There are two special, family-friendly performances, for audiences to look forward to on 11 December at the Amey Theatre in Abingdon School. The Abingdon Concert Band – together with guest signer Eleanor Tollan – will perform a live musical accompaniment to a showing of Raymond Brigg’s popular animation of ‘The Snowman.’ Their performance will also include music from Disney Pixar films ‘Encanto’ and ‘Frozen,’ as well as other festive favourites.
The Abingdon Concert Band perform at venues in and around Abingdon throughout the year. The band consists of a range of wind instruments including brass, woodwind, and percussion players. Their music ranges from classical concert band pieces including marches and favourites from the ‘Last Night of the Proms’ to film scores, television music, musicals, contemporary arrangements for concert bands and favourite Disney scores.
The Band’s Musical Director is Neil Brownless who has conducted the Abingdon Concert Band since 2013. Under his baton, the band has performed at several regional and national music festivals, seven world premieres and 12 virtual performances. As a conductor, in 2020 Neil completed a master’s degree (with distinction) in Brass Band Conducting at the Royal Welsh College of Music under the tutelage of Dr Robert Childs, becoming only the second person to complete the degree. With his impressive qualifications, Neil has been asked to conduct many other bands around the country as well as the Abingdon Concert Band. He is also an accomplished musician playing trombone, euphonium and tuba with brass bands, big bands, and orchestras.
The Abingdon Concert Band, formed in 1977, was originally formed as the Abingdon Military Band. Over the years they have given around 200 public performances in and around Abingdon. Previous musical directors include Anthony Sadler, Philip Burditt, and Stephen Bell.
To book your tickets for the Snowman Live in Concert, priced £12.50 (adults), and £8.00 (children), visit bit.ly/acbsnowman.
For further information about the Abingdon Concert Band visit abingdonconcertband.org.uk.