Loughborough Concert Band

 

December 2016 was a busy month for the band. There were a number of playing opportunities and small groups formed to take advantage of this.

 

December 2nd

 Shepshed  Community Nativity

This lovely event called on reed players to play carols and some Christmas music to a packed church. The spirit of Christmas was evoked in a tale written by a member of the cast.

 

December 10th

 Loughborough Baptist Church,

A flute group and brass group played for the Loughborough Baptist Caroling Christmas event. Both sounded wonderful and very Christmassy!

 

December 10th

Carillon Court

Whole band concert in Loughborough Carillon in aid of Shepshed

 First Responders. They collected a total of £274.60 and felt it was well worth the effort.

 

December 14th

Whiteacres Care Home.

This event was arranged by one of our clarinet players. A small group played Carols and Christmas music for the residents of Whiteacres. The playing was very much appreciated by the audience and homemade mince pies added to the seasonal cheer.

 

December 17th

Carillon Court

A small group of band members played carols for Loughborough Lions whilst they accepted donation from the public.

 

December 19th 

Loughborough Lions dinner at Longcliffe golf club.

A group of band members played carols for the diners to sing to. They were rewarded with chips and chocolate but presumably not together! However the playing at the Carillon and at Longcliffe elicited a very grateful response from the Lions for enhancing their events.

 

December 22nd

Christmas Concert at St Botolph’s Church Shepshed.

Whole band concert with Serenade, St Botolphs Church Shepshed. This annual - and very enjoyable - concert at St Botolphs was held in the presence of Nicky Morgan MP and other local dignitaries. A programme of carols and Christmas music was interspersed by the singing of local choir Serenade. In true St Botolph’s style, there was no admission charge, but audience members were encouraged to pay to leave and this raised £680.

During the evening Ian Wallis presented Dave Coble (Musical Director) with a hamper on behalf of band members in recognition of his hard work and unfailing encouragement.

Such a packed month enabled the band to help raise money for many local charities. It was also lovely to play this music and rewarding to know that people – either sitting in an audience or passing a collecting bucket – felt we were enhancing their Christmas.