The Band’s annual Mothers’ Day concert on May 9 was a sell-out, and proved to be just as big a musical hit.
Jamie MacKay (BBb Bass) displayed his versatility and skill. He played, compered on the day and helped musical director Steven Booth prepare a programme of show tunes for the capacity audience.
Soloists Brent Large (horn), Craig McKee (cornet) and Courtney Hildreth (Flugel), and James Carson (percussion) added a very personal touch to the emotive programme that included works from major musicals such as Showboat, Chess, Miss Saigon and Mamma Mia.
In a special tribute to his partner, Tracey Ashton, Steven Booth put down the baton and picked up his baritone to play the beautiful ‘Share my Yoke’. Tracey became a mum in September 2009, and young Daniel was there to see dad perform.
Other special ‘Mum moments’ included Trish Gapes sharing the day with her daughter, Althea and granddaughter Inara, who was born in 2009. Kathy Clark (horn) shared the stage with her son Colin (euphonium) for the first time since 2001.
The concert included members of the youth band who sat in with a few ‘young at heart’ members of the senior band in their rendition of “Pirates of the Caribbean”. The youth band was conducted by Kieth Stubley, who put aside his bass trombone at very short notice to step in.
The next concert in the 2010 subscription series is Toys4Kids on Sunday 22 August.