Those of you lucky enough to live within shouting distance of the Feoffee Room may have noticed an interesting phenomenon on Silver Band practice night – strange gaps in the music when no-one plays. Those gaps aren’t really where the composer forgot to write anything; they’re where the percussionist should be playing but that’s one instrumentalist the band lacks. Fortunately for our audience at the Spring Concert on 9 May, those gaps were admirably filled by our guest percussionist, Colin, who our Musical Director, Andrew, knew from their days with the Lympstone Telecoms Band, one of the highest ranking brass bands in Devon. Our thanks also go to everyone who helped at the concert, particularly Michael for the raffle and Jenny, Monica and Michael for the refreshments.
Would you like to be our percussionist? It doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old, still learning or have been playing for years, have played with a brass band before or not, as long as you can read music and are prepared to give it a go, do get in touch. If you’ve got your own full drum kit, great, but the band has one you can use if not. You could even come along to a couple of practices to learn more about what’s involved before committing yourself.
Both the Silver Band and the Brass Class will be out and about in the coming months at several local events including the Ottery Food Festival and Whimple Fete. Brass Class will be holding their own concert in July; look out for the date in the next issue of The Gazette. In anticipation of warn summer evenings, the Silver Band are giving a series of concerts in Sidmouth, starting on Thursday 19 June and then every fortnight until August 28. So, pack a picnic and your picnic rug or chairs, and head for the Connaught Gardens for a 7.45 start. Concerts are free (donations will be gratefully received), last for about an hour and we really don’t mind if you stroll around the gardens as you listen.