Training Day
Apr. 10, 2011
Last Sunday (10th April) The Band held its first full Band training day. Players from the Training, Concert Brass, Youth and Senior Bands joined forces for what turned out to be a tremendously enjoyable day of music making and of no lesser value a chance for all members of the Hathern Band organisation to get to know each other a little better.
The session began with 2 hours of section rehearsals in various venues in the village including the bandroom. These were under the guidance of Joe Southgate, Simon Baum, Andrea Allen and Geoff & David Newman.
The music ranged from the traditional march Castell Caerphilly to an arrangement of the music from Harry Potter, in all six pieces were rehearsed.
After the section rehearsals tutors and players met at the Community Centre for tea and a general chat, before sitting as one huge Band to rehearse the pieces and to put into practice all that had been learnt earlier. It was a wonderful sight to see very young members sitting with and sharing a stand with experienced members and getting on together musical and socially.
Lesley, who organised the day, had informed Patrons and Parents of younger players that an informal concert at around 7.30 would be given and it was therefore in a packed Community Centre that the day ended with a performance of all six pieces under the batons of Andrea and David.
A great deal was achieved on this day. A chance for the whole organisation to get to know each other better as well as play together and from the many messages already received from parents of the younger players, they particularly found it inspirational to sit alongside the more experienced players. All in all the day was an unqualified success and we look forward to the next one.
The day was also the first opportunity for everyone to meet the new Hathern Band Chairman, John Worsfold. John has been a long-time supporter of the Band and the man responsible for our very successful Patrons Scheme. We look forward to a long and happy association with John. Whilst welcoming John we must acknowledge the great work done by our outgoing Chairman, Andrew Haworth, who has overseen the Bands progress for many years. Andrew will continue as a playing member of Concert Brass. Our grateful thanks to Andrew and to Louise, who has turned up to all the Committee Meetings and taken the minutes for just as long, but is to continue as the Bands Press Officer.