Brass and Voices (and Sean’s debut)

Martin Heartfield (Newstead Brass M.D.), in his comments during the band set, said that the audience have before them perhaps the two foremost groups of musicians in their respective fields in the area (Notts and Derbys). I hadn’t thought of this concert in that way but after contemplation, I think I agree. Newstead Brass are a topflight band and hold 62nd position in the world according to a brass statistics website. Our choir, although no longer a competition choir, like the band, regularly perform at sell out concerts and have bookings out as far as late 2027. What does this tell us about this concert? In a record-breaking May, temperatures touching 34°C, it was warm but not uncomfortable to participate in a charity event for the Nottinghamshire and John Eastwood Hospices. The concert was arranged by Martin who requested that we join the band and we agreed immediately.

Simply put, I can’t think of a better way to have spent a Sunday afternoon. The room at Forest Town Arena was large enough to accommodate both groups and the audience felt in the thick of it as the band set up on the floor level rather than being cramped on the stage. The volume of the band was, at times, terrific but subtlety was also evident particularly in the tenor horn, euphonium and flugel horn solos. Haunting beauty for the soul. We were transfixed by the three guys on percussion who jumped around, script in hand, to play timpani, drums, xylophones and more in a seamless, mutually supportive sound and display. The choir sang with joy, variety and precision; highlights for me were Anthem, Tell My Father and Cwm Rhonda. Both groups were obviously appreciated by the audience as applause and ovation followed our timeless joint piece “You’ll never Walk Alone”. It isn’t easy blending choir and band given the difference in volume levels but delicate control from both MDs (Ian and Martin) made it a delightful closing number.

Both Martin and Paul Bennett kept the audience informed and entertained with their informative and humorous compere announcements and we are always in awe of both Ian Grice M.D. and Maureen Lockwood, Accompanist, for their musicianship and accuracy. Thanks also Lynden Lowe and Alun Roberts for managing the choirs involvement. Thanks are also due to the audience without whom we wouldn’t have a concert and for raising over £300 on the very generous raffle which together with entrance tickets raised a substantial sum for both hospices – job done.

Also job done was the debut of a new chorister, Sean Grange who has taken to singing with our baritones like a natural. He sought out our choir through our website, turned up at a Tuesday practice and didn’t look back. He is a great character, enthusiastic with a great work ethic and has worked hard to take his place in the choir. We welcome him and look forward to singing for him and Carrie at their wedding in August. Just look at the smile and how smart he looks in his choir uniform. (Thanks for the photo Ian – see him in the window reflection!)