Milnrow Band Annual Christmas Concert

Milnrow Band Annual Christmas Concert

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Milnrow Band, under the direction of Assistant MD Kevin Dobbs and led by Jamie Cooper on principal cornet, treated a capacity audience at Milnrow Cricket Club to a well chosen and well received programme of festive music.

Departing from the standard brass band concert format of a march and overture to open, to the delight of those present and in keeping with the time of year, the first half of the programme consisted entirely of Christmas music.

“Christmas Joy” was followed by “Christmas Song” (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, etc) and “Christmas Swing Along “ (including such favourites as Winter Wonderland, and Have Yourself a Merry Christmas).

The audience was in good voice singing the popular “O` Come All Ye Faithful” and “Good King Wenceslas”, which were followed by “Walking in the Air”, as made famous by popular broadcaster Aled Jones as far back as 1985. “Gaudete” (Be Joyful), Irving Berlin`s “White Christmas” (as featured in the films Holiday Inn 1942 and White Christmas 1954), and “Spirit of Christmas” completed a first half of magical moments.

After a well earned break the band departed from the seasonal theme commencing with a request item “March of the Cobblers”, bringing back memories of the film “Brassed Off”, which was partly filmed in the Saddleworth area back in 1995.

Natalie Beer (Flugel Horn), brought back to the Christmas theme enthralling the audience with her playing of the carol “Away in the Manger”. “Troika” (Russian: referring to a three horse sleigh), the ever popular fun numbers “12 Days of Christmas”, and “Snow Waltzer” featuring full scale audience participation then followed. 

Leroy Anderson's “Sleigh Ride” and “Santa Claustrophobia” (which includes Santa is Coming to Town and All I Want for Christmas) concluded a well thought out programme.

With tumultuous applause, a standing ovation and in full voice the audience showed appreciation to the band as it played its curtain call number “Jingle Bells” to bring an evening of festive fare to conclusion.

A band spokesmad said: "Those present fully supported the raffle and collection held during the evening. and the amount of £461 was raised.

"The Milnrow Band, Officials and Committee extend thanks to the Milnrow Cricket Club, Committee and members for once again allowing the use of their facilities.

"Throughout the years Milnrow Band has received support from numerous sources (too many to thank individually) suffice to say, thank you one and all”.

"With your continued support the 143 years old Milnrow Band will continue to prosper in the 21st century and beyond.

"All the best for 2013."