A Brief History of CWA

The Corsham Windband Association began life as the Corsham School Windband under the direction of Sonia Blandford in March 1981.

In April 1982 the Band had its first tour of Europe; the people of Corsham’s twin town – Jargeau, played host and the Band enjoyed excellent hospitality. We performed at numerous concerts and were treated like superstars by the local people.

In 1987 the Band became a registered charity, the Corsham Windband Association. The Windband Association entered its tenth year with a history of successful performances and tours. Parents continued to offer full support and the Corsham Windband Committee, elected annually at the Association’s AGM, continued to be a source of labour, guidance and leadership. From 1982 to 1991 various bands, choirs and orchestras from France, Germany, Norway, Scotland and regional bands from England were able to visit due to the hospitality offered by Association Members and their families.

Between 1991 and 1995 the Youth Concert Band toured Scotland, Norway and Germany, participating in concerts at Glasgow, Mandal, Kristian, Cologne and Durschied.

Musical experiences have been enhanced by joint concerts with groups from America and Canada. The Wayzata String Orchestra form Minnesota and the Cheekataga School Windband from Buffalo were young musicians of a high standard and joint concerts proved to be a memorable and educational experience.

In 1996 the YCB were invited to perform at the International Windband Festival held in Strasbourg (France). This prestigious event featured 3000 musicians from the world of amateur music making. Our performance was outstanding and we gained 1st place in the third section. This event was repeated in 2000 where we were placed 3rd in the second section.

In 1996 and 1999 the Windband Association participated in 2 of the Worlds Largest Orchestra Events where both events were recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.

2001 as a year of celebration that marked the 20th Anniversary of the Association. The first event was a celebratory Ball held at Grittleton House, followed later in the year by 2 special concerts. Aurora High School, a band from Canada came over especially to perform with us. During that year a weekend in September was put aside to record our own CD named ‘There and Back’. The recording proved to be a fine illustration of the achievements of the Association over the past 20 years.

The Association also holds 2 main concerts each year at which all Bands perform. However, the greatest testimony to the achievement of the Association is the social impact on the lives of its members. Within a small community there are hundreds of children and young people who have enjoyed the magic of playing a musical instrument. Families have formed lasting relationships with people in the local community, America, France, Germany and Norway.

As the 30th Anniversary approaches, the CWA are still regularly entertaining the local community at the annual French Market, Christmas Lights switch etc on as well as entering competitions such as the National Concert Band festival

As a result of the musical education given and encouraged by the Windband Association several of our musicians have entered higher education and have since gained degrees and diplomas in music; some have gone on to become professional musicians and many contribute to the CWA as adults.