Royal Parks Concerts             

On Saturday 26th August 2006, the Band performed two concerts in St James's Park, London. To do this, without stopping over, entailed a very long day for the Band. Starting at half past eight in the morning at the Bandroom in Hull, with various pick up points along the way, before arriving in London. Playing the concerts at three o'clock, and then at five o'clock, both lasting eighty minutes. Then, following the second concert it was the reverse journey, with the Bandroom being the last stop just after midnight. Was it worth it? Most definitely. A number of people visit the park every weekend to listen to the afternoon band concerts, and this knowledgeable audience were very complimentary about both the standard of playing, and the variety of styles of music played during the afternoon. Not only does this audience listen attentively, some of them also find out what they can, about the bands that will be performing for them, so many of them had visited our website. These concerts also gave the Band the opportunity to play in a different venue, and raise the profile of both the Band, and the East Yorkshire Motor Services Group, our sponsors.    

Given the location of this concert, several musicians who normally drive to our concerts, came by coach. Hence, this very rare photograph of Julia aboard the Band bus.

For some reason Alison positions herself quite near the emergency exit/toilet entrance (maybe something to do with her being a tenorlady), hence several entry/exit shots. Here Chairman John attempts to squeeze into the committee room.

Emily and Kirsty, not sure who is leading who.

Peter didn't actually visit the toilet, he just wanted his picture taken.

Little lad standing on the chair, and Andy and Andrea's son is quite high up too!

 

Just about ready to go, last minute preparations - have we got the right mutes, have we got our music?

 

Eyes down and look in.

And off we go.

Bang on time too, or should that be bang in time?

Kathy building up to an important part - joining the rest of the horn section on off-beats. 

Principal Cornettist Steve Rudhall wows the audience with his rendition of 'La Belle Americaine'.

He can still wow them, even with his eyes closed!

Alison tries playing with eyes wide shut.

Jim tries his hand at selling CD's to the audience.

Would you buy a second hand car off this man?

The back row's turn to entertain, with a sparkling performance of Leroy Anderson's 'Buglers Holiday'. Starring from left to right, Kirsty Fox, Julia Mathews, Danny Hatton, Vicki Kennedy, and Andrea Grace.

Standing - Kirsty, Julia (she is in there somewhere..... honest!), Danny, Vicki, and Andrea.

'Here, There, and Everywhere', performed by Kathy Newiss. The sports bag is not normally part of the act, except for on those windy days, when the music stand needs a little weight on it to prevent take off.

The view from behind the bandstand.

Andrew and Liz duet in Softly As I Leave You, or in Andy's case..

Softly as I left the music!

In the glorious evening sunshine the Band conclude their concert. Only a few hundred yards from Buckingham Palace, one has to wonder if the Queen was listening. Certainly the Royal Ensign was flying, so somebody was at home.  

Pictures by Kathy Newiss and Alison Grantham

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