gives
voice to accompany the face of Egremont in concerts and services in the Castle,
and greets parties of visitors with an authentic West Cumbrian sound, and on all
occasions, in the words of its conductor, Paul Worthington, it tries to
"tailor music from its diverse repertoire to suit the occasion." The band is deeply grateful for the support of local people who supported its Christmas carol programme. They helped it to raise funds for the major expenses of insurance, practice room hire, new music and instrument hire.
A lovely team spirit was almost tangible at a recent band practice in the Parish Church Hall. A remarkably diverse group come together because they enjoy it, with no airs and graces and no false pretension. They included Jeff Edgar,
retired St Bees
schoolmaster, who has been playing the trombone for five or six years and had
been encouraged to join by his colleague, John Knewstubb. Playing beside him was
Claire Keeble, fresh from Manchester University where she played with the Jazz
Band. At seventeen, Paul's daughter, Alix, playing the cornet, is one of the
veterans, having been playing with them for five years. She likes the marches,
but also warms to music from the shows which is an increasingly popular part of
the band's repertoire. Wyndham teacher, Stuart Humphreys, also playing with the
cornets, hopes to attract more young students at the school to learn brass
instruments, and the band welcomes players of all ages to its practices every
Monday evening at 7pm in the Church Hall, offering tuition and making
instruments available.Paul Worthington had an ear for his players and an understanding of their needs. It was sometimes just possible to see him wince at a discord, but he has a way of making them feel good about their chances of getting it right as he gently takes them back a few bars. The band obviously enjoys playing together and sharing its enjoyment with its audiences.
