THE RAF HALTON AREA VOLUNTARY CONCERT BAND

The RAF Halton Area Voluntary Concert Band is one of 6 RAF Voluntary “Brass” Bands
co-ordinated by the RAF Voluntary Band Association.
The others are situated at RAF Waddington, RAF Wyton, RAF Kinloss, RAF St Athan, and RAF Honnigton. Embrio Bands are at RAF Lyneham and RAF Cosford.
The Halton Band benefits from having a full time civil servant employed as the Musical Director who co-ordinates the Band engagements, arranges the musical repertoire, and is available to give instruction to players of all experience levels.

Michael Pegram started his playing career with the Band of the Welsh Guards where he became principal trombone and featured soloist. He qualified as an Army Bandmaster after completing the 3 year course at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall. He gained top honours on the course and was awarded the coveted Worshipful Company of Musicians Medal. Michael has worked on radio and TV as a conductor and arranger, and has had several works published. He joined the RAF Halton Band in April 1990 and immediately set about widening the appeal of the Band by converting it from a purely brass unit to a concert Band by adding reed and percussion instruments.

The Band currently runs a full concert Band with around 35 players, a clarinet quartet, and a brass ensemble. These musical units play at official events such as service dinners, church services, cocktail parties, and shows. On a less parochial level the Halton Band has extended its audience with self funding tours over recent years to Norway, Malta, Liffre in France, Mittereich in Germany, Padstow in Cornwall, and Saltzburg in Austria.
Following the success of the first CD “Halton Blue” the Band recorded a second CD in the professional studios of Music Services at RAF Uxbridge. This CD “AD ASTRA” reflects all that is best in the repertoire of the Band and includes such favourites as Eagle Squadron, 633 Squadron, and the Dambusters along with collaborative tracks with the Pipes and Drum such as Amazing Grace and Highland Cathedral. Jamaica Farewell, Tribute to Count Basie, and Caprice for Clarinets emphasise that the Band can play in different ensemble settings.
Copies of this excellent CD are available from the Band Room via ext 6358.

Remembrance Service November 2007

RAF Halton Band at the Cenotaph in London on 10th Nov 07.  the band had been asked to play for the War Widows' Association remembrance service held annually on the day before the main service.  In attendance were the Association's patron, HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess Of Cornwall. 

The Band at the Completion of their Tour of Duty in Cyprus october 2007

NEED SOME MUSIC?
The Band can assist with musical support for events and functions at a variety of levels.

FULL CONCERT BAND for concerts, dinners etc
CLARINET CHOIR (4-6 players) for cocktail parties, weddings, or more intimate dinners.

BRASS ENSEMBLE (10 piece) a flexible unit which plays lighter music and can be employed for any function. Sound wise it is an excellent mid point between the Full Band and the Clarinet Choir.

THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR, MICHAEL PEGRAM (01296 656358) WILL BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND GIVE SOUND ADVICE