Below Average Temperature...
Sunday 11th Jul 2004, late at night
...Above Average Band(s)! Visitors to the Groves on Sunday were treated to an afternoon of varied musical entertainment by Chester’s own brass band – us! The programme was interesting enough to persuade a large number of people to stop awhile and listen, despite the well below average temperatures. Along with the main band, our talented group of youngsters put in an appearance as well, in the shape of the Training Band, and their performance was particularly well received by the large and enthusiastic audience. A stiff breeze off the river made life difficult for the musicians, with music having to be well secured to stands in order to prevent it being blown all the way to Eccleston! The Band’s Principal Cornet player, Robert Macdonald, had a particularly hairy moment when his stand was caught by the wind whilst he was playing the solo ‘Sugar Blues’, but he recovered well to produce a highly original and humorous performance (was that a duck I heard?). Other featured soloists included Robert’s wife Mandy on Flugel Horn (a leading contender for 'Laid-Back Soloist of the Year') and, with a wonderful rendition of ‘My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose’, the Band’s Solo Euphonium player, Kathryn Peover. As mentioned earlier, the Training Band took their turn in providing the music, with a number of the youngsters making their Groves debut. With proud families looking on, and members of the main band providing encouragement and support, the Training Band soon had feet tapping and the sound of applause echoing through the riverside area – well done all! Next weekend sees the main band marching on the streets of the City again, this time as part of the Lord Mayor’s Parade. If you are a spectator on the day then keep an eye (and ear) out for float number 18, and be sure to give Chester’s merry band of music makers an extra loud cheer! See you there… P.S. Be warned Cornet Section - next time the percussionist WILL have Pearl Harbour in the folder!