A WHOLE community is celebrating following the announcement of this year’s Elgar in Hereford award – which the judges decided should go to Tarrington Brass, known locally as “The Band”.

Originally formed to provide the music for the village fete in 1999, the almost simultaneous discovery of a photograph of a 19th century brass band sitting outside Old Foley manor house gave the newly created ensemble the impetus to carry on what appeared to be a village tradition.

“There’s nothing definite to prove that this was a village band,” says founder and director David Coleman. “But the photograph may well be of the estate band. Let’s say that it’s more likely that it’s true than that it’s not, and it adds a romantic dimension to the idea that we have revived an old tradition.” Once formed, the brass ensemble, featuring 12 players, went from strength to strength, with considerable input from Lt Col Trevor Sharpe, the retired director of the Royal Military School of Music who conducted, arranged and composed a large proportion of the repertoire.

Tarrington Brass first performed in public at the church and village fete in August 1999, since when almost every village event has been blessed with their presence.

Their first commission was the march, Tarrington, composed by Lt-Col Sharpe, and they later commissioned John Frith, a local composer based in Ledbury, to write Promenade, and another local musician, Alf Tubb, regularly arranges for the ensemble.

The Tarrington march made the village the only one in the UK to have its own anthem, a distinction that attracted the attention of the BBC, and resulting in the march being played on TV.

The ensemble’s performance of a ‘brass only’ arrangement of Karl Jenkins’ Mass for Peace was a first outside London and exemplifies their determination to present professional performances.

“We are delighted to win the Elgar in Hereford award,” says Mr Coleman, “particularly as it’s been given to a group rather than to an individual.

“I am not fond of eisteddfods or competitions,” he adds. “I don’t believe you can be a musician and a gladiator, but this is different. It is an endorsement of what we are doing. “We aim to play quality music and enjoy it. We’ve had a bundle of laughs over the years and the award proves that we have got the other bit right, too.” “Tarrington Brass has become a village and county institution,” wrote the Rev Peter Hammersley, nominating the ensemble for the award. “We are enormously proud and supportive of them.” Tarrington Brass can be seen in concert at St Michael and All Angels church, Ledbury, on Saturday, June 28, when they join the Hereford Police Male Voice Choir in an evening of music making with a programme of music from around the globe and will include a spectacular African selection by the choir with authentic percussion accompaniment by Tarrington Brass. Tarrington brass will also be performing A Malvern Suite, a major work by Phillip Sparke, which features a delightful slow movement entitled The Wye at Hereford.

Tickets available from Ledbury Tourist Information office, The Outback in Hereford or call 01432 890643.