Royal Marines Association
Concert Band www.rmacb.org.uk
NEW S LETTER
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S U M M ER 2014
THE MAGIC OF MALTA To celebrate the Corps’ 350th anniversary we decided to treat ourselves to a working holiday in the Mediterranean. This was paid for entirely by band members. We chose Malta, an island famed for its many bands – every town and village has one, sometimes two or three! Band Committee member Lara Jelliff reports: Sunday 25th May Despite the early start on a bank holiday Sunday, I and the second half of the RMA band travelled out to meet their fellow musicians, families and supporters who had left for Malta three days earlier. Once landed the coach trip to the Kennedy Nova hotel in Gzira (Sleima) and a rapid unload revived many a memory of previous visits to Malta – this time the coach suspension eased the bumpiness a little but nonetheless, no-one concluded that a visit to the local travelling fair would be needed – the rapid swerves and sharp undulations and potholes of the road providing optimum surprise and excitement! Almost immediately, the weary and bleary-eyed travellers were invited to join the somewhat more refreshed first group to set off for an outdoor concert in Tarxien. And yet, as soon as we arrived the welcome of a spectacular bandstand complete with gold-leaf decorations, the presence of the President of the Republic herself (Dr Marie Louise Coleiro Preca) and the warmth and enthusiasm of the audience left us instantly revived. David Cole launched us straight into our own spectacular James Bond selection and there followed
over 90 minutes of tireless and spirited playing from everyone. Even shingles couldn’t hold back Rodney Preston – well done Rodney for your amazing resilience! What could top the day but three birthdays celebrated (many happy returns Sian, Bob and Dave), a reception prepared for us by our hosts in their band club followed by a nightcap session at the rooftop bar of our hotel. Monday 26th May 2014 What a great night’s sleep: plus a welcome start to the day with a wide range of breakfast options and a waiter with the uncanny efficiency and enthusiasm of Basil Fawlty! I think I just had time to finish everything before my plates were cleared! Next a morning set for exploring. Turning left from the hotel offered an amazing coastal route through Sliema – landscape and architecture by the water quite unique to my eyes – a veritable photographer’s paradise, and I’m not one really but could barely stop snapping everywhere I looked, for the breath-taking sights I saw. Keep on walking and you reach fort Tierné – it just gets better and better – you can walk down to the water’s edge with the waves lapping over the rocks and the famous façades of Valletta just up in front. On the way back via a mix of familiar and local holiday-style outlets you meet many familiar faces: fellow musicians, friends and family enjoying the sunshine in one of the many cafés and bars, and taking in the heat and sights. PM : take some time out to relax
Left: Tarxien: our concert for the President of the Republic’s visit to the town. Below: Zurrieq: one of the more elaborate Maltese concert bandstands – specially erected for our visit.
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Steve Tanner solos in the James Bond 007 piece – St Gabriel’s Band Club, Hal Balzan.
by the pool – everyone had the same idea – some quick to enter the first chilling then pleasantly cooling waters of the rooftop pool, others sliding slowly in and a few entering with some gentle persuasion. In the evening our next outdoor concert was in Hal Balzan for the St Gabriel Band Club. This time quite an intimate feel to the venue, the band taking centre stage in front of a warm and eager audience of perhaps about 400. Re-shuffling our programme to open with a march followed by our Beatles’ Medley we had the audience captivated and singing along from this point. Other highlights – the composer himself was invited to conduct the band in his very own Maltese composition, Virgo, and following a presentation by Major Paddy to the band club President, fireworks and streamers were let off to accompany our final pieces in spectacular fashion. Afterwards, plentiful beer on tap as well as pizzas and traditional Maltese open sandwiches; we’re all now looking forward to our return on Wednesday for the pasta night! Tuesday 27th May As I re-energize myself with another hearty breakfast I see a number of our band suffering a little this morning – I must have missed a long rooftop party last night and that sun has taken its toll on a few bodies too! Next a good bracing walk – out of the hotel, turn right this time along the promenade in Gzira, through the park and around the harbour and marina at Ta’Xbiex where the boats and sea-vessels of the great and mighty of Malta are moored. Continue on in the direction of Valletta and a roundabout collision provides a little entertainment – just a snapshot of the fairly haphazard free-for-all feel of the roads here! Nearly at Valletta, a good few miles from the hotel now, it seems to make sense to catch a bus up the final hill to leave a little time and energy for exploring. St John’s Cathedral is truly magnificent – the paintings of Caravaggio so exquisite – a real place of serenity and spirituality. This evening we head for Zeitun – a concert for the Beland Band Club – established over 150 years ago. PAGE 2
Jon Yates solos Burt Bacharach’s This Guy’s in Love with You – Beland Band Club, Zeitun.
