Hathern Band

Hathern Band - Patrons Evening

Oct. 16, 2010

The recent Patrons Evening proved to be a great success following a number of changes, due to retirement and University, in Band personnel plus an ambitious programme of 9 new works. There were 2 arrangements by our Principal Euphonium player Neville Buxton, a German March and a Michael Jackson number. New arrangements in the form of Polovtsian Dances, a trombone solo by Simon Baum ‘In the wee small hours of the morning’ as usual played without music! a feature for solo cornets called ‘The Water is Wide’ and a further one for around half the band with a lovely arrangement of the ‘Humming Chorus’ from Puccini’s Madam Butterfly. New music was not neglected with a parting gift from Antony Edwards, who has gone to York to work, of Rock Music III. Also a terrific new composition called ‘An American Tale’ which very cleverly features songs from the American Civil War.

Whilst the Patrons Evening is not often a request concert, due to persistent cries from Patron Helen Buck we did perform ‘The Gael’ which is music from the film The Last of the Mohicans. This last piece also requires a keyboard and this addition to our programme was made possible by the return of Susan Robinson from York University.

The evening proved to be a great success from my point of view giving the new players an early opportunity to play together and I hope the evening was just as enjoyable to the Patrons, to whom we are indebted for their continued support.

David Newman

The photo shows Dave presenting the annual awards – Mark Tanser receiving the ‘Players Player’ trophy and Sam Garton receiving the ‘Bandperson of the Year’ award

Concert Brass - Annual Concert

Sept. 25, 2010

Hathern Concert Brass performs regularly in the locality but they were on home territory recently for their annual concert in the village. The Band was in fine form and under the baton of Andrea Allen, presented a lively mix of music, including Old Gumbie Cat and Skimbleshanks from the popular musical, Cats; Angels, the Robbie Williams hit and Cruella de Vil from the Disney film, 101 Dalmatians. The brass band traditionalists were not forgotten, with the inclusion of the toe tapping marches, Kenilworth and Star Lake

It was a very enjoyable evening and Andrea’s amusing anecdotes and introductions to the numbers certainly added to the entertainment. The audience also needed little encouragement to join in the fun during YMCA and Amarillo, and were sent home with a spring in their step after the Band’s stylish rendition of the popular Michael Bublé song, Sway, from the film Shall We Dance.

The evening also saw the presentation of awards for Player of the Year and Bandsman of the Year. It was certainly a case of ‘girl power’ with Rebecca Simms named as Bandsman of the Year and Player of the Year went to Annie Tilling. Rebecca’s hard work has paid dividends as she has recently progressed to playing with the Main Hathern Band. (The photograph shows Musical Director, Andrea Allen, handing over the trophies to Annie (left) and Rebecca (right).

Concert Brass was established three years ago to develop young players in readiness for progression to the Main Hathern Band, by giving them the opportunity of playing a wide variety of music and gaining performance experience. It is also an ideal forum for people not wanting the pressure of competitions that goes with being a player in the main band. Concert Brass has grown steadily and there are currently over 30 members, ranging in age from 8 to 70 but new players are always welcomed. Further information can be found on the Band’s website www.hathernband.co.uk.

Hathern Band - Kedleston Hall

Aug. 25, 2010

The Band gave a private concert at Kedleston Hall for the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering. They were extremely well received and were delighted to play in such a beautiful setting.

Concert Brass - Hathern Church Garden Fete

Aug. 21, 2010

Hathern Concert Brass in fine form at the Church Garden Fete. Some very nice comments so obviously the rain didn’t affect their performance. I do believe Andrea is smiling, so no wrong notes!!