In 1991, three musicians met together once a week to play their brass instruments in the offices of Cambridge Soft Drinks, a company based in the village of Shepreth, midway between Cambridge and Royston. By 1993 their numbers had grown, and CSD Brass (Cambridge) was formed by Howard Garner, Managing Director of the company and brother of Wesley, the Musical Directory of Solent Concert Band.

Up until September 1998 the band continued to rehearse regularly in Shepreth. Weekly rehearsals are now held in Cambridge. Until recently, the band was better known as Cambridge Soft Drinks Brass Band. However, following Howard's death in May 1999, the members chose to revert to the original name in his memory.

In September 1995, at the invitation of Howard, Antoinette Cann (International Duo-Pianist and one of the famous Cann Twins) became the Musical Director of CSD Brass. Toni continued in this role until March 2000. Bill Maddams and Alan Bartle took responsibility of the band until September 2001. Lisa Wright conducted from December 2001 until April 2003. Philip Mead took over in June 2003 and is the current Musical Director.

The band has been a member of the Cambridge-Heidelberg Partnership Association since 1996 and is twinned with the Orchesterverein Heidelberg-Handschusheim, a long-established wind band from the outskirts of Heidelberg. The bands undertook their first joint concert in Cambridge during the Easter Festival Exchange 2000, and met in Heidelberg for Easter 2001. The annual exchange has continued ever since.

CSD Brass (Cambridge) are happy to support the following charities:

• Cancer Research
• Children in Need
• Macmillan Cancer Care
• Missions to Seamen
• Princess of Wales Memorial Fund
• The Salvation Army
• Shepreth Wildlife Park

For more information on the band please contact Jennie Ingrey, [email protected] or (01223) 500818 / 07739 848315 (mobile)

Last update: 9 June 2002 by Andy Jardine ([email protected])