A little lower key this time; a smaller audience and close to quite a noisy road but never to be deterred we cannot but fail to entertain – the professionalism of our soloists – Jon, Paul, Elaine, Steve, Malcolm and Dave providing some fitting highlights. Quite a synchronised band for the Hootenanny finale too with sections rising and sitting at varied intervals throughout the piece! Tonight a nightcap on the rooftop terrace – amongst the range of drinks on offer some tasty Kahlua: I wonder why it has to come in such tiny glasses! The view from the hotel rooftop bar, Gzira.
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Panorama of Mosta. Photo: Balázs Sudár.
Wednesday 28th May Up a little earlier in preparation for the half day tour provided for us by the Malta Authority of Tourism. Our efficient Maltese guide provided plentiful information about the history and culture en route and at every stop. First the grand cathedral in Mosta complete with a replica of the unexploded bomb which was dropped through the dome during the war without exploding: Derek was so captivated the coach left without him! Next a glassblowing demonstration at Ta’ Qali and time to pick up some of those famous Valletta glass souvenirs. Finally a tour on foot of Mdina, ‘the silent city’; but it didn’t seem so silent today as clearly it’s quite a tourist hotspot. However, great atmosphere in the narrow streets and typical stone architecture rising to a vast panoramic view from the ramparts. Most of us then indulged in a cuppa accompanied by a delicious cake, pastry or sandwich. No playing this evening: instead a pasta night back at Hal Balzan. Indeed our hosts at the St Gabriel Band Club really did us proud. A three course meal with traditional Maltese snacks for starters – biscuits with bean paste, olives, goats’ cheese, tomato bread and Maltese sausage. Next, three varieties of pasta – rude not to try them all – and creamy date pastries to finish, all washed down with plentiful wine. Indeed nothing was too much trouble – alternative meals for those with special dietary needs, a film show featuring highlights from the local festival and specially selected excerpts from our concert – some clips even ran in slow motion, so now we know the full effects of slow motion timp, trombone and soprano sax playing! Hmmmm! A singer was also in fine form entertaining us and getting a good few up on to the dance floor to entertain us too. To the St Gabriel Band Club, quite definitely ‘Sahha’ from every one of us. Thursday 29th May I, like many this week, took a 90 minute mini-cruise of the harbour – leaving from just opposite the hotel and taking in all the history from another perspective. Then in the afternoon, by special invitation, an audience with the President herself at her Summer residence. As the first non-service band to receive such an invitation RMA CONCERT BAND NEWSLETTER 16
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Pasta night – St Gabriel Band Club, Hal Balzan.
The Band and their families had the honour of an audience with the President at her summer palace in San Anton. PAGE 3
the occasion was clearly quite momentous – a special introductory speech by band president Sir Jock Slater following which he presented the President with one of our crests. The President welcomed every one of us with a warm shake of the hand and a kiss for each of the children – Elliott, Annie and Edward Kingshott and Mick Blandford too, of course! Afterwards we had a little time to relax and make a
private, very well-deserved presentation for our own Andy Wood, without whom none of this could have happened, before an evening playing by the pool at the Corinthia Palace Hotel for their ‘Sparkling Summer Launch Party’ in front of a very exclusive audience of invited guests raising money for ‘Beyond the Moon’ – an international charity benefitting seriously ill children and their families.
Left and below: the poolside charity concert at the Corinthia Palace Hotel. Right and below: at the Victoria Band Club, Zurrieq.
