By Isle of Wight Observer
Medina Marching Band marked its 50th anniversary with a spring concert on Saturday March 28, bringing together past and present members for an evening of music and celebration.
The concert featured performances from the current Medina Marching Band, directed by band president, Steve Savage, the Music Development Band, led by brass instructor, Gareth Balch, and a 50th Anniversary Reunion Band, conducted by former bandmaster, Maria Nicholson.
The reunion band included former members from across the Island, with several travelling from the mainland to take part. The evening ended with all three bands joining together on stage for a finale involving just under 100 musicians, conducted by the band’s life president, Maurice Keat.
Medina Marching Band was founded in 1976 by the late George Urry, and has won almost every major award available to youth marching bands. After Mr Urry’s death in 1998, the band continued under a committee led by chairman, Kevin Hayward, until his death in early 2023 following cancer.
After the rest of the 2023 season, vice-chairman, Kevin Downer, was voted in to lead the band as chairman, continuing the legacy of both George and Kevin.
The concert reflected many eras of the band, from founder members to the newest recruits, and highlighted the lasting role it has played in members’ lives. Former members have gone on to join military bands in the Army, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force.
Celebrations continued after the concert with a reunion party at Camp Hill Sports & Social Club.
Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter