DCAE Cosford (formerly RAF
Cosford), near Wolverhampton
Friday 30th April to Monday 3rd May 2004
(by kind permission of the Royal Air Force)
Click here for pictures of the event
Over 80 participants from around the UK spent a great three days at Cosford over the early May bank holiday.
Two brass bands were formed and a percussion group. Each band worked on a number of new pieces throughout the weekend, culminating in a superb concert on the Monday morning.
We were fortunate to have the help of Mr John Teague, bandmaster of RAF Cosford's band, who worked hard with the top band on Sunday. Also our thanks to Will Craig, from the Cosford band, who helped the percussion group on Saturday. Iain McIntyre, Simon Farrenden and David Carter also spent time working with the bands. A number of participants also had coaching on conducting and music arranging. On Sunday afternoon (just before the downpour!) an 80-strong massed band marched on the parade square (or car park actually!) giving an impressive (and totally unrehearsed) display!
Saturday evening was spent at Cosford's own ten-pin bowling alley and on Sunday there were sporting activities available to all.
Our thanks to Codsall Methodist Church and Carter's Lane Baptist Church, Halesowen, for accommodating band members overnight and to everyone at DCAE Cosford without whose help the event would not have been possible.
Roll on the next one!