Bandsman Of The Year – The Cobham Band

Autumn Concert

The band returned to the Menuhin Hall in Cobham for the annual Autumn Concert on November 15th. The theme for the evening was ‘Big Band’ and featured the some of the music of Glenn Miller.

Music played included American Patrol, Pennsyvania 65000, Tuxedo Junction and In The Mood. Soloists included Ben Lewis on trombone playing Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Simon Larter-Evans on cornet playing Sugar Blues and I Know Why (and So do You).

In the second half our conductor Glenn Hayter came on stage wearing military uniform identical to the type that Glenn Miller would have worn in the 1940s.

The bandsman of the year award was presented to Brian Haynes. Brian joined the band around 50 years ago and has attended almost every rehearsal and engagement since!

On stage were the cups and certificates the band has gained over the year as well as the bandsman of the year award.

Autumn Concert 2013

The band returned to the Menuhin Hall in Cobham for the annual Autumn Concert on the 16th of November, led by new Musical Director Glenn Hayter. The event started with Tannhauser (march) and included Singing In The Rain (musical), Viennese Nights (waltz) and Sinatra In Concert (selection).

The guest soloist for the evening was Gareth Bimson on trumpet. Gareth is principal trumpet player for the BBC Symphony Orchestra and played a number of solos during the event, including Virtuosity.

The bandsman of the year was awarded to Beryl McMillan, who was presented with the Bob Todd Cornet – this is an ornately decorated cornet that is estimated to be over 100 years old, presented in an beautiful oak case that contains an engraving for each member who has received it.

Autumn Concert 2012

The band returned to the Menuhin Hall in Cobham for the annual Autumn Concert on the 10th of November. ‘A Journey Through Time’ was the theme, starting with The Essential Joseph (37 BC) and progressing through various items such as Hallelujah Chorus (0 BC), Alexander (356 AD), In Tudor Days (1485), Selections from Titanic (1912) and ending at Brooklyn (2003).

The guest soloist was Linden McKenzie on Trombone. Linden is a has appeared at many events and festivals around Europe such as Vienne Jazz Festival, Montreaux Jazz Festival, IOW Festival and many others.

As well as playing solo parts with the band, Linden demonstrated a technique of playing two notes at once (multiphonics) where one note is played and another ‘sung’ through the instrument. He then effectively played a duet by himself called ‘The Warrior Comes Out To Play’

The bandsman of the year award was presented to Wesley Johnson

An encore of Seventy-Six Trombones was played and while not quite featuring 76 trombone players, we did have 4 of the band’s trombonists, 3 of the band’s Eupononium and Baritone players playing valved trombones, Linden McKenzie and our conductor, Robin Langdon.