Even in these troubled times, some bands have kept faith in the hope of making a long awaited return to rehearsals and performances.
Literally so for Eccles Borough, after they released their latest socially isolated video inspired by the 1987 George Michael hit 'Faith' to widespread acclaim.
Proud history
The band from Greater Manchester has a proud history — winning the British Open in 1930, but more recently enjoying a resurgence under MD, Mareika Gray which has encompassed victories at the First Section Butlins Mineworkers Championships and Wychavon Festival.
They have already been active with their social distancing music making — enjoying performing as part of the recent Foden's virtual Whit Friday competition and putting together a cracking video playing 'Joy, Peace & Happiness'.
Now, thanks to the IT skills of soprano player Graham Ebbrell and led by principal cornet Debbie Fry the band has a social media hit on its hands, as Mareika explained.
Faith
"It's been a difficult time for bands, and we have all had to keep faith that we will return — even if it isn't for a while yet.
We've been enjoying putting together our socially distanced videos and have had a great response, especially from people in our local community who have seen them. This one has really taken off though."
The band was grateful that they could use their local Monton Unitarian Church to film Debbie in her George Michael lead role, whilst all the players pre-recorded their parts at home — including a few guest appearances from a certain Mr Gray and son Angus.
These were then mailed to Graham who did a brilliant job in stitching them all together with some great visual effects to add to the music.
All involved
"Graham is such a talented guy,"Mareika added. "He's just got a new job, but he still took the time to put everything together. It's also been good that all the band members were involved — and it shows that like other bands around the country we are all determined to keep that bit of 'faith' in ourselves and our ability to make music."
