The Somerset Brigade Band will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Saturday by hosting an a festival of music.

The event will take place at the St. James Church Hall at 7.30 p.m.

Joining in on the celebrations will be a number of other community bands and artists, including the Salvation Army Divisional Band, the North Village Band, vocalist Clive Francis, the Allen Temple AME Senior Choir and vocalist Toni Robinson.

Throughout the band's long history it has been noted for its involvement in the Island's community events, including the Annual Heritage Day Parade, the former Floral Pageant or Easter Parade until 1968, Remembrance Day Parade and more.

The band has also travelled extensively to Canada, the US and the United Kingdom for functions. It has taken part in the Burlington Sound Music Parade in Canada and at festivities at Regent's Park, St. James Park and Kneller Hall in London.

The current bandmaster, Major Leslie Lowe, and the former bandmaster and current president, Alan (Jimmy) Tucker, spoke to The Royal Gazette about their involvement with the band over the years. Major Lowe joined the Bermuda Militia Artillery as a junior musician in 1961.

With the amalgamation of the Bermuda Militia Artillery and the Bermuda Rifles to form the Bermuda Regiment in 1965, he rose through the ranks to become director of music. He received extensive training at the Royal Marines School of Music and the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall.

“During my time at Kneller Hall I was awarded the Graham Wallace Trophy for the best overseas student,” said Major Lowe.

“And during my tenure as director for the Bermuda Regiment Band, the band travelled extensively and one of the highlights was their participation in the Bermuda Festival in 1989 and the recording of ‘In the Mood'. I also served as director for the Wesley Methodist Church Orchestra and in 1999 became the bandmaster of the Somerset Brigade Band. The band made its first recording in 2000 as a tribute to past and present members and to recognise 70 years of service to the community.”

Mr. Tucker joined the band in 1953 and served as the third bandmaster from 1967 to 1999.

He was taught by former member L.L. Harvey and Hadley Edwards and just over a year later he joined the band.

“While bandmaster I widened the music selection to include a variety of music and I was instrumental in strengthening the membership and played music that young people liked.”

He added: “We recognise that the band cannot survive without having a continuous training programme in place and we appreciate the ready assistance of members of the community who are willing to send their sons or daughters to join us to help keep the band going for the next 75 years.”