As the UK sweltered under the rising meniscus of thermometer mercury, the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain brought its eleventh course to an end with a superb concert at Repton School, where the 58 strong players, as cool as cucumbers, performed a demanding programme.
It also provided the climax to a week of high class tuition, fun and inspirational music making under the direction of Professor Nicholas Childs, John Doyle and an army of top class tutors.
No worries
Being away from home (some for a first time) can be daunting experience for young players (up to the age of 15), but the excellent pastoral care led by Gary & Monica Walczak meant that there was no need for anxious parents to worry - their off spring simply reveling in the experience.
Alan Fernie's 'Prismatic Light' was a cracking, fizzy opener, which was followed by the world première of 'Road to Run' in the presence of composer, Paul Lovatt-Cooper, a man who has an amazing ability to tickle the musical taste buds of young players like no one else.
Taking its inspiration from the wickedly infectious American jazz fusion styles of the 1970s and 80s, its rhythmic foundation provided ample opportunities for soloists to shine before its rousing finale. It was certainly a piece that caught the imagination of both players and the audience alike - many of which would have enjoyed the music in its original heyday!
Superb form
Black Dyke solo euphonium Gary Curtin was on superb form as guest soloist during his four pieces either side of the interval.
First up was a free flowing account of Peter Graham's 'Bravura' (with a few extra notes thrown in for good measure) followed by a considered rendition of 'Little Prayer'.
After the break Gary left players open-mouthed in admiration with Stephen Bryant's 'The Humming Bird' (complete with amplified sounds) before rounding things off with Frode Rydland's arrangement of the impish 'Vallflickens Dans'.
Faster, higher, stronger
With Goff Richards' upbeat 'Doyen' bringing the first half to a close, the audience took the opportunity to take on some liquid refreshment in the sun before returning to hear the world premiere of Jonathan Bates’ 'Citius, Altius, Fortius' - an Olympic theme with obvious Commonwealth connections to the athletes currently giving their all in Glasgow!
His arrangement of the Queen hit, 'We Will Rock You' where the players also demonstrated their close harmony choral skills under the direction of John Doyle, was a great upbeat addition, before the band took a breather of their own as the MD interviewed 10 year old trombonist, Joseph Heartfield.
A few bars of 'The Acrobat', reinforced how fearless the youngsters are in front of an audience even at such a young age!
Awards
With the presentation of the hard earned awards on offer to the ‘Section of the Week’, ‘The Betty Anderson Trophy’ and ‘The Outstanding Student’ (which went to a delighted trombone team, Zoe Wright and Anthony Cockbain respectively) along with acknowledgement to the contribution principal cornet, Will Thomas made throughout, the concert ended as it had begun, in a real upbeat fashion.
James Curnow's 'Jubilation', was tasty enough, but nothing can quite beat 'Bandology'.
Professor Nicholas Childs had declared during the concert that this was his favourite musical week of the year: On this evidence you could hear just why.
Malcolm Wood
