By Press Release
This year Shanklin Town Brass Band, which I founded with my husband, Malcolm, in 1993, celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, and there have been many memorable moments along the way.
At first, the band struggled to find instruments for its growing number of members, and had to make do with old instruments donated to them by mainland bands, and even some which were donated by the Wight Mouse Inn at Chale. You may remember old instruments hanging from the ceiling in the bar!
However, it soon became apparent that if the band was to progress, it would need to obtain a full set of matching instruments and, in 1995, an application was made to the Arts Council Lottery Fund. The application proved successful, and the band was able to purchase new instruments which are still in use today.
Included with the grant was a sum of money to be used to commission a new piece of music, which would reflect and celebrate Shanklin’s rich history, and, after some discussion, it was decided to approach Stuart Johnson, a well-known composer and arranger of music in the banding world. Stuart had written extensively for radio, television and the theatre and many of his works had become brass band standards and were played all over the country.
Having visited and conducted the band, Stuart spent time absorbing some of Shanklin’s atmosphere, before returning home to compose what was to become ‘Music for Shanklin’, a four-movement composition reflecting different areas and events from Shanklin past and present. It ranges from the tranquillity of Rylstone Gardens to the ferocity of the destruction of Shanklin’s much-loved pier.
Music for Shanklin – by Stuart Johnson
1. March – Shanklin Town
The music conveys the hustle and bustle of the seaside town, but also reflects on its Edwardian elegance.
2. Serenade – Rylstone Gardens
This piece depicts the tranquillity of the gardens which are a favourite venue for open air concerts throughout the summer.
3. Tuba on the Downs
Featuring the tuba section, it tells the story of one of the band’s members who used to go up on the downs to practice his instrument.
4. Shanklin Pier
Capturing the drama and terror of the great storm which destroyed Shanklin’s magnificent pier which once proudly jutted out from the promenade.
The Music for Shanklin suite premiered on October 4, 1997, as part of a grand concert staged at Shanklin’s Margaret Passmore Theatre. It was conducted by its composer, Stuart Johnson, along with a number of his other well-known band compositions.
Both the Shanklin youth and senior bands also performed a selection of music under their director of music, Malcolm Lewis.
Sadly, like Shanklin’s Pier, the Margaret Passmore Theatre no longer exists, having been demolished to make way for housing. The band, however, does still exist and in this, its thirtieth year, continues to give pleasure to audiences across the Island.
