Just seven weeks after concluding their tenth anniversary summer course, the 60 members of the National Children's Band came to Bridgewater Hall to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable concert in the presence of a large and not surprisingly, receptive audience.

Paternal contentment

MD Dr Nicholas Childs made the point that while the other elite bands on stage on the day rehearsed at least twice a week, this band met for one week per year.

Not surprisingly then, he walked off stage wearing a broad smile of paternal contentment after his musical siblings did him proud.

Delicacy

Eric Ball's 'Star Lake', got the concert off to an excellent start, followed by a vibrant account of Arnold's 'Little Suite for Brass Number 1', where principal cornet, Adam Nield displayed delicacy and musical warmth during the 'Sicilliano'.

To celebrate their tenth year, the band had commissioned two new works, both of which were well received here.

'In Old London Town', by Jonathan Bates is based around the number 10:  Inventive and engaging, it presented various challenges for the players, including harmonic singing, body percussion and a demanding trombone cadenza, performed with wonderful aplomb by former member, Peter Moore. 

Swaying on the rails

Dan Price's, 'Mallard 4468', marks the 75th anniversary of the world speed record set by the famous steam train – one that still stands today.

The players revelled in the opportunity to perform the piece once again, even imitating the swaying of the locomotive as it moved at break neck speed along its musical rails.

Grown

Throughout its first decade, the band has been led by several talented principal cornets players, who have seemingly grown exponentially since their debut appearances!

A group returned here to perform a great whip through, 'Bugler's Holiday' played with appropriate youthful vigour.

With the formal part of the concert concluded, the band bid farewell to the audience with Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Home of Legends', which was renamed 'Young Legends' in anticipation of what many of them will surely achieve in the years ahead.

Highlight

A festival highlight is the annual appearance of the young players from primary schools from Rochdale in Lancashire.

On this occasion over a hundred performers took to the stage from six different schools, including Smithy Bridge, who last year was crowned Beginner's Section National Champion.

Under Lee Rigg, their short programme showcased their abilities to play in different styles, including 'Let Me Entertain You', 'Deep Harmony', Bach's ‘Toccata in D Minor' and 'Shake, Rattle and Roll',

It all went down brilliantly with an audience who had enjoyed a cracking afternoon’s entertainment.

Malcolm Wood