ANDREW BLYTH VISITS REHEARSAL

The Solent Fellowship Band were delighted that Andrew Blyth (Assistant Territorial Music Director) accepted its invitation to lead a rehearsal on Monday 23rd June 2014.

Throughout the rehearsal, Andrew demonstrated his significant capability to challenge the band musically, whilst consistently reminding the group of the spiritual foundations underpinning Army classics such as, “The Triumph of Peace” (Eric Ball) and “In Wonder Beholding” (Leslie Condon).

Andrew’s skilful interpretation and insight into the music rehearsed was much appreciated by the band and this included two newer pieces, “Shoeburyness” (Eiliv Herikstad) and “Sweet Spirit of Christ” (Paul Drury).

Finally, a thoroughly productive evening was completed with a fresh look at some sections of Leslie Condon’s Festival March, “Celebration”.

Thank you, Andrew. (TU).

JUNE CONCERT IN FAREHAM

On Friday 13th June 2014, the Solent Fellowship Band (Bandmaster John Bird) presented a charity concert at the Holy Trinity Church, Fareham.

The concert commenced with a march, “South Coast” composed by the band’s principal cornet, Martyn Thomas and then in contrast, “A Little Prayer” (Evelyn Glennie, arranged Robert Childs).

Following Reverend Sally Davenport’s welcome, a congregational song and prayer, the band played “Jubilation!” (James Curnow).

The cornet section was featured in “Double Trumpet Concerto” (Vivaldi, arranged Simon Kerwin) which was conducted by David Samuels (Assistant Conductor).

Three of the band’s soloists were featured during the concert, Callam Carter (principal tenor horn) played Derek Jordan’s arrangement of the Rondo – Mozart’s 4th Horn Concerto, Steve Jones (principal trombone) presented “Count Your Blessings” (Brindley Boon) and Adrian Griffiths (vocal) sang, “He took my place” (Vernon Post).

Further band items included selected excerpts from “Treasures from Tchaikovsky” (arranged Bramwell Coles) “Tritsch- Tratsch” Polka(Johann Strauss, arranged Alan Fernie) “Round-Up” (Martin Cordner) and a band song, “When Jesus looked o'er Galilee” (Catherine Baird - words, Ernest Fewster – music, arranged Leslie Condon)and accompanied by the trombone section.

Following an appeal by Reverend Sally Davenport, the playing of “The Liberty Bell” March (J. P. Sousa) and “Come, Follow the Band” from the musical “Barnum” (Cy Coleman, arranged Dan Price) were presented either side of the interval.

David Samuels (Assistant Conductor) then led the band in “Myfanwy” (Joseph Parry, arranged Kenneth Downie).

Included in a time of reflection were words of scripture and comment by the band’s Executive Officer, Major Granville Myers (Southern Divisional Headquarters) before the band played Wilfred Heaton’s meditation, “Just as I am”.

The concert raised nearly £700 towards the “High Time” project at Fareham Holy Trinity Church. This project aims to restore the iconic landmark clock and tower, as well as improve the Church interior for community events. Reverend Sally Davenport expressed her appreciation for the evening’s activities.

Following the playing of “Radetsky March” (J. Strauss, arranged Pat Ryan) the band played as a benediction, the second section of Eric Ball’s suite, “The Pilgrim Way” - “God be in my head and in my understanding”.

Finally, Bandmaster John Bird, who had introduced each item to an appreciative audience, concluded the concert with a foot tapping rendition of the Finale from “William Tell” Overture (G. Rossini, arranged Dean Goffin). (TU).