The Staffordshire Band was recently involved in an innovative concert near their home in Walsall.

Entitled 'A Little Slide Music', the event was conceived, planned and organised by the band's solo trombonist, Alan Gifford as part of his Master Degree — and included no less than four brand new trombone solo commissions — all receiving their world premiere on the night.

Cognoscenti

In front of an enthusiastic audience, Musical Director David Purkiss also ensured there was a wider variety of repertoire on show to please not just the trombone cognoscenti, with the inclusion some well chosen concert favourites between the solo features.

Two premieres were played in each half — with composers David Lancaster and Dave Collins asked to preview their compositions 'Holly' and 'The Flight of Ages' with short explanations about the inspiration and structure of their works.

Two more firsts

In the second half came two more 'firsts' — with 'Trombone Emoticons' by Keith Davies, who was able to give his own insight into the piece and 'Rhapsody from the Worth', by Lee Morris, and based loosely on 'Deep Harmony'.

Alan did a great job both arranging and performing in this concert — especially as it featured four brand new worksShaun Elliott, Band Chairman

Four new works

Shaun Elliott, Band Chairman told 4BR: "Alan did a great job both arranging and performing in this concert — especially as it featured four brand new works.

Our thanks go to everyone who made the night so special and especially to Alan for all the great work he put in to make it work so well.''