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The History of Knighton Town Silver Band.

There has been a brass band in Knighton since the beginning of the 20th century, but the advent of the second world war and during the war years band ceased to function.

In 1944 a committee of existing band members held a meeting with a view to reforming the band.

Tommy Thomas who hailed from Ferndale and conducted that band was asked to become the conductor of the Knighton Band.

Date 1970

Knighton Town Brass Band as it was known then made their first public appearance leading a parade of civil defence personnel.

In 1947 the band changed its title to Knighton Town Silver Band after purchasing silver plated instruments for the pricely sum of £600.

Due to the hardwork and enthusiasm of Tom, the band developed from its rebirth to being a well established band in Mid Wales. Tom continued to conduct the band well into his eighties and it was only ill health that forced him to retire from the band.

Knighton Town silver Band is a typical small town band with a tradition of family membership in the band. The band made its first foray into contesting for 50 years, when they recently entered the West Midland Area contest at Leamington Spa. The band came a creditable 5th in the 4th Section, with some encouraging comments from the adjuticator. There are plans to enter the Welsh Area 4th section March 2008. However the band are still busy throughout the year giving concerts in and around Knighton, playing at carnivals, fetes and one of the bands proudest moments was when they produced their first CD in 2006.

In 2002 the band made it's first trip to Germany thanks to former conductor David Wilson, and since then the band has been to Belgium and Holland. A further trip to Holland is planned for 2008.

At the bands' spring concert the annual Rose Bowl presentation was awarded to Ann Kilby for recognition of her hard work and commitment to the band during the last year.

Contests

It was an early start for the band last Sunday 9th for the trip to Swansea for the regional competition. Slight panic when the coach arrived in Swansea as someone sitting at the front of the coach directed the driver down a route where we ended up heading towards Cardiff before we could turn around towards the Brangwyn Hall no names please. It must have been a bad omen for that person as the music fell of the stand during the performance. However all was not lost as we managed to squeeze in a last minute rehearsal before our turn came to play at number 3.

It was a good performance for a small town band in a large hall. Having played early in the competition we had time to reflect on our performance, visit the various trade stands and head for the bar ( it becomes a magnet for brass players worldwide) before the results.

The adjudicator was generally pleased with overall performance of all the bands in the 4th section. Knighton was placed 5th just a couple of points behind the 3rd placed band, again an excellent performance from a novice band in the competition. This is what Iwan Fox said about the band's performance.

"One of the most enjoyable performances of the whole day came from Knighton Town Silver in 5th place. Directed with undemonstrative precision by the MD it was almost perfectly balanced and in tune from the very first note to the last, but was also played at a dynamic level that never rose above mf!. That lack of dynamic contrast must of cost them points of course but overall it was a performance of merit and hopefully won't be the last we hear from them at this contest - there is a very good band just waiting to blow out here!"

Well done to Mike for all his hard work in rehearsals and to the band for their performance on the day.

Resignation

It is with great regret that Mike has decided to resign as Musical Director of Knighton Town Band. During his time with the band the band has enjoyed the best years of its history due to his hard work and commitment and a vision to make the band one of the best in Mid Wales.