A Bandstand By The Sea
After a July and August filled with cloud and near constant rain, it was a relief to finally see the sun in September. On Sunday the 14th the band set of for Broadstairs Bandstand determined to take full advantage of this change in the weather. While it was a new venue for us, many of the audience were veterans of the summer concert season of which we were the last band to play this year. Introduced by the Town Cryer, the band started with “Fanfare and Flourishes” which certainly got the attention of those milling around as well as those already sitting down.
Despite a somewhat cool breeze, the band continued in good tune and performed many of this years programme numbers to enthusiastic applause. Excellent performances from our usual soloists helped the afternoon whizz by, notably a more than fine performance of “The Way We Were” from guest Euphonium player, Pete Steer, who had remarkably only seen the music during the previous Thursday night rehearsal.
The concert also saw the welcome return of our usual conductor Ian Lanceley who had been away for a prolonged absence. Ian who had broken his wrist while on summer holiday abroad made light of his duties even though one arm was in plaster up to his elbow. It was good to see him waving the baton even though he had some difficulty turning the pages of his score !
Our thanks must also go to both Steve Macintyre from Uckfield Concert Brass and our very own solo cornet Vicky Mace who took over concert and rehearsal conducting duties during Ian’s absence.