Join us
Do you play trombone, Bb bass or cornet?
Did you used to play in the past and want to get back into the band room?
If so, we’d love to hear from you!
We are a fun, friendly band who rehearse once a week on a Thursday evening.
If you’d be interested in coming along for a blow to see for yourself you’d be more than welcome.
Please contact MD Jeremy Taylor on 07977 111141 or band manager Megan on 07977 261448
Did you used to play in the past and want to get back into the band room?
If so, we’d love to hear from you!
We are a fun, friendly band who rehearse once a week on a Thursday evening.
If you’d be interested in coming along for a blow to see for yourself you’d be more than welcome.
Please contact MD Jeremy Taylor on 07977 111141 or band manager Megan on 07977 261448
Newquay Fish Festival 2020
A global pandemic didn't stop Mount Charles Band from performing at Newquay Fish Festival as they made their virtual debut.
Photographer: Simon Martindale
Mount Charles Band mourn the loss of one of their longest standing members. Duncan Alexander, principal percussionist, was diagnosed with a brain tumour 7 years ago. After undergoing several surgeries over the years his life was back on track, but in April this year the tumour came back and began to take its toll. Duncan never complained or moaned about his condition, he carried on as much as he could for the sake of his wife Megan and two young girls Michaela and Daisy. On Sunday 8th December Duncan was admitted to Mount Edgcumbe Hospice where he battled on bravely, but sadly passed away peacefully Saturday 14th December, surrounded by his family. Duncan, much loved by family and friends alike will leave a massive hole not only at Mount Charles band but in the the banding community itself. He is very much loved and will be sorely missed.
Wychavon Festival of Brass
Well, what a great time we had at Wychavon festival of brass! It’s early days but three years ago the band were in real danger of folding with only 9 players around the stand. On Saturday we went and competed with only two borrowed players (thank you Barry Skinner and Matthew Opie for giving up your time to help us out), so we actually think that’s something to be proud of. Thank you to our MD Jeremy whose never ending enthusiasm and commitment drives us all forward. There is a real buzz about the band at the moment which is wonderful to see. Onwards now to Christmas!!
Save the date: Christmas Concert, 20th December at St Michaels Church, Newquay
Save the date: Christmas Concert, 20th December at St Michaels Church, Newquay
A quintet of new players
The band are thrilled to announce a quintet of new players to their ranks.
Joining us on second cornet and second euphonium respectively are Carys Brush and Ben Marks. Carys and Ben join us from Indian Queens band and we are very much looking forward to having them as part of the team.
Bolstering our percussion section we’re excited to welcome 12 year old Charlie Birch. Charlie helped the band out a couple of times over the summer and loved it so much he wanted to stay! Alongside Charlie we are delighted to have Owen Thomas back following his spell with Bodmin Band.
Also, completing our trombone line up we’d like to welcome Chris Luckhurst to the team.
These signings are a real boost to the band and we are looking forward to them playing their first contest with us on the 2nd of November at Wychavon.
Although most of our seats are now full we’d still welcome a second baritone and a fourth man (or woman!) down. So if you feel that our laid back, friendly but hard working band might be for you then please contact MD Jeremy Taylor on 07977 111141 or band manager Megan Alexander on 07977 261448
Joining us on second cornet and second euphonium respectively are Carys Brush and Ben Marks. Carys and Ben join us from Indian Queens band and we are very much looking forward to having them as part of the team.
Bolstering our percussion section we’re excited to welcome 12 year old Charlie Birch. Charlie helped the band out a couple of times over the summer and loved it so much he wanted to stay! Alongside Charlie we are delighted to have Owen Thomas back following his spell with Bodmin Band.
Also, completing our trombone line up we’d like to welcome Chris Luckhurst to the team.
These signings are a real boost to the band and we are looking forward to them playing their first contest with us on the 2nd of November at Wychavon.
Although most of our seats are now full we’d still welcome a second baritone and a fourth man (or woman!) down. So if you feel that our laid back, friendly but hard working band might be for you then please contact MD Jeremy Taylor on 07977 111141 or band manager Megan Alexander on 07977 261448
Another Minack weekend comes to an end
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And so another magical Minack weekend comes to an end. The band would like to thank the inspirational Howard Evans for conducting us this weekend, the wonderful Alison Harvey for her beautiful singing, Celebration Pyrotechnics for what was possibly the loudest and most impressive firework display ever, our friends at St Austell Band for the loan of some fantastic clogs and also The Minack theatre for looking after us so well this weekend. Also, thank you to all the audience members who came to watch us. See you next year!
