*
banner

British Army Music Academy Concert

Academy Students; Band of the Grenadier Guards
Conductors: Major Mike Smith; WO1 Sarah Marinescu; C/Sgt Chris Brown
Guards Chapel
London
Friday 12th April

stars

The British Army Music Academy offers an annual ‘taster’ course for young people who may be considering a career in military music making. 

Eighteen youngsters spent a week at Kneller Hall to gain an insight into what such a life may entail, leading up to this enjoyable concert at the famous Guards Chapel, supported by members of the Band of the Grenadier Guards.

Relished

Opening with the appositely delivered march 'Bravura', they continued with the 'Heroic March' from 'An Epic Symphony' in an effective transcription for wind band.

Music of stage and screen featured prominently; starting with 'Star Wars - The Force Awakens'. Emerging themes from the earlier films were seized on with alacrity as the young musicians relished the experience.

John Barry's 'Out of Africa' evoked the vast expanses of the Savannah plains alongside the films more romantic themes, with some confident solo playing on show.

A lively selection from 'Grease' featured a super saxophone soloist amid its fairly dense scoring that kept everyone busy, whilst L/Sgt Ian Shepherd, a tuba player with the band, was the arranger of 'Wicked on the Forecourt', a high-energy selection from one of the most popular musicals of recent years.

Two more sophisticated items from the wind band repertoire followed: Nigel Hess's 'New York' capturing the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis, with the hard-working percussionists contributing various whistles and sirens to the scene. 

John Barry's 'Out of Africa' evoked the vast expanses of the Savannah plains alongside the films more romantic themes, with some confident solo playing on show.

Impressive

In contrast, the elegant 'Gallimaufry' was developed from music Guy Woolfenden wrote for the Royal Shakespeare Company. There were some lovely sustained phrases and both flute and piccolo made the most of their solo passages.

The concert ended with 'Resplendent'; steeped in the film music tradition, with a majestic trumpet theme taken up by the rest of the ensemble. The horns were particularly impressive, including the youngster on tenor horn who transposed much of the music during the concert.

It was a very uplifting evening, aided by insights into the non-musical aspects of the week. Conducting duties were shared between Major Mike Smith, WO1 Sarah Marinescu and C/Sgt Chris Brown, who had been with the group all week.

Peter Bale

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd