Welcome to Friary Diary issue 91 - a monthly round up of news about the Friary Brass Band.
THE HAWTH, CRAWLEY CONCERT:
Pic. Jane Stewart
Although Friary is no stranger to The Hawth – it’s been the scene of many a successful contest – last weekend saw the Band’s debut on the concert stage as part of the theatre’s brass season. We have been trying to be included in their season for some years now, and thanks to persistence by our hard-working Secretary Lauren, that aim was finally achieved.
The concert opened with Chris King’s rousing arrangement of Ernesto Lecuona’s Malaguena, followed by several new numbers in the Band’s repertoire, including The Flight of the Wild Geese by Robin Dewhurst, an arrangement by Sam Every of My Favourite Things from the evergreen Sound of Music, Rigaudon from Ravel’s Tombeau de Couperin, arranged by Alan Fernie, and Crausaz’ Balkan Dance. There were some audible ‘oohs’ from the sizeable audience when Gershwin’s Someone to Watch Over Me was announced as a cornet solo, and Eric Ball’s The Kingdom Triumphant brought the first half to a suitably majestic conclusion.
After the interval, Chris King’s Rhapsody in Gershwin opened the proceedings. Sondheim’s soulful Send in the Clowns provided a tranquil flugel solo, and De Vita’s Softly as I Leave You showcased a euphonium duet. The classic Praise by Wilfred Heaton was followed by Goff Richards’ A Sweet Shepherdess, with John Williams’ Adventures on Earth from the film ET bringing the programme to a close. The appreciative audience signalled an encore was required: the Band obliged with I Wanna Dance with Somebody.
If the reception by the audience was anything to go by, Friary may well be invited back next year, but we’ll have to wait and see what transpires …
FORTHCOMING CONCERT:
Yes, concerts are becoming a bit like buses: you wait for months and then two come along in quick succession! We are delighted to be returning to Woking Salvation Army this coming Saturday (5th) for an evening concert at 7.30pm. Tickets (£10) must be purchased in advance via 01483 761951 and are in aid of the Salvation Army’s Big Collection. So if you prefer brass to bonfires and bangers, we look forward to seeing you there!
RANKING NEWS:
There have been no further updates over the past few weeks so the Band remains at 29th in the world. For full ranking details, please go to https://www.4barsrest.com/rankings/
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