The ten piece ensemble once again managed to find time for another whistle-stop tripto Mainz, Germany to take part in their Christmas Festival. All those traveling got to the airport in good time, checked in and grabbed a bite and drink ready for the journey to then find out the flight had been delayed by 1 hour. What do bandsmen do to kill time? Find a bar of course !!!
Whilst all were having a quiet drink a casual question was sounded 'has everyone remembered their uniform? A very coy Mat quietly admitted he didn't think he would need his! and then tried to blame the rest of the band's percussion section !! For some reason Matt was reminded quite often of his mistake!!
The ensemble eventually flew out from Birmingham on Friday, were greeted
at Frankfurt airport by our host and then whisked off to the hotel to have a
quick change and grab their equipment for the evening concert.
The concert kicked off at 19.15 and within a few minutes the ensemble were
called to the stage to set up and then frighten the audience with 'Malaguena'
and it wasn't long before they were back on stage playing a few more
traditional pieces in the form of Strike Up The Band, Troika and Breezin
down Broadway.
In the second half of the evening the ensemble launched themselves into a
Christmas programme with Joy - a blues style version of Joy to the World
starting with just Matt & Colin on stage and later joined by the rest of the
ensemble. Graham (Jacko) soon had the German audience clapping and swinging along with the beat and thoroughly enjoying every minute of the performance. The Christmas programme included light items such as Christmas Capers, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, The Wonder of Christmas and Gaudette. The swinging style of the programme seemed to go down very well indeed.
The programme was brought to a close with that old favourite Jingle Bells and the ensemble were treated to a standing ovation from the appeciative audience. Tour organiser Harald Schmidt then introduced every member of the ensemble. The whole evening was rounded off by three verses of 'Silent Night' with choir and audience, all in German of course, and accompanied by the ensemble.
After the concert the ensemble were picked up by taxis and taken to the hotel to find that the bar had closed at 23.00h!!!! This did not go down very well so the only action to take was for three members to visit the nearest place (a garage) selling booze and grub! The hotel receptionist gave us the O.K. to consume the goods in the entrance lounge area which after a while proved to be a mistake, according to the hotel manager!!! This session proved to be one of the highlights of the trip!! Luckily, the ensemble didn't have to get up too early for breakfast (on Saturday) but there was still one person who didn't make it. Don't tell anyone who it was but she plays horn!!!!!!
The ensemble left the hotel at 11.00 so that they could spend some time at the Christmas Market before performing at the same venue in the afternoon. The hall was packed and once again after opening with Strike Up The Band, Gypsy Dream (from Call of the Cossacks) and Breezin down Broadway, in the first half, followed by Joy, Christmas At Last, Shepherd's Farewell, Troika and then finishing with Jingle Bells, the ensemble was received with standing ovations at the end.
The afternoon's work was done and then it was time for the evenings work a private party in the Town Hall for the Festival organisers. The ensemble entertained the guests playing traditional pieces including a request from Harald for Ruth to play a flugel solo. Ruth chose Doyle's Lament from Call of the Cossacks. After a successful evening the ensemble arrived back at the hotel. and decided to repeat the activities of Friday night (surprise surprise!) but thought it wise (for the Managers sake) that they should use someone's room. Everyone made breakfast after a few hours' kip and at 8.45 the ensemble were off to their next concert venue. The concert was well attended and once again the ensemble did the bizz, until the final combined piece. In line with tradition Silent Night was chosen to finishthe concert. Picture the scene. All performers on stage, everyone ready, the hall silent, the ensemble starts the intro with soprano Dai playing off a Bb cornet part and forgetting to transpose!!! Why did it take one and a half bars for Dai to realise he was playing in the wrong key???? Did the night before have anything to do with it?
Mat was pleased; the Mickey taking was now transferred to Dai!!! (It may take about 30 years for Dai to live this one down)
After a couple of hours to look around the Christmas market the ensemble were treated to a meal at Haralds favourite Greek restaurant, Harald once again thanked the ensemble for all its hard work and excellent playing. Graham Johnson (Band Manager) then presented gifts (Derwent Crystal) to Ruth (our guide) and Harald & Barbara as a thank you for inviting the Derwent Brass Ensemble.
A well-worn and tired ensemble arrived back in Birmingham Sunday night after a thoroughly enjoyable trip. Although hectic and tiring, the ensemble had a wonderful time. The excellent performances produced by the ensemble were very well received and it is to be hoped we have been ambassadors for the Midlands and Derwent Brass"
