01 Sep 2026
Clarence Park was filled with music as four St Albans City Band ensembles came together for an afternoon concert at the bandstand, with the biggest audience in years.
A total of 68 musicians took part in the recent performance, including the Adult Beginners Band, Youth Band, Adult Community Band and City Band.
The Adult Beginners Band and Community Band were conducted by Beth Pippin, the Youth Band by Simon Tong, and the City Band by its new Musical Director, Will Watson.
The concert marked Will’s first public performance conducting the City Band since taking up the role earlier this summer.
Highlights from the afternoon included a tuba feature from the Community Band and a cornet solo from Jen Smith with the City Band, alongside music from across a wide range of styles and genres.
The afternoon also demonstrated the different opportunities available for people to make music with St Albans City Band, from those learning a brass instrument for the first time to young players, adults returning to music and experienced band members.
The band would like to thank St Albans Scouts for lending the additional chairs needed to accommodate such a large number of musicians.
St Albans City Band is now welcoming people interested in joining its next adult beginners group, which starts later this year. Returning brass players are also welcome to join the Adult Community Band, while the City Band is currently particularly interested in hearing from tuba players and tuned percussionists.
The next concert featuring the Community Band and City Band will be A Night at the Movies, at 7pm on Saturday October 17 at Dagnall Street Baptist Church.
Further information about the bands, rehearsals and opportunities to join can be found through St Albans City Band’s website and Facebook page.
