BAND HISTORY

Intro & History

Great Wyrley Community Band was formed in January 2000. This came about when Lawrence Smallwood (former Head of Music at Great Wyrley High School), and Vaughan Smith (Musical Director), were called upon at the last minute to see if they could muster up a band to play at the Annual 'Carols & Roast' evening at St. Mark's Church, Great Wyrley. This was a traditional Christmas Concert performed by Great Wyrley High School Band each year since the early 1970's. But due to illness, the occasion of November 1999 found itself with no band and 150 guests booked.

Former High School Band members who were still around were called upon, and word soon escalated that a salvage band from some 12 years ago had come together again for the first time. It was all on the spur-of-the-moment but a successful nights entertainment had been accomplished.

The reunion of senior players sparked the idea of setting up an adult band for members of the local community. A meeting was held to experiment the possibilities of creating such a band. The meeting, with the invaluable help of Head Teacher John Large, proved favourable and so Great Wyrley Community Band was developed in January 2000 by Vaughan Smith and Lawrence Smallwood.

Familiar faces from years ago came out of the woodwork bringing with them new friends and colleagues through the music industry, and with hard work and recognition, Great Wyrley Community Band has shown to be a great success. Since those early days the band has improved dramatically, and increased in number. We have taken on young players from the school as 'apprentices' and players from the wider community have also joined us.

Great Wyrley Community Band lives on today in Vaughan Smith's hands, and through his encouragement and hard efforts, the Band has gained a fantastic reputation for high standards, challenging pieces, and an excellent source of entertainment.

If you are interested in more information regarding joining the band please click HERE