Bands Concert with the Dragon School

28th February 2010:

On Sunday evening the New Hall was transformed. Audience seating was offered at candlelit round tables and refreshments were available throughout the evening. Concert Bands performed from the main ‘theatre’ stage while Big Bands and Jazz ensembles played from either side.                   

One of the performers (Ele Lighter UVI) even sang her soft-focus jazz from the lighting gallery giving her angelic voice an appropriate lofty location. The heavenly theme continued with some mellifluous harp playing from Rosalie Warner (UVI) positioned at the centre of the audience area.

St Edward’s was delighted to welcome the Concert Band and Big Band of the Dragon School under the direction of David Smith. The evening opened with a rousing rendition of the ‘Star Wars’ music played by both schools’ Concert Bands under the direction of Rob Hughes who masterminded the evening with his usual flair.

The audience was treated to excellent playing from both schools’ Big Bands and some brilliant virtuosity form a variety of St Edward’s Jazz Bands.

The evening closed with the Modern Jazz Ensemble giving an intense performance of the Starsky and Hutch theme music which provided opportunities for the three Concert Band Leaders to display their improvisatory skills in this high-powered group (Aidan Irwin-Singer –saxophone; Carlos Posada – guitar and George Creed – trombone: all members of the UVI). As the final item progressed guests joined in and we were treated to awesome improvisations by the Dragon’s David Smith on alto sax and St Edward’s Gary Howarth on trumpet.

This magnificent evening of entertainment also raised over £350 for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal.

Click here for more pictures of the Bands Concert