The Band was formed in 1992 by some of the
woodwind and brass players from the Suffolk-based Community
Light Orchestra. The band began life with nine members and
the first rehearsals took place at the Ipswich home of Ted
Finch. Together with his wife Maureen, he managed the
running of the band for nearly 15 years.
As the band began to grow larger rehearsal
venues were used including the Chapel at St Clements Hospital
and the Henley Village Community Centre. The current
rehearsal venue is Dumbarton Hall in North-East Ipswich.
The band rehearses weekly on Wednesday
mornings. Every year they perform in both formal concerts
and at summer fetes and other functions. As well as performing
in various Suffolk venues the band has performed to
appreciative Kent audiences at the Herne Bay and Broadstairs
Bandstands.
The membership of the band has swelled over
the years and currently numbers over 35 players. Since 2006
their Musical Director has been Tom Rumbold, an
Ipswich-based freelance musician and music teacher. |