BAND SPREADS SEASONAL CHEER

Rushcliffe-based Nottingham Concert Band spread its own brand of seasonal cheer during the build-up to Christmas, with three concerts around the county. Under conductor and music director Robert Parker, who even led the community singing at one point, the band took to the stage in Newark’s market place to help entertain shoppers at the invitation of Newark Town Council.
The performance relayed via a giant screen for those unable to get close enough to the stage. This was followed by a musical celebration of Christmas in St Peter’s Church, Ruddington, during which the 60-strong band was joined by Ruddington & District Choral Society. All proceeds from the packed event were donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.
The band’s final Christmas commitment was to entertain residents and guests at Lark Hill retirement village in Clifton, when an enthusiastic full house enjoyed such seasonal delights as a jazzed-up Jingle Bells, a rousing version of Rudolf the red-Nosed Reindeer, a sensitive new interpretation of the Coventry Carol and a Christmas Swingalong medley of old-time favourites. The players clearly relished the concert as much as the audience, who were encouraged to participate by energetic compere Ashley Parnell.
For details about Nottingham Concert Band telephone 0115 925 5652. You can also send an email to chairman@nottinghamconcertband.org or visit www.nottinghamconcertband.org.