Above: Opera House, Valletta: a duo of horns on the Post Horn Gallop, before Jon Yates goes walkabout, demonstrating his circular breathing technique: Paul Coker solos Alfie. Right: the Opera House Finale, David Cole with WO1 Jonathan Borg and Senior Inspector Anthony Cassar. Below: Opera House, Valletta: massed bands concert with the Armed Forces of Malta Band and the Pipes and Drums of the Malta Police Band, Senior Inspector Anthony Cassar conducting.
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Friday 30th May In the evening a concert in Zurrieq. On arrival the local cake shop nearly sold out as many players stockedup before the gig. Then to the band club itself – and what a band club – the Queen Victoria Band Club is a veritable museum: marbled floors, gilt bejewelled hangings and chandeliers, a mastery of art work and drapes inspired by the Vatican. A photo call and then an outdoor concert on a predictably luxuriant band stand. Though somewhat blowy and a little cool we were in fine form again – audience winners such as The River Kwai March and the Beatles’ Echoes of an Era selection appealing to all tastes! Afterwards a reception right up on the roof overlooking the town at night. Saturday 31st May 2014 Our last full day in Malta and for me a return trip to Valletta to soak up the sun and sights but this time crossing by boat! If I felt relaxed, wandering around the shops and watching two cats wait patiently on the quayside as dinner was caught for each in turn, behind the scenes there was much activity to ensure the evening’s combined concert at the Opera House in Valletta would run smoothly and successfully. Once we had overcome the logistics of establishing how the stage could be set to accommodate us alongside the Armed Forces of Malta Band, leaving space in front of the stage for the pipers of the Police Band then the rehearsal seemed to run like clockwork – generally topping and tailing to leave the real highlights for the evening. Taking it in turns with the Armed Forces of Malta Band to play, both bands offered quality yet contrast – the Maltese band providing a somewhat different balance of sound having substituted flutes, piccolos and double reed instruments for more clarinets who were led by a confident and highly competent E clarinet player. There followed even greater contrast for our joint pieces. Jon Yates both astonished and entertained everyone with his post horn, leaving his Maltese counterpart on stage to watch in awe as he circumnavigated the audience with his circular breathing demonstration. Highland Cathedral provided a real tour de force as the bands accompanied the line of Police Band pipers and drummers, and yet further joint pieces followed. Some, like the Maltese folk song selection, were perfect for this concert; others, such as the blues march, perhaps played just for this occasion. A presentation by Sir Jock to the two Maltese directors of music plus regimental marches and anthems to finish. Without doubt a fitting climax was truly achieved. And so on to a final night together back on the roof top of our hotel to relive the experiences of the week once more and again had the poor barman predictably rushed off his feet. And though we need to be up, dressed and packed well before six the next morning, for many finishing the night early couldn’t possibly be an option. RMA CONCERT BAND NEWSLETTER 16
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BACK ON HOME GROUND ... Westminster Hall, 4th June
Scarcely having time to draw breath we hastened back to UK from Malta in time to catch our next commitment, probably one of our most important engagements of the entire year. We were most honoured to have been invited to play in Westminster Hall at the Corps Reception which followed the Massed Bands’ magnificent Beating Retreat display on Horse Guards Parade. Sadly that day David Cole was unable to be with us as he was otherwise occupied at another important event in Windsor Castle! However, we were most fortunate to secure the services of former Principal Director of Music Lt Col Chris Davis who clearly relished the invitation to return to Royal Marines music at a major Corps event, and of course we were equally delighted to see him and to be directed by him that evening. The evening began with a specially composed fanfare by David Cole for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh titled Diamond Jubilee written as a special tribute to mark his 60 years as Captain General Royal Marines. The band played this magnificent work as HRH entered Westminster Hall with the Commandant General timing it to perfection so that they reached the steps of the hall, where the band was positioned, as the last chord was sounded. Band President Admiral Sir Jock Slater then presented HRH with a leather bound copy of the score. The evening continued with music and merriment the band competing valiantly with somewhat interesting acoustics in the hall which had been built in 1099 to host great state occasions, clearly well before any consideration had been given to the playing of music there! Nevertheless the occasion was both enjoyable and, from every point of view in this the Corps’ 350th anniversary year, hugely momentous.
