Cracking gig at Bamburgh Castle on Sat 17/12/2011.
Freezing night, and a chilly windy walk up to the castle.
Full house, band played well.
Superb mulled wine and mince pies at half time.
Not much feedback from the Audience to A's jokes, nor could I hear much singing, but they seemed to enjoy it.
Last gig of the year, so nice to finish with a good one.
Other outside gigs were Alnwick Lights Switch On 25/11/2011.....freezing night
Alnwick Xmas Mkt!! freezing day again
Ellington School Carol Concert...inside this time....appallingly bad jokes from the head!!
Sunday 18 December 2011
Friday 16 December 2011
Ray's arrangement
I have today been accepted by an online publisher Safe Music
My brass quintet arrangement of Cat's Fugue by Scarlatti
My brass quintet arrangement of Cat's Fugue by Scarlatti
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Three Rivers Fantasy on Sound Cloud
Mp3 of Three Rivers Fantasy (Tyne Tees TV opening music for many years) by Arthur Wilkinson rearranged for concert band.
Contains a medley of many North Eastern tunes, including Bobby Shaftoe and Blaydon Races
Contains a medley of many North Eastern tunes, including Bobby Shaftoe and Blaydon Races
Three Rivers Fantasy on Sound Cloud
Mp3 of Three Rivers Fantasy (Tyne Tees TV opening music for many years) by Arthur Wilkinson rearranged for concert band.
Contains a medley of many North Eastern tunes, including Bobby Shaftoe and Blaydon Races
Contains a medley of many North Eastern tunes, including Bobby Shaftoe and Blaydon Races
Friday 25 November 2011
Alnwick Playhouse Concert Band: Alnwick Christmas Lights switch on
Video link now on blog video page.
Video courtesy PP.
Video courtesy PP.
Monday 10 October 2011
Busy Weekend 7 and 9 October 2011
Cracking concert on Saturday at Belford.
George conducting. me playing horn.
By gum, those trumpets are loud to sit in front of!!
Monday 9 Oct,smallish band (15 player) played for Alnwick Playhouse fund raising event...band played well and it seemed to go down well with the punters.
Enjoyed the glass (placky cup) of wine afterwards!!
George conducting. me playing horn.
By gum, those trumpets are loud to sit in front of!!
Monday 9 Oct,smallish band (15 player) played for Alnwick Playhouse fund raising event...band played well and it seemed to go down well with the punters.
Enjoyed the glass (placky cup) of wine afterwards!!
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Rehearsal 26/09/2011
Great fun playing horn last night.
George conducting, rehearsing the band for Belford Gig on 08/10/2011.
George conducting, rehearsing the band for Belford Gig on 08/10/2011.
Thursday 22 September 2011
Blog Views
Considering that the band and blog are based in the UK it is quite interesting that the number of blog views last week were:
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and the total views so far since the blog started are:
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The amazing power of the interweb!!
Wednesday 21 September 2011
Alnwick Symphonic Wind Ensemble 20/09/2011
Had a rehearsal in St Michaels Church,Alnwick.
Great acoustics!!
Started off with Mendelssohn Overture ..really impressive for a first play through.
Sounded good with the trumpet and euph/tbn and tuba.
Another rehearsal should crack it....if the woodwind practise the tricky middle bit.
R Strauss Serenade sounded really good..just about performance ready....but does need more horns to give it a fuller sound.
Wagner Siegfried Idyll....tried a little bit...not good...may put that one on the back boiler until we have cracked the other 4.(it will take more work)
Finished off with some Mozart and Dvorak....both desperately missing the double bass.
BUT in total, a good nights rehearsal.
Mostly sounded very good.
Well done guys/gals!!
Great acoustics!!
Started off with Mendelssohn Overture ..really impressive for a first play through.
Sounded good with the trumpet and euph/tbn and tuba.
Another rehearsal should crack it....if the woodwind practise the tricky middle bit.
R Strauss Serenade sounded really good..just about performance ready....but does need more horns to give it a fuller sound.
Wagner Siegfried Idyll....tried a little bit...not good...may put that one on the back boiler until we have cracked the other 4.(it will take more work)
Finished off with some Mozart and Dvorak....both desperately missing the double bass.
BUT in total, a good nights rehearsal.
Mostly sounded very good.
Well done guys/gals!!
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Rehearsal 19/09/2011
Back to band after a week off.
Tried out some new stuff...
Carole King....sounded good on the first play through.
