Band History
St Keverne Band was founded in 1886, mainly from the workforce of the two local stone quarries of Porthoustock and Dean Point. At this time many neighbouring villages also had their own bands. However, in subsequent years and due to the effects of two world wars, St Keverne was the only band to remain. Rehearsals took place in the various community halls in the village, with the band having no permanent headquarters. This changed in 1971, with land generously donated by Mr R G Lory and the hard work of band members and supporters, when a newly built rehearsal room was opened, complete with all facilities and panoramic views over Falmouth Bay. This building was extended in 1995 to include a licensed social club and extra parking.
On the contest platform, the band's first qualification for a National Final was in 1970 at the WD & HO Wills competition in London. Six years later in 1976, the band won the National 3rd section title at Fulham Town Hall. A second National title followed several years later in 2005 when the band became the 2nd section Champion Band of Great Britain. Promotion to the Championship section soon followed and a notable 4th place at the West of Wngland championships in Torquay.
Under the present MD, Gareth Churcher, the Senior Band are currently Cornish 1st Section Champions and graded 1st section Nationally. There are at present around ninety children of varying abilities within the organisation, with a separate Junior and Youth Band competing and performing in the South West and Nationally. The band has always been proud to offer anyone the opportunity to learn brass or percussion instruments completely free of charge. This is only possible through the hard work and dedication of band members, their families and supporters, raising the funds needed throughout the year. The band's main fundraiser is the annual Ox Roast held in the village square on the first Wednesday in August each year.
Geographically, St Keverne is the most southerly brass band on the British mainland and its remoteness has always emphasised the need to train young players. This has brought the band great success, with our Youth Band winning numerous National titles and invitations to tour Europe and Canada, performing in front of large audiences. Both Senior and Youth Bands have performed at the Royal Albert Hall and other prestigious venues.
On the contest platform, the band's first qualification for a National Final was in 1970 at the WD & HO Wills competition in London. Six years later in 1976, the band won the National 3rd section title at Fulham Town Hall. A second National title followed several years later in 2005 when the band became the 2nd section Champion Band of Great Britain. Promotion to the Championship section soon followed and a notable 4th place at the West of Wngland championships in Torquay.
Under the present MD, Gareth Churcher, the Senior Band are currently Cornish 1st Section Champions and graded 1st section Nationally. There are at present around ninety children of varying abilities within the organisation, with a separate Junior and Youth Band competing and performing in the South West and Nationally. The band has always been proud to offer anyone the opportunity to learn brass or percussion instruments completely free of charge. This is only possible through the hard work and dedication of band members, their families and supporters, raising the funds needed throughout the year. The band's main fundraiser is the annual Ox Roast held in the village square on the first Wednesday in August each year.
Geographically, St Keverne is the most southerly brass band on the British mainland and its remoteness has always emphasised the need to train young players. This has brought the band great success, with our Youth Band winning numerous National titles and invitations to tour Europe and Canada, performing in front of large audiences. Both Senior and Youth Bands have performed at the Royal Albert Hall and other prestigious venues.
About the MD
Gareth Churcher LTCL (Hons) MAAT
Gareth was born in Cornwall in 1983 and has lived and worked there since. He resides in Falmouth with his wife Claire (whom he met when he joined the band) and three children Maisy, Milly and Charlie. He started music at a relatively young age taking Piano lessons from the age of 5 and subsequently the Trombone from the age of 10, after gaining a scholarship to learn with Cornwall Music Service.
It was the diversity of the Trombone that really started to enthuse Gareth's love of music and his first ensemble, Pendennis Brass, inspired him to take his playing further.
A few years later, with a hard-won place in Cornwall Youth Brass Band and County Music Service scholarship already under his belt, Gareth earned himself the seat of solo trombone with St Keverne Youth and Senior bands. At this time he also became the solo trombonist for the Helston School Jazz Orchestra and enjoyed playing at venues all over the country.
It is with the St Keverne Youth band that Gareth has achieved what he believes to be his most notable successes as a player so far. - the BBC2 Youth Band of the Year awards in 1999 and 2001, the National Youth Championships in 1998, 2000, and 2002 and an Outstanding Performance Award at the “Music for Youth Festival” at the Royal Albert Hall in 1999.
Gareth is still in high demand as a Trombonist, frequently performing with professional orchestras, as a soloist with the Simon Latarche Jazz Septet, various session recordings and also enjoys giving recitals in aid of local charities.
Outside of his educational work, Gareth holds six conducting positions, the first of which he undertook at the age of 20 with the vocal group Eight In A Bar. With Eight In A Bar he has had great success winning various national competitions and most notably the Under 40 voices class in the 2009 International Male Voice Choir Competition.
In 2009 he accepted the role of Musical Director for the St Keverne Senior, Youth and Junior Bands encompassing now nearly 100 active brass musicians. With these ensembles he has competed at local and national competitions achieving multiple prize winning performances.
