putting a list of �Helpers Required� up from next Friday, it would be good if we could get this completed without the need for Jayne�s last minute coercion techniques!

Ian Harvey�s leaving present

As we announced last month Ian Harvey has now left Martlesham Brass. But we have persuaded him to come back fro one last time on the 14th May. We are holding a collection to buy Ian a parting gift to thank him for his contribution as a founder member and bandleader. If you would like to contribute Mary Aldous or the front desk would be pleased to take you money.

49 Club Winners

9/4/2011 Caroline King (big prize)
16/4/2011 Sue Lovie
23/4/2011 Trevor Ling
30/4/2011 Porter family
We still have some numbers available, if anyone fancies their chances of winning or doubling their chances to win, please let Jayne Howlett know.

Instrument Maintenance

It is getting close to the time of year when many of our players will be thinking about summer Holidays and not about the next practice on their instrument. If it is the case that you will be �laying up� your instrument for a period of time during the summer, it is a good idea to give it a good clean and some lubrication before you do so. Then when you return all refreshed from your summer break your instrument will be ready to go. Just ask any of the bandleaders and they will be able to tell you exactly what you should do.