A quintet of players from Fairlop Brass has been asked by the BBC to help entertain the crowds as they flock to the Olympic Opening ceremony today.

Stadium

Musical Director Kevin Jordan told 4BR: "We were contacted via our website by a Senior Producer for the Radio 5 ‘Drive’ programme, who said they were looking for a small group of brass players to play to the crowds as they queued to get into the Stadium prior to the opening ceremony."

National Anthems

Kevin added: "They were particularly keen for us to play a range of National Anthems so that their broadcast could do as much as possible to engage the crowds. Obviously this is quite short notice, but we do regularly have smaller ensemble groups performing at various events throughout the year, so did have a range of music available."

We have overcome all the obstacles and are proud to have a quintet involved in such a prestigious occasionMD, Kevin Jordan

Marshall Islands

Kevin revealed that the players have arranged to take time off work, although obtaining the music for a variety of National Anthems was a challenge, particularly as they wanted us to play the National Anthem of their ‘adopted team’ from the Marshall Islands!

Not even that musical hurdle could stop the band however, as Kevin said: "We have overcome all the obstacles and are proud to have a quintet involved in such a prestigious occasion."