Spring News 2011
OK, Spring, well April and May. Those avid readers that have written in to the editor and asked where the April edition of Band News was were all rewarded with a crisp £20 note – thank you for taking such a keen interest.
So, exactly how many bank holidays have we just had- Major disruption to the band rehearsal schedule ahead of our annual outing to Priston on May Day, although practice on the day of the Royal Wedding was well attended except for front row cornets where there was but one – Mark – who “heroically” (and I quote) soldiered on despite adversity without a single word of bitterness towards his erstwhile colleagues who were all in the pub celebrating. There will be a memorial service for his lip later this month.
Priston – one of my favourite jobs of the year – is always a treat. Not because of the Morris men (and women), or the homemade cakes and cream teas, or the silly games (welly wanging should be an Olympic sport). No the fun of it is the excitement of guessing whether the band will get soaked in a downpour, blown away in a gale or scorched under the burning sun – oh, and of course playing under a tree always carries its own risks and I’m not talking about falling twigs. This year we had a medley of gale and sun but it was very enjoyable nonetheless – and the cream tea was outstanding.
A bunch of new pieces were played for the first time and generally went well. A few others are still “work in progress” and will find their way into the programme later in the Summer – as if you needed another excuse to come to all the gigs, the tension is palpable. The next job is 22nd May in the Parade Gardens in Bath and we’re all looking forward to that one – it’s certainly one of my favourite jobs in the calendar.
Before that we have a few band members running the Bristol 10k, the Knights Anthony and Clare and Mark “anyone seen my lip” Lewis will be running. If you want to sponsor them please talk to a band member, anyone sponsoring over £4.99 will receive an “On the Bandstand” CD – yes, unbelievably we have a few left.
A couple of changes in personnel, sadly after many years Chris Allard has had to reduce his commitment to the band due to work, not only was Chris our principle Euphonium player but he was also on the committee and so will be missed. On behalf of the band I would like to thank him for all of the hard work he’s put in and we’ll always be pleased to see him back when he can make it.
Rob Gould moves from Eb horn to Euphonium (he was previously on bass so it’s all averaged out really) and we welcome Colin Amos to the horn section to fill Rob’s shoes – a role he does with great aplomb and with the added benefit of not distracting the cornets with a near-exploding head (we miss you Rob but it was quite difficult to concentrate). We also welcome Glyn Jackson who joins us on Eb Bass. This leaves only one vacancy - Bb bass - so if you fancy a toot (and have a big boot) give a call (couldn’t think of another word ending with “oot”)
Here’s to a great Summer ahead, let’s hope global warming kicks in (that should get some hits on Google) and the sun stays out. We look forward to entertaining you.
Added by Heather May 5, 2011 (7:16AM)
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