The sounds of brass heralded the beginning of a busy summer season for Shipston Town Band at performances to mark the Coronation in Shipston and at Stratford bandstand.
The band’s newly formed brass ensemble delighted crowds at Coronation celebrations in Shipston High Street on Sunday 8 May. The ensemble, led by bass player Ken Smith, proved a highlight of the event – which also featured stalls, an appearance by the town crier, and other attractions. The eight-piece ensemble performed a wide-ranging programme including The Earl of Oxford’s March, Blue Moon and a very appropriate Crown Imperial.
And crowds filled Stratford Rec on Sunday 15 May for the first bandstand appearance this year from Shipston Town Band – led by musical director Howard Gibbs. The band debuted a programme of music designed to delight an audience who were able to enjoy some seasonably warm spring sunshine. Principal cornet Paolo Pezzangora mesmerised with a bluesy Sugar Blues, and Liz Smith, on principal E-flat horn, entranced the crowd with her solo Demelza.
Other highlights of the bandstand performance included a lively Golden Lady by arranger composer Goff Richards, a powerhouse rendition of He-Man And The Masters of The Universe, arranged by the aforementioned Ken Smith, and a particularly enjoyable Appalachian Mountain Folk Suite by James Curnow.
The bands will be back for more performances throughout the summer months. Find out more here: https://shipstonband.co.uk/diary/