Dug out Barnum which we last tried about 5 years ago...
last time we couldn't play it, this time it sounded reasonable and we got through it...the standard has improved....despite the fact it's a rubbish print from a Holland publisher...bar numbers on parts don't tie up, 1st/2nd time bars missed off etc.etc.
Porgy and Bess much better this second time through.
Gilbert and Sullivan medley....getting there, but I couldn't stand rehearsing it for too long!!
Decided to ask George to take the band next week as i'm away the week after, and I will be back late for the gig.George will take the gig.
Played hn at the end in Malaguena...couldn't see George's beat from where I was sitting, so a bit of a nightmare...still I enjoyed it.
Tried out some new stuff...
Carole King....sounded good on the first play through.
Dug out Barnum which we last tried about 5 years ago...
last time we couldn't play it, this time it sounded reasonable and we got through it...the standard has improved....despite the fact it's a rubbish print from a Holland publisher...bar numbers on parts don't tie up, 1st/2nd time bars missed off etc.etc.
Porgy and Bess much better this second time through.
Gilbert and Sullivan medley....getting there, but I couldn't stand rehearsing it for too long!!
Decided to ask George to take the band next week as i'm away the week after, and I will be back late for the gig.George will take the gig.
Played hn at the end in Malaguena...couldn't see George's beat from where I was sitting, so a bit of a nightmare...still I enjoyed it.
Friday 16 September 2011
Band Members: a Milestone
Just spoken to Lorena.
We now have 40 members in the band, which is a figure we haven't been at for a long time.
Think we achieved that in the early years of the band, when we had a mixture of 50/50 adults/students.
We had students from both local schools and Newcastle schools--the students lived in the Alnwick area.
Who knows-we may get some more.
I feel the alto sax section is now complete,so we will have to start a waiting list for any one else who plays alto.
All other sections can absorb more members at the mo.
BTW there is still an alto clarinet sitting in the cupboard---any volunteers gratefully recd.
We now have 40 members in the band, which is a figure we haven't been at for a long time.
Think we achieved that in the early years of the band, when we had a mixture of 50/50 adults/students.
We had students from both local schools and Newcastle schools--the students lived in the Alnwick area.
Who knows-we may get some more.
I feel the alto sax section is now complete,so we will have to start a waiting list for any one else who plays alto.
All other sections can absorb more members at the mo.
BTW there is still an alto clarinet sitting in the cupboard---any volunteers gratefully recd.
Tuesday 6 September 2011
Rehearsal 05/09/11
Good turnout for tonights rehearsal.
3 new band members : 1 adult and 2 girls from local school.
Good to get some young blood in the band...now 4 young people.
Tried some of the new stuff.it seemed to go well .
Pleasantly surprised with Porgy and Bess...tried this out a while ago...we couldn't get away with it...but tonight..we played through it and it was recognisable....good bit of music....we'll get there.
Tried out Big Fun in the Sun.....amazing how many people knew the words to Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini!!!
Tuesday 30 August 2011
2010/2011 Review
Can't believe we're starting a new season next Monday, seems like we've never stopped.
Last 3 months have been really busy..
June 22--The big one. We played for her Maj.
3 Gigs in July including the 2 classical gigs
5 Gigs in August (+ trumpet fanfare)....good going
Classical ones were well received despite some peoples' misgivings, and I believe playing the classical stuff has improved the standard of musicianship in the band.
We certainly have improved and keep on improving...we are now sight reading stuff we couldn't have a while back.
So well done all of you for your hard work.
I know I don't always say that was brill...usually "that's not bad" but that's just me.(it often is pretty good)
I do appreciate your hard work.
We've had as usual some band changes: newbies, leavers and babies.(and a guest appearance Helen Carey)
Special thanks to:
Ron,George,Derek, for stepping in when needed, to cover any vacancies in varying sections of the band,and for anyone else who has played different music at gigs when we are short of people.
George for keeping the band going throughout August.
George and Ron for occasional depping for me.
The band exec for all their help and support both to me and to band stuff, behind the scenes.
Paul P for his photographic skills and web site management.
A special thanks to Lorena for her excellent sec skills in organising all the gigs we've had...it does take an awful lot of work to get to that one page link on the band diary with all the stuff you need to know!!
Family and friends for their support.
and finally anybody else I may have missed out.
RT
NB Your aims for this season....
I say it every year......
Expression Marks!!!!
Last 3 months have been really busy..
