Milnrow Band portray villains to become heroes

The United Co-operative Milnrow Band entertained the crowd at the Rochdale Curtain Theatre on Saturday (18 October), with their 'Heroes and Villains' themed music.

Tributes to Olympic Heroes and others and various Villains included James Bond, with a fantastic solo rendering on Soprano cornet of film music “Live and Let Die “ by Keith Russell.

It was evident from the off that Musical Director John Ward had researched the subject thoroughly, shown by his well informed remarks prior to and after each item.

Russell's solo was followed by brass band versions of music from the film which detailed the Scots' fight for independence under William Wallace 'Braveheart' and 'For the Love of a Princess' from the film 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince'

Film music was also featured from 'Mask of Zorro' (arranged by James Horner) followed by 'Bring Him Home' from 'Les Miserables', which featured the lovely solo cornet playing of Louise Plant, whose playing rightly received a tremendous ovation.

Alec Seedhouse (Solo Euphonium) also captivated the audience with his playing of 'Nessun Dorma' prior to the whole band featuring with smooth and also gymnastic fingering in a rip roaring account of English and French rivalry with Ralph Vaughn William`s 'Henry V', which brought us to the interval.

After a well deserved break the band commenced with 'Olympic Fanfare' and then Joanne Ward thrilled us with a flugel solo depicting a Mexican theme 'Children of Sanchez'.

Film music from Director Tim Burton's 1980s version of 'Batman' followed and the 'Dam Busters March' was immediately recognised and well received.

An unusual feature was film music from 'The Highlander' with the well known piece by Bernstein from stage and film 'West side Story' following to complete.

Band President Ken Watts said after the performance: "Although the curtain call item was not strictly heroes or villains, 'Breezing Along Broadway' (Goff Richards) finalised a great evening of music at this cosy venue and the audience went home in joyous mood having seen and heard the wonderful efforts of this young and vibrant band, which is a great ambassador for United Co-operative and the local Community.

"Under current Musical Director John Ward, this band has surely come of age and will be looking forward to marching onwards and upwards to better things in the Championship Section.

"Congratulations to each and every one of you."

The band and officials express thanks to members of the Curtain Theatre for facilities and as Band President my thanks also go to Jim & Val Fitton, John Smith and The Russell family from the band for their unstinting efforts before the event and on the evening.