Hyde Band was founded by Mr H.E. ‘Bert’ Shutler in 1895. He originally played in a Fife and Drum band based in the Gorley area of the New Forest near Fordingbridge
The band has a long history, which boasts many achievements both on and off the contest stage. Most notably being crowned West of England Regional Champions in the fourth, third, second and first sections, when the band was quickly promoted through the ranks in the 1990s. In 1998, the band was announced Wessex Brass Band Association Champions, under the baton of Mr Peter Wise.
Hyde Band in the Championship Section
2001 saw the band compete for the first time in the National Championship section, in the West of England Regional Championships and finished a creditable eighth out of eleven. A much better result than many pundits expected. Most recently the band performed again at the National Brass Band Finals held in Harrogate in 2007, after qualifying at the West of England Regional Finals yet again. The result was one to be proud of, finishing 8th out of the 17 best first section bands in the country.
A Visit to Wembley Arena
Contesting is a popular pastime with many’ brass-banders’ for a number of reasons; firstly there’s the challenge of learning a new piece of music, the socialising and of course the opportunity to visit new places. Over the years the band has played in the Wembley Arena three times, the Indoor National Arena in Cardiff, the Conference Centre in Nottingham and competed in London, Brighton, Folkestone, Plymouth, Bristol, Torquay and Harrogate to name just a few.
Hyde Band make into to the Top 40
How many other brass bands can boast a top 40 Christmas chart single? Hyde Band can. In 2003, Hyde Band were invited to feature on Erin Rocha’s debut single, “Can’t do Right for Doing Wrong”. The performance resulted in the single appearing on the BBC Radio 2 play list and a slot on the well-known ITV television programme, “This Morning” with Philip Schofield and Fern Britton.
Off the Contest Stage
Hyde Band has performed at many varied engagements and venues, including an appearance in the 1992 BBC Christmas Special of the last ever “Miss Marple”, “The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side”
There’s More…
Other Hyde Band highlights include:
Playing off he P&O liner “Canberra” cruising from Southampton during her final year of service. The band now regularly play on the Southampton dockside to ‘see-off’ passengers on the “Oriana” and “Aurora”.
An appearance on the TVS “Three Minutes” television programme to promote brass banding. The booking came following a recommendation from the London and Southern Counties (L&SC) Brass Band Association to feature the band.
Playing in 1994 at the “Final Parade” of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Band in aid of Leukemia sufferers.
Two playing visits to Vimoutiers , Normandy – the twin town of Fordingbridge A trip to the Rhine Valley near Koblenz in Germany to celebrate the Band’s Centenary. The trip was very enjoyable and the playing was well received by the people of Koblenz. A visit to Braunfels, Germany.