Loughborough Concert Band

Passion was created by Churches Together in 2009. It was formed by Churches Together as a response to the needs of young people in Shepshed, giving them a safe space in the heart of the community. Several years on, Passion continues to help the young people of Shepshed by offering - among other things - drop in facilities and a Community Café at weekends. Such a project is supported by grant applications, gratefully received donations and evenings such as our concert with the Caroline Sharpe Singers.

The concert was played in the presence of the Worshipful Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz JP, and the Chair of Shepshed Town Council, Councillor Jane Lennie, as well as Lord Crawshaw, a most generous supporter of Passion.

The concert had a Royal theme and got off to a stirring start with Alford’s Holyrood March and progressed through Richard Rodger’s music for The King and I.

The Caroline Sharpe Singers performed three songs including Alleluia (O Clap your hands) a song commissioned for the coronation of King Charles lll in 2023.

Band and singers came together for the Ascot Gavotte from My Fair Lady and featured a drum solo from Henry Marvell, and for Highland Cathedral.

Unsung heroes, players who are rarely in the spotlight with solo performances but whose contribution to the band’s overall sound cannot be over stated, today included Claudia Shum on keyboards and Roger Stone on string bass.

The band was ably supported by deps Sarah Rigby, Frances Tarte both on clarinet and two trombonists Jill Theobald and Andrew Beaumont. Thank you to them all!