On Thursday, the 13th. of May, 2010 the Prekursur Philarmomic Society, is to celebrate its 8lst Anniversay. This day which is better known as ” JUM IL BANDA.” The activity, will be held at the Zakkarija Cilia, Concerts Hall, at the Society Premises in Saint Catherine Street Xewkija, Gozo.

The Prekusur Band was founded in l929 on the initiative of Mr Wenzu Cauchi and Maestro Andrea Borg both from Xewkija. It is recorded that the first committee meeting was held on the l3th.of May 1929, under the chairmanship of Chev. Lawrence Zammmit Haber. The band played its first marches in l930 on the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, patron saint of Xewkija. During the last world war, the band ceased its activities, as many of its members were summoned to serve as war soldiers.It was in l956, that the band was reactivated again on the initiative of a group of music lovers who all hailed from Xewkija. Since then the band has achieved great success. Each year takes great part in the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. It is invited to take part in the feasts organised in other villages in Gozo,and sometime even in Malta. It takes part in celebrations of national activities, as well as during the carnival days.The band accompanied by many of its supporters, had the opportunity to visit other countries, such as Sousse in Tunesia and Castelvenere in Italy. There the band held musical programmes as well played marches along the street of the place.

Musical Directors who made a name with the Prekursur Band include its Founder Mro. Andrea Borg, Mro. Carmelo Borg; Mro Joseph Farrugia, Mro. Colin Attard, Mro. Andrew Coleiro, and the present Mro. Anthony Borg.

Programme of celebrations to mark this day:

For this occassion the Soctiety Central Committee, is entrusting the organation of these celebrations in the hands of the Youth Committee. It is an important oppointment for the music students, as they have the opportunity show their skills of their commitment in learning to play a musical instrument. So a musical concert will be performed by these music students.. Such an activity has been held for the last years. It much wellcomed by the same students, the regular bands men , members of the society as well as the Xewkija general public.The presence of the parents of these students is more than appreciated. They can assess for themselves the progress being acheived by their youths in the art of music. The concert as well as all the solos played by promissing students, will be under the direction of Mro. Mark Gauci, and Mr.Marvin Grech, both music teachers with the Prekursur Band.

A Thanksgiving Holy Mass, celebrated by Mons Carmelo Mercieca, Xewkija Parish Priest will open these celebrations at 7.30pm. The general public are warmly invited to attend.

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