Regent Brass is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year, having been formed from the Brent Youth Band in 1985 by Paul Fensom, a brass teacher and subsequent Head of Music Service in the area.

Since then the band has enjoyed considerable success, reaching the Championship Section in 1991 and claiming the top section London & Southern Counties Regional Championship title in 1994 and again in 2013.

Adventurous

Following the musical ethos imprinted by Paul the band formed Regent Community Brass in 2012 and has continued enhance its reputation as one of UK banding's most adventurous concert performers of contemporary brass band music.

The band recently kicked off its year of celebration back in Brent with a wonderful get-together of former players from all parts of the country to perform as a reunion band under Paul's baton. He himself had travelled from Norway where he now lives for the occasion.

It was a very special occasion. The groups gave emotional performances of pieces which held a special place in the band's early history, with the current Regent Bands' both also performingMD, Alan Duguid

Special occasion

Current MD Alan Duguid told 4BR: "It was a very special occasion. The groups gave emotional performances of pieces which held a special place in the band's early history, with the current Regent Bands' both also performing."

The evening was brought to a close with a series of reflections on the history given by Paul and chairperson Emily Peart as well as presentations given by the London & Southern Counties Brass Band Association to the band and individuals who had made an even wider contribution to the banding movement.

These included presentations to Paul Fensom as well as long-serving founding ex-members Philip Doe, Darryl and Jeanette D'Costa. David D'Costa, a founding member who continues to play with the band was presented with a Long Service award.