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A Significant Award The band started 2014 on a high note with the announcement that Principal Trumpet, Jon Yates, had been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s honours list, for services to the band. It goes without saying that we are all absolutely delighted for Jon whose continuous hard work and dedication to the band in addition to his widely recognised expertise as a world class musician and instrumentalist, has now formally been recognised. This is a richly deserved award for a career devoted to the Band Service and wider Corps family that spans more than fifty years. In fact the new year provided a double celebration for Jon and his wife Wendy, a RMACB member too, as it also marked the birth of their first grandchild, Isabella, born just before Christmas. Could there possibly be a better way to start the year, particularly the Corps’ 350th anniversary? Jon Yates BEM – and granddaughter Isabella.
Round the gigs On another note there is more good news to report from the start of the year: the hard work of rehearsals was marvellously later rewarded by the achievement of sellout audiences at our first three concerts. Lara Jelliff, summarises:
Worthing A relentlessly energetic showcase concert greeted the sell-out audience at the Assembly Hall on Sunday 2nd February. Under the baton of Bd Sgt David ‘Grandad’ Johnson who was deputising for David Cole, the band showed impressive versatility through spirited performances of symphonic band masterpieces such as Suppé’s Poet and Peasant overture, Friedemann’s Slavonic Rhapsody No 2 and the 2nd Suite for Military Band in F by Holst. Intermingled with this were arrangements from stage and screen – Anything Goes and Puttin’ on the Ritz – and several unmissable solo items which contrasted the elegance and control of Elaine Coker’s oboe playing in David Johnson’s own arrangement of Caccini’s Ave Maria, with the suave sophistication of the trumpet of Jon Yates in Bacharach’s This Guy’s in Love with You. PAGE 6
The vocal items performed by the highly successful Portsmouth Military Wives Choir under the direction of newly promoted Lieutenant Sam Hairsine RM were an added delight in a concert which, towards the end of the second half and in its finale, combined tradition with nostalgia and humour. A side-splitting rendition of The Whistler and His Dog and an encore of Radetzky March when even the band burst into song, leaves a note or two of anticipation for what would follow at its next concert.
Hedge End Another sell-out audience welcomed the band to the intimate yet acoustically pleasing Berry Theatre. Following the success of his debut with the band in Worthing earlier in the month, Bd Sgt David Johnson once again took the baton. Energetic musical precision was achieved through the Light Cavalry Overture but elegantly contrasted by the serene beauty of the popular Welsh tune All Through the Night. Next, the Big Band Spectacular arranged by Mac McDermott aptly provided a showcase for soloists and solo sections across the band. Regular soloists Jon Yates and Elaine Coker, and Steve Tanner on piccolo, featured in their own right and this time were joined by Ian Thomas (tenor saxophone). Producing the perfect tone quality to create the air of mystery and surprise demanded from the Pink Panther theme, Ian was joined by a larger than life Pink Panther on stage and the surprise appearance of Inspector Clouseau, darting amongst the audience. This and David Johnson’s now trademark finale combining drama and tradition with a little humour and audience participation.
Yeovil For this concert David Cole returned to the rostrum. Bringing his inimitable energy to the stage, the audience was transported back in part to a period of wartime nostalgia through the aptly chosen march Take Me Back to Dear Old Blighty and shortly after, a medley of First World War songs from the trenches. As well as the popular return of regular band soloists Jon Yates, Elaine Coker and Ian Thomas, we had the pleasure of welcoming on stage the recently formed Yeovilton Military Wives Choir, who introduced and performed two generous sets. In the second half David brought plenty to keep the audience busy too - coaxing the capacity hall through the requisite whistling part in the River Kwai March and choosing the time-honoured tribute to the Beatles’ Echoes of an Era for his finale.
