Conductor Andy Norman leads the Cowes Concert Band, performing at St Marys Church, Cowes. Picture by Laura Holme.
MUSICTHERE is a saying among Island musicians which always brings a smile to the face: “The band that looks good plays good.”
It may not be grammatically correct and, as a generalisation, it is not always accurate, but it was certainly true when Cowes Concert Band played at St Mary’s Church, Cowes, on Saturday.
This concert featured the debut of the band’s new uniforms, secured by grant finance from the Hampshire and IW Community Foundation on the initiative of treasurer Tony Hebditch, and band members not only looked good — resplendent, in fact — they played extremely well, too.
The programme showcased a balanced selection ranging from the classics — popular pieces from both Kachaturian and Bizet featured — to the modern — a selection of Abba tunes, as featured in hit movie Mamma Mia!
Perhaps the best-received offerings came in the first half, with Gustav Holst’s Second Suite In F followed by Goff Richard’s arrangements of barnstorming musical standards in his Breezin’ Down Broadway medley. This medley also served well as an encore, to the pleasure of the responsive audience.
Musical director Andy Norman composed two of the pieces, including the aptly-named (in celebration of the new uniforms) Celebration. He arranged at least one of the pieces played, and his suaveness as compere was no doubt enhanced by his new outfit, in colours complementary to the band’s uniforms.
There was a raffle and a retiring collection, the funds to be shared between the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and the IW Kidney Patients Association.