The MD and players of Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne) recently enjoyed a musical visit from Dr Stephen Cobb, who led the Somerset band through an intensive rehearsal on the Area set-work, ‘Variations on Maccabeus’ by Kevin Norbury.

Welcome visit

Stephen (left of image) was invited to pay the welcome visit by solo euphonium player Steve Taylor, who used to play with Hendon SA Band before moving down to the West Country. The pair have remained good friends ever since and a chance request soon turned into an invitation and a productive musical experience.

Wonderful

Band spokesperson Dave Coles told 4BR: “It was wonderful to have Stephen with us, especially as he revealed that it was his suggestion to Kevin to write the piece for the International Staff Band some years ago.

Stephen and the ISB had just re-recorded it for the Salvation Army Heritage series and this was apparent from Stephen’s detailed knowledge of the score.”

We hope that we will do him proud at Torquay in a few weeks’ time. Our new conductor David Boorer was over the moon with what had been achievedBand spokesperson Dave Coles

Extended

Dave added: “The rehearsal was very taxing but also very enjoyable and time just flew by. In fact the rehearsal was extended by an half an hour to enable us to spend additional time on the tricky finale!

We hope that we will do him proud at Torquay in a few weeks’ time. Our new conductor David Boorer was over the moon with what had been achieved.”