Friday 12 December 2008

Smashing...

...is the only word to describe the concert given by the Portsmouth Royal Marine Band at the Southampton Guildhall on Monday night.

The Concert, given in aid of Seafarers UK, the Royal Naval, Royal Marine, Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet charity, was a gorgeous riot of musical colour, encapsulating melodic genres from new takes on traditional Christmas Carols through the music from Lional Bart's 'Oliver!' and Klaus Badelt's 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' to Riverdance (fast, fun, fantastic) and just about everything in between!

Lieutenant Colonal C J Davis OBE, Commandant of the Royal Marine School of Music and Principal Director of Music for the Royal Marines, shortly to retire after more than thirty years in the Marines and giving his last public performance as both Conductor and Player, was clearly enjoying himself.  His conducting style, featuring as it did a bouncing rhythm which must surely keep him fit, was a joy to watch.  His clear enthusiasm was infectious and both the Band members and the audience were very soon carried off on a wave of sound and showmanship the like of which the Guildhall will be hard put to follow.

In all, a wonderful night.

Monday 8 December 2008

Just for Fun!


This was emailed to me by a friend in Brussels.  It made me laugh so I thought I would share it with you.  Double click on the image to read it.  Enjoy!