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They're getting hitchedThe band were dissapointed that rain stopped play for their first permanence at the Minack this year but something wonderful did happen. Huge congratulations to guest players Ryan and Shona who got engaged!
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New signing
The band are delighted to welcome Sophie Rapson to our cornet ranks on repiano. She brings a wealth of experience with her, and we are sure she’s going to be a huge asset to our cornet team. Sophie is heading off to America on holiday but is looking forward to being home in time for her first ever Minack weekend! Welcome to the team Sophie!
West of England Regional Championships - March 2016
Championship Section:
Test Piece: Cambridge Variations (Philip Sparke)
Adjudicators: Jacob Dijkstra and Richard Marshall
1. Flowers (Paul Holland)**
2. Woodfalls (Dr Robert Childs)*
3. Aldbourne (David Johnson)*
4. Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren)
5. Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
6. Camborne Town (Ian Porthouse)
7. Yeovil Town (Ian Holmes)
8. Lanner & District Silver (Leonard Adams)
9. Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith)
10. Mount Charles (Nigel Seaman)
11. St Austell Town (Steve Sykes)
12. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Matthew Brown)
13. Alder Valley Brass (Roger Burke)
4barsrest full report
Test Piece: Cambridge Variations (Philip Sparke)
Adjudicators: Jacob Dijkstra and Richard Marshall
1. Flowers (Paul Holland)**
2. Woodfalls (Dr Robert Childs)*
3. Aldbourne (David Johnson)*
4. Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren)
5. Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
6. Camborne Town (Ian Porthouse)
7. Yeovil Town (Ian Holmes)
8. Lanner & District Silver (Leonard Adams)
9. Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith)
10. Mount Charles (Nigel Seaman)
11. St Austell Town (Steve Sykes)
12. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Matthew Brown)
13. Alder Valley Brass (Roger Burke)
4barsrest full report
Proms at the Minack - 26 and 27 September 2015
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Mount Charles have returned from a massively successful Proms weekend at the world famous Minack Theatre. The weather was perfect with the sun glistening over the Cornish sea whilst supporters waved their flags! The band were privileged to have Richard Evans conducting who is always a favourite with the audience!
Guest soloist Rebecca Moon sang 'On My Lips is Like Wine' from the Operarra "Giuditta", 'Somewhere' from "West Side Story" and finally 'Think of Me' from "The Phantom of the Opera". Trumpet star and great friend of the band Mark Harrison returned for his second year. Mark was featured playing 'People' dedicating his solo to Adrian Morris (Benny) who recently passed away. The band is always honoured to play at the unique theatre under the stars. Minack staff work tirelessly to ensure everything goes smoothly. This year was definitely one of the best as feedback from supporters following the performances confirm. Next year is already in the diary, 1 and 2 October 2016. Photos can be found here. Cornish Guardian gives a 5 star review, read more... Drone footage was taken during the Sunday afternoon performance by Sky Pixel Films (on behalf of the theatre) - SEE BELOW. Images can be found on their website www.skypixelfilms.com or via their Facebook page. |
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Principal cornet position - September 2015
Due to our principal cornet player Hannah Plumridge accepting a position in the world famous Cory band we now invite applications for the position of principal cornet. Enquire or apply in confidence to [email protected]
British Open Spring Festival (9 May 2015) - Results
The band have returned from the Vegas of the North after working with the inspirational David Stowell. The band were delighted with 12th place at the Grand Shield. We also congratulate our Cornish colleagues Camborne on their 8th place!