June 22--The big one. We played for her Maj.
3 Gigs in July including the 2 classical gigs
5 Gigs in August (+ trumpet fanfare)....good going
Classical ones were well received despite some peoples' misgivings, and I believe playing the classical stuff has improved the standard of musicianship in the band.
We certainly have improved and keep on improving...we are now sight reading stuff we couldn't have a while back.
So well done all of you for your hard work.
I know I don't always say that was brill...usually "that's not bad" but that's just me.(it often is pretty good)
I do appreciate your hard work.
We've had as usual some band changes: newbies, leavers and babies.(and a guest appearance Helen Carey)
Special thanks to:
Ron,George,Derek, for stepping in when needed, to cover any vacancies in varying sections of the band,and for anyone else who has played different music at gigs when we are short of people.
George for keeping the band going throughout August.
George and Ron for occasional depping for me.
The band exec for all their help and support both to me and to band stuff, behind the scenes.
Paul P for his photographic skills and web site management.
A special thanks to Lorena for her excellent sec skills in organising all the gigs we've had...it does take an awful lot of work to get to that one page link on the band diary with all the stuff you need to know!!
Family and friends for their support.
and finally anybody else I may have missed out.
RT
NB Your aims for this season....
I say it every year......
Expression Marks!!!!
Alnmouth Gig Bank Hol Monday Review
Brilliant gig...weather not bad.even some sunshine.
Band played well..we all fitted under the tent!(there was only about twenty of us.)
Thanks to Ron for depping on tbn and Miranda for sight reading 3rd clart..well done.
Even Mama Mia was a sucess.
Tea and scones/cakes at half time..very tasty.
Nobody in the band won anything in the raffle...must be a first.
Paul P took a vid of Bandology which is now on you tube and also on the blog video page.
The organisers seemed to like us and want us back again...so a good result.
Band played well..we all fitted under the tent!(there was only about twenty of us.)
Thanks to Ron for depping on tbn and Miranda for sight reading 3rd clart..well done.
Even Mama Mia was a sucess.
Tea and scones/cakes at half time..very tasty.
Nobody in the band won anything in the raffle...must be a first.
Paul P took a vid of Bandology which is now on you tube and also on the blog video page.
The organisers seemed to like us and want us back again...so a good result.
Monday 29 August 2011
Alnmouth Gig Bank Hol Monday
Looking forward to today's gig at St John the Baptist Church, Alnmouth at 1.45pm.
Weather looks Ok ish.
Weather looks Ok ish.
Saturday 27 August 2011
Alnmouth Gig Bank Hol Monday
Just building up nicely for a cool wet bank holiday Monday.
Just the job, playing outside....chilly today (Sat), round about 13 degrees C..is it really August or mid November?
Just the job, playing outside....chilly today (Sat), round about 13 degrees C..is it really August or mid November?
Wednesday 24 August 2011
Queen's Visit 2011
The Official Video from the Royal Channel on you tube, showing the band playing as the Queen enters our area has been linked from our Band Video pages .
Sunday 21 August 2011
Warkworth Show 20/08/11
Another cracking performance.
Gorgeous day, the sun shone.....our first gig in ages in Sunshine.
Mr Hogg's first appearance at a summer gig this year.
Bit blowy, so the magnets were put to full use.(and even some clothes pegs!!)
Miss Alice Paul mislaid her magnets, so a fine will be levied !!!
Sarah Elliot, on Alto (a newish band member), enters the hall of fame at no 10....for forgetting her magnets at the start of the second set.(not as bad as having to go off for music, but still worth a lowish entry on the chart)
Currently :
1. Glen Hogg: Music in Lagny Cathedral
2. Allan Jones: Music in Bedlington
10. Sarah Elliot: Magnets in Warkworth
25. Alice Paul: Magnets in Warkworth
Entry to the chart is arbitrary and entirely at my discretion!!
Any band member is eligible!
Biggest crowd in a long time, think they liked our choice of music.
First set started on time..followed by tea and carrot cake in the tent..Yummy!!
Magic Myrtle didn't turn up on time, so she started late...
Then we seemed to have hours and hours of kid's fancy dress.
Then loads and loads of highland and clog dancing...all looked the same to me!!
Eventually we started second set later than scheduled, and we were told off for overrunning....because Magic Myrtle was ready to start........... (no comment necessary)
Finished with Instant Conc...
We had a varied selection of hats from ....George,Sheila and Paul.....maybe we need to adapt an official band hat!!
