Composer and arranger Paul Honey recently paid a visit to listen to the Harrogate Band recording his latest work, ‘Christmas by the Sea’, for the BBC children’s television programme ‘Old Jack’s Boat’ starring the actor Bernard Cribbins OBE.

Theme tune

Paul (above left) had written the theme tune for the show, now recording its second series, and was asked by the BBC to arrange a special version for the 2013 Christmas Special.

It was Paul’s first composition for brass band and he was delighted with the results, as he told the band: "That was perfect — thank you so much. You've been a pleasure to work with and you've really hit the right tone!"

Warm sweet sound

Musical Director, Craig Ratcliffe, told 4BR: "Paul’s composition will work really well. Together we’ve created a warm sweet sound which will make a magical opening for the Christmas Special."

Paul’s composition will work really well. Together we’ve created a warm sweet sound which will make a magical opening for the Christmas SpecialMD, Craig Ratcliffe

Grandchildren

The special tune starts with a jaunty solo played by euphonium player, Andrew Hodge (above right), who recently became a grandfather, so as he told 4BR, it will a performance he will keep to thrill his new arrival with in the future.

"My grand-kids will be too young to watch the programme, but I’ll definitely be recording it for them to watch when they’re older. It's been very exciting recording this for the BBC!"

Filming

The players, currently rehearsing for the First Section National Finals in Cheltenham, are looking forward to filming the episode with Bernard Cribbins and the rest of the cast later in the year.