Band seeking new talent, Teesdale Mercury

THEY’VE been the sound of upper Teesdale for generations, but Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band faced an uncertain future last year because of a shortage of funds.

But following a flood of cash donations from dale residents, the band soon found itself on a firmer financial footing.

And now the Silver Band has started a drive to get more mem-bers.

A free workshop is being organised at Middleton Primary School so people can find out more about the group.

Band member and school music co-ordinator Tessa Fenoughty said: “The idea is to find young or not-so-young people to join  us.

“They might be interested in taking up a brass instrument or are thinking about returning to playing one.”

Ms Fenoughty said the band has received a grant from the Arts Council to help promote community involvement.

“A lot of children at the primary school are members of the band and the open workshop is a way of reaching out to more people. Anyone can come from age eight upwards,” she added.

A separate school workshop, including a jazz trumpet player, is also due to be held in July.

Ms Fenoughty, who plays bass trombone, said both events were part of a county-wide celebration called the “Brass: Durham International Festival 2010”.

The festival has been organised to recognise the positive impact that brass bands have on communities across the county.

In Teesdale, the origins of 

brass bands stretch back almost to the origins of brass banding in the UK.

By the early decades of the 20th Century, the dale had at least nine bands – Harwood, Mickleton, Eggleston, Bowes, Woodland, Butterknowle, Evenwood, Barnard Castle and Middleton. Only the latter two survived.

However, by the 1990s Middleton’s band didn’t have enough members to perform at engagements.

Half a dozen members turned 

up every Thursday night and enjoyed playing a few tunes together, 

not wanting to see the band disappear.

But thanks to the dedication of members, the band is thriving again and can once again be heard at concerts, church services and carnivals.

Ms Fenoughty said the school workshops were another way of helping the band to flourish.

“It’s been a long tradition and we want to get more people involved.”

Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band workshop will be held on Sunday, July 11, between 2pm to 4pm, at Middleton Primary School. 

To book, contact Tessa Fenoughty on 01833 640 382 or visit middletonband.org.uk. 

Alternatively, you can turn up on the day.