Friary Guildford Band celebrated its 30th anniversary in grand style with a concert at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Pyrford yesterday, with a guest appearance by internationally acclaimed jazz trombonist, Mark Nightingale. The near capacity audience, including the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Diana Lockyer-Knibbs, were treated to a wide variety of music, ranging from Latin to spiritual, operatic to musicals, film to original brass pieces as well as some virtuoso jazz standards from Mark Nightingale, including the inevitable ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.’ Amongst the players was trombonist Roland Knight, a founder member of the Band. The evening also saw the presentation of the Band’s annual awards. The Most Improved Player Award went to Craig Rickards, who originally auditioned on baritone horn before moving to Eb bass. Principal cornet, Richard Straker, won the Player of the Year Award, whilst joint Bandspersons of the Year, voted by Band members, were Contest Secretary Alex Stevens and Band Secretary, Lauren Straker. Musical Director, Chris King, was delighted with the evening: ‘ It’s been a fantastic year for the Band, winning through to the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall, and we are looking forward to the challenges of 2014 from a very sound base.’ ‘The Awards were all thoroughly deserved, and to have a soloist of Mark Nightingale’s calibre and reputation with us to celebrate this special occasion was the icing on the cake,’ he concluded. The Band’s next engagement will be a Christmas concert, at the Chobham Club, on Saturday 14th December from 3.00 – 5.00 pm. Tickets available from the Band Secretary on 07974 804394 or at the door
