iancwilx
Well-Known Member
My most terrifying banding experience was in 1962 - I was a young 15 year old EEb Bass with Leeds Model Band and we had to play Eric Leidzens "Sinfonietta for Brass Band" in the Grand Shield in the Kings Hall at Belle Vue Manchester
The 2nd Movement has a 16 bar EEb Bass Solo going to a top Ab with "Turn" just before it - I practised for weeks beforehand.
The dreaded day came - we walked onto that intimidating "Boxing Ring" stage - Peter Kitson brought down his Baton for the opening bars - I thought "How the H**l can I get off this stage - the Solo drew nearer and nearer - suddenly I had 4 bars rest (!) before my entry - Peter looked at me - I started the Solo - it started OK - I led up to the Ab and the "Turn" it was ok - suddenly - it was a piece of cake !! - I even "Milked" the last 4 bars(!) - The feeling of relief was tremendous.
When I graduated to Senior Banding, Solo's were always nerve wracking, but I always got through, though I must admit I was never seriously challenged !!
The 2nd Movement has a 16 bar EEb Bass Solo going to a top Ab with "Turn" just before it - I practised for weeks beforehand.
The dreaded day came - we walked onto that intimidating "Boxing Ring" stage - Peter Kitson brought down his Baton for the opening bars - I thought "How the H**l can I get off this stage - the Solo drew nearer and nearer - suddenly I had 4 bars rest (!) before my entry - Peter looked at me - I started the Solo - it started OK - I led up to the Ab and the "Turn" it was ok - suddenly - it was a piece of cake !! - I even "Milked" the last 4 bars(!) - The feeling of relief was tremendous.
When I graduated to Senior Banding, Solo's were always nerve wracking, but I always got through, though I must admit I was never seriously challenged !!