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About Alder Valley
Brass

Alder Valley Brass is one of the South East's finest brass bands, and provides music to enhance any occasion.

For more than 60 years Alder Valley Brass has performed at venues ranging from London's Royal Albert Hall, Windsor Castle, Epsom race course and Hampton Court Palace, to many of the UK's famous parks & bandstands. More recently, Alder Valley Brass were approached to provide a brass ensemble for the film ‘The Dig’ starring Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes, which topped the viewing charts when it was released on Netflix.

Much of the band's concert work is in support of local charities and there have been proud moments working with Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion, charities selected by the Mayor of Rushmoor at concerts, as well as The SSAFA and Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.

Please find a link to a copy of the latest Alder Valley Brass Newsletter March 2022 Newsletter here.

  • Players required

    Currently the band are looking for BBb, repiano cornet, front row corner, tenor horn and tuned percussion. All applications to be treated in the strictest confidence. We rehearse on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham, Surrey, between 20.00 and 22.00hrs.

    We have a variety of Bandstand concerts being organised this year as well as summer events in which we shall take part. If you are interested please get in touch in the first instance with MD David Hatton our Musical Director.

  • Support Alder Valley Brass

    Alder Valley Brass is a registered charity (Number 1155512) and relies on public donations of which we also raise fund for local and national charities. Alder Valley Brass rely on public donations though concerts and public appearances and please feel free to use our Easy Fundraising Site or donate via our Paypal site.

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  •  Band Person of the Year

    Band Person of the Year

    There was a joint tie made for Band Person of the Year which was awarded to Mike Pennicotte-Henrie and Claire Wade.

    This is awarded to someone in the band who deserves some special recognition for going above and beyond the call of duty.

  • Band Musician of the Year

    Band Musician of the Year

    At the recent AGM, Donna Burgess was awarded Band Musician of the Year which was chosen and presented by MD David Hatton MMus FRSM ATCL.

  • Addlestone Afternoon Tea

    Addlestone Afternoon Tea

    The band played at Addlestone Community Centre for the Addlestone Afternoon Tea Concert on Sunday 14 April.

  • London and Southern Counties 2024 regional contest

    2024 London & Southern Counties regional contest

    Alder Valley Brass at the recent London and Southern Counties 2024 regional contest. The band came 11th out of 18 bands.

  • Lt Col David Barringer

    Lt Col David Barringer

    Lieutenant Colonel David Barringer an old friend of the band and a former MD came along and conducted us at our latest rehearsal - it was lovely to catch up with him once more.

    He took us on the Regional London and Southern Counties Area Final test piece ‘Triptych’.

  • Carols at Farnham Town Football Club

    Frank Renton rehearsals

    Alder Valley Brass have been fortunate enough to have Frank Renton take us for a couple of recent rehearsals. Frank is a musician, conductor and broadcaster, and former host of Listen to the Band on BBC Radio 2.

  • Carols at Farnham Town Football Club

    Farnham Town FC carols

    The Farnham Town Football Club played Camberley Town (result 4-0 to Farnham) at home at the Memorial Ground, Farnham. Alder Valley Brass played both before the match and at half time.

  • Aldershot Football club carol service

    Aldershot FC carol service

    The Aldershot Football club carol service took place in Holy Trinity Church Aldershot.

  • The Meadows, Camberley

    The Meadows, Camberley

    We were at The Meadows on the last Tuesday evening before Christmas, playing carols.

  • Farnham Christmas Market

    Farnham Christmas Market

    Farnham Christmas Market was busy as usual. A great atmosphere despite the rain.

  • Redfields Garden Centre

    Redfields Garden Centre

    A cold and frosty morning greeted us for the first Carols this year at Redfields Garden Centre in Church Crookham. It was lovely to return the following weekend, when it was noticeably warmer.

  • Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service in Farnham, Surrey

    Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service in Farnham, Surrey

    The parade and Band assembled in Castle Street and processed to the War Memorial in Gostrey Meadow. Taking part were, Councillor Alan Earwaker, the Mayor of Farnham. Mr Davey Watters, Farnham Royal British Legion Chairman, Councillor John Ward,

    The Deputy Mayor of Waverley. Brigadier Roger Hood QVRM TD DL. Revd H David Uffindell, Rector of Farnham. Last Post and Reveille were played by Mr Steve Burgess, Principal Cornet player for Alder Valley Brass.
    ‘We will remember them’.