Any ideas?
Gorgeous day, the sun shone.....our first gig in ages in Sunshine.
Mr Hogg's first appearance at a summer gig this year.
Bit blowy, so the magnets were put to full use.(and even some clothes pegs!!)
Miss Alice Paul mislaid her magnets, so a fine will be levied !!!
Sarah Elliot, on Alto (a newish band member), enters the hall of fame at no 10....for forgetting her magnets at the start of the second set.(not as bad as having to go off for music, but still worth a lowish entry on the chart)
Currently :
1. Glen Hogg: Music in Lagny Cathedral
2. Allan Jones: Music in Bedlington
10. Sarah Elliot: Magnets in Warkworth
25. Alice Paul: Magnets in Warkworth
Entry to the chart is arbitrary and entirely at my discretion!!
Any band member is eligible!
Biggest crowd in a long time, think they liked our choice of music.
First set started on time..followed by tea and carrot cake in the tent..Yummy!!
Magic Myrtle didn't turn up on time, so she started late...
Then we seemed to have hours and hours of kid's fancy dress.
Then loads and loads of highland and clog dancing...all looked the same to me!!
Eventually we started second set later than scheduled, and we were told off for overrunning....because Magic Myrtle was ready to start........... (no comment necessary)
Finished with Instant Conc...
We had a varied selection of hats from ....George,Sheila and Paul.....maybe we need to adapt an official band hat!!
Any ideas?
Wilkinson's Shop Opening
Here is the full video of the opening ceremony.
Video once again by PedalBikerUK
Video once again by PedalBikerUK
Thursday 18 August 2011
Alnwick Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Getting a good response for this.
Gig on 26/11/11
It's looking like a goer!!
At the mo we have 1.5 flutes,3 clarinets,1 oboe, 2 hns,bass,2 tpts,2 euphs and 1 tbn.
Still waiting for some replies.
Gig on 26/11/11
It's looking like a goer!!
At the mo we have 1.5 flutes,3 clarinets,1 oboe, 2 hns,bass,2 tpts,2 euphs and 1 tbn.
Still waiting for some replies.
Wilkinson's Shop Opening
4 of our trumpets: Glen,Ron,Richard and Kyla played a fanfare today at 9.00am for the opening of the new store in Alnwick (opposite Morrisons).
It went very well and sounded fantastic.
They did the band proud.
Some band members were there in support.
Video herewith:
and some photos of the event:
Thanks to Quentin F-B for the video and photos.
It went very well and sounded fantastic.
They did the band proud.
Some band members were there in support.
Video herewith:
and some photos of the event:
Thanks to Quentin F-B for the video and photos.
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Monday 15 August 2011
Alnwick Symphonic Winds
Decided to try and get together a classical concert with all the offshoot groups form the band.
Aiming for 26/11/2011 in St Michaels Church Alnwick.
Watch this space.
Aiming for 26/11/2011 in St Michaels Church Alnwick.
Watch this space.
Saturday 13 August 2011
Chillingham Castle
Not a good day today.
We didn't play as well as have done in recent gigs....don't know why
Some errors in 1st half, gave the guys a pep talk ....improved.
2nd half..outside ..think we were too spread out.
Sounded thin.....haven't played outside as much this year..didn't have our usual oomph!!
Finished with Pirates...probably our worst ever performance of it.
Weather a bit iffy so did the first half inside and then decided to do 2nd half outside.
Rain kept off.
No food at half time, only tea and coffee.
Not much of an audience for us , or the stall holders either.
Don't know how well it was advertised.
3 photos taken on my mob uploaded.
We didn't play as well as have done in recent gigs....don't know why
Some errors in 1st half, gave the guys a pep talk ....improved.
2nd half..outside ..think we were too spread out.
Sounded thin.....haven't played outside as much this year..didn't have our usual oomph!!
Finished with Pirates...probably our worst ever performance of it.
Weather a bit iffy so did the first half inside and then decided to do 2nd half outside.
Rain kept off.
No food at half time, only tea and coffee.
Not much of an audience for us , or the stall holders either.
Don't know how well it was advertised.
3 photos taken on my mob uploaded.
Friday 12 August 2011
Will this rain ever stop?
Hope it's going to clear up for our gig on Saturday at Chillingham..the forecast isn't very clever.
We haven't used the magnets properly yet...we need to test them out.
Watch this space.
