Milnrow Band Christmas Concert

Rachel Squibbs, trombone, received the Bailey Cup as Most Improved Player - Milnrow Band

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The annual Milnrow Band Christmas Concert, in aid of band funds, treated a capacity audience at the cricket club to a well chosen and well received programme consisting solely of festive music.

Under the direction of MD Mark Bentham, the band departed from the standard brass band concert format of a march and overture to open, to the delight of those present.

The band opened up with the fast moving 'Troika'. Based on the fourth movement of 'Lieutenant Kije' by the Russian composer Prokofiev, the listener can imagine the troika, (a sleigh drawn by three horses) racing across the snow covered Russian steppes.

The audience was in good singing voice with 'A Christmas Festival', which included 'Jingle Bells' and 'Oh Come All Ye Faithful'.

'The Christmas Song' featured next - probably better known as 'Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire' this favourite has been recorded by Nat King Cole, Christina Aguilera (1995) and Justin Bieber (2012), amongst others, and who could resist joining in with the lyrics of the Slade hit 'Merry Christmas Everybody' from their 1995 album 'Crackers'(Christmas Party Album).

'Away In A Manger' was followed by a selection from 'Christmas Swingalong',
which included 'Winter Wonderland', 'My Two Front Teeth' and 'Have Yourself A Merry Christmas'.

'Stop The Cavalry', written and recorded by John Lewie was released in 1980. The lyrics of this item reflect the futility of war and the desire to be home for Christmas.
'Snowman' (Walking in the Air) and 'Jingle Bells' took the programme to the interval.

During the break, members of the band invited the audience to join them in wishing kit drummer James Kershaw a happy 21st birthday,

It was announced with much regret that Mike Thewlis (solo baritone) had decided to retire from playing to spend more time with his family. Mike has been a king pin of Milnrow Band for 20 years and all concerned wished him well for the future; he was presented with a suitable gift for the occasion

Musical Director Mark Bentham made awards to three band members for services over the past year.

Mike Thewlis was awarded 'Bandsman of the Year'.

Rachel Squibbs (trombone) received the Bailey Cup as 'Most Improved Player', and Mick Morris (solo euphonium) was voted 'Player of the Year'.

The music ontinued with 'Santa Claustrophobia', and then 'Let it Go' from Frozen, in which Natalie Beer (flugel) and Rachel Squibbs (trombone) featured..

The Christmas atmosphere was well and truly alive at this point and everyone joined in with actions and voice to 'Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer', '12 Days Of Christmas', 'Sleigh Ride', 'White Christmas' and the swinging and swaying finale of the German 'Snow (Shnee) Waltzer'.

Ken Watts. Band President said: “After such a pleasing couple of hours of festive entertainment, it was inevitable that the standing ovation accorded to the band would result in a curtain call item, which was 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas' - yet another crowd pleaser.

“This annual cricket club concert is certainly a highlight for Milnrow Band and probably for the cricket club and certainly warrants what people were heard commenting about it as 'this is where Christmas begins'.

“Milnrow Band members, officials and committee wish to express thanks to Milnrow Cricket Club, officials, committee and staff and also to Milnrow Workmen's Club officials and members for their continued support over the years.

“Thank you to all of our supporters, we are very grateful and as your local village championship section band we will continue in our endeavours to keep Milnrow on the map.

“Here's wishing everyone seasons greetings and all the best for 2017.”