About the Band
EYNSFORD CONCERT BAND is a symphonic wind ensemble that has been based in the small Kentish village of Eynsford since 1972.
The band tours overseas regularly, and aspires to attain the highest standards of musicianship within a social and friendly environment.
Attracting players from all over the South East of England, the band nonetheless retains a core of long-standing members. The band is firmly rooted in its community and every year raises substantial amounts for local charities, raising nearly £35,000 since 2004. For 2012, we have chosen ourselves as our nominated charity, looking to raise money towards some much needed instruments and equipment.
The band has 50 playing members and is a Registered Charity (No. 277086) itself. Investing any revenue from performances back into the band, to fund the purchase of music, hire of the rehearsal or performance venues and obtaining instruments for those members who cannot afford to buy them, it is only through the voluntary efforts of its members that the band survives.
We enjoy touring and in the past have visited Austria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ireland, Netherlands, Malta, Spain, the Fjords of Norway and most recently, Belgium as well as undertaking a cruise of the Mediterranean.
Our musical direction has been under the lead of John Hutchins since 2003. John graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with a first class honours degree and is now enjoying a career as a freelance trumpeter performing worldwide with orchestras such as the Royal Opera House Orchestra, The Ulster Orchestra, and the Philharmonia.
Under the direction of John, the band has grown in both size and reputation and prides itself on its eclectic, challenging and rewarding repertoire. Our most recent focus has been on featuring compositions for symphonic wind ensemble by contemporary British composers.
2009 marked a new milestone in the journey of the band, with our collaboration with Dr. Nigel Clarke leading to Heritage Suite (What Hope Saw), his latest composition for symphonic wind ensemble. We had an amazing experience, from the first rehearsal with Nigel through to the world premiere performance and the recording of our recent CD entitled Heritage.
Working closely with Nigel through the conception, realisation and first performance of this new piece has given the band a priviledged insight into the amount of work that goes into such creations. As a result, the band has gained a far greater appreciation of all compositions for symphonic wind ensembles.
The band has recorded 3 CDs, proudly releasing Heritage in January 2010.
After more than 8 years of leading the band, John has decided that 2011 will be his last and to this end, Eynsford Concert Band is in search of a new Conductor.
In 2012, the band will be celebrating it’s 40th birthday. We hope that you can join us for our programme of events that will see us looking back over 4 decades of making music together.
If you would like more information about our planned concerts, joining the band or our history, please visit the other pages of our website, use the Contact Us option or send us an email at enquiry@eynsfordconcertband.co.uk
