Launceston junior musicians perform pirate-themed concerts after contest success

AUDIENCES were treated to a pirate themed extravaganza by a group of promising Launceston junior musicians.

After achieving third place at the prestigious South West Brass Band Association (SWBBA) contest in Torquay during November 2024, attention turned to the next project for the group of youngsters from Launceston Junior Band.

Given a choice of several pieces of music by musical director Ann Brown, one of the options was related to Caribbean Pirates which then evolved into an idea of providing their audience with a veritable feast of all things seafaring for the eyes and ears.

A spokesperson for Launceston Junior Band said: “The pirate theme captivated members, young and ‘young at heart’. Soon we were practicing a whole set of pirate pieces and it didn’t stop there! Plans evolved and we soon had two concerts booked at Lifton Community Centre and Launceston Town Hall. Our young members suggested outfits and props to bring our concerts to life. Our youth committee representative Zac Parrin also got involved in advertising the events, suggesting the creation of videos and pictures from our rehearsals to encourage the public to attend. One of our adult learners Jo Burt, wrote a swashbuckling narration and the young players read parts to introduce each piece.

“On the day of each event, it was all hands-on deck, with members of our senior band and committee helping to set up, run the refreshment stand and prize draw. The events were great fun and Launceston Town Band’s chairwoman Caroline Mariner pulled out all the stops with her decorations and enthusiasm.

“The treasure map was a great success at both concerts with an amazing prize from The Arundell Arms hotel Lifton and The Black Pearl Launceston. There were prizes for best dressed pirate in the audience and of course the band members also got involved with Austin and Jonathan winning the Lifton concert and Zac and Sally winning in Launceston.

“Launceston junior band has 20 young members, with several adult learners and a few senior band members supporting the events.The concerts raised over £550 for band funds. This helps us to encourage more young players to join and experience the joy of learning an instrument within a community of dedicated and passionate players. We’d like to thank all the local businesses who supported our prize draw as well as the Mayor for donating use of the Town Hall and attending the event to support us.”