The Big Band continues to flourish and fly the flag for
King's music. As has become its habit, throughout the
year the Band travelled the West Country enlivening
events at various prep schools, and the mixture of
education and entertainment is a winning formula.
The band members are often asked to do things on the spot with
their instruments, and in sharing their enjoyment of music, staff
and pupils join in with enthusiasm. The concert at Salisbury
Cathedral was a joint affair with the school's own Jazzbytes, who
were, frankly, a hard act to follow! Our pupils had to make sure they
were on top form and just about managed it. The Downs School
asked the band to provide music for a charity classic car event,
which was attended by a huge crowd and some fantastic cars.
The exhaust revving competition was an added entertainment
this year, and quite hard to play against. The band also provided
entertainment for the Tockington Manor School summer fun day,
which was held on a beautiful summer's afternoon. The band
went down a storm and survived the scorching temperatures with
plenty of ice cream in between numbers.
The Fête de Musique at King's Hall School provided a fitting
occasion for the band to entertain staff, pupils and parents. ExKHS members of the band thoroughly enjoyed returning to their
old school and showing how their musical talents had developed
over the years.
The band were the opening attraction at the Parents' Association
Valentine's Ball in February, playing to the packed hall as guests
arrived, and then during dinner.
The County Cricket Ground in Taunton provided an exciting
venue for a gig at the end of summer term, especially as they set
up on the pitch! At the end of a T20 match between Somerset and
Essex the band struck up with some fast-paced numbers aimed at
the departing spectators. The music certainly lifted the mood of
the crowd, who had just watched Somerset lose the match!
The final appearance of the band was at the summer concert,
where the larger than normal audience greeted the mixture of
dance numbers, soul ballads and swing standards with great
enthusiasm. This was also a poignant occasion, as it was the
last appearance of some key members of the band, who have
given so much to the ensemble over the years. Paddy Cartwright
on drums has provided a solid foundation for the band for two
years, after serving his apprenticeship on trombone for three
years before that. Emily Albery and Joe Merriweather have
sung a huge number of times in numerous different venues, and
have always sung with great professionalism, despite sometimes
less than ideal conditions. We thank them all warmly for their
contributions to the band and hope they are inspired to continue
with their music-making in all sorts of ways in the future. The
younger members of the band are already making their mark,
and it looks as though the future of the band is in safe hands.
The Big Band
Colin Albery recounts the busy year of the King's College Big Band
Emily Albery fronts the Big Band at Tockington Manor School
The Big Band inds some shade to play in at King's Hall's Fête de Musique
The Big Band wow the crowd at the County Ground
Music
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