Lizzy studied Music with a Bedfordshire band and at Harlington and was due to play in this Anniversary celebration at a Church in Bedford and we were invited to come along and join in with the occasion.
Diane and Tony kindly picked me up at Caddington, and I was ready despite their ealy arrival, such was the anticipation. My original intention was for me to drive them up to save them the additional petrol, but the offer was refused so with my generosity knowing no bounds I bought all our tickets (at the Concessions rate! – I did say it knew no bounds!) We were among the earliest arrivals despite hitting Bedford’s rush-hour traffic congestion.
We secured seats that hopefully would allow at least an uninterrupted view of Lizzy without being deafened by the enthusiastic playing of so many in such a confined space. We were reliably informed the Trombones were the loudest instruments, but we were at least on the side furthest from them in aisle seats. After the first number a family group caused great mirth when they upped and headed for the the rear of the auditorium, duly acknowledged by Master of Ceremonies and Conductor Kevin Nicholls, saying they had been warned!
All the numbers were both recognisable and enjoyable, and played with passion, precision and enjoyment and were enthusiastically appreciated by the audience, not least by one young boy who had chosen the very front row, his hands and feet proved he was not there under sufferance but pure enjoyment, he seemed to particularly appreciate the solo trumpeters right in front of him!
I did my best to capture as many of the players as was possible from my fixed position in the central aisle – it is always a shame when a Band or Orchestra are not either banked or one’s viewing is not from an elevated position, as many individuals are therefore shielded from view. It is always a challenge from my standpoint to isolate the playing hands and the individual instruments; made even more difficult when trying to keep camera and lens steady when my feet are controlled by the beat of the music, and light is at a premium – I want some movement, but rarely a complete blur!
I can say without any hesitation a great evening was had by all, the music wonderful made all the better by the atmosphere of fun and dedication, as was brought to all of us by Kevin illustrating how everyone had progressed and many had even taken up Music for their careers.
Thank you to one and all, and may some of the newest players continue in the tradition and make music. I hope I may have captured something of the essence of the evening in the gallery of pictures associated with this text, though not in the correct order (Thanks - Eric Morecombe).
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