Watford Band

The band always welcomes new players. If you have some experience in playing a brass instrumment please contact us for directions and encouragement. In particular we have urgent need of Baritone & Tenor Horn players and front-row Cornet players.

The early May bank holiday weekend saw the band entertaining crowds of gardening enthusiasts at Knebworth House. On what must have been two of the coldest May days in living memory, we played a wide selection of music in between breaks for much-needed hot drinks. In spite of the arctic temperatures, we seemed to go down well with the green-fingered punters, and we hope to have the opportunity to do so again next year. In which case, we will be taking no chances on the weather, and wrapping up as if we were carol singing in the snow!

Watford Band, a brass band with more than one hundred years of history are pleased to announce the appointment of a new musical director, who played at the Queen's Silver Jubilee and at a royal wedding.

Ian Graves has taken up the position in the Watford Band, a group of brass instrument players who perform at shows and galas across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Mr Graves started his musical career playing the cornet with Newark Town Band, with Watford Band's current treasurer Alan Pearce.

In 1974 he joined the Band of The Life Guards to start what was going to be a 26 year career. As he would be performing on horse back, Mr Graves had to take equestrian lessons.
During his 26 year career he attended many ceremonial parades including “Trooping the Colour” and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. He also acted as State Trumpeter at Charles and Diana’s wedding.
Mr Graves achieved the position of principal cornet in the band, which he maintained for 15 years until his retirement.

He was appointed Trumpet Major in the early 1990s, and having attended the Band Sergeant Major's course at Kneller Hall he was promoted to Band Corporal Major.
Since his retirement from the Army Ian has conducted a few bands in the South of England as well as currently playing with the Staines Band. Ian is in a relationship with Katie Baldwin, a cornet player, and another ex Newark Town Band player.

Ian says he was very much looking forward to his new post, particularly in promoting young talent and will be encouraging the young element of Watford Band.

Earlier this week Richard Graves and Watford Band parted company by mutual agreement.

Richard started conducting Watford Band in October 2007 and during the past three and a half years the band’s playing standard has improved year on year. This resulted in the achievement of 6th place at this years L&SC Third Section regional contest. This is the highest position the band has achieved in its history in the brass band world.

Within five months of his appointment the band achieved 5th place at the regionals and were promoted to the third Section. In the same year a second place was achieved at the November Leicester contest. This was followed by winning the Oxford and District BBA Entertainments Contest in 2009 as best entertainers and best band.

During his relative short stay with the band Richard has brought a sense of professionalism to rehearsals and the achievements the band have made under his leadership has led to members being more confident in their ability.

The management and members of the band wish Richard and his family, good health in the future and good luck in his next venture.

Front row cornet player and Trombone players wanted to assist us in the up and coming summer gigs (Bass and Tenor players welcome). The band are also looking for an experienced Tenor and Euphonium/Baritone players to complete its line up for 2011 and 2012.

Rehearsals are on a Tuesday and Thursday evenings at its own Band Hut.
Details on this website.