We haven't used the magnets properly yet...we need to test them out.
Watch this space.
Saturday 6 August 2011
Cooncillorr Todd's Bash or "Who ate all the sarnies?"
Played at County Hall,Morpeth,Northumberland last night for chairman's dinner and guests.(Other council chairmen)
Another good night.
Nearly as many in the band as there were guests!
Bit of a squash, but we got there.
Thanks to Dekka and Ron for depping on Tuba and Tbn.
7.15 start....we can play quietly (well quietish!!)
First half we def kept the volume down...still need to get pp sounding pp.
Stopped at 8 whilst dinner was served and shown to an upstairs room full of council chauffeurs sitting round the one table eating our sarnies,and drinking our tea and coffee!
Not enough seats either.
Some muttering went on, A and I had words with the chairman's PA,the result being we got given some mini ice cream tubs...just the job.
It was too hot. and we didn't get called back to play till 9.20...a long wait.
So we gave it some welly!!
Started quiet with H Potter, then hit them with Light Cav, Chicago,.Jersey Boys,Spam.
Played Instant as encore (following one request for more!!)
Got home 10.40, got out the Southern Comfort and watched the results of America's Got Talent.
Best part of the evening! :-)
Another good night.
Nearly as many in the band as there were guests!
Bit of a squash, but we got there.
Thanks to Dekka and Ron for depping on Tuba and Tbn.
7.15 start....we can play quietly (well quietish!!)
First half we def kept the volume down...still need to get pp sounding pp.
Stopped at 8 whilst dinner was served and shown to an upstairs room full of council chauffeurs sitting round the one table eating our sarnies,and drinking our tea and coffee!
Not enough seats either.
Some muttering went on, A and I had words with the chairman's PA,the result being we got given some mini ice cream tubs...just the job.
It was too hot. and we didn't get called back to play till 9.20...a long wait.
So we gave it some welly!!
Started quiet with H Potter, then hit them with Light Cav, Chicago,.Jersey Boys,Spam.
Played Instant as encore (following one request for more!!)
Got home 10.40, got out the Southern Comfort and watched the results of America's Got Talent.
Best part of the evening! :-)
Thursday 4 August 2011
St Michaels Church:Alnwick Flower Festival 03/08/2011
Cracking gig last night.The band played well(once the chairs had been sorted out!!)
Slight mishap in the Floral Dance, which we played for the first time.I started it in 4/4 stopped it, and started it again in 4/4. Started too slow, eventually got it up to speed!!
Thanks to Dek for playing Euph.
Good to have adaptable players who can turn their hands to other instruments.
Good feedback from the punters.Well appreciated by the organisers
Strange unprepared speech from Alnwick's Town Mayor.
Mel's mum was delighted we'd played floral dance.
Apparently she had heard only good reports and feed back and they were all very pleased how the evening went. The band made the evening go so well.
Mel's mum flower arrangement featuring the band Banner was excellent.Paul has taken some photos which should be on the web site soon.
A regular customer(who was on the door last night) of Pat's (the boss) came into her shop today and said it was the best thing she'd ever heard, and she felt moved to tears at two of the numbers.Very kind of her to come and say that.
Claire and I had a go at one guy who apparently runs the Music Festival web site.
He said it was the first he'd heard of us.
He is on their committee and we asked him to mention/remind them of our name at any future meetings.
We are the local band!!
I said we appear to have dropped out of the picture and explained that we had for many years opened the Music Festival's opening concert.(as well as playing outside at a weekend)
I was too late to catch the Mayor who is also Chairman of the Festival.
Slight mishap in the Floral Dance, which we played for the first time.I started it in 4/4 stopped it, and started it again in 4/4. Started too slow, eventually got it up to speed!!
Thanks to Dek for playing Euph.
Good to have adaptable players who can turn their hands to other instruments.
Good feedback from the punters.Well appreciated by the organisers
Strange unprepared speech from Alnwick's Town Mayor.
Mel's mum was delighted we'd played floral dance.
Apparently she had heard only good reports and feed back and they were all very pleased how the evening went. The band made the evening go so well.
Mel's mum flower arrangement featuring the band Banner was excellent.Paul has taken some photos which should be on the web site soon.
A regular customer(who was on the door last night) of Pat's (the boss) came into her shop today and said it was the best thing she'd ever heard, and she felt moved to tears at two of the numbers.Very kind of her to come and say that.
Claire and I had a go at one guy who apparently runs the Music Festival web site.
