23rd of May saw the band presenting an evening of Music from Stage and Screen, with a special guest ensemble from St. Cedd’s school in Chelmsford.
The concert, in the St. John’s Arts and Recreation Centre began with the piece ‘Orient Express’ by Philip Sparke. Sparke is one of a number of composers to write ‘train music’ for bands (think of Vivan Ellis’ ‘Coronation Scot’ for starters), and this evocative piece, whilst not strictly from stage or screen, conjured up the great days of steam in a way which would not have been entirely out of place in any film of the railway era.
This was followed by a selection from John Williams’ soundtrack to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, arranged by Frank Bernaerts.
Next came the first solo of the evening - Arlen and Harburg’s ‘Over the Rainbow’, arranged for Eb horn by Goff RIchards, and played by the band’s solo horn, Trudy Kimber.
As a contrast to this gentle solo, the theme from Deep Space 9 (McCarthy arr. Anthony) livened the pace up somewhat, and led into a selection of Borodin’s Polovstian Dances, in which Eddie Huckridge takes many of the familiar themes of the dances and arranges them into a seamless band piece.
The last band piece of the first half was Mr. Jums (Hazell, arr. Catherall), a piece written as part of a suite depicting the stray cats the composer lives with - Mr. Jums is described as ‘..a.ginger tom, scruffy but affectionate..’
There then followed the selection from the St. Cedd’s brass ensemble. This was the final performance for the ensemble in its current line up, as all bar two of the players leave St. Cedd’s this year. The school’s current musical director also leaves this year, so it was the last time the group would all be together. Marc Easener, who directs the ensemble also pointed out that this was the longest ‘set’ the group had played, as they are usually restricted to one or two numbers only in their own school concerts.
Following the brass ensemble, interval and opportunity to purchase raffle tickets, the band opened the second half with Tylman Susato’s ‘Dancing and Drumming’. This was followed by a selection from “Pirates of the Carribbean (Dead Man’s Chest)’ by Hans Zimmer, arr. Bocock. Back on the Stage and Screen theme at last, I hear you say!
Next came the second soloist of the evening - Adrian Davoll, 1st Trombone played the aria ‘Softly Awakes my Heart’ from Saint-Saëns’ opera Samson and Delilah.
This was contrasted by the far more playful theme from Scooby Doo (Raleigh and Mook, arr. Duncan), which led into Goff Richards’ Disney Fantasy, a tour through many of the familiar themes from Disney films of the last century.
The novelty feature “Tyrolean Tubas’ came next, featuring the bottom end of the band - Chris Roberts and Rob Dutton on Eb bass, and Malcolm Walker on Bb bass.
The concert closed with a selection from the stage show “Lord of the Dance’, arranged once more by Bernaerts.
The audience were entertained by commentary from musical director Marc Easener, and the band’s thanks go to Elaine Lawrence helping out on Flugel horn.
Andy Brittin
2nd Euphonium
I have also included a short clip of ‘Chanson de Matin’ (E. Elgar) recorded at a previous concert.