Billingsgate, London The band provided the entertainment throughout the RMA Reception which was attended by some 800 RMA members and their guests. This reception followed the ‘Graspan Parade’ at the Royal Marines National RMA CONCERT BAND NEWSLETTER 16
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Memorial in the Mall. Remarkably the acoustics in Billingsgate were pretty good with a good balance to allow our music to act as an effective backdrop to normal level conversation throughout the hall. Full marks to the RMA organisers of this event: everything was perfect from the moment we arrived from Portsmouth, and all the band›s needs were met without fuss or bother by the organisers and serving staff. We were also extremely well fed and watered! Special thanks to John Hill who directed the band that day most ably and professionally, deputising for David Cole who was committed elsewhere.
Small Ensembles The Dance Band played at the Mayor of Fareham’s ball on 4th April 2014. ‘We were absolutely delighted
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with the Royal Marines Association Dance Band and received many favourable comments such as “The best ever!” ’ wrote Councillor Mrs Susan Bayford, Mayor of Fareham, afterwards. Similarly, also in April the RMA String Quartet led by Rodney Preston played for a large corporate event at the Mary Rose museum in Portsmouth: ‘The string quartet were fabulous. They fitted perfectly with our awards evening and looked and sounded fantastic. Excellent!’ said Jennine Dunne of Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems. Clockwise from left: Lt Sam Hairsine RM conducts the band and choir at Worthing; Relaxing at Hedge End, Steve Tanner, Lara Jelliff, Linda Tellick and Michael Rice (Photo: Keith Tellick); The Yeovilton Military Wives Choir at Yeovil; the RMA Reception at Billingsgate, 18 May; The RMA Dance Band in action.
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Follow the RMA Concert Band: second half of 2014 For further details please also see our website at www.rmacb.org.uk
Date Time Venue Saturday 2nd August 11.00 am Worcester Cathedral – the Three Choirs Festival with Innsworth Military Wives Choir
Box Office
Thursday 18th September 7.30 pm Southsea, Royal Marines Museum
02392 819385
Sunday 28th September
01304 210600
3.00 pm Margate, Winter Gardens
01905 732900
Thursday 2nd October 7.30 pm Winchester Cathedral with Portsmouth Military Wives Choir
01962 857200
Tuesday 21st October 7.30 pm Mayfield, St Dunstan’s Church with Portsmouth Military Wives Choir
01435 873484
Sunday 26th October 3.00 pm Chelmsford, Civic Theatre with Colchester Military Wives Choir
01245 606505
Saturday 6th December 7.30 pm Southampton, Central Hall 02380 237700 Joint Christmas Concert with Southampton Choral Society Saturday 13th December 7.30 pm Woking, H G Wells Centre Joint Christmas Concert with the Epworth Choir
01483 712710
Sunday 14th December 7.30 pm Portsmouth, Guildhall Joint Christmas Concert with the Milton Glee Choir
02392 824355
Desert Island Discs: Castaway No.3, Laurie Loveless (RMB3673) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, ‘Pathetique’ Tony Bennett: I left My Heart in San Francisco Jack Jones: Lollipops and Roses Mendelsshohn: Violin Concerto (played by Igor Oistrach) Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2 Barry Manilow: Even Now Sammy Davis Junior: Song and Dance Man Tony Hadley: There Must Be a Way
WEBSITES The new RMA Concert Band website Visit the new RMA Concert Band website at www.rmacb.org.uk.
The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund An RM Charity run by Royal Marines for Royal Marines particularly those seriously wounded on current operations in Afghanistan. It aims to raise £6M by 28th October 2014 to ensure proper support can be provided to them and their beneficiaries in the short, medium and long term. Visit their website at www.rmctf.org.uk.
The Royal Marines Museum Home to the RMA Concert Band – and the world’s finest band room! www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk PAGE 8
“At heart I’m a hopeless romantic...”
The RMA Concert Band Newsletter is published occasionally for friends and sponsors of the Band by RMA Concert Band, Building 32, Whale Island, Portsmouth, Hants PO2 8ER. Tel: 02392 651519 www.rmacb.org.uk Email:
[email protected]. News and views for inclusion may be sent to The Editor, RMA Concert Band Newsletter, at the above address.
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