Brass Follies – A Brand New Sound in Town
Towards the end of last year, local musician and teacher Katrina Lovell-Meade got together with a group of fellow musicians, inviting them to join her in forming a new brass ensemble. After considering several names, the group settled on Brass Follies. There are currently eight members, all experienced brass musicians used to playing in bands and all are from Faringdon and its hinterland.
The fledgling group received a very warm response when they played Christmas tunes at their first public event in Faringdon Market Place at the switching on of the lights, in late November and again at the following Saturday’s Christmas Market. Their third public outing was at Root & Branch’s Christmas sale near Watchfield soon after that.
The ensemble are currently expanding their repertoire through the year to include many different musical styles and are looking forward to playing at public events and festivals as well as future bookings at weddings, parties and even funerals. They have thought too about developing a German Oompah band set for Oktoberfest, as well as carol concerts later in the year.
Look out for this band of versatile brass players with their shiny brass instruments. To contact the group and find out more about what they can offer, call Katrina Lovell-Meade on 07817457137, or via email at meadeygonzalas@hotmail.co.uk
Please be aware that the group will require a fair amount of notice about future events as they take some coordinating.
New Local Rehearsal Space
Looking for a rehearsal or recording space with great acoustics for music or drama? Check out Littleworth Church at SN7 8ED. The main floor area measures 15m x 8m, (though taken up with pews, this doesn’t prevent a small-scale musical set-up). The height to the eaves is 6.5 metres and the roof apex is a lofty 10 metres.
If you’re curious, have a look in during the day when it is generally open, or contact Alice via alice@manorfarmchase.com to find out more. Available at a reasonable hourly charge.
New Community Choir Formed
Late last year, local musician, teacher and community music facilitator Rachel Williams discovered that there was a demand for people who wanted to join and sing in a community choir. She put out an initial call on social media in November and in a matter of weeks had over 100 people interested. Of this group, approximately 60 have now formed the Faringdon Community Choir.
They practice weekly on Wednesdays at the Faringdon United Church Hall on the roundabout at the junction of Coxwell Street and Gravel Walk in Faringdon. One group meets at 2pm and the other at 6pm, sessions lasting for 90 minutes.
Rachel says that anyone can join, whether they can sing or not, or read music or not. Music and words are provided and having started out with some traditional Christmas songs, the choir has since moved onto folk, pop and songs from musicals. As is often the case with choirs more women than men have joined up, so there is a call for more men to join the choir.
As expected, Covid regulations and guidance are followed but there is plenty of space and ventilation in the church hall. “It was great fun! Said one member said after a practice. “I am a complete novice and a little out of my comfort zone, but I loved it.” The choir hopes to be performing in public by the summer. Each session costs £4 and members pay for a term of sessions in advance.
To get in touch with Rachel send her an email to rachelragaland@googlemail.com or look out for the choir’s new website at faringdoncommunitychoir.org.uk
