City of Wolverhampton Brass Band
A Brief History
The City of Wolverhampton Brass Band was formed in 1972 and initially based at Wolverhampton Grammar School, in Wolverhampton, UK. The Wolverhampton Brass Band was organised and conducted by Mr. A Power (Bert) who was then a brass instrument tutor based at the grammar school. The original band was a mix of school students and other local players recruited by advertising and friends recommendations.
Instruments were initially only those personally owned by the band's members, although extra instruments were later purchased using an educational hire-purchase scheme. Subscriptions collected were used to purchase music and a library was gradually built up sufficient to enable the band to play local concerts and engagements.
By 1974, the band had joined the area Brass Band Association and began to enter contests as a fourth section band. The band enjoyed success in the Radio Birmingham series of concerts and became more successful in the regional area competitions, enough to be promoted to the third section.
Over the years a variety of Musical Directors have conducted and directed the fortunes of the band. Membership has depended mainly on a long serving nucleus of players supplemented by students from local schools and colleges.
The band appointed Kevin Short as Musical Director to take over from previous conductor Lionel Howden. After many years of service with the baton, Lionel has returned to playing and re-joined the band's trombone section while continuing to lead the 'Tudor Brass Ensemble' in their Sunday morning rehearsals at Hurst Hill. In July 2007 Kevin took the decision to leave the band and Lionel once more picked up the baton in a temporary capacity which lasted 3 years. In January 2010 the band benefitted from some direction by Ian Worton who also conducts Highley Colliery Brass Band.