Joint Concert in Bristol

When two corps bands from Bristol – Bristol Easton (Bandmaster Nathan Cole) and Staple Hill (Bandmaster Nathan James) came together to present a joint concert, an archived program was introduced which recorded details of the last occasion the bands had shared a platform – in 1959!

The first section of the evening was presented by the guest band, Staple Hill. Bandmaster James chose as the main item To the Chief Musician (William Himes). Two solo items were included, So Glad played by Chris Painter (flügelhorn) and the beautiful melody Donegal Bay played by Philip James (euphonium). Philip James also sang the vocal solo We Are the Reason.

Bristol Easton Band commenced their portion of the program with Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance No. 7. This was followed by the trombone solo The Guardian presented by Andrew Newell and Mozart’s The Queen of the Night’s Aria played by James Bryant (tenor horn).

The two bands united for the second half of the concert. Specially adapted versions of Glory Be and Swedish Folk Song were used by the combined euphonium sections to excellent effect. Present at the concert was euphonium soloist and deputy bandmaster of the International Staff Band Derick Kane, who joined in these items. The evening concluded with the massed bands performing Celebration of Contemporary Gospel Song (William Himes).