The long defunct Andover Band has been rejuvenated and reborn, thanks to a bit of scientific help.

First time

The reformed band performed as a group of some 40 brass players, aged 8 to 68 rehearsed for the first time this week, under the experienced direction of Steve Large.

Scientific instruments company, Mitutoyo, is generously sponsoring the band, which has adopted a version of the town’s coat of arms as its logo, whilst rehearsals will take place at its premises at West Portway.

The band already has accepted its first engagements and is looking forward to a busy Christmas period, which will include its first concert.

Product of enthusiasm

Conductor Steve Large, who last month won a Pride of Andover award for his 25 years of voluntary involvement in local brass banding told 4BR:

"This band is the product of the enthusiasm of some very good musicians and their families who wanted to create a new band for the town and just wouldn't take no for an answer.

We hope to be an asset to the people of Andover, to support community events and to provide an opportunity for anyone, young or old to learn or just to remind themselves how good it is to play a brass instrument. There's also the opportunity, if players wish, to have a role in shaping the band's future."

Generous

Steve continued: "Our only concern has been finding enough instruments to play, though bands from neighbouring towns have been very generous with loans."

The original Andover Town Band can trace its roots back to the Andover Municipal Band, for which records date back to the early 19th century.