Village wants to blow its own trumpet again
JEFF HOLDER , a man mad about band music, wants to hear Burbage blowing its own trumpet.
He believes it could happen, given his help and a people-driven determination for the village to have home-grown instrumentalists able to add a musical backdrop to just about any sort of community happening.
Jeff, a transport driver who lives in Sketchley Road in Burbage, wants to breathe new life into the ancient tradition that once guaranteed every rural community proud of its identity could muster players ready to turn out at fairs and fetes, perform at weddings and christenings and help out with carol singing.
So he aims to recruit new members to form a group he could help train up to provide music whenever and wherever Burbage wants it, including Poppy Day later this year.
The parish always remembers its wartime heroes with respect, dignity and decorum and 2018 is going to be a very special occasion, with Burbage Parish Council shaping ambitious November plans.
To lead the village’s Centenary Commemoration of the Armistice that ended the Great War, band music will be essential – and Burbage is struggling to provide it. Not surprisingly, every surviving local band is busy and has a priority commitment to providing music at remembrances in its own township or village.
Until recently, Burbage was among the fortunate few communities still able to boast its own brass or silver band, ready to pull on a colourful uniform and lead local folk along their own High Street. Sadly, it doesn’t today support an active band.
Jeff Holder doesn’t accept that dramatically changed lifestyles, which have seen unique and treasured traditions fal- ter, inevitably spell the end of making music on the village green, street or park.
He does believe there’s sufficient interest to revive a Burbage band and wants to encourage newcomers to get their hands on an instrument and learn how to play it. He has developed a teaching method that doesn’t require the ability to read music and firmly believes that anyone can find something they can play.
“Just give it a go”, he says, extending an invitation to former band members and new volunteers to get in touch. Volunteers can speak to him (Tel 01455 250451, mobile 077320171598) or get in touch with Burbage Parish Council, commemoration event organisers, who will pass on details.
Jeff Holder has helped set up many bands across the country, some of which have participated in events locally.
He is keen to find out if there are people in Burbage interested in joining a village-based group, as experienced or novice players.
Newcomers need no experience and some instruments are available for recruits to try out. Help is promised in the task of finding a building where they could meet and practice.
Jeff thinks the need, the will and the enthusiasm to form a band for Burbage is there.
He’s now looking for a positive response from as many volunteers as possible who can help the village say ‘thank you for the music’.