January Update

The first weekend away of the year was to the Bellshill Corps, in Scotland. This visit, was indeed a ‘first’ for the ISB, and a good crowd gathered on a cold January Saturday evening for the concert.

As always, there was a mixed programme from the band, including ‘new’ (Life Ablaze’ – Steven Ponsford), ‘nearly new’ (‘Pursuing Horizons – Dudley Bright), and music a bit older (‘California’ – Emil Soderstrom). The finale piece ‘Fire in the Blood’ – Paul Lovatt-Cooper had it’s continued rousing reception.

Mention should be made to Bandmaster Ian Dickie (Bellshill Band), and his team for all the fine arrangements for the band over the weekend. It was indeed a lesson in hosting a band. Thank you Ian!

The Sunday meeting and concert were held in the Bellshill Academy, and were again very well attended. A highlight for many was the ISB playing ‘The Present Age’ (Leslie Condon).

And so it was, the band made their way to the airport for the various flights leaving Glasgow at 8pm, 8.30pm, and alas, 12.30! ( a late arrival home for the Bristol duo of Martyn Bryant and Anthony Smith, and they thought it was bad enough having to arrive in Glasgow at 8am on the Saturday! However, that aside, a good time spent with the corps at Bellshill, making an impact with our music, and making and renewing many friendships in that ‘army’ way.

ISB Recording Projects

The ISB have been back in the studio continuing a recording of Kenneth Downie music (a CD of reflective music including several ‘first’ recordings of some of Ken’s music). Also, a new Philip Cobb solo album is well under way, which again will feature some new commissions as well as some well known repertoire. These two projects are being recorded at St Jude's on the Hill Church, London.

ISB visit to TYB

The ISB will again make a visit to Bournemouth to play a concert on the Wednesday evening of the Territorial Youth Band course. This concert in the Carrington Hotel, is of course for the students of the course, however, guests from the local area are usually present, and welcome to join with us. The band will present a programme of their current repertoire on that evening (7.30pm).

31/01/2012