n 1993, Nick Dawson became Musical Director of the City of Southampton (Albion) Band, beginning a long and important period in the Band’s musical history. Remarkably, just six weeks after taking up the position, Nick led the Band on its…
In 1990, the City of Southampton (Albion) Band enjoyed an important return to contest success when it won the Wessex Fourth Section Contest at Poole under Musical Director Peter Hyland. The victory came during a period of rebuilding for the…
In 1986, an important link with the Band’s past was restored when members voted to bring back the historic “Albion” name. The Band had been known as Southampton Band from 1975, before Southampton City Council granted it the privilege of…
In 1980, Mr Bram Taylor became Musical Director of the City of Southampton Band, continuing an association with the Band that stretched back many years. Bram was already a well-established Albion musician. Almost three decades earlier, in 1951, he had…
In 1979, another important change took place in the Band’s identity when Southampton City Council granted the Band the privilege of using the title “City of Southampton Band.” The honour formally recognised the Band’s long-standing association with Southampton and the…
The Band leading the Saints home after their FA Cup triumph in 1976
In 1976, Mr Ray Alberry became Musical Director of Southampton Band, succeeding Mr Alec Wotton. Alberry joined the Band following a distinguished professional musical career as a Royal Marines Bandmaster, bringing considerable experience of military and concert band music to…
a 1930 Band photograph
In 1935, the Southampton Albion Silver Band took part in Southampton’s celebrations marking the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary. The Band participated in the Silver Jubilee Parade through Southampton, joining the city’s wider programme of celebrations…
During the difficult years of the 1930s Depression, the Southampton Albion Silver Band used its music to support the local community. The Band took part in a special concert connected with the Mayor of Southampton’s scheme to assist unemployed people…