About Burnham Concert Band
Burnham Concert Band is a community wind band. Members of the band share a love of playing and a determination to achieve the highest standard we can.
We play a variety of music including marches, swingtime, classical and of course tunes from films and the shows. Some of our recent performances have included the following Liberty Bell or Colonel Bogey, John Williams film music, A Tribute to Count Basie, Hootenanny, Mancini Magic, Philip Sparke, Oliver, Bohemian Rhapsody, Leroy Anderson, Palladio, Doyen and much, much more. What’s not to enjoy?
Interested in hearing us, booking us or joining us? Please explore this site to find out more.
The band is based in and around Burnham, in the leafy Thames Valley, or South Buckinghamshire if you prefer
Yes, there’s a clue in the title. We’re… um… a band that plays concerts.
So is that the same as a brass band?
Now don’t go upsetting our Director, please! Concert Bands evolved from the military bands which have a long and proud tradition. They include whole sections of instruments (flutes, clarinets, saxophones…) which you won’t find in a brass band. Conversely, there are some instruments that are specific to brass ensembles.
We perform in the local area and our main concerts are now held at Burnham Park Hall (pictured below) with its excellent facilities.
We play in a range of settings – formal concerts ‘indoors’ but also out and about at fetes, bandstands, and so on.
We play most summers on Henley bandstand and at a couple of other outdoor events. We’re keen to do more of that – if you would be interested in having us play at your event, use Contact Us to get in touch.
The Bands History
A very Brief ….
Burnham Concert Band dates back to its foundation in 1975 by Judy Norbron (front right in the picture to the right), she was the band Chairman up until 2018 when she took the decision to stand down and take life a bit slower.
….. History
Judy was subsequently made Honorary Life President and an award was made at our Autumn concert.
A couple more of pictures of Judy in action at various points in the Bands history.
We would be interested to hear from anyone who has knowledge of the history of the band, if that is you please use the “contact us” link at the bottom and we will reply as soon as we can.
Who’s Who
Adam Swift- Musical Director
The band is conducted by our new Musical Director Adam Swift.
Adam Swift (BA(Hons), PGCE, DipABRSM, ARSM, LRSM) was born and raised in Kent where he learned piano, clarinet and saxophone through the Kent Music Service. Adam completed undergraduate studies at The University of Plymouth, where he became a specialist in music aesthetics and analysis with an emphasis on 20th century Russian opera. After, Adam completed post-graduate studies in Secondary Music Education.
Adam works as a professional freelance musician, working as a piano soloist, exam accompanist, session musician and teacher. He has worked as the Musical Director on a variety of shows across London and the UK, including Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Into the Woods” and Jason Robert Brown’s “The Last 5 Years”.
In 2016, Adam joined the Army Reserves and became a member of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment band. Later, he moved to the Band of the Royal Yeomanry and now, The Band of The Irish Guards. Adam has performed at prestigious events on clarinet, including the funeral of the Late Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Adam is also the current Musical Director of the Windsor Community Orchestra.
Huw Robinson- Leader & Principal Clarinet
The band is led by our principal clarinettist, Huw Robinson.
Abbott and Costello take up the story:
Costello: Well, then who’s playing first?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: I mean the fellow’s name on first.
Abbott: Huw.
Costello: The fellow playin’ first.
Abbott: Huw.
Costello: The guy on first.
Abbott: Huw is on first.
Costello: Well, what are you askin’ me for?
Abbott: I’m not asking you–I’m telling you. Huw is on first.
Costello: I’m asking you–who’s on first?
Abbott: That’s the man’s name.
Costello: That’s who’s name?
Abbott: Yes.
Meet the Sections
A concert band is much more than a conductor and a clarinet, much much more and when it all comes together it could be argued that like many things in life it is a greater thing than the sum of its parts. Lets take a quick look round the sections.
Flutes and Piccolo
Oboe and Clarinets
The masters of the teenage pout coupled with some of the fastest fingers in the band, Piccolo is apparently Italian for small but rumour has it that it actually means “Devils Peashooter”
If you like a sweet tune and a mellow style, you’ve come to the right place. Melodies ‘R’ us!
Percussion, Kit and String Bass
From the ubiquitous powerhouse of the drum kit through tuned percussion and the Odd ball of a concert band the String Bass often upright and orchestral looking and sometimes rocking it with an electric bass guitar.
Saxophones
Some people regard saxophones as ‘Marmite’ instruments, but they don’t care – they know they’re the sex gods of wind music
Mid and Low Brass
Horns, trombones, euphoniums and tubas – it’s like plumbing world back there. It’s also the engine room that powers the band along
Trumpets and Cornets
When there’s blood to be spilled, the trumpets and cornets won’t be far away. Death or glory…
How to join us
We are always keen to hear from musicians wanting to play with the band and are currently particularly interested in saxophones, percussionists, horn players, euphoniums and trombones. There are no vacancies at the moment for flutes. Do get in touch – you can email using the “Conact Us” button below. Two players who did just that early in 2022 are now playing with us! – so you can see that we really do welcome new faces.
For the type of music which the band currently plays, our suggested standard is approximately Grade 5 or above, but please contact us so that we can discuss your specific experience. We will arrange a trial period to see how you get on with the standard of music we play. No auditions are necessary.
We rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 to around 9.45 pm, at the United Reformed Church, Stomp Road, Burnham Sl1 7LR. See the map on the left.
If you become a member, there is a membership fee which is currently £12.50 per month (half price for students), payable by standing order.