Advent Calendar XIV

Yesterday was my big concert with Phoenix Concert Band. It was not have the biggest band of my concerts this year, neither did it have the biggest audience. It was not in the most prestigious venue and we were not playing the most ambitious music. So how come it's the "Big One", well, maybe it's because we were playing two of my arrangements, that certainly adds a bit of pressure, but I think it is more that this band has found a special place in my heart, each year we get a little more ambitious, each year we get a little bit better, and each year we get a little bit bigger. At last week's night's we sounded fantastic ~ having three percussionists definitely helps!

It is a very happy and sociable band, the members mix outside of rehearsals and outside of their sections. Last night I was particularly sore with my broken rib, and a very stiff neck. It was lovely how everyone rallied around and helped, I did have a couple of "moments" because of the pain, but the band happily glossed over them. Then today we followed up with a smaller more intimate, performance. Again, the band played well, and again we had a very happy audience.

I should be playing the bass trombone tomorrow, but quite frankly I don't think I could hold it, never mind play it! Then next week I have two performances with Croydon Brass, with Phoenix I feel as though I am adding value, helping the band progress and have lots of plans for the future, with the Brass Band I feel as though I have done everything I can, and anything I do now will be repeating myself. It is rather sad but next Friday (the 20th) will be my final performance with Croydon Brass as M.D.