2008 News Archive

25th July 2008 - Long serving bass clarinet player retires

Phillip Stevens, a dedicated member of WOW for many years, has recently retired from the band. Phil started to learn to play as an adult. He joined originally on clarinet before changing to bass clarinet. He will be missed for his humour, wisdom and loyalty to the band.

19th July 2008 - Ossett Gala

Wakefield Orchestral Wind braved the elements of the British summer to open the 19th Ossett Gala on Saturday 19th July. The band found a window of sunshine to play Semper Fidelis, Mack The Knife, Out Of The Ocean, Folk Song Suite and Beyond The Sea. Then, with the rain starting to fall, finished quite appropriately with The Thunderer!

12th July 2008 - Band plays at Summer Fair

The band played at the Pennine Camphill Community Summer Fair. See Gallery or click here for some photos of us in action.

1st February 2008 - Wakefield Orchestral Wind "WOW"s Christmas Shoppers

Wakefield Orchestral Wind recently rounded off 2007 by "WOW"ing Christmas shoppers in the Ridings Shopping Centre in Wakefield. Money generously donated by the shoppers has boosted band funds and will allow the band to increase its repertoire.

Earlier in 2007, WOW appealed for new members and we were delighted when three new players joined our ranks, Katie Lazenby on flute, Amy MacLauchlan on french horn and Matthew Davies on alto saxophone. They've all settled in well and have quickly become valued members of the group.

The New Year has also seen the arrival of Emma Bird joining on clarinet. Emma is a welcome addition to our clarinet section.

Our group includes musicians from all walks of life and amongst our new members we have a biologist, a teacher, a doctor and a concept technologist in a local bakery and they originate from many different parts of England including Bolton, Northumberland, Wakefield and Leeds.

The band still has vacancies, particularly in the brass section, and if you are interested in joining please do contact us.

The year ahead looks very promising for the band and it is hoped to increase the number of performances as well as our repertoire and membership.