Bargate Concert - Summer 2008
The final concert of the SGB summer season brought us back to home turf, as the venue was the Bargate in the centre of Southampton. After two wet weekends we were prepared for the weather. We arranged to have the market traders set up some gazebos and even had power throughout the afternoon!
This concert was the bands' best to date. The now familiar concert programme entertained numerous passers by, few could resist pausing for a moment to hum along to a tune, or tap their feet in time with the music. The fact that we are a 'flexible music ensemble' was tested to the limit, as some band members were absent. At one point Leanne Roach was playing from six different pages of music, not an easy task! The band played extremely well together, especially during 'Aladdin', which was a definite crowd pleaser.
The Southampton concert saw the first outing of the big band contingent of SGB. We played a version of 'Hard Days Night', with many band members swapping instruments, showing off their varied musical talents. Gemma Stilwell wowed the audience with her amazing drumstick twirling and Kirsty Williams played an impressive solo in 'Chicago'.
This concert was an excellent end to a successful summer of music. The band now looks forward to rehearsing some new material in preparation for the Christmas concert!
- Kate Bridges
