Blog
The latest news and updates from Maidstone Wind Symphony.
Gaudete! Concert foreword by Sam Willsmore
9th December 2019
Our interim music director Sam Willsmore explains his approach to programming this year's Christmas concert:
When I was tasked to create the programme for this concert, I knew I didn't want it to be a traditional 'Christmas Concert', so I started by trying to find a suitable theme.
One difficulty when creating a Christmas programme is finding the balance between pieces that both develop and display the ability of the ensemble whilst also performing well-loved festive favourites. I split the programme thematically into two broad halves, the ‘colder’ less festive half with a view to develop and demonstrate our abilities whilst also celebrating the winter season, characterised by music which is less familiar. The second half is the ‘warmer’ part of the concert and features music more associated with Christmas, which most should know and love.
Our programme presents a wide variety of music from the celebration of a single moment in time with Hymn to a Blue Hour to two different Sleigh Rides and a potential third if you applaud enough!
https://www.maidstonewindsymphony.org/event-celebration_of_christmas.html
Supporting Time for the Homeless this Christmas
29th November 2019
MWS is going to be supporting Time for the Homeless this Christmas.
Members of the band and audience members at our Christmas concert are being encouraged to donate shoe box gift boxes for the organisation's volunteers to give out to the homeless and vulnerable after their Christmas dinner.
We have seen for ourselves the great work that the volunteers do running a soup kitchen beside All Saints Church in Maidstone, where our concert is being held. They also support people across Medway and Swale with food and other items, plus support and advice.
They are particularly looking for donations for men, but ladies' ones are also gratefully received. Here is a few ideas of what items to put In the boxes. These are just ideas and you don't need to include all of the suggested items:
MEN: comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel, socks, gloves, hat, chocolates, sweets or biscuits, playing cards, colouring book, pencils, hand warmers.
LADIES: Brush, hair bobbles, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary items, socks, hat, gloves, sweets, chocolates, biscuits, colouring book, pencils, word search .
If you are coming along to Gaudete! A Celebration of Christmas on Sunday, 15 December, please consider bringing along a shoe box, or items to contribute towards boxes that we will then make up. For more information about TimeForTheHomeless see their Facebook page.
Thank you for your support.
AGM 2019 - Election of committee and trustees
9th October 2019
We are pleased to announce the appointment of the following members of the MWS management committee following our AGM:
Executive Committee/Trustees
- Russell Joyce - Chair
- Sarah Wimsett - Deputy Chair
- Kathryn Lakeland - Treasurer
- Heather Pickard - Secretary
- Breandan Knowlton - Band-elected/nominated trustee
Committee
- John Bessell - Librarian
- Sara Wallis - Transport Manager
- Allen Ince - Assistant Transport Manager
- Magdalene Joyce - Band Development Officer
Vacant Positions
We have a number of vacant posts on the committee and would welcome expressions of interest and applications for the following positions. New members can be co-opted at any time during the year.
- Concerts Manager
- Publicity and Marketing Manager
- Social Co-ordinator
- Fundraising Manager
If you are interested in any of these positions, please email chair@maidstonewindsymphony.org for an informal discussion and more information.
