"Music at the Heart of the Community"

Being involved in the background research and preparation for our Website has been both interesting and challenging. It has taken us down memory lane, and given us a glimpse of our future. We have had sad moments remembering those who have passed on, and fond memories too, when the Band Hut has rocked with laughter. We have remembered the good and, of course, the bad, but each and every one of those memories is part of the weave that makes us Llangollen Silver Band.

When Mr Henry had the inspiration to form Llangollen Band back in 1904, I wonder if he ever thought that the Band would still be ‘playing on’ over 100 years later? Could he ever have imagined how far technology would advance since then? The way that music is written, performed, recorded, and broadcast today, bears no relationship to the way it was back in 1904. We can look at the photograph of the Band in 1909 and only guess at whom some of the players were. Could they have had any idea how the Town of Llangollen would evolve during the Century, and that the Town would become home to one of the Worlds greatest musical festivals?

It is for us, the present members of the Band, to ensure that we put into place those things we think will secure the long-term future of the Band, for the generations yet to come. We, just like our predecessors, cannot imagine how future technology will change the face of music. All we can be sure of is that as night follows day, there will always be some people who will continue to love to play a brass instrument. There will be children who grow up in this Valley, amongst all the musical culture that prevails within it, who will want to learn to play, and who will want to belong to a group of others of like mind. It is for those players that we must now prepare our future.

So, it is with these thoughts in mind that we launch our Website. This act, in itself, is not anything spectacular in this day and age, and indeed, is seen as a necessity for any business or organisation that wishes for ease of communication with the world at large. But through this site we strive for more. It is the platform for the launch of our Fundraising effort; one that will allow us to have a new, built for purpose Band Hall that offers 21st Century facilities to players both present and future. It will represent an endorsement to the efforts of members, both past and present, and a reward for the effort, drive, and enthusiasm that has sustained the Band over the years.

If you have read the remarks of the Chairman, and also those of the Musical Director, it is evidence of the overwhelming regard both these great representatives have for the Band. The service they have given to the Band is immeasurable, both in terms of dedication and endeavour; and is a standard I can but hope to maintain.

On behalf of the Band, may I thank you for taking time to visit our site, which I hope you enjoy. If you wish to contribute any form of help to the Band, in whatever way you wish or, alternatively, if you think we can help you by providing our services, please contact us. We promise, we will get in touch with you.

  Thank you