Saturday May 20th was the date for the Staines Brass Spring Concert. The band, under its talented new MD Gareth Trott, played a descriptive programme to delight the listener. The first half told the story of Gatsby with a swing and blues set featuring the band's fine soloists and a number of arrangements by Gareth written for the set.

Saturday May 20th was the date for the Staines Brass Spring Concert. The band, under its talented new MD Gareth Trott, played a descriptive programme to delight the listener. The first half told the story of Gatsby with a swing and blues set featuring the band's fine soloists and a number of arrangements by Gareth written for the set.

The second half featured 'Windows of the World' by Peter Graham. A musical journey around the globe from the Amazon, through the forest to Africa with the beat of drums returning to the UK with Celtic reprise. Once again, fine soloists lead the band along the way in the more reflective movements.

Special mention goes to the percussion section who underpinned and drove the whole programme and ensured that the audience went home after a truly toe-tapping experience whistling the tunes.

The band also invited along Charlotte Farrugia as a guest soloist. Charlotte plays the harp and treated us to two beautiful solos showing off the versatility of the instrument and her considerable skills.

The band, now back at full strength can be seen throughout the Summer at local events and in the Autumn at the Wychavon Contest where we will perform the Gatsby set led by Gareth and our demon drummer Dave Longman.

The Band Manager, Emma Elliot-Smith said of last night's concert how proud she was at the way the band had come together as a team and how enjoyable the event had been.

Gareth Trott added that he had enjoyed immensely conducting the band and that he felt that we had a real sense of fun, drive, community and ambition going forward.