Adjudicators: Stephen Roberts & Rob Wiffen
1. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)*
2. Woodfalls (Dr Robert Childs)*
3. Whitburn (Prof. Nicholas Childs)
4. Virtuosi GUS (Adam Cooke)
5. Reg Vardy (Russell Gray)
6. Marsden Silver Prize (Glyn Williams)
7. Northop Silver (Thomas Wyss)
8. Camborne Town (John Berryman)
9. Hepworth (Mark Peacock)
10. East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison)
11. Tongwynlais Temperance (Christopher Bond)
12. Mount Charles (David Stowell)
13. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Kevin Gibbs)
14. Burry Port Town (Nigel Seaman)
15. Wingates (Paul Andrews)
16. Aldbourne (Jonathan Pippen)
17. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (David Hirst)**
18. Redbridge (Alan Duguid)**
19. Thoresby Colliery (Brian Grant)**
20. Kingdom Brass (Eoin Tonner)**
Best Instrumentalist: Brett Baker, (trombone) Woodfalls
*Promoted to British Open
**Relegated to Senior CupAdjudicators: Stephen Roberts & Rob Wiffen
4barsrest report
For further details regarding this prestigious contest please visit www.thebritishopen.net/springfestival
Adjudicators: Stephen Roberts & Rob Wiffen
1. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)*
2. Woodfalls (Dr Robert Childs)*
3. Whitburn (Prof. Nicholas Childs)
4. Virtuosi GUS (Adam Cooke)
5. Reg Vardy (Russell Gray)
6. Marsden Silver Prize (Glyn Williams)
7. Northop Silver (Thomas Wyss)
8. Camborne Town (John Berryman)
9. Hepworth (Mark Peacock)
10. East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison)
11. Tongwynlais Temperance (Christopher Bond)
12. Mount Charles (David Stowell)
13. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Kevin Gibbs)
14. Burry Port Town (Nigel Seaman)
15. Wingates (Paul Andrews)
16. Aldbourne (Jonathan Pippen)
17. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (David Hirst)**
18. Redbridge (Alan Duguid)**
19. Thoresby Colliery (Brian Grant)**
20. Kingdom Brass (Eoin Tonner)**
Best Instrumentalist: Brett Baker, (trombone) Woodfalls
*Promoted to British Open
**Relegated to Senior CupAdjudicators: Stephen Roberts & Rob Wiffen
4barsrest report
For further details regarding this prestigious contest please visit www.thebritishopen.net/springfestival
West of England Regional Championships - March 2015
Championship Section:
Test Piece: 'The Torchbearer' - Peter Graham
Adjudicators: Prof Roger Webster & David Hirst
1. Flowers (Paul Holland)*
2. Camborne (Ian Porthouse)*
3. Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren)
4. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Nigel Taken)
5. Mount Charles (Nigel Seaman)
6. St Austell (Steve Sykes)
7. Lanner & District (Stuart Chapell)
8. Aldbourne (Josh Ruck)
9. Woodfalls (Dr Robert Childs)
10. Lydbrook (Mareika Gray)
11. St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
12. Sherborne Town (Steve Rogers)
13. Alder Valley Brass (Roger Burke)
4barsrest report and full results
Test Piece: 'The Torchbearer' - Peter Graham
Adjudicators: Prof Roger Webster & David Hirst
1. Flowers (Paul Holland)*
2. Camborne (Ian Porthouse)*
3. Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren)
4. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Nigel Taken)
5. Mount Charles (Nigel Seaman)
6. St Austell (Steve Sykes)
7. Lanner & District (Stuart Chapell)
8. Aldbourne (Josh Ruck)
9. Woodfalls (Dr Robert Childs)
10. Lydbrook (Mareika Gray)
11. St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
12. Sherborne Town (Steve Rogers)
13. Alder Valley Brass (Roger Burke)
4barsrest report and full results
Plethora of new appointments
After a highly successful season culminating in three sell out Proms concerts to over 2,000 people at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, Mount Charles are delighted to welcome several new players into the band.
Read more...
4barsrest news
Read more...
4barsrest news
SWBBA Championships - 1 November 2014
Mount Charles Youth Band came first place in the youth section at the SWBBA Annual Championships with St Keverne coming 2nd. Cornet player Suzanne Yates also won best instrumentalist. Both Cornish bands performed brilliantly!
See photos
See photos
Minack's Christmas Cracker
It's back! Earlier in the year the Minack Theatre cancelled this event due to winter maintenance work that has now been postponed.
Join us at Christmas as the band brings a concert of festive fun to the Minack stage.
Click here to book your tickets
Youth Band announce new Musical Director
Mount Charles band are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Musical Director for their award winning youth band. Jeremy Taylor is returning to the helm following a 12 month break. Jeremy, who is the principal euphonium of our senior band brings with him a huge amount of enthusiasm, drive and passion and we are thrilled to welcome him back to the youth band.
Read more....
Read more....
Proms at the Minack - 22 September
The band are preparing for their annual performances at world famous Minack Theatre, Porthcurno this weekend (27/28 September). From its glorious surroundings coupled with a spectacular fireworks display, Sir
Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance and Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture the Minack Theatre is the perfect setting. This year we see the return of the legendary Richard Evans at the helm with his fantastic humour, he's always a favourite with the audience. This year the band will also be featuring rising trumpet star, Mark Harrison. Mark has worked with the band previously and is always an entertaining personality. The Proms at the Minack always attracts a sell out audience bringing their flags and singing voices whatever the weather, rain or shine.
Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance and Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture the Minack Theatre is the perfect setting. This year we see the return of the legendary Richard Evans at the helm with his fantastic humour, he's always a favourite with the audience. This year the band will also be featuring rising trumpet star, Mark Harrison. Mark has worked with the band previously and is always an entertaining personality. The Proms at the Minack always attracts a sell out audience bringing their flags and singing voices whatever the weather, rain or shine.
Badge is recruited as new MD
Mount Charles Band are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Badge as the band’s new conductor.
Simon, a serving Royal Marine, has been playing Eb bass with the band over the last 12 months and has also stepped in to cover rehearsals with the band previously.
Read more...
5 September 2014
Simon, a serving Royal Marine, has been playing Eb bass with the band over the last 12 months and has also stepped in to cover rehearsals with the band previously.
Read more...
5 September 2014
Looking forward...
The band is currently looking to fill a number of vacancies within the playing ranks and would welcome anyone interested in performing with the band to make contact via [email protected] or in person.
New Euphonium Team (July 2014)
Building on their success at the recent Area and Spring festival contests, Mount Charles Band are delighted to announce a new pairing in their euphonium section.
We would like to welcome Jackie Berry, who takes up the 2nd euphonium chair to the band. Jackie has been playing for 35 years and has played with the Indian Queens, St Austell and most recently Bugle bands.
Taking up the principal euphonium chair is Jeremy Taylor. Jeremy is returning to the band after a few months away and we are thrilled to have him back. Jeremy has also been playing in excess of 30 years and as a band we couldn’t be happier to have two such experienced players in the ranks.
Derek Thomas, Chairman says “I am delighted to see a return to the band after a short spell away of Jeremy, and also to welcome Jackie to the team. They both bring a wealth of experience and plenty of enthusiasm”.
We would like to welcome Jackie Berry, who takes up the 2nd euphonium chair to the band. Jackie has been playing for 35 years and has played with the Indian Queens, St Austell and most recently Bugle bands.
Taking up the principal euphonium chair is Jeremy Taylor. Jeremy is returning to the band after a few months away and we are thrilled to have him back. Jeremy has also been playing in excess of 30 years and as a band we couldn’t be happier to have two such experienced players in the ranks.
Derek Thomas, Chairman says “I am delighted to see a return to the band after a short spell away of Jeremy, and also to welcome Jackie to the team. They both bring a wealth of experience and plenty of enthusiasm”.
British Open Brass Band Championship
Photos courtesy of Mark Lythaby, GBBA
West of England Regional Championships - 9 March 2014
Results:
1. Flowers (Paul Holland)*
2. Woodfalls (Dr. Robert Childs)*
3. Aldbourne (David Johnson)
4. Mount Charles (John Ward)
Full results
4barsrest retrospective
Image library
Results:
1. Flowers (Paul Holland)*
2. Woodfalls (Dr. Robert Childs)*
3. Aldbourne (David Johnson)
4. Mount Charles (John Ward)
Full results
4barsrest retrospective
Image library
Yeovil Entertainment - 2 February 2014
Results:
1. Flowers (Paul Holland) 196
2. Woodfalls (Phil Randell) 193
3. St Dennis (Darren Hawken) 190
4. Michelmersh Silver (Melvin White) 189
5. Mount Charles (Richard Evans) 188
6. Friary Guildford (Chris King) 187
7. Staines (Jonathan Pippen) 186
8. Wantage (Philip Bailey) 185
9. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Major Dave Barringer) 184
10. Tylorstown (Gary Davies) 183
11. Lanner & District (Stuart Chappell) 182
12. Sherborne Town (Stephen Rogers) 181
Full results - 4barsrest
1. Flowers (Paul Holland) 196
2. Woodfalls (Phil Randell) 193
3. St Dennis (Darren Hawken) 190
4. Michelmersh Silver (Melvin White) 189
5. Mount Charles (Richard Evans) 188
6. Friary Guildford (Chris King) 187
7. Staines (Jonathan Pippen) 186
8. Wantage (Philip Bailey) 185
9. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Major Dave Barringer) 184
10. Tylorstown (Gary Davies) 183
11. Lanner & District (Stuart Chappell) 182
12. Sherborne Town (Stephen Rogers) 181
Full results - 4barsrest