  • Aldershot Garrison Remembrance Concert

    Armistice Day, Fareham

    Steve Burgess, Principal Cornet, played Last Post for the Royal British Legion service on Armistice Day at the Farnham Cenotaph.

  • Aldershot Garrison Remembrance Concert

    Aldershot Garrison Remembrance Concert

    The Aldershot Garrison Remembrance Concert was held at St Andrews Garrison Church in Aldershot. Alder Valley Brass played a varied programme of music under the direction of their MD David Hatton.

  • National Brass Band 2nd Section Finals in Cheltenham

    National Brass Band 2nd Section Finals in Cheltenham

    Some happy members of Alder Valley Brass celebrating their 2nd place out of 19 bands at the National Brass Band 2nd Section Finals in Cheltenham.

  • Godalming Bandstand

    Godalming Bandstand

    Alder Valley Brass played in Philips Memorial Park, Godalming on the first Sunday in September for the The Poulter Family Concert. It was the last summer venue for the band, and what a lovely afternoon it was, with a very large audience.

  • Emsworth Horticultural Show

    Emsworth Horticultural Show

    The weather was indeed perfect for the Emsworth Horticultural Show. Hundreds of people turned up which created a great atmosphere. Alder Valley Brass played two sessions in front of the large crowd.

  • Alton Public Gardens

    Alton Public Gardens

    After some really poor weather the people of Alton and surrounding areas came along to listen to the concert in the Alton Public Gardens.

  • Bourne Show 2023

    Bourne Show

    At the beginning of July Bourne Show took place. Alder Valley Brass played a selection of music to a huge crowd. The weather was kind and it was a great afternoon.

  • Two members marry

    Two Members Marry

    At the beginning of July two members of the band, Donna Saunders (Flugel Horn) and Steve Burgess (Principal Cornet) got married. Alder Valley Brass were all invited and enjoyed the great occasion at the Hogs Back Hotel near Farnham.

    A small number of musicians played during the service and the whole Band played music at the reception. We all wish Mr and Mrs Burgess the best of everything for their future life together.

  • Watercress Line

    Watercress Line

    What a brilliant day the band had today performing at the The Watercress Line's special Coronation event! The sun shone and the crowds flocked.

  • AGM

    AGM in April

    The Band had its annual general meeting in April, the committee was proud to award the 'Band Person of the Year' award to flugel Donna Saunders. MD David Hatton also presented the 'Musician of the Year, trophy to our principal horn player Liz McGrath.

  • 2nd Section London & South Counties Champions

    2nd Section London & South Counties Champions

    AVB competed in the 2nd section areas in Stevenage playing Rodney Newton's "Pilgrim's Progress". Against a field of 17 bands AVB placed first with additional accolades for best MD and best trombone section.

Forthcoming appearances

The aim of the Alder Valley Brass is to be one of the region’s premier musical ensembles, sharing the unique spirit and beauty of British brass band music through:
  • Concerts of high musical and artistic quality given in a wide range of venues.
  • Educational and community outreach.
Here is a list of our confirmed forthcoming engagements for 2024, stay posted for more events as they are confirmed :

  • Saturday 8th June at 19.30. Alder Valley Brass in Concert, Normandy Village Hall, Manor Fruit Farm, Normandy, Guildford, GU3 2DD.
  • Saturday 6th July, from 12.10 to 15.50. The Bourne Show, Lower Bourne, Farnham. Surrey. Free Entry.
  • Sunday 4th August, from 14.00 to 16.00. Alton Bandstand, Public Gardens, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1JL
  • Monday 26th August, Emsworth Show 2024. New Life Christian Church, Emsworth. PO10 8BN.
  • Saturday 7th September, from 17.00 to 19.00. We are invited to perform a joint concert with Godalming Rock Choir at Godalming Bandstand, Phillips Memorial Park, Godalming, GU1 4QZ. Timings TBC
  • Saturday 14th September, Dapdune Wharf Guildford River Festival, Wharf Road, Guildford, GU1 4QZ. Afternoon Concert, timings TBC.
  • Saturday 9th November at 19.00. Aldershot Garrison Remembrance Concert, St Andrew's Garrison Church, Queen's Avenue, Aldershot, GU11 2BY.