Anniversary Concert Report
On Saturday 9th July 2016 Tenbury Teme Valley Band held its 25th Anniversary Concert at the Regal Theatre in Tenbury.
All proceeds from this concert were presented to the Three local charities (Hereford Hospital Renton Unit, Equine Market Watch, and Working Together).
Wow! What a fun-filled and spectacular evening it was. The auditorium was packed with our wonderful, supportive audience who participated throughout in all the music and jollity.
The band, conducted by Ruth Riley, opened the concert with a rousing rendition of the Concert March ‘Colonel Bogey’. Another piece in this opening selection was one of the band’s current favourite pieces ‘Ecstasy of Gold’.
Tenbury C of E Primary Academy Choir, conducted by Kevin Bryant, captivated everyone with their first group of songs. One of the most poignant memories of the evening is Choral Diversity leading everyone into a standing ovation for this talented children’s choir.
The band’s saxophone section then entertained with two saxophone quartets ‘Looney Tunes’ and ‘Baby Elephant Walk’ before the full band played a Star Wars Medley, complete with sound effects, masks and light sabers (much to the delight of Star Wars fans).
Then it was the turn of Choral Diversity to take to the stage with a superb arrangement of The Lion King. Their conductor Beth Melling has created a vibrant, fun loving and clearly dedicated choir, which was appreciated by the audience.
The final group of pieces in the first half included a beautiful rendition of Going Home by the band’s horn section.
The band opened the second half with ‘Happy’ from Despicable Me 2 which led to spontaneous singing by the two choirs. The choirs and audience also enjoyed singing the songs in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Tenbury C of E Primary Academy Choir once more spread their magic over us all with their second selection of songs. What Stars they were!
In the next selection of band pieces was The Three Minute Nutcracker. This created hilarity as the band endeavoured to play the arrangement of the Nutcracker Ballet in three minutes. We also had our own ballerina, 10 year old Alice Hickey. Alice held the toy nutcracker and was delighted to be presented with a red rose at the end of her performance (as every prima ballerina should!).
Founding members of Tenbury Teme Valley Band cut the 25th Anniversary cake whilst everyone sang Happy Birthday.
After Choral Diversity had entertained us with their 2nd selection of songs it was time for the Grand Finale. Tenbury Teme Valley Band, Choral Diversity, the Tenbury Primary Academy choir and members of the Royal British Legion Choir together with the audience raised the Regal Theatre roof with You’ll Never Walk Alone and Old Time Singalong.
Everyone was treated to a cupcake as they left the theatre.
What a wonderful evening!
