The annual Christmas concert was, yet again, an outstanding performance by all. To kick off we heard the Beginners' Band conducted by Audrey Brown. To start the program we had 'High on Blues Meadow'. This is a fabulous way to start the show as the bass section start and then the rest of the band walk on, brilliant! This was followed with a wonderful arrangement of 'Mary's Boy Child', a popular piece for brass bands. 'The Snowman' was next, played beautifully. The Beginners' band has grown a lot this year and has become a large and very progressive band. They continued the entertainment with the carol 'Good King Wenceslas', a cracking little number and very well played. To finish was 'The Can-Can', a piece I remember playing when I was in this band and struggled with. Very well played by all in the Beginners' Band, however. When the band came off stage they were all smiling which can only mean one thing!

Next on to the stage was Concert Band, again conducted by Audrey Brown. Audrey is a very dedicated member of all the bands as she teaches, helps and sometimes shouts! The Concert Band presented us with a collection of pieces from Buddy Holly's history. A long piece but the band flew through it with ease. There were a few claps from the audience when they thought it had finished but the band still had more and performed a great piece very well. Next was a piece by John Rutter, very nicely played by the band and the audience appreciated the passion; a good choice of music for that time of year. The Concert Band has come on leaps and bounds this year. They sadly came 4th in the Malton Contest but this seems to have knocked no-ones confidence. Next came a Disney piece that is always nice to hear and reflect on childhood memories. Although it is not a Christmas piece it went down very well with the audience. To finish we heard 'Merry Christmas Everybody', a great choice for the band, played with real feeling. This is a great arrangement of the classic Slade song, a very moody piece of music. Some lips were put to the test but everyone seemed to manage problem free, WELL DONE.

The second half brought out York's best the Seniors, conducted by Tim Oldroyd. First we had 'Valero', a splendid piece and very entertaining for the crowd. Also a popular piece with the band as everyone enjoys playing it, I know I do! Next we have 'An American Trilogy' by Goff Richards, which we played in this year's Malton Contest. A packed piece, full of ups and downs but again enjoyable. Then 'O Holy Night', a lovely piece played by our solo euphonium player Mike Pratt. This was very interesting with some fun cadenzas. Followed by 'The Christmas Song', a great piece for the festive period, then another solo by our horn player Ann Jackson, beautiful. Festive carols were next to get the audience into the spirit. Followed by the 'Alleluia Chorus'. Mr Dobson, a close relative, said that it was the best arrangement he had heard in a long time. The concert was wrapped up with a joint piece by all the bands. This is always done at Christmas and is a great ways to finish of the banding year.

Thanks Rich!