Henley-on-Thames Service of Remembrance, November 2021
Features
Meet the Band – Pat
Over summer 2012, we were pleased to welcome Pat as our new tuba player. By way of an introduction, we interviewed Pat and asked him to share his views on life, music and WCB. HereŸ??s what he said…
When did you start playing?
In my school brass band, aged 12.
What do you like about WCB?
TheyŸ??re a very friendly bunch!
Why did you choose to play a big heavy tuba?
As I became a worse player the instrument just got bigger!
So you used to play something else?
I used to play the Euphonium.
What is your favourite piece of music?
Londonderry Air
What was your favourite piece at the last concert and why?
The horn concerto as it has some black notes for Bass. [Ed: that means itŸ??s a challenge to play!]
WhatŸ??s your funniest musical memory?
Turning up to a military job without my instrument (oops). [Ed: It turns out that Pat had to borrow a brand new euphonium from the nearest music shop and play the gig without any music!]
Anything else you want to say?
I look forward to being your established Bass.
Imagine
As those of you who came along to last year’s Christmas concerts may remember, one of the pieces that we featured was a fantastic arrangement of John Lennon’s Imagine. For those that weren’t there or would like to see it again, here’s a recording of WCB playing it. The sax soloist is Helen Purdon.
Don’t Rain On My Parade
Way back in the mists of time (well, 2ô® months ago), you may remember WCB’s Spring Concert taking place featuring such showstopping tunes as the Great Escape, America from West Side Story and, of course, Riverdance. Well, we’re pleased to report that we’ve finally got round to giving our video editing staff a kick and the result is this little video from the end of the first half, showing WCB performing Don’t Rain On My Parade from Funny Girl. Hope you like it!
Behind the Scenes with WCB
Ever wondered what goes into putting on a WCB concert? Where do all the instruments and music stands come from? Do the band turn up early to get it all set up? How does it all get cleared away afterwards? Who controls all the lights and sound? Before last week’s Spring Concert, we armed Owen with a video camera and sent him off to make a little film for you to answer all these questions (and more!). We hope that it gives you a bit of an insight into what we get up to in order to make sure that we bring you the most enjoyable concert we possibly can!