A Warm ‘Welcome Home’ to David Wilson, our new Honorary President!

We are thrilled to announce that David Wilson has accepted the position of Honorary President with the band. 

You could say David is the founding father of modern-day MSB, being the man responsible for reviving the band in 1982.

Manea was without a band for around 20 years after it fizzled out in the 60s, but David had the enthusiasm and passion to restart the band, with a nucleus of 12 youngsters and a couple of adults.

This achievement is something we admire a great deal, and strive to carry forward the tradition of bringing local adults and youngsters together to make music for the people.

David Wilson conducting the band in the 1990s.
Note the youthful euphonium player on the right.

David said ‘Manea Silver Band has a history of producing great musicians.  My son Duncan came from here and is now a professional musician and conductor of Kidlington Concert Brass, a Championship Section Band.  My daughter, Rachel, plays for Norfolk Wherry Brass, who won a place in the National Finals at the weekend.  Neil Waters, a professional musician with regular national radio airtime came from here.  And of course, I remember your current MD when he was this high! [points to knee!].  You never know where music is going to take you.”

Having just listened to us mangle a Queen medley for half an hour, he then added “For you lot, it sounds like the only way it can take you is up…”