Phoenix Members Accompany BCB to Denmark
Members of Phoenix Brass recently had the opportunity to accompany Bournemouth Concert Brass (BCB) on a trip to Sonderborg, Denmark. The Phoenix contingent was made up of John Woods, Phillip Chidgey, Emma Sanders, Dave Coles and our past MD Paul Slator. Our current MD was also on the trip as he is a full time member of BCB himself. Below is a report of the weekend written by John Woods.
The town of Sonderborg hosts the annual Ring Rider festival (Ringriderfesten) over 4 days and now enters its 125thyear. Horses and Riders from a wide area converge on the town for a festival that also includes 2 tattoos, parades from the castle to the festival ground and marches. Interspersed with concerts and music at a variety of locations throughout this pretty island based community.
Major David Barringer MD of Bournemouth Concert Brass has been involved with the event for a number of years, heading up UK military bands for 5 years and as lead Director of Music for the festival over the last 2 years. Planning of the very full programme of events and range of ensembles playing a variety of themed music is a complex affair.
The support for all bands during the events was extremely well planned and co ordinate by the local organising committee and at all times the bands were well looked after with typical Danish hospitality.
We stayed at a local Danish Army Barracks with ideal facilities for a touring band and with superb views of the islands waterfront and a large car park for marching practice.
Other participating bands were:
Sonderborg Pipe & Drums
Danish National Youth Brass Band
Agder Drill corps from Norway,
Danfoss Orchestra
and local Sonderborg Youth band.
Most of the events took place outdoors and included marches and countermarching! This was always going to be a challenge, so sufficient rehearsal time had been factored in for parade ground practice both before we left UK and on arrival. Marcus Gibbons was our superb Drum Major and did an excellent job of preparing us and giving briefings for each performance. Lionel Burdett Bass drum was also an integral member of the percussion section.
Dave Barringer's mantra for the tour was to work hard, concentrate and enjoy ourselves! I think all members lived up to that expectation.
The Bands diary looked liked this:
Thursday
We left Dorset late in the evening and via Calais crossed the English Channel at 2am on a quiet P&O ferry, most of the band then slept and with 2 excellent drivers Tim and Terry no break was needed until Holland. This is where things could have gone horribly wrong, as on leaving Motorway services we were up to cruising speed and just settling down to watch DVD of “Brassed Off” before realising Colin Williams (Bass Trombone) had been left behind!
Friday
Today started with our most significant challenge –a 2.5 km march the majority of which was up-hill and over cobbled streets. Add in the fact that it’s pouring with rain for the duration and that we were following several hundred horses- I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. We looked the part in smart waterproofs but the intensity of the rain resulted in significant music drying exercises later and demands upon tour librarians Bill Willis and David Hatton.
More marching rehearsal and practice for the Tattoo with the other bands. Highland Cathedral Sonderborg March and Amazing Grace pretty familiar by now. The Olympic theme was also captured with Olympic Spirit being played in the Tattoo ground.
Concert outside sponsor bank in town centre Solo’s well delivered by John Starkes on Euph and Dan Shave on Sop in challenging circumstances.
Our 5 piece elite quintet consisting of Bill Willis E flat bass Dan Shave (Cornet) Dave Hatton (Cornet) John Kidby (Horn) & Paul Slator (Trombone) entertained that evening outside local restaurant drawing large crowds as well as the rest of BCB who enjoyed free beer!
Saturday
Short march to Town Square where all bands provided a concert, individual and joint numbers. Marcus Gibbons on Trombone delivered a crowd pleasing rendition of 'Can’t Take my Eyes off You' walking around a fountain which had a naked statue as centrepiece!
Sunday
An early start for the Mayors breakfast. As mentioned earlier the whole event is steeped in tradition and ceremony with ceremonial trumpeters and pipes we marched to mayor’s house and into her large garden. Speeches and presentations took place in glorious sunshine before we marched back again through the streets of a quiet Sonderborg suburb.
Next back to Castle near the harbour, which was backdrop for the parade to congregate in readiness for the march to the festival ground following same route. The uphill route and horse deposit challenges remained, however this time blessed with clear blue skies and temp of 27C!
At the festival ground large crowds enjoying the Ringrider festival and fairground-all bands took part in Tattoo with individual performances and massed finale.
Monday
A Concert in the Town Square again to a receptive local crowd.
Then on to provide entertainment at a Lunch for town dignitaries and their guests. This was Danish hospitality on a grand scale some 2000 seated-BCB formed up to perform Post Horn Gallop and Can’t take your eyes off you from 5 trombonists. Major Barringer conducted from a trestle table top in the centre of this vast tent that ad been equipped with camera and huge multi media screen.
Later that evening the finale took place as the tattoo fell in to darkness. An emotional the day Thou Gavist was delivered by BCB to end the festival. This was followed by a spectacular firework display. The whole town then went into party mode-band included.
Tuesday
8am saw Coach loaded we started the long journey back to Calais arriving back in Bournemouth early hours of Wednesday.
A great opportunity for BCB to show what British Brass bands are capable off-the organisers knew our experience at tattoos was limited –they expected a very high standard of performance and that’s what they got-co ordinate by Major Dave Barringer who put together a musical and visual feast that was recognised by the organiser locals visitors and other participants alike.
Released On 1st Aug 2012
