BCB held it’s first “open rehearsal” of 2014 and were delighted with a phenomenal turn out!  Over 80 musicians gathered for our twice-yearly rehearsal with a difference and 19 of those were attending for the very first time!

 

The youngest brass band enthusiast was just 12 years old with the oldest in their 80’s.  Some had been playing for only a few years whilst others hadn’t played for over 40 years - I think it was quite a shock to the system for the tuba player who hadn’t played for so long as basses are certainly a lot heavier nowadays!  Some guests hadn’t played since arriving in England from their native land some years ago.  There was lots of fun and some really great (and very loud!) sounds but overall it was a really encouraging atmosphere and an opportunity to play some great music.  It was also great to see former BCB Cornet soloist John Hynd and retired Songster Leader Fred Crowhurst doing what they have always done - encouraging the latest generation of brass players.

 

BM Lamplough chose music to reflect the wide range of tastes and experience in the open rehearsal band including Wilf Heaton’s “Just as I am”, Dean Goffin’s “Lift Up Your Heart”, Leslie Condon’s “Celebration”, Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s “Fire in the Blood” and a newly published work by former BCB cornet player Paul Sharman “Dance Beat”.