On the 9th July, Middleton welcomed Neo Brass band to Heywood Civic centre for a joint concert.
Neo Brass Band had travelled 5,800 miles from Japan just to play in the joint concert as part of Middleton band’s 140th Anniversary celebrations.
We were very excited and deeply honoured to be hosting such an internationally renowned band who have members from all over Japan. Neo Brass band was founded by Hiroe Tada, a former member of Middleton Band who joined the band whilst studying music at Salford University. Middleton band was recommended to Hiroe by Neo Brass band’s principal cornet, Fumika Kimura who also played for Middleton band whilst studying Music at University. Middleton band are very proud to currently have a past member of Neo Brass band playing Euphonium for us, Mayo Aita is currently at Salford studying Music too!
The evening was a resounding success and featured performances from the Middleton Youth band, Middleton band and Neo Brass band, culminating in two massed bands pieces from Middleton and Neo and the grand finale a massed bands piece with the youth band too.
The event was also tinged with sadness as two of our long serving band members, Bob and Sylvia retired on the night and our baritone player Jenny commenced her maternity leave.
We had an amazing night. We thoroughly enjoyed sharing the stage with Neo Brass band and we have all made many new friends. Not only are Neo Brass band fantastic musicians, they make a truly stunning sound and are absolutely lovely people and true bandsmen to boot. As one of our members put it “6,000 miles apart – but one language:-)”
If you couldn’t make it to the concert, here are some videos of our performances taken on the night.