He said it was the first he'd heard of us.
He is on their committee and we asked him to mention/remind them of our name at any future meetings.
We are the local band!!
I said we appear to have dropped out of the picture and explained that we had for many years opened the Music Festival's opening concert.(as well as playing outside at a weekend)
I was too late to catch the Mayor who is also Chairman of the Festival.
Sunday 31 July 2011
New Page:Band Music
This will be a collection of links to stuff we have played or are currently playing, so that people can listen to a polished piece of music.
They are mostly you tube vids of other bands or Ray's music played on Sibelius software.
Friday 29 July 2011
Vince Leaving Playhouse
Gave Vince a surprise leaving pressie or two,yesterday, inc band fleece, music stand and banner, so he's got no excuse now not to come and play.....apart from learning another note than G!!
Eight of us turned up and did the biz...caught him out....photos taken....now on the web site..
Band Web site
Eight of us turned up and did the biz...caught him out....photos taken....now on the web site..
Band Web site
Saturday 23 July 2011
Concert Band
Decided today I would have a break and take August off from rehearsals.
May make a guest appearance as a hornist from time to time, but no more conducting rehearsals for me in August.
Will still conduct for the gigs tho.
May make a guest appearance as a hornist from time to time, but no more conducting rehearsals for me in August.
Will still conduct for the gigs tho.
Friday 22 July 2011
Monday 18 July 2011
Band Rehearsal 18/07/11
Big Chris back on Euph tonight..
Tried some new stuff tonight (as well as old stuff)
Southfield...we like it!
Tried floral dance for the first time...eventually got the hang of it
Struggled with Children's March.....just a play through.....will try it again....in September......
Think it'll be OK once people know it, and give it a chance.
Dvorak new world last movt...not a bad attempt the first time through...better the 2nd time, when I tried it a bit faster.....bit tricky and fast for the clarts!! Will work at it in September as well
Tried some new stuff tonight (as well as old stuff)
Southfield...we like it!
Tried floral dance for the first time...eventually got the hang of it
Struggled with Children's March.....just a play through.....will try it again....in September......
Think it'll be OK once people know it, and give it a chance.
Dvorak new world last movt...not a bad attempt the first time through...better the 2nd time, when I tried it a bit faster.....bit tricky and fast for the clarts!! Will work at it in September as well
Band Venues
According to Glen, we HAVE been to Rothbury and Wooler in the past.
The memory must be failing I guess,old age!!!
Venue page/map updated.
The memory must be failing I guess,old age!!!
Venue page/map updated.
Saturday 16 July 2011
Bedlington Gig: my thoughts.......
Cracking gig...band played pretty really well despite being much reduced in numbers.
2 flutes,5clts,3 saxes,2 tpts,3hns,R on tbn,1 euph,bass and drums.
Really good audience...about 50 I think..they seemed to appreciate the mix of classical and modern
Despite the weather...it p...d down all afternoon.
Nice venue...good acoustics....would be good to play there again sometime.
4 o'clock start....maybe an idea for the future,if we're playing to an older audience?
Something to think about??
Many thanks to Katherine for stepping in to do the flute duet with Claire...very nice.
Pam had sunburn...
Thanks to Alice who got in touch with K for me and Claire for sorting it.
George did a good job as compere!!
The naughty step for Alison who had to go and fetch her baby clarinet for Hall of the Rocking King
and for big Al who didn't have any music for Instant Concert.
Well done the Horns....must be the first gig they've all got to.
P the band photographer took a snap to confirm it.
Food....tea and bikkies.....Ok for a wet afternoon
2 flutes,5clts,3 saxes,2 tpts,3hns,R on tbn,1 euph,bass and drums.
Really good audience...about 50 I think..they seemed to appreciate the mix of classical and modern
Despite the weather...it p...d down all afternoon.
Nice venue...good acoustics....would be good to play there again sometime.
4 o'clock start....maybe an idea for the future,if we're playing to an older audience?
Something to think about??
Many thanks to Katherine for stepping in to do the flute duet with Claire...very nice.
Pam had sunburn...
Thanks to Alice who got in touch with K for me and Claire for sorting it.
George did a good job as compere!!
The naughty step for Alison who had to go and fetch her baby clarinet for Hall of the Rocking King
and for big Al who didn't have any music for Instant Concert.
Well done the Horns....must be the first gig they've all got to.
P the band photographer took a snap to confirm it.
