Review of the Spring Concert
It was a delight for all of the bands of Verwood Concert Brass to have the opportunity to perform a concert, which took place on Saturday 9th April at The Hub, Verwood and a delight for the audience too.
The full program can be found in the accompanying photos but the concert followed the familiar format of kicking off with the vibrant Verwood Community Band conducted by Mike Dunnings followed by a short set from the mighty new starter group, The Acorns, under the direction of Bill Ferrier, then the exceptional Verwood Concert Brass Band under Kevin Smith closing the first half.
The second half then commencing with a very accomplished set from Verwood Town Band, which included their superbly played area test piece “Facets of Glass”, also under the baton of Kevin Smith and closing with Verwood Concert Brass’ second set.
All of the performances were brilliant, with the standard of playing seemingly to be on the ever up and up but stand-outs worth a mention are each of the soloist:
• Sian Mete (Cornet) / Community Band – “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White”.
• Andrew Watson (Soprano cornet) / Verwood Concert Brass Band – “Flowerdale”.
• Steve Rowland (Cornet) / Town Band – “Because”.
• Amelia Mullen (Flugel Horn) / Verwood Concert Brass Band – “Song From Milestone”.
Phenomenal playing by each of them.
Other individual contributions worth noting were from Chris Ide / Verwood Concert Brass Band who normally plays Bb Bass but for “Birdland” added a superb extra dimension by playing the electric bass guitar. Then for Ian Harris (Euphonium) / Verwood Concert Brass Band for commencing “One Voice” from the back of the auditorium and playing the lovely melody line whilst walking forward to take his place on stage.
The Hub was buzzing from the experience of having such a great and varied selection of music played with such skill and passion.
Next up are events taking place on 15th May which includes 12hrs of playing for a fund raising blowathon which includes a “Brass on the Grass” concert by the Community Band from 3pm to 5pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
The bands will also be taking part in lots of community events as part of the Queen’s jubilee celebrations in early June.