The Somerset Brigade Band marked the opening of its 85th anniversary with a festival of music at St James Church in Sandys.

It was under the patronage of the Band’s Women’s Auxiliary headed by its long-serving president, Myra Bristol. The church was packed to capacity with festival participants and community leaders including Governor George Fergusson who was accompanied by a group of friends visiting from overseas.

SBB was formed on February 12, 1930. Its many accomplished bandmasters have included former directors of music of the Bermuda Regiment such as Major Leslie Lowe.

Its 85th got underway with the rendition of Homeward Bound conducted by bandmaster Ellsworth Bean.

SBB veteran Maxwell Maybury was brought to the fore to present three of his students. Trombonists Samari and Kiarah Seon are both Mrs Bristol’s grandchildren; saxophonist Angela Basden is the granddaughter of SBB’s Reginald Tucker. Their rendition was well received by the audience.

Similarly received was the appearance of the North Village Band, that has been in existence for some 120 years. This time around it was conducted by retired Major Barrett St Vincent Dill. There was a vocal selection by Chantelle Berkeley and a rendition by Michael Taylor on the saxophone.

A highlight of the 85th festival was the salute to one of its first female members, the still active Tracy Grant, who was presented a carnation by the auxiliary.

Mrs Bristol commented on how the auxiliary has been in existence since July, 1967. Its membership peaked at 100-plus, but is now depleting. She appealed for more to join. The auxiliary has helped the band with fundraising for the purchase of uniforms, music and instruments. They have also travelled overseas with the band, holding banners on trips to Hong Kong, London and Canada.

Special mention was made of the auxiliary’s oldest living member, Alona Simons. The 104-year-old resides in a rest home.

SBB attended the service at Allen Temple AME Church the next morning, rendering a couple of selections. Inclement weather prevented what was expected to be a march from the church to the Bandroom. We did, however, draw on our RG archives for the photograph of the marching SBB in this feature.