How it all began
All Saints’ Orchestra was formed in 1975 as a pit band for an Old Time Music Hall under the direction of Peter Browning. It was formed to raise funds for the youth groups of the Parish of All Saints, Upper Norwood. The members gained so much pleasure and satisfaction that it was decided to re-form in 1976 as a permanent community band. From 12 players in 1975 the band has grown in strength to around 40 musicians, under a change of title adopted in 1983 of All Saints’ Concert Band. The band, however, is no longer attached to the Parish of All Saints.

These days the band performs regularly giving concerts in churches, at fetes and on bandstands. We often play in town centres raising money for charities and enjoy entertaining the crowds in the gardens of Hever Castle.

Our rehearsals
We rehearse on Mondays from 8pm until 10.15pm at St John’s Church Hall, Sylvan Road, Upper Norwood, London, SE19.

Please try to arrive in time to warm up before the rehearsal begins. If you know that you will be unable to make a rehearsal please let Robert, Gordon or Debbie know and leave your music pad in the cupboard so that your music can still be used in your absence.

ROBERT MASON – Musical Director
Robert began playing euphonium aged 7 and joined the All Saints Concert Band at the age of 10.  At school he played in most of the Croydon bands and completed grade 8 aged 16.

Aged 16 the bands original conductor Peter Browning offered Robert and a few other members the opportunity to try conducting on the odd occasion, and aged 21 took on the role of Deputy Conductor when Eddie Summers took over the band.  Using the experience of playing in 5 bands a week (very sad) Robert learning various conducting styles from Jazz bands, concert, bands and Brass bands. 

Robert took over the position on musical director aged 25 when Eddie left the band and marrying Felicity in 1992 meant he was only allowed out one night a week and his full time could be spent on the band.

Robert is keen to encourage the social aspect of the band as well as improve standards, trying newer and more taxing pieces.  His aim is to make music enjoyable, to the members and audiences and often encourages audience participation to concerts.

BRIAN COX – Deputy Musical Director
Brian started playing a brass instrument at the age of 8 when he joined the Hade Edge Silver Band in Holmfirth, Yorkshire on Cornet. He progressed at secondary school on to the BB flat bass and string bass and played with brass bands, eventually joining the army. In 1975 he joined the Band of The Life Guards, the senior regiment in the British Army.

Brian spent 2 years at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall for 2 years completing comprehensive training in music. In 1977 he eventually arrived at the Life Guards, only to be sent away for 6 months to learn how to ride a horse – no mean feat with a tuba strapped to you. He stayed with the Life Guards until 1990 reaching the rank of Lance Corporal of Horse, playing in the main band, dance band, orchestra, rock band and a small quartet at many prestigious engagements around the world.

After a few years break from music he joined Oxted Band in 1994. He was appointed Deputy Bandmaster in January 2005 and has taken many rehearsals and engagements with the band.

Brian joined the All Saints Concert Band in 2003 and was appointed Deputy Director of Music in 2004. Brian’s experience of military and brass bands has brought a new style of leadership to the band which is helping them improve and making it possible to play more difficult and complex pieces of music.

Band instruments and music
The band owns some instruments, which it loans to members. These are covered by the band’s own insurance policy. If you are provided with an instrument, please look after it and let a committee member know if any maintenance or repairs are required. The band has a large music library and if you are interested, we will be happy to show you a copy of the current catalogue. If there is any music that you would particularly like to play then please approach either Robert or Brian with your suggestions. Please feel free to take your music home to practice. Any pads that are not taken home should be placed in the box in the band cupboard between rehearsals. If music is in need of repair, please let our librarian David Moore know. Please look after your music, as some of it is very expensive, if not impossible to replace.

The committee
The band is run by a small committee, which is elected by the members at the AGM. The committee meets on a regular basis to discuss the running of the band. If you would like anything to be raised at any of these meetings, please do not hesitate to approach any of the committee members.

Subscriptions
You will become eligible for paying subs two weeks after being invited to join the band. The subscription period runs from January to December and is currently £42 per year, with a concessionary rate of £21 for those who are in full time education. The subscription rate is reviewed annually at the AGM. Subscriptions are collected by Bob Bell.