On April 12th, the band performed their first concert under the direction of new Musical Director, Archie Batty, following the Midlands Area Contest. The evening’s program was a celebration of the band’s musical journey, featuring a mix of classic brass band repertoire and exciting new selections.
The first half opened with Eric Ball’s lively march Star Lake, setting the tone with a fun, toe-tapping start that immediately energized the audience. Next, the band performed All in the April Evening, a beautiful and lyrical hymn arranged by Ball. The church’s acoustics provided the perfect setting for this deeply moving piece.
The main feature of the first half was the Area Contest piece, Eric Ball's Indian Summer, a 1950 suite of four movements that evoke the spirit of the pre-colonial Native American people. The suite includes The Great Chief Speaks, By the Cool Waters, Totem Dance, and Hymn to the Great Spirit. Though it is often performed as a contest piece, its melodic richness makes it a compelling listen for a general audience, transporting listeners to a world of vivid musical imagery.
The band’s Tenor Horn soloist, the legendary Des Stimpson, then took center stage with John Barber’s arrangement of We’ve Only Just Begun, a timeless ballad by The Carpenters. Des's performance was full of style and panache, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The first half concluded with Sibelius' iconic Finlandia, a powerful tone poem composed in 1900 as a protest against Russian censorship and a celebration of Finnish nationalism. The piece’s dramatic opening, tense middle section, and triumphant hymn tune—now regarded as Finland’s national anthem—captivated the audience and received rapturous applause.
After a well-deserved break with refreshments, the band returned for the second half, starting with a joyful performance of Alan Silvestri’s theme from the 1985 classic Back to the Future. It was an energetic and fun piece that brought the audience into the next phase of the evening.
The spotlight then shifted to the band’s Trombone section—Neil Twist, Kirstie Allen, and Alec Stageman—who showcased their skill with Reginald Heath’s Frolic for Trombones. This light-hearted trio was a delightful display of agility and musicianship.
A contrast in mood followed with the hauntingly beautiful Deep Harmony, a hymn adaptation that has become a brass band classic. The church’s acoustics again enhanced the emotive quality of the piece, leaving a lasting impression.
The tempo lifted with Alan Fernie’s arrangement of Singin’ in the Rain, perfectly capturing the unpredictable “April” weather. The performance was made even more engaging by audience members dancing at the back with umbrellas—an unforgettable sight!
The final programmed item was an ambitious choice by Archie, pushing the band technically with Peter Graham’s Gaelforce. This piece features three movements, the first and third being Irish jig-style tunes, with a slower, song-like melody sandwiched in between. The band rose to the challenge, delivering a performance that was met with great enthusiasm from the audience.
The evening ended with an encore—Alan Fernie’s energetic arrangement of Baggy Trousers by Madness. The raucous tune had the audience clapping and dancing along, bringing the concert to a vibrant close.
Overall, it was a fantastic evening filled with diverse and engaging music, and a wonderfully supportive audience who clearly enjoyed every moment of the performance. Archie Batty’s leadership has brought a fresh energy to the band, and the crowd responded with great warmth and enthusiasm.
D. Scott