Onchan Silver Band has a rich history within the Isle of Man and beyond. In recent years they have led the way in various aspects of brass banding – From setting the record high mark of 97 with an ensemble at the 2011 Manx Music Festival, to updating the brass bands very traditional look to incorporate modern Manx Tartan waistcoats. Then in 2012, another first for the Isle of Man – They appointed the first ever female band master in Rebecca Halliday. Becky has been a member of the band for over 20 years as a player and more recently, as the Junior Band Leader. In her role as “Acting Band Master”, she led the senior band through its hectic yearly schedule in 2012. The hours of work she put in behind the scenes, as well as in front of the band should not go unmentioned or be underestimated! This was however, only meant as a temporary measure, as Becky was always keen to step back into her playing role as the bands principal Baritone. The group have been looking for a permanent replacement for their previous conductor Paul Dunderdale, who retired from the position at the start of 2012. However, they have always been determined that the batonshould be passed on to the right person for the job and so decided to appoint someone from within as an interim measure. It would seem such a person has now come to the fore.

There was interest in the position throughout 2012, but the right fit was not found until now.

Now officially in charge of the band, David Mapp comes ready equipped with enthusiasm and ideas to take OSB forward to a new and exciting future! He has put together an outline of his vision (or the “OSB Manifesto” as he calls it) for Onchan Silver Band in 2013:

Make OSB a brass band with a difference, a strong identity, and with increased visibility, in order to increase membership and maximise the charity’s service to local players and the island’s culture circuit. This will be done by execution of the following policies:

1)      Incorporate unfamiliar music into our repertoire.
2)      Performing in new locations/venues.
3)      Initiating collaborative projects with other artists.
4)      Develop marching technique and make marching a part of our identity.
5)     Maintain and develop an excellent standard of performance of the traditional repertoire of marches, popular music arrangements and film music.

David comes from a background in modern music composition and performance, mostly using new forms of notation and technology, so a brass band is a real novelty.  In his own words, he:  “is delighted OSB have given me this opportunity. They’re a wonderful group of players, and they’re so happy to try new ideas and share their talent. We’ve got a load of exciting plans, like incorporating some unfamiliar music into our repertoire, performing in unexpected locations and venues, and searching out exciting collaborations with other musicians, composers, dance groups and artists. I feel OSB will really be a brass band with a difference, with a really strong identity and a lot to offer the Island’s culture circuit. I can’t wait!” ….. and neither can the band!