The show commenced in the now familiar format with a set by the Training Band. It keeps being said that the Training Band just continues to get bigger and better - but it does. Look out for the three rows of cornets in the photos! The band played a really challenging arrangement of “Scarborough Fair” and played it beautifully and closed with a powerful rendition of Toccata in D Minor.
The first half set from the main band saw Emma Button play the trombone solo arrangement of “Londonderry Air” (AKA Danny Boy) absolutely superbly. Incredible though it was, perhaps it was not as incredible as the band’s incredible performance of “The Incredibles”. It really was . . . incredible! It was obviously a hard blow leaving the players gasping for a drink as during the closing piece for the first half “La Passarella Di Addio” the players made an early exit for the bar leaving Rick Hewin on cornet all on his own – aaaahhh!
The Town Band opened the second half up with a stirring march – “Punchinello” followed by another trombone solo this time by Sally Burrows playing the Cole Porter number “Every Time We Say Goodbye”. Very well done Sally. Showing the great contrast in music brass bands can play this was followed by “Reet Petite” and “In Perfect Peace”, then closing the set with a crowd please of a medley from Mary Poppins.
Back on with the main band and into full on Proms mode. “Fantasia on British Sea Songs” saw great solos from euphonium player, Ian Harris and new soprano cornet signing Andy Watson. Wow what wonderful playing. Under the direction of MD, Kevin Smith, the audience entered into the spirit of the evening with lots of clapping, flag waving and singing along to “Jerusalem” and “Land of Hope and Glory”. In fact, they didn’t want it to end so after some feet stamping and shouts of “More” they were not disappointed by another quick rendition of “Barnum and Bailey’s Favourite”.
Lots of smiling faces from audience and players says it all – one fabulous evening.
