WIND and brass players from the Bracknell and Wokingham Community Band (BWCB) organisation (BWCB) got together on the first Saturday in February to ‘Play all Day’.
Around 60 musicians met up at St. Teresa’s School, Wokingham with friends from other bands to make music together.
And throughout the day, players’ energy levels were kept topped up with homemade cakes and copious quantities of tea and coffee.
Guest conductor Roy Dignum brought with him a selection of six pieces of largely symphonic wind band music that he hoped the players didn’t already know.
They included: Sedona, Serenade for Wind Band, and Pastime with Good Company.
“All parts of the score were well covered, with good turnouts of flute, clarinet, saxophone, horn, trumpet and trombone players,” said tenor sax player Martin Beasley.
“Roy’s key message for the day was: Never Louder than Lovely.
“And with so many musicians raring to go you can imagine why that was a useful comment,”
“A highlight of the day for me was the bassoon solo (The bassoonist was sitting right behind me).
“A bassoon always reminds me of watching Ivor the Engine on TV at teatime in the 1950’s. “Yes, it was a long time ago.
“But this rendition was at another level.”
BWCB describes itself as a friendly organisation for all players aged over 18, of all woodwind and brass instruments.
With several bands to choose from, they can place beginners and players with advanced musical qualifications.
“The various bands all play at local events throughout the year, and we’re keen to hear from more musicians, so if you have a piccolo, a tuba, or something in between gathering dust, do get in touch,” said Martin.
“Just now we’re particularly keen to attract percussion and brass players.
“You can be sure of a warm welcome, a supportive atmosphere, and a whole new set of friends.”
BWCB puts on concerts in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations throughout the borough.
The musicians play for pleasure, performing programmes that include classical, contemporary, jazz, pop, TV show music and film scores.
All the group’s bands rehearse on Wednesday evenings in term-time at Holme Grange School.
For information, and to join, people should visit: bwcb.org
