For the second year running Birmingham Citadel Band was delighted to take the annual “Proms Night” on the road! This year it was the Coton Centre in Tamworth that had requested the band to use the “Proms Night” model for a Saturday evening concert.
The American theme that featured in the first half of this same concert in February was once again the focus and the audience enjoyed the wide variety of American music that was presented by the band.
The mood for the evening was set with the band in an alternative formation and playing American Marching instruments rather than the customary British Brass Band instruments they would usually play. this made a wonderful impact visually and the musical impact was even more exciting as the band played an arrangement by Leigh Baker of “All Night Long” - what exciting playing! This was followed by potentially the most famous piece of American music - John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever”. Other items from the band transported us to various parts of American history and culture such as a selection of tunes from the American Civil War and a medley of Disney songs.
It was fantastic to hear young Violinist Olivia Howdle play. What a talent! It was her fourth engagement of the day - and it was clear to see why she is in such demand! In the February concert she was joined by her sister but sadly 14 year old Charlotte was unable to perform in this occasion due to a concert at the Royal College of Music in London. Instead we had 12 year old Olivia on her own, but we were not disappointed. She delighted the audience with her solos! In addition to Olivia’s Violin solos we had an American Broadway song from vocal soloist Stephanie Lamplough in the first half before she gave a thrilling rendition of “Rule Britannia” in the second half.
The Second half of “Proms” music was great fun and everyone entered in to the festivities with singing and flag waving. Major Steve White gave a thought provoking message and the evening was led through by Bandmaster Gavin Lamplough.
A great night was had by all.
Programme
All Night Long (Richie; arr. Baker)
Star and Stripes Forever (Sousa; arr. Himes)
INTRODUCTIONS
American Civil War Fantasy (Bilick; arr. Himes)
Violin Solo: Banjo & Fiddle (Kroll)
Soloist: Olivia Howdle
MacArthur Park (Webb; arr. Catherall)
Singing in the Rain (Freed & Brown; arr. Fernie)
Vocal Solo: Vanilla Ice Cream (Jerry Bock)
Soloist: Stephanie Lamplough
‘Mid all the Traffic – “Shenandoah” (Trad. American; arr. Ballentine)
Disney Fantasy (arr. Goff Richards)
INTERVAL
Aces High (Ron Goodwin)
All Through the Night (Traditional; arr. Langford)
Violin Solo: Resignation (C. Dancla)
Soloist: Olivia Howdle
Fantasia on British Sea Songs (Henry Wood)
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 (Edward Elgar)
Rule Britannia (Thomas Arne)
Soloist: Stephanie Lamplough
Jerusalem (C. Hubert Parry)
National Anthem
Under Two Flags (Bramwell Coles)