Food....tea and bikkies.....Ok for a wet afternoon
Today's Gig
Just in after a hectic studio jazz evening at the Playhouse.
Quick drink to relax, then tomorrow,no it's now today,we're off to Bedlington...our first ever visit.
Looking forward to it....even though it's a 4.00 o'clock kick off.
Def a first for us.
Quick drink to relax, then tomorrow,no it's now today,we're off to Bedlington...our first ever visit.
Looking forward to it....even though it's a 4.00 o'clock kick off.
Def a first for us.
Friday 15 July 2011
Venues
Looking at the map, we haven't ever been over to Rothbury or Wooler.(We have done Thropton a few times and Alwinton last year)
We must try and rectify that in the future.
We must try and rectify that in the future.
Wednesday 13 July 2011
Band Videos
I have now set up links to all the band videos I know about (mostly courtesy of Q F-B )and the one of mine, so they are all available in one place, on a new blog video page.
Monday 11 July 2011
Rehearsal 11/07/11
Good rehearsal despite low numbers...19 in total.
Dropped some stuff as they didn'twork, but the ones that did were pretty good.
Worked on Southfield a bit more.....light and shade....sounding good.
R on tbn....think I'll leave him there...less bother...and sack all the other tbns!! :-0
(just joking guys)
K only bottom ender....
Still sounding good
We couldn't have done that, and sounded so good, a few years back.
Looking forward to Bedlington's gig on Saturday.
Dropped some stuff as they didn'twork, but the ones that did were pretty good.
Worked on Southfield a bit more.....light and shade....sounding good.
R on tbn....think I'll leave him there...less bother...and sack all the other tbns!! :-0
(just joking guys)
K only bottom ender....
Still sounding good
We couldn't have done that, and sounded so good, a few years back.
Looking forward to Bedlington's gig on Saturday.
Saturday 9 July 2011
Lesbury Garden Party
Another cracking performance by the band.
Due to the weather we played in the church....superb acoustics.
Guest appearance of HC on trombone.
Played Solitaire at mp and mf......the first time ever. v good
(maybe all my bollocking has paid off)
Thought Grease was ex as well.
Half way through the first set the lights went out.....but the band played on......what a team.
I was proud of them all.
Once again, super grub...egg sarnies,cheese scones, a cup of tea and cream scones!!
We were a happy bunch!!
Due to the weather we played in the church....superb acoustics.
Guest appearance of HC on trombone.
Played Solitaire at mp and mf......the first time ever. v good
(maybe all my bollocking has paid off)
Thought Grease was ex as well.
Half way through the first set the lights went out.....but the band played on......what a team.
I was proud of them all.
Once again, super grub...egg sarnies,cheese scones, a cup of tea and cream scones!!
We were a happy bunch!!
Wednesday 6 July 2011
Magnets!!
Magnets arrived from Germany today.... so we'll have them for Lesbury's wet and windy gig!!
Only took Three days..ordered on Monday came on Wed.
Thomann..... excellent customer service.
Only took Three days..ordered on Monday came on Wed.
Thomann..... excellent customer service.
Percy Grainger
Just discovered some of Percy Grainger's band arrangements.
seem to be pretty good...will have to get some.
seem to be pretty good...will have to get some.
Monday 4 July 2011
Rehearsal
Good crack tonight....
Tried Colonel Bogey... we can play quietly sometimes.
Must find the score for Tyne side Songs and rehash it...there's still bits I'm not happy with.
Horns were a bit naughty tonight.....makes a change from the trombone section.
Tried Colonel Bogey... we can play quietly sometimes.
Must find the score for Tyne side Songs and rehash it...there's still bits I'm not happy with.
Horns were a bit naughty tonight.....makes a change from the trombone section.
Magnets!!
The stand magnets are on their way from Germany.....we might get them before Saturday's outside gig at Lesbury.
Sunday 3 July 2011
Saturday 2 July 2011
Horn Quartet
Just had our third get together.
Good stuff, especially the coffee, bikkies and jam tarts.
We love our grub ,in this band
Good stuff, especially the coffee, bikkies and jam tarts.
We love our grub ,in this band
Alnmouth St Johns Church 01/07/11
Our first ever classical gig....went really well.
Very pleased.....all our hard work paid off.
They seemed well chuffed with us and def want us for Aug Bank Hol fete.
Very pleased.....all our hard work paid off.
They seemed well chuffed with us and def want us for Aug Bank Hol fete.
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