Brass Band of Battle Creek continue to make new friends wherever they perform, and recently gave their annual spring concert in Battle Creek followed by three concerts in Florida, in Sarasota and Englewood.

Although the temperature in Michigan was in the region of -3c and Florida was at 24c, the music and performance was just as hot at both venues!

Although the temperature in Michigan was in the region of -3c and Florida was at 24c, the music and performance was just as hot at both venues!4BR

Star assembly

Once again the brothers Gray assembled a truly eye-popping in line up of brass artistes, that included Wycliffe Gordon, Mark Lawrence and Mark Frost (trombones), Steve, Matt Tropman, Demondrae Thurman, Gail Robertson (euphoniums and baritones), Les Neish, Marty Eriksson, Phil Sinder, Dean Morley(tubas) as well as a galaxy of stars in the higher brass, including the special guest for the week, Maurice Murphy (ex Principal Trumpet, LSO).

Treat

It was a real treat to have Maurice in the band, and the trumpet cornet section were in awe the whole week! Maurice was persuaded to come by his good friend Richard Evans who was also conducting the band this time.

New levels

The band’s performance continues to reach new levels and this year the performances included 'Overture to Lawrence of Arabia', 'March from Midway', 'Born On The Fourth of July', 'Theme from Silverado', 'Tonight from West Side Story', as well as 'Baba Yaga/Great Gate of Kiev' and the 'Imperial March' from “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.'

The British contingent consisted of Martin Armstrong and John Rudkin (tenor horns), Mark Frost (bass trombone) Les Neish (Eb tuba) Dean Morley (Bb tuba), Steven Mead (euphonium), Maurice Murphy (trumpet) and Richard Evans (conductor).