THE PHOENIX WINDBAND: ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 As a member of the evening class, you are automatically a member of the Phoenix Windband. The Phoenix Windband is an association, formed in July 1999 by members of the SCOLA Friday wind and brass band evening class. The original objective was to provide a vehicle for a successful application for lottery funding to obtain sheet music, which had been a major difficulty for the evening class in the early years, subsidise the first Wychcroft weekend and buy the drum kit. The existence of the band has enabled us to buy some other equipment, and has provided opportunities for the class to play in public. In the past year we have continued to meet as an evening class and the general view is that, under Paul's leadership, we have made great progress as an ensemble. We are incredibly fortunate to have a leader of Paul's enormous experience and ability. Since this time last year we have played at the Chipstead fete, at the AGM of the Sutton talking newspaper for the blind, at a Christmas concert for SCOLA, at the Woldingham golf club and at the Ashtead carnival. The feedback on all these performances was very positive. We held another excellent Wychcroft weekend in January and, as an innovation, a "summer Wychcroft" last summer, though this summer we have reverted to our traditional summer garden party. Looking ahead, we have financial reserves and our need to purchase new music has diminished as Paul and Pam have a big library. The suggestion that, with Miranda's help, we make a recording is an idea that appeals to many of us - though we may get a surprise if we hear ourselves play ! The drum kit will probably need replacing in the next year or two. We often debate whether the number of times we play concerts is about right, too much or too little, but playing more often would require band members to show commitment to turning out for these events, so the number is probably about right. Since we formed the association, I have been the chair (the responsibility involves writing this report every year and nothing else), Howard has been secretary, Neil treasurer and Ray has been organiser. Perhaps we would benefit from some more active person joining us, particularly as Ray may move to Sussex in the next year. I would like to express our thanks to Paul, also to Pam, to Neil and Howard for the organisation of the Wychcroft weekend, to Neil for handling the money, to Roger for maintaining the website (www.phoenixband.org.uk), to Ray for his organisational work in relation to the gigs, and to every member of the class for making Friday evenings so enjoyable. RICHARD CLIFTON