Festive Fanfare, the title Malvern Hills District Brass Band gave its concert, proved to be that exactly.
Mike West, musical director, led the band with good humour and lucid asides to the audience, through a most enjoyable programme.
Beginning with a stirring fanfare to introduce Gordon Jacobs's arrangement of the National Anthem, we were moved on impulsively to There's No Business like Show Business, compelling descents of trombones exciting the ear.
In Catari, Catari beautiful tone and phrasing was present in Andy Taylor's euphonium solo. Sleigh Ride trotted along, and gave percussion plenty of opportunity, especially when cracking the whip! In Born Free drums rolled, and the band swelled into the main theme, then it was jazzed up for a repeat.
More familiar tunes included Every Time we say Goodbye with Marshall Faizey, trombone soloist, producing a super slurred melodic line, and Christmas Song.
Folk singer Deb Sandland, accompanied by guitarist Steve Maloney, added variety with two groups of songs. The audience was invited to join in several carols and a clever arrangement of The Twelve Days of Christmas, where numerous band interludes incorporated other carols, and even a bit of Turkish March!
Compere Chris Jaeger included readings, quipped entertainingly and ran the inimitable raffle!
Christmas Festival, a splendid medley of favourite seasonal melodies embraced the festive spirit with thrilling warmth and breadth of tone. The proceeds of the concert will be go to the County Air Ambulance. Jill Hopkins.
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