Milnrow Band in fine form at Christmas concert

Milnrow Band in fine form at Christmas concert

Milnrow Band ended the year on a high on Sunday (21 December) at their annual Christmas concert.

Held at Milnrow Cricket Club and under Musical Director Mark Bentham, the band commenced by taking those in attendance on an imaginary sleigh ride through the Russian steppes, conveyed by Prokofiev’s fast moving 'Troika', from his Lieutenant Kije Suite and 1934 film score.

Leroy Anderson’s collection of festive music 'Christmas Festival' followed, after which the talented Laura Hurst treated those present to the lovely cornet solo, 'A Winter’s Tale'.

The band got the audience on side quickly with such favourites as 'Winter Wonderland', 'All I want for Christmas', 'Have Yourself a Merry Christmas' and 'O Come All Ye Faithful'.

The band continued with 'Stop the Cavalry' a 1980 hit by Jona Lewie, 'Walking in the Air', written in 1982 by Howard Blake for the children’s film 'The Snowman' and made popular by Aled Jones, and rock band Slade’s 'Merry Christmas Everybody'.

A happy finish to the first half was achieved by the participation of everyone present in providing both vocal and sound effect accompaniments to the ever popular 'Jingle Bells'.

During the break, a presentation was made to band member Natalie Beer in appreciation of her hard work behind the scenes.

After a short interval and a raffle in aid of band funds the concert continued with more old family sing-along Christmas favourites including 'Santa Claus is coming to Town', 'I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus', 'When Santa got stuck up the Chimney', 'Rudolph' and 'Ding Dong Merrily'.

The second solo high spot of the evening was an arrangement of the popular carol 'Away in a Manger', with Natalie Beer excelling on Flugel Horn.

'Sleigh Ride' (Leroy Anderson) and Irving Berlin’s 'White Christmas' were next on the play list, but by far the biggest and warmest reception was accorded by one and all to 'Let It Go', from the Disney film "Frozen", and possibly the all-time local Christmas Top of the Pops, 'The Twelve Days' of Christmas" in which the audience participation was
'epic'.

To conclude the evening, the band had the whole room participating, sitting, standing, swaying and rocking to the Bavarian 'ShneeWaltzer' (Snow Waltzer).

Milnrow Band were certainly on top form for their final event of 2014 with both the band and Musical Director Mark Bentham should be congratulated on preparing and presenting a most enjoyable programme.

A spokesperson for Milnrow Band said: “Band members, the committee and officials, are grateful for the support and encouragement given to the organisation throughout the year and although being entirely self-supporting are still one of the top championship section bands of the north west area and are proud to be 'flying the flag' for the village of Milnrow.

“Thanks must also be accorded to the committee, members and staff of Milnrow Cricket Club for their support over the years in allowing the band use of their premises and facilities for these very highly successful concerts.

“Finally, Milnrow Band accords best wishes to everyone for the festive season and the new year. Here’s looking forward to continued success in 2015.”