Now nearly twelve months on from the formation of Darwen Brass which started in the early days of January 2007 without even a name it appears that it has been one head long rush of enthusiasm and success.

At the start of January after advertising both locally and nationally for players, the band was formed with a list of priorities, mainly to find and audition for a musical director, and also to vote for a name for this new band.

Gap filled

Created to fill the gap between the Junior Band and the Senior Band of the Blackburn and Darwen Bands, the members first created a committee, found or at least voted for the name Darwen Brass, and successfully held enough auditions to be able to fill the post of Musical director with Steve Hartley — all accomplished by April.

The band has enjoyed a successful year, and the past eight months since I was appointed MD have been both enjoyable and rewardingMD Steve Hartley

One year ago

Steve himself said at that time; "I am delighted to have been appointed Musical Director to the new band. When I auditioned for the position some weeks ago there was a definite feeling of excitement and a real buzz about the place. I have conducted various bands over the years, but this is the first time I have been involved at the beginning of a bands musical life. I am looking forward immensely to working with the band, and to a happy and successful association."

Cracking pace

Since that time the band has moved on at a cracking pace, both in a number of concerts fulfilled and two contests entered.

The first contest at Fleetwood, although coming in with a low score it served as a way to introduce newer players to what to expect in the contesting scene. This paid off for the band gained a fourth place at only the second contest entered at the St Helens Wilkinsons contest.

One year on

After one year then what does MD Steve Hartley think?

"The band has enjoyed a successful year, and the past eight months since I was appointed MD have been both enjoyable and rewarding. We have undertaken many engagements including a cracking concert at St Cuthberts church in Darwen, and have also competed at Fleetwood and Wilkinson's contests. The fourth place gained at Wilkinson's was particularly rewarding, and credit to the band for the hard work we all put in on “Dimensions."

2008

He added: "We are now working on 'Four Cities Symphony' for the Area Contest in March, together with music for our next Concert which will hopefully take place mid February. I am looking forward immensely to both these events, as well as the continuation of our concert and contest work as we move through 2008."