Provide a musical fightback to Coronavirus with latest Pennine sextet

Composer Gavin Somerset has come up with a musical fight back to the challenges that have been overcome by bands and COVID-19.

The new sextet reflects on the time line of the virus — and the hope of getting back to rehearsals

Thursday, 10 September 2020

Although we may still have some way to go before we are all able to get back together playing brass band music in full rehearsals, composer Gavin Somerset has come up with a great new Covid compliant sextet that will help lead young back when the time comesâ€¦

The Covid Collection

Talking about 'The Covid Collection' he said. "Like many over the past few months, I've had quite a bit of spare time, but I've been putting it to good use.

I wanted to reflect on the current situation but also use it in a positive way to show how music has helped us fight against it — hopefully with the end result of returning back to rehearsals.

'The Covid Collection' isn't then about doom and gloom, but solidarity, hope, pride and optimism — all packed into seven movements that I hope a sextet will be able to enjoy playing.

It's a concert suite of 7 movements that lasts around 22 minutes, so there its something to get your teeth into and enjoy. The final celebration outcome may be a little while off at present but we should all work towards it for when it finally arrives!"

Time line

Gavin revealed that the seven movements reflect on the timeline of events — from the opening fanfare 'The Call of the Band' which is full of energy and the 'March of the Antibodies' as people fight the virus at home or in hospital with good humour and optimism.

Then comes 'Solidarity', as we all come together in our families and communities to help each other, as well as the 'Lazy Days' when it has also given us time to do other things we may have put off for a while. Just think about pottering about in the gardenâ€¦

A wonderful 'Hymn for Carers' is dedicated to the incredible work of NHS and care workers across the UK whilst the 'Army of Keyworkers' isn't forgotten either with a heroic 12/8 stir!

That all leads to the finale of 'Celebration' and 'Return to Band' — which despite the most recent news, will we hope, occur as soon as it is safe to do so.

I'm also releasing it with backing tracks so players can make socially distanced recordings and post them on their band sitesGavin Somerset

Correct number

Gavin added: "Obviously, a sextet is now the correct number under the latest rules for players looking to carry on performing music, so I'm also releasing it with backing tracks so players can make socially distanced recordings and post them on their band sites."

You can find much more information at: https://www.penninemusic.com/piece/covid-collection

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