Silver Band says goodbye to its conductor
A village silver band has performed its final concert under the baton of Steve Block.
Steve joined Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band as its musical director in 2018.
He and his wife, Cindy had moved to Berkshire from Dorset in 2015, and for a couple of years Steve played cornet with St. Sebastian Brass Band.
They gave him opportunities to conduct, which led to him being asked by the St Lawrence band to become their musical director.
His final concert as St Lawrence’s musical director took place at Wokingham Methodist Church at the weekend, when the silver band performed a concert of mixed brass band music, with well-known classical and modern tunes, and accompanied by guest choir, Sing For Fun.
Chair Paul Chapman, said: “When Steve joined us, the band was struggling musically.
“His energy and enthusiasm helped us to
grow into the musical force we are today.”
Steve graduated from the Royal Academy of Music.
His subsequent career in musical education has spanned forty years, and has included conducting, composing, playing and teaching.
He has even performed his own specially commissioned work in the presence of the Queen.
Now he and Cindy are returning to the South Coast, where Steve plans to concentrate on his cornet playing, and perhaps to return to singing, which he had previously enjoyed with the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus.
He said: “It’s been a great pleasure working with Waltham Band over the last six years.
“It has been challenging, exciting and very entertaining.
“I’d like to thank everyone in the band for their support, and for their determination in meeting the frequent musical challenges I have set before them.
“I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together.
“The band has a very long history, and I’m honoured to have been just a small part of it.
“They are a lovely group of people, and with all my heart, I wish them every luck in the future.”
The silver band has been entertaining audiences since 1886, and last year performed at 19 community events.
It is a non-contesting group, open to players of all levels of ability who want to make music for pleasure and entertain the public.
It is now actively seeking a new conductor, preferably one with brass band experience.
■ Anyone interested is asked to contact Paul Chapman, on: 07788 588815, or to email waltham.band@gmail.com.
■ For more information about the band, visit: www. walthamband.com