Phoenix Brass considers itself a family band with numerous spousal, parental and sibling relationships. Such is the family atmosphere that everyone’s birthday is celebrated with a card and the tune of ‘Happy Birthday’, even at concerts.    A support organisation, ‘The Friends of Phoenix’, with the involvement of over 100 relatives or friends, enhances this ‘feeling’.   Hard work by it’s MD, David Watson, and officers, particularly it’s secretaries, past and present, it’s treasurer, Simon Squibb, and it’s music librarian, Andrea Newcombe, have resulted in a well run, efficient organisation that attracts praise wherever the band goes.

Primarily a concert band, Phoenix Brass occasionally enters local competitions to ‘sharpen up’.  It has won section and solo prizes at Isle of Wight Festivals, and against stiff opposition had managed to win and be placed in a number of local area competitions including that of the Gloucester Association.

A special relationship with the town of Marlborough has seen the band being used on official occasions, a noted event being the granting of the Freedom of the Town of Marlborough to the Officers & Crew of H.M.S. MARLBOROUGH, a frigate of the Royal Navy, after which the Band was ‘adopted’ by H.M.S. MARLBOROUGH, and a long affiliation began.  Phoenix Brass’ Royal Navy connection was further strengthened by an invitation from Portsmouth Field Gun Crew to be part of the build up to the ‘Final Run’ - the last running of the Field Gun Competition at the Royal Tournament in 1999.   The band was delighted to play at two ‘Public Runs’ and also support the crew at Earls Court. Visits to HMS COLLINGWOOD on their annual Field Gun Open Day and to HMS Warrior for Carol Services and mini-concerts followed

Strong links exist with the Royal British Legion in both Counties and although not a marching band it regularly turns out for their parades when asked.  It had the honour to be chosen by them to play in Salisbury Cathedral for the Millennium celebrations, not only for the parade and church service, but also for a specially arranged concert.

In 1995 the Band organised the Marlborough Brass Band Festival for local association 4th section and youth bands.   The name was changed to the Phoenix Brass Band Festival in 2001 and receives good support from interested bands.  (For further details & application form contact the Secretary at admin@phoenixbrass.com