Warsash Band News

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Jon Audain Cup introduced as another successful Christmas season draws to a close

Sunday 29 December 2024

The Warsash Band was once again bringing festive cheer to the local area in the run-up to Christmas, with performances in Stubbington, Knowle, Fareham and Warsash.

As always, the highlight of the season was the band's Christmas Concert, performed to packed audiences on 20th and 21st December.

The band has a tradition of presenting awards at the Christmas Concert, to recognise the dedication and support of its members which is so vital to its success. Congratulations to Ian Simpkins and Claire Bartolini, winners of the long-standing Director's Cup and Training Band Shield.

This year saw the introduction of a third award, created to commemorate our inspirational Musical Director Jon Audain, who tragically passed away in September. With both the Warsash Band and his work as a music teacher, Jon was passionate about supporting everyone to reach the limits of their musical potential. In recognition of this, the Jon Audain Cup will be awarded to the band member who has shown outstanding musical development over the past year. Many congratulations to Andrew Jackson, a worthy winner of the inaugural award, which was presented by Jon's brother Rob Audain.

Alongside the usual festive classics, the band also remembered Jon in the choice of music. From "Flight of the Piasa", with which Jon announced his arrival as Musical Director in spectacular style in 2014, to "Auld Lang Syne" which was a favourite of his, several pieces carried a special meaning for both band and audience.

Following the concert, the band once again played for the Warsash Community Christmas Carols on 23rd December, rounding off another season sharing our love of music across our community.