In addition to the above he is conductor of the newly reformed Cornwall Youth Brass Ensemble and Chorus Master to the 180 strong Cornwall Symphony Chorus. Gareth enjoys giving workshops for brass bands and choirs all over the country and this combined with his teaching role makes for a very rewarding vocation. .
Gareth's interest in composition and arranging started when studying A Levels and from here has expanded to being a major part of his work. His arranging skills are in high demand ranging from commissions for local male voice choirs and bands to string arrangements for the famous singer/songwriter Ralph McTell.
His compositions focus on creating music that is well scored, enjoyable to play and importantly, captivating to the audience. His music for brass has been featured all over the country as well as overseas and his choral works are enjoyed primarily by local male voice choirs.
His most recent commissions include a brand new trombone solo for the principal trombonist of the Black Dyke Mills Band, Brett Baker, who will be featuring this new work, 'Klavji,' in his recital performances and his new solo album which is soon to be released.
Gareth holds down a full time peripatetic teaching job on top of the aforementioned. He works for Music Cornwall a branch of Cornwall County Council as a brass teacher where he is currently the Acting Head of the Brass Team and also Truro School where he enjoys brass, vocal, piano and theory teaching.
Through Music Cornwall and Truro School he conducts Wind Bands, Choirs and Brass Ensembles. Most importantly it is his work in community crossover ensembles where he encourages pupils to use their skills outside of school that he really devotes himself to, only to further the children's experiences and development.
"It is very important that children develop the skills learnt in their lessons inside and outside of school. Not only does it further educate them in music but the social interaction and life skills development in the ensemble environment is vital to their future development".
Gareth was born in Cornwall in 1983 and has lived and worked there since. He resides in Falmouth with his wife Claire (whom he met when he joined the band) and three children Maisy, Milly and Charlie. He started music at a relatively young age taking Piano lessons from the age of 5 and subsequently the Trombone from the age of 10, after gaining a scholarship to learn with Cornwall Music Service.
It was the diversity of the Trombone that really started to enthuse Gareth's love of music and his first ensemble, Pendennis Brass, inspired him to take his playing further.
A few years later, with a hard-won place in Cornwall Youth Brass Band and County Music Service scholarship already under his belt, Gareth earned himself the seat of solo trombone with St Keverne Youth and Senior bands. At this time he also became the solo trombonist for the Helston School Jazz Orchestra and enjoyed playing at venues all over the country.
It is with the St Keverne Youth band that Gareth has achieved what he believes to be his most notable successes as a player so far. - the BBC2 Youth Band of the Year awards in 1999 and 2001, the National Youth Championships in 1998, 2000, and 2002 and an Outstanding Performance Award at the “Music for Youth Festival” at the Royal Albert Hall in 1999.
Gareth is still in high demand as a Trombonist, frequently performing with professional orchestras, as a soloist with the Simon Latarche Jazz Septet, various session recordings and also enjoys giving recitals in aid of local charities.
Outside of his educational work, Gareth holds six conducting positions, the first of which he undertook at the age of 20 with the vocal group Eight In A Bar. With Eight In A Bar he has had great success winning various national competitions and most notably the Under 40 voices class in the 2009 International Male Voice Choir Competition.
In 2009 he accepted the role of Musical Director for the St Keverne Senior, Youth and Junior Bands encompassing now nearly 100 active brass musicians. With these ensembles he has competed at local and national competitions achieving multiple prize winning performances.
In addition to the above he is conductor of the newly reformed Cornwall Youth Brass Ensemble and Chorus Master to the 180 strong Cornwall Symphony Chorus. Gareth enjoys giving workshops for brass bands and choirs all over the country and this combined with his teaching role makes for a very rewarding vocation. .
Gareth's interest in composition and arranging started when studying A Levels and from here has expanded to being a major part of his work. His arranging skills are in high demand ranging from commissions for local male voice choirs and bands to string arrangements for the famous singer/songwriter Ralph McTell.
His compositions focus on creating music that is well scored, enjoyable to play and importantly, captivating to the audience. His music for brass has been featured all over the country as well as overseas and his choral works are enjoyed primarily by local male voice choirs.
His most recent commissions include a brand new trombone solo for the principal trombonist of the Black Dyke Mills Band, Brett Baker, who will be featuring this new work, 'Klavji,' in his recital performances and his new solo album which is soon to be released.
Gareth holds down a full time peripatetic teaching job on top of the aforementioned. He works for Music Cornwall a branch of Cornwall County Council as a brass teacher where he is currently the Acting Head of the Brass Team and also Truro School where he enjoys brass, vocal, piano and theory teaching.
Through Music Cornwall and Truro School he conducts Wind Bands, Choirs and Brass Ensembles. Most importantly it is his work in community crossover ensembles where he encourages pupils to use their skills outside of school that he really devotes himself to, only to further the children's experiences and development.
"It is very important that children develop the skills learnt in their lessons inside and outside of school. Not only does it further educate them in music but the social interaction and life skills development in the ensemble environment is vital to their future development".