Music is a powerful tool; it can bring people together during times of celebration, and times of sorrow. It is music, and the people behind the creation and performance of our favourite songs, hymns and tunes, that can emphasise feelings of exhilarating joy, and also soothe moments of dejection.
In those moments spent with the community, you may have seen - or heard - the brass instruments of Bodmin Town Band. Their iconic tunes are enough to send most into a foot-tapping frenzy during national celebrations or town jamborees, while creating a sombre atmosphere during important events such as Remembrance Sunday.
Bodmin Town Band consists of some 25 talented musicians who meet weekly on Tuesdays to enjoy practising together. Members come from all walks of life but are connected by their commitment and love of making music. The youngest member is just 11 years old.
Coming along with his mum, Jess, Neythen has played with the band since November 2023, having previously played with St Austell. He is also a committed member of Cornwall Youth Brass Band and
St Austell Youth Band.
Band secretary, Gail Constantine, said this of Neythen: “He’s a natural performer. He’s going to go a
long way. It’s brilliant to have him in the band.”
The town is very fortunate to have such a high calibre brass band and it provides an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to master their chosen instrument alongside dedicated and
skilful musicians.
Colin Hudson, musical director, works hard to maintain the high quality of musicianship. The band, along with other Cornish bands, have recently performed at the Cornish Brass Band Association’s annual Festival of Brass in Newquay, and also featured in the Bodmin Rotary concert in St Petroc’s Church alongside students from Bodmin College and Loveny Male Choir.
Later in the year, the band plan to head to Lancashire for the Whit Friday contests. Bands from all over the country literally race from village to village to march and perform in each village square. Fundraising is already underway for this venture as it involves two nights away and a long coach journey. The band will also be out and about in the summer and is looking forward to leading the recently revived Bodmin Carnival again.
The decision to formalise Bodmin Town Band was made at a public meeting on 20th September 1927, so the band is not too far away from celebrating its centenary! Those who remember listening to the original opening tune to the early morning broadcast on BBC Radio Cornwall will have listened to Bodmin Town Band’s 1992 recording of Goff Richards’ specially written piece ‘Calling Cornwall’.
Sadly, an arson attack in 2009 destroyed the bandroom and all its contents, and the band has been rebuilding ever since.
Today it performs traditional brass band music scores, as well as arrangements of popular music and new compositions and arrangements. The musical director is responsible for choosing pieces to suit the occasion. At key times in the year, the band can always be relied upon to support major town events, such as Remembrance and Bodmin’s Lights Switch On. They add a touch of dignity and express the significance of civic occasions as well as delighting audiences at their concerts.
Whatever the programme, Bodmin Town Band is always a delight to hear.
For updates and information about future performances please visit www.facebook.com/BodminTownBand and for information about joining the band please contact Gail Constantine at info@bodmintownband.co.uk