Reports on the Band's Most Recent Concerts

Medina Theatre, Isle of Wight

On Sunday 20^th May the band was invited to perform on the Isle of Wight at a concert sponsored by the Medina Marching Band; the concert was held in the delightful Medina Theatre. The theatre is laid out in the manner of a lecture hall with raked seating for the audience, which gives it a very intimate feel and makes playing a real pleasure.

During the performance – which featured many items from the band’s latest CD – the Medina Marching Band Corps of Drums combined with the RMA Concert Band to give some impressive displays. Everyone was impressed with the talent of the young men and women in the Corps of Drums and the way they joined with the RMA Concert Band with little rehearsal time.

Among the solo items Jon Yates performed a superb Post Horn feature and his circular breathing, holding a single note all round the hall, left everyone breathless.

The Royal Marines Museum, Southsea

Hard on the heels of our trip to the Isle of Wight, the following Thursday saw the band using its normal rehearsal evening in the museum's Mountbatten Room to give its first public concert there, a particular delight for all members who have a special affection for Eastney now.

The Mountbatten Room is, of course, relatively small, nevertheless about 150 people turned up for this concert, the maximum allowed for this venue; and by all accounts dozens had to be turned away.

The band played many of the pieces from the CD, and we were delighted with the enthusiastic response these received. Amongst the soloists Jon Yates again stepped forward, but this time with his trumpet, to play his own composition 'Adagio For Trumpet'. Unsurprisingly, he received a special round of applause for his faultless performance. The finale included Wood's 'Brtish Sea Songs' (cue for audience participation) and Elgar's ever popular 'Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1'.

Lancaster House, London

It was an immense privilege to be invited to play at the Corps reception followed the Falklands 25 commemoration event on Horse Guards Parade on 17^th June. The venue was the imposing Lancaster House, the nearest house adjacent to Buckingham Palace, and here 900 former Royal Marines Falklands veterans and their families gathered for this key reunion.

It was a bright, warm evening and the band was delighted to play a selection of favourites on the terrace overlooking the gardens and the Mall as the guests sipped their drinks and renewed old acquaintances. We all had that special sense of occasion that evening even though we were only providing 'musical wallpaper', and to be present that day for this significant Corps event provided for many a lasting memory. Special thanks go to the Corps Secretariat for organising this reception so magnificently.

Bohunt School, Liphook

Another Sunday concert, this time at the Bohunt School, Liphook on 29^th July. A capacity audience enjoyed the evening with much flag waving and a standing ovation at the end.

The concert was organised by a local group called the ‘Out and About Social Club’, and the staff at Bohunt School were very cooperative in providing excellent stage and lighting facilities. We greatly enjoyed this first visit to Liphook.

Ferneham Hall, Fareham

With the seats almost sold out this was a very successful concert at all levels. Ferneham Hall has a good feel about it and it is well equipped with sound and lighting. The skill of the theatre staff and the excellent playing by the band members served to provide a great afternoon’s entertainment, and we received many complimentary remarks from members of the audience.

Special instrumental features included ‘Bell A’Peal’, played by the trumpet section led by Jon Yates, ‘Clarinet Cascade’, featuring the clarinet section led by Malcolm Kennard, and a rendition of ‘Gee Whizz’ on the xylophone by Derek Vickers had the audience laughing and applauding his talent.

At all concerts sales of our CD have been going well and those who have heard it appear to be very pleased with the result. All of which is a credit to the talent and dedication of the RMA Concert Band members, and especially to Jimmy Mann, the band's librarian, who
has been masterminding the sales side.