Welcome to CSD Brass

The Band’s Origins

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. By 1993 their numbers had grown, and the band was formed by Howard Garner, Managing Director of the company. Up until September 1998 the band rehearsed regularly in Shepreth. Weekly rehearsals are now held in Cambridge. The band is now known as CSD Brass (Cambridge and Surrounding District).

Musical Directors

In September 1995, 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, but had to take a break due to illness (during which time Alan Egginton and Daryle Taylor conducted).

We are delighted that Philip has returned to CSD Brass as Musical Director.

Partnerships

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.