Aggers rediscovers his love of music with Melton brass band

Jonathan was a music scholar at school, specialising in playing the tuba and piano, but he says he ‘didn’t touch a brass instrument again for 45 years’ after his cricketing career took off at the age of 18.

But that all changed when he watched The Melton Band give a Christmas concert in his home village in the Vale of Belvoir and he says ‘all the beautiful sounds came flooding back’.

Jonathan, known to everyone as Aggers, contacted the band the next day and they delivered a euphonium to him after he said he’d always fancied playing one.

Aggers told the Melton Times, from Multan where he has been commentating on England’s 1st Test victory over Pakistan: “I was immediately hooked – I love being part of a team again.

“All the band members have been so welcoming and also very patient as I battle to play a new instrument.

“Reconnecting with music has been the best thing I have done in ages and I so look forward to rehearsals every Tuesday evening.”

He enjoyed playing his euphonium with the band as they led the annual Battle of Britain parade through Melton Mowbray town centre last month.

And Jonathan took his trusty instrument on tour to Pakistan where he is commentating with the Test Match Special team.

He jumped at an invitation to accompany the songs of England’s iconic ‘Barmy Army’ fans at the Test this week.

“There can’t ever have been a cricket correspondent who has brought a euphonium on tour in the past, but evenings are quite long here in Pakistan and so it is an ideal place to practice,” he said.

“It was great fun playing Jerusalem for the Barmy Army – I haven’t been so nervous for a long time – and obviously we inspired England to a great victory in Multan.”

The Melton Band has vacancies on some of its instruments – including one for Principal Euphonium – and is appealing for new members.

Jonathan wants to encourage others to get involved like he did.

He added: “All I would say is that I wish I hadn’t waited 45 years.

"If anyone is even remotely considering picking up an instrument again, I’d say don’t think twice.

“Do not be intimidated by returning to play in a band; you will love every minute.”

The Melton Band will be playing at the town’s Remembrance Sunday parade on November 10.

You can also catch them on December 7 outside Melton Building Society (10am-12pm), on December 20 and 21 outside Sainsbury’s (6-8pm and 10am-12pm, respectively) and on December 21 at Scalford Church (7.30pm).

Rehearsals are once a week on Tuesday evenings, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Melton.

Email [email protected] or call chairman, Stephen Gardner, on 07535 101649 or 07552 467118.