A rejuvenated Reg Vardy Band is looking forward to the Autumn after coming through an extended period of rebuilding.
That was shown at the recent British Open Spring Festival where they claimed a podium finish at the Grand Shield contest, narrowly missing out on a return to the British Open.
However, earlier in the year the band had already secured their place back at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall, whilst plans are now well in advance to raise their artistic profile both regionally and nationally with the first of a series of inventive concert events.
Step back up
Speaking to 4BR, Band Manager Scott Meikle said that despite the disappointment of just missing out on a return to Symphony Hall, the North East band has seen it as another concrete step back towards the top of the elite level ladder.
"As all bands know, getting out of the Grand Shield takes some doing, so although we were a little disappointed to come so close, we are realistic to know just what it takes and how we can continue to build on the fantastic work being led by our conductors Chris Shanks and Russell Gray."
New ethos
Scott revealed that just after Christmas a new ethos emerged that wished to match musical ambition with realistic progress.
"It was the moment when things changed,"he said. "Discussions within the committee gave us some new and interesting ideas. We began to think out of the box.
We built on that positivity, attracted committed players, old and new, and found our mojo again. The drive returned and we are now back firing on all cylinders."
James Bond
Although the contest successes are important Scott said it is the wider musical audience landscape that the band can reach out to that is driving things along — starting with a bit of James Bond on Sunday 9th July.
"Our latest venture is taking place at Sunderland's fantastic Fire Station music venue which has quickly become one of the most adventurous performance spots in the North East attracting a host of diverse artists and ensembles."
He added: "'For Your Eyes Only: 70 Years of Bond' has been adopted as the opening event of the 2023 Durham Brass Festival- another testament to our hard work and outreach as it is entirely self-initiated and self-funded.
There really is going to be something for everyone to enjoy — from Bond classics to something new thanks to the great arranging skills of Alan Catherall and a special solo guest appearance from the brass band movement's own 007, 'Johnny Midnight' aka Jim Hayes."
We have literally been shaken and then stirred into action. The exciting times are back with Reg Vardy, with more to come tooReg Vardy Band Manager, Scott Meikle
Shaken and stirred
Scott concluded: "Jim is brilliant in the role, and we have a talented young singer in Lauren Campbell, who recently received a special award from the adjudicators at a national Youth Big Band competition to belt out a few Bond classic too.
We have literally been shaken and then stirred into action. The exciting times are back with Reg Vardy, with more to come too."
Find out more:
https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/events/for-your-eyes-only-70-years-of-bond-with-the-reg-vardy-band/
