The personnel of the Guards Brass Ensemble of Excellence certainly enjoyed the opportunity to perform in a sitting position in Kettering last weekend.
Feet up
Under the baton of WO Class 1 Bandmaster Andrew Porter, the 12 players from the Irish, Grenadier and Coldstream Guards Bands gave a sparkling concert set before the announcement of the results at the All England Masters International Championship — and gave their feet a little bit of a rest in the process ahead of their involvement in the Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade in London on Saturday 11th June.
Marching
"The players have been working very hard each day for the rehearsals for Trooping the Colour,"Andrew told 4BR. "The amount of rehearsal that is undertaken for the event is amazing — nothing is left to chance, as it's seen all around the world.
They have been marching and playing every day, so both feet and lips are a bit sore."
No fatigue
There was no sign of fatigue however when Andrew brought down the baton for a programme that included a wide variety of music — from the screaming trumpets of 'Children of Sanchez' to a great new arrangement by tuba player Ian Shepherd of Purcell 'Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary', entitled, 'Purcell Fantasy'.
The announcement of Virtuosi GUS Band as the 2016 champion also saw the ensemble stand in fanfare formation, resplendent in their bearskin caps, to give a stunning rendition of a special ANZAC Fanfare.
We have a great link with the brass banding world that we continue to develop, and a number of exciting collaborations that are already in the pipeline!Bandmaster Andrew Porter
Delighted
"We were delighted to come along and showcase what we do,"Andrew added. "We have a great link with the brass banding world that we continue to develop, and a number of exciting collaborations that are already in the pipeline.
Now our attention is on a very different type of performance though on Sunday!"
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