Our History
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Deeside Silver Band has a long history of performance and education in the districts of Shotton and Connah's Quay on Deeside in North East Wales. The Band was formed in 1972, when the Connah's Quay Town Band and the John Summers Steelworks Band amalgamated, both of which had existed for more than a century prior to that time.
The Band in its early days soon had a good balance of experienced players and learners who wanted to keep alive a local tradition. Deeside Silver was taken as its obvious name keeping both former rival bandsmen happy.
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At this time the Band were conducted by Mr Ben Parry a former Trombone player of the John Summers Steelworks Band. His dedication and commitment in the early years paved the way for many learners/players to join and have fond memories in later years of being associated with Deeside. A few years later as the younger players became more proficient, after entering many solo contests (with a great deal of success) the Band began to take on engagements. Soon the Band entered its first contest which was the North Wales Rally, held in those days at the College in Connah's Quay. On this occasion no prizes were won but just entering was enough to give everyone involved deep satisfaction.
The Band used to rehearse in the old sports pavilion on the Steelworks playing fields which was purchased from the Steelworks, giving us our own Band room. Unfortunately this was destroyed by fire. Since that time we have rehearsed in a variety of rented facilities, most notably many happy years in St Mark's Church Hall, in Connah's Quay. Presently we are rehearsing in the Riverside Combined Reformed Church is Shotton, with whom we have also had a long association.
In the past the Band have enjoyed many exciting times winning contests and performing concerts for the community. We have had bad times too, at one point being down to only eleven members.
Since then we rebuilt and after entering the Band's first contest for over ten years at The North Wales Rally we managed to win the Best March, Test Piece and Best Soloist Prize (Terry Maloney - Euphonium) in the 4th Section. Deeside Silver Band won the North Wales Brass Band competition in 2012.
Deeside Silver Band is currently not competing. We concentrate on concerts which are more community based. We are a welcoming and friendly band, who are always ready to welcome new players.
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Whenever we can we play at local events, including summer fairs, civic occasions and parades. We also accompany carol singing at local churches during advent.
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We have facilities for helping people, of whatever age, learn a brass or percussion instrument, and are proud of the many young people we have introduced to the joys (and disciplines) of communal music making.
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In common with many Brass bands (The instruments are made of brass, even though ours are silver plated) we have had strong associations with local industries, helping build bridges between employers and the local community.
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