Pembroke Borough Silver Band travelled to Germany last Tuesday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Posaunenchor Großenritte Brass Band at a joint concert in the grand Town Hall in Baunatal, on Saturday, under the leadership of Thomas Wagner.

Pembroke Borough Band were overwhelmed by the reception they received from the German band and their families and the kindness of their hospitality. They providing them with a full itinerary of practice, tea breaks, lunches, excursions and relaxing evenings out. Both bands were also invited to a reception at the Town Hall, where they were given a talk and slideshow about Baunatal and each band member was presented with a gift.

Posaunenchor Großenritte is one of the few brass bands in Germany and this recent concert was inspired by the German band visiting London for the National Brass Band Final in the Albert Hall in 2001 and by attending a concert in Germany by the famous Black Dyke Band in 2010.

The jubilee concert, which was attended by nearly 500 people, was a great success. The two-hour programme, which opened with 'Fanfare and Flourishes', included a piece 'Großer Gott wir loben dich' which was played by members of the Posaunenchor Großenritte band on 100-year-old German style instruments. Other pieces included Bandology, Ross Roy, Toccata from Suite Gothic, Jupiters Theme and the moving flugal horn solo En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor by their conductor Thomas Wagner. The final piece, Pop Looks Beethoven, brought the enthusiastic audience to their feet and called for two encores.

In the audience was a former conductor of the Posaunenchor Großenritte band from 1966-1977, Herr Manfred Deuble, who was a follower of the traditional brass bands, and had travelled from Switzerland for the concert. Also present was the Bërgermeister, Herr Manfred Schaub, who congratulated the bands on their outstanding performance.

The evening ended with a farewell party for the bands and their families and guests.

The following morning, the Posaunenchor Großenritte band and families were out in full at 7 am to send off the Pembroke Borough Band.

Pembroke Borough Silver Band hope to show their appreciation and return their kindness by asking them to a joint concert in Pembrokeshire in the near future.

New players of all levels are always welcome. Anyone wishing to come along to practice on Thursday evenings at 7.30 at the Pembroke Dock Community School can contact Phil or Dawn Marsden for further details on 01646 687561.