FRESH from their successful participation in a prestigious regional competition, members of Weymouth Concert Brass are now rehearsing for their next concert.

The ensemble finished in sixth place at the recent West of England Regional Championships, which took place in Torquay and had 19 competitors.

They played The Talisman by Frank Hughes, which spokeswoman Laura Caddy described as ‘a challenging piece with three movements’.

Dorset residents will next be able to hear Weymouth Concert Brass when they perform in St John’s Church later this month.

On this occasion the musicians will play a mix from classical, original, dance/big band and film music, as well as show music, solos and pop music.

Laura, who plays the cornet, has been with the band for several years.

She said: “I started playing the cornet when I was eight – and I’m now 26. It was just an instrument that I wanted to play. I was offered a trumpet but preferred the cornet because I thought it sounded mellow and nice.”

The current incarnation of Weymouth Concert Brass dates back to 1985, when a number of brass enthusiasts decided it was high time Weymouth had its own band.

Albert Davies took over as director and a number of keen musicians joined ranks, bringing their own instruments and paying out of their own pockets to put together a comprehensive library of music.

Today, there is a full complement of players as well as a junior band. During its relatively short lifetime the band has begun to fulfil its objective by playing at school and church fetes, street fairs, carol concerts and a number of charity fundraising concerts and events at Weymouth, Portland and other places in the South Dorset area.

The next concert is at St John’s Church, Greenhill, Weymouth on Friday, April 24, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 for adults, £4 for children from St John’s Church members, Linda Miles on 01305 833878, Laura Caddy on 07824 696393 or from weybrass.co.uk Punch and nibbles will also be provided.