Hampshire County Youth Bands July 15th

Part of the Bands

This afternoon we were treated to almost three hours of excellent music played by three County Youth Bands plus a percussion ensemble and the Endangered Species Project, this last being a small group of young musicians.

The programme commenced with the Hampshire County Youth Band followed by the County Training Band and the Endangered Species Project. Next came the County Junior Band and the Youth Band again.

The Youth Band started the second half of the programme, followed by the Junior Band.

The Percussion Ensemble which followed was made up of members of all three of the County Bands, with all age groups being represented.

Xylophone Solo

The County Training Band came next, with an amazing Xylophone solo during W.G. Lemon’s Helter Skelter.

The Youth Band led the way to a presentation of certificates to those members leaving to go on, in most cases, to Music College or University.

Councillor Roy Perry, the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, then gave a short speech of appreciation for all the work that has gone in to making the County Band Service one of the best in the country.

We were then treated to two short pieces and a rousing finale.

The Mikado July 14th

Once again we went to the Station Theatre on Hayling Island . This time we saw a production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Mikado”, performed by  the Hayling Musical Society.

Having read the report in “The News”, we were a little bit worried that we might not enjoy the evening. However, we had a really great time and thoroughly enjoyed an excellent performance.

There was plenty of excellent singing from all of the lead characters, the chorus and gentlemen were very good, and the costumes and make-up were just about spot-on.

Some of the cast + director

The performance had some highly original and amusing updates, although not so many as to spoil the plot.

The live music was performed by a seven-piece band.

All-in-all, a very pleasant and amusing evening.