August already? It must be State Competition season and time for our annual “will we really be ready in two weeks?” concert with Mitcham Band.
Contest test pieces aren’t everyone’s favourite musical genre, but the two hymn arrangements, stage marches and entertainment pieces (Ticket to Ride from Mitcham, complete with steam engine sound effects, and Campbelltown’s breakneck version of Ole Man River) would have repaid the audience for their patience.
Campbelltown livened up the first half with Superman, Rise Like a Phoenix and Yellow Submarine, while Mitcham opted for the cool sounds of A Foggy Day in London Town, Almost Like Falling in Love and The Way You Look Tonight. The combined bands attempted to raise the Function Centre roof with Raiders of the Lost Ark, their final number.
President, Wayne, showed his total dedication to the band by flying son Phil in from London as a replacement drummer! And how about an MD who has his appendix removed and manages to conduct three days later?
Many thanks to all the usual helpers and especially to Steve Packer who plays solo Euphonium with our band as well as conducting Mitcham.
Finally, best wishes to both bands in two weeks’ time. Let’s hope all the hard work pays off.
*** A QUICK UPDATE *** – Results of the competitions are in – we came a very close second! Congratulations to all involved!
