This was despite some unforeseen player absences due to amongst other things, appendicitis and cracked ribs! But this is where VCB’s strength in depth comes through with players helping out in the other bands to fill the gaps.
Even so, with the last-minute illnesses there had to be a change to the published programme for the Verwood Concert Brass Band. Unfortunately, with a euphonium player down out went the euphonium duet but far from being short changed the audience (and the band) were surprised when conductor Kevin Smith handed out the sheet music to the band right there on stage and promptly played a superb bass trombone solo of ‘I only have eyes for you’. It is handy when your conductor is also the bass trombone player for Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra! And well done the band for providing the unrehearsed accompaniment.
Likewise, in the second half Kevin stepped in to perform the trombone trio ‘Frolic for Trombones’ alongside Emma Button and Georgina Carter, with Training Band Conductor and Verwood Concert Brass Band bass player, Mike Dunnings, taking over the baton. There’s versatility for you.
The event also saw the presentation of the annual ‘Player of the Year’ awards for each of the bands but news of the winners will be covered in a separate posting in due course.
That was the first concert of the year but all bands have a busy schedule ahead so there will be plenty more opportunities to see and hear the bands perform.
