Castle School Concert Success
On Tuesday evening, Phoenix were invited to play at Castle School in Taunton by the pupils of 10G1 form in aid of the SoapBox Trust who raise money for projects in Africa. Castle School have been very supportive of the band in recent years, allowing us the use of school rooms for rehearsals, so it was a pleasure that the band could give something back.
The evening was organised and run by Natalie Deason-Barrow and Holly Ashford, both pupils from 10G1 form group. In addition to asking the band to perform, they publicised the concert, organised the tickets and a raffle, baked cakes and prepared a bar for interval refreshments. In addition to Phoenix playing, Sandra Sutton conducted the brilliant Castle School Barbershop Group who sang a couple of numbers.
This concert was the first of the year for Phoenix, with Gordon and Kay (both on cornet) and Dan (percussion) playing for the first time ever with Phoenix, and Jonathon and Becky (both cornet) returning to the band having been away for a few years. The first half of the concert programme was a light hearted selection of music from television, film and popular hits, which included solos by Bev Dean (tenor horn), John Woods (euphonium), and a trombone trio, which feaured Castle Schools own "Mrs Lisset" on bass trombone (along with Dave Bulgin and David Bell).
The second half of the concert started in similar light hearted fashion, but soon the flags were out and the band welcomed on stage science teacher and part time Soprano soloist, Emma Helliar, who lead the singing of the Last Night of the Proms numbers.
The concert was a success and raised £330 for the SoapBox Trust. Congratulations to Natalie, Holly and all the teachers and pupils who helped organise the evening.
Released On 1st Feb 2009
