It was a fine start to the Malvern Hills District Brass Band's festive Sound of Christmas evening for the audience to stand for Gordon Jacob's fanfared arrangement of the National Anthem.

Throughout the programme the band was nicely balanced, and imbued a velvety blend, which a brass band only, can produce.

We heard a varied mix of popular and seasonal music, beginning with Santa Claustrophobia, a compilation arranged by Sandy Smith, which included numbers such as I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus. A Time for Peace by Peter Graham was played with beauty and sensitivity by horn soloists Helen Faizey and Michelle Boulton.

Johann Strauss' Tritsch Tratsch Polka was delivered with enthusiasm while party streamers popped, and Georgia on my Mind, by H Carmichael, featured Graham Kershaw as the cornettist, who embellished a super final cadence.

Brian Cobley, on the B flat bass, entered into amusing repartee with the conductor Chris Lewis, in a very low pitched A Policeman's lot is not a happy one.

Guest artiste, mezzo soprano Josephine Williamson, accompanied by Geoff Kerr, sang a selection of sacred pieces and songs from shows. Can't help lovin that man was enjoyed, in particular.

A Cappella choirs from The Chase, directed by Mike Kent-Davies, entertained with carols and other well-known melodies. The younger group was accompanied ably, by pupil Liam Cartwright.

The audience joined in the concluding medley, and within the jollity of The Twelve Days of Christmas the band produced excellent topical accompaniment. The proceeds raised from this thoroughly enjoyable concert were in aid of the Macmillan Worcestershire Appeal.

Jill Hopkins