St. Peter's Church made an imposing setting for a concert given by Staines Brass and Staines Salvation Army Band in aid of the Kenya Trust. In the absence of MD Jonathan Pippen, Staines Brass were conducted for the first time by euphonium player John Storey.
The opening from the combined bands provided an effective contrast between the swaggering march 'Unconquered' and the more reflective 'Guardian of our Way'.
New and the old
Staines Salvation Army Band then presented their solo items, commencing with a lively rendition of 'Dance like David', although the horn section had a real battle to be heard.
'In Quiet Pastures' marked the passing of composer Ray Steadman-Allen, and provided a timely reminder of his skill as composer and arranger, all the more effective as the songs employed are still in frequent use.
Little-known solo
Less well-known is the euphonium solo 'Promises', written for the New York Staff Band. The busy writing and running semiquavers were ably dispatched by Charley Brighton, who also demonstrated a silky, round tone in the expressive passages.
More lyrical playing was heard in 'Mid all the traffic', Len Ballantine's setting marrying the words of John Oxenham to the tune of 'Shenandoah'. This was treated very sympathetically, with good observance of dynamics.
Personal link
Before the band played 'The Triumph of Peace' the bandmaster mentioned the personal link between St. Peters and Eric Ball, in that he had received piano and organ lessons there during the First World War. It was a creditable effort, despite signs of tiredness towards the end, with intonation in the upper band suffering as a result.
Striking fanfare
After an interval, Staines Brass took the stage, a few gaps being ably filled by Salvation Army players, and with guest Ed Clark outstanding on soprano.
It was good also to see former Band Manager Jason Pickin in the horn section. They opened with 'OB1 Fanfare', written by Tom Watson for the premiere of the film 'Ali'.
'Gaelforce' was full of contrast, with some gorgeous flugel playing the 'The Minstrel Boy' and excellent work from the two percussionists.
Soloists to the fore
Solo cornet Rydian Griffiths showed assured control of the instrument in Monti’s ,'Czardas', demonstrating that it can work just as well on cornet as on a larger instrument. They closed their solo set with the 'Funiculi, Funicula Rhapsody', a real showcase that put all sections of the band through their paces.
United finale
The bands combined for the final three items, with 'David of the White Rock' revealing some rich textures and producing some fine sustained playing. 'Shine as the Light' was enhanced by the contribution of Staines SA Bandmaster Rob Howe on the important glockenspiel and xylophone part. Following a tender rendition of 'The Candle of the Lord', the music reached a triumphant climax with 'The Light has Come'.
A happy evening's music-making ended on a quiet note with John Rutter's 'A Gaelic Blessing'.
Peter Bale
