BTM hit right note with Xmas TV advert
BTM Band hit the right note after starring in the Co-op’s Christmas TV campaign which celebrated everyday Christmas moments and the heartwarming ways families show they care.
Co-op’s support for local community causes was also brought to life in the advert – titled Not-SoSilent Night – and BTM Brass Band were featured in the advert as one of the more than 4,000 causes that the community retailer has supported with a £17m handout over the festive season through its Membership scheme.
The band received wonderful feedback from its performance on the advert, with the Universal Music Group and the Pogues themselves congratulating the band on social media.
BTM Band will use the support from Co-op’s Membership scheme to buy new music and to refurbish instruments for youth bands – supporting its work to promote brass and percussion playing and to engage and inspire more people to join in and grow into the next generation of players.
The advert was created by the Lucky Generals agency.
Creative director Kate Murphy said: “This ad features a very small festive moment, but it touches on something much bigger – about giving to the community.
“As such, it really captures the true meaning of Christmas and the band’s brilliant version of a quintessential Christmas song is the star on the tree.”
Directer Stacy Wall said: “Once I heard the talented and kind members of the BTM Brass Band playing their version of the classic Pogues track, I knew all I needed to do was stay out of the way and make certain the cameras were rolling.”
BTM Band Secretary Carolyn Jones added: “The reason that the Coop invited BTM to feature in the advert is that we have worked hard to build up a good working relationship with them.”
Next Generation (one of BTM’s Youth Bands) has frequently played at the local Co-op store in Bedwas and featured most recently at the opening of its new store in Machen and the band has made numerous applications to the Co-op Community Fund. Thanks to Carolyn Jones for info
Meanwhile, the musical director of the BTM Band is Jeff Hutcherson, and he will be conducting the band at the imminent Welsh Open Entertainment Contest which takes place at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl on Saturday, February 15.
The other bands taking part will be Brunel Brass (Daniel Hall), Burry Port Town (Ceri John), City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Christopher Bond), Enderby (Ryan Richards), Filton Concert (Lewis Wilkinson), Forest of Dean Brass (Stephen Sykes), Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins), Jackfield (David Maplestone), Lewis Merthyr (Craig
Roberts), Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins) and Tylorstown (Gary Davies).
Enderby Band was with us last year at the Welsh Open and gave a very good performance to be placed a creditable 7th.
Enderby was officially formed in 1895 and over the last 30 years has broadened its scope and the current organisation of five bands encompasses everything from training groups to wind bands.
In 2017, the band won the Shirebrook and Wychavon Enterainment contests, gained 2nd in the Leicestershire Brass Band Association Contest and 3rd at the Bolsover Entertainment contest.
In 2018 they were at the National Finals and again in 2019 as Midland Area First Section Champions.
The band puts great store on community events and raised more than £10,000 for the Rainbows Hospice with a concert at the De Montfort Hall, Leicester with a 400-strong rock choir.
Recently Enderby was at the Concordia Theatre, Hinckley, in a fundraising evening entitled Pack Up Your Troubles in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.