Loughborough Concert Band

We set off early from Loughborough, with the intention of exploring Stratford before playing, so a holiday atmosphere prevailed. On arrival we split up to follow individual interests: some to the MAD Museum, some to the Christmas shop or the mini golf. Some members even visited the school attended by Shakespeare himself: genius has to start somewhere…

Whoever said that the British Summer consists of two fine days and a thunder storm wasn’t quite right and after a grey start the heavens opened at lunch time so the band arrived at the bandstand slightly damp (in clothing, but not in spirits.) As we’re not people to let a spot of rain deter us we started with Concert Prelude by Phillip Sparke and carried on with a medley of tunes from Kiss Me Kate by Cole Porter, with the indefatigable Eddie Pearson reminding the people sitting at the tables of a nearby by bar that Kiss me Kate was inspired by the local boy’s play The Taming of the Shrew.

By the interval the sun was shining and the band steamed gently as we ate ice-creams to give us energy for the second half.  The sun had the effect it always has in England: we now had a sizable audience sitting on deck chairs and on the grass to enjoy the second half of the programme which included a wonderful duet, Hit the Road Jack, performed by Ruth Greenaway on alto saxophone and Mark Greenaway on trombone. Other numbers such as John William’s Theme from Schindler’s List and English Folk Song Suite by Ralph Vaughan Williams were also enthusiastically appreciated.

We finished in glorious sunshine with The National Anthem. A very English afternoon spent in very English, very changeable weather. Who could ask for more? We have thoroughly enjoyed playing in different venues this summer and now look forward to the winter season