A memorable anniversary was marked by a memorable concert as a packed audience enjoyed the entertainment and virtuosity provided by the current GUS Band, friends and alumni.

Expertly organised it was rounded off by a massed reunion band, although  it was the current ensemble that opened things with Edward Gregson’s ‘Fanfare for GUS’,  followed by the aptly appropriate ‘Jubilee Overture’  written for them for their 50th anniversary by Philip Sparke.

Since that event the band has enjoyed periods of success as well as challenge, yet it remains one of the most fertile areas in producing world class performers – a host of whom performed at the event.

Fountain duo

They included the remarkable Fountain brothers (as well as their dad), now principal trumpets at the LSO and BBC Philharmonic respectively.  The performances of ‘Charivari’  and ‘Song of the Night’  were mesmeric. 

The whimsical ‘Celebration’  by Gordon Langford (another piece written for the 50th anniversary) was followed by the euphonium duet featuring Dr David Thornton and  George Bruce of ‘Endearing Young Charms’  – fittingly played in the presence of GUS Band legend Trevor Groom.

The whimsical ‘Celebration’  by Gordon Langford (another piece written for the 50th anniversary) was followed by the euphonium duet featuring Dr David Thornton and  George Bruce of ‘Endearing Young Charms’  – fittingly played in the presence of GUS Band legend Trevor Groom.

Former percussionist and BBC Young Musician of the Year Jordan Ashman showcased ‘Strawberry Therapy’  on vibraphone, before Christopher Bond’s ‘Journey to the Past’  heralded the return of Thomas and James to perform Martin Cordner’s ‘Synergy’.

The band rounded off the first half with a nod to their future contesting ambitions with the final section of the recent British Open test-piece ‘Sand and Stars’.

Massed celebrations

The second half carried on the celebratory feel – with the reunion band of over 50 players enjoying the chance to perform under the batons of Melvin White, Chris Jeans and John Berryman. 

The second half carried on the celebratory feel – with the reunion band of over 50 players enjoying the chance to perform under the batons of Melvin White, Chris Jeans and John Berryman. 

Well observed nods of historical appreciation with Staney Boddington’s ‘Little Lisa’,  Gilbert Vinter’s ‘Lisbon Carnival’,  the march ‘Emaneff’  were played with understanding whilst ‘March to the Scaffold’  and Bramwell Tovey’s poignant ‘Remembering Jutland’  offered contrast and thoughtfulness. 

The culmination came with ‘Pines of Rome’  – a rousing finisher that led into the encore of ‘Malaguena’.

90 years of history were packed into a splendid event (aided by a super exhibition of memorabilia and trophies). Hopefully, it will be the start of another 90 years of history making to come.

Keiren Williams