‘We Will Remember Them’
Gleaming instruments, music stands loaded with manuscripts, eyes focused on the conductor with baton poised, could only mean one thing – a concert was about to commence.
Pilling Jubilee Silver Band were on fire this afternoon, performing their Remembrance Concert to a full church. Their opening number was ‘Doyen’, by composer Goff Richards, commissioned for the launch of the Leyland National coach in 1982 and originally performed by the Leyland Band. This band staple set the tone for the rest of the programme.
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the band, a new piece of music was commissioned – Pilling Pig 11302. Paying homage to the band’s roots and the charming, historic village of their ‘birthplace’, the music references the local single-track railway which ran from Garstang to Knott End and served as a vital connection in days gone by. The audience were immersed in the sounds of the train weaving its way through the local villages in addition to the stories of the location. Musical Director, Joshua Hughes was clearly proud for the band to perform the piece.
Flugel horn soloist Sally took centre stage in ‘A Time for Peace’ arranged by Peter Graham, and was rewarded with rapturous applause from the appreciative audience.
The programme moved on to ‘Music from the [war] Era’. The much-loved favourite, ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square’ enabled Principal Cornet of 36 years Andy to showcase his skills replicating the sounds of the songbird.
Toe-tappers and hand-clappers were interspersed with more sombre arrangements like ‘A Little Prayer to Our Lady’, arranged by Eric Ball and ‘Hymn to the Fallen’, the haunting theme tune to ‘Saving Private Ryan’. Audience participation was encouraged during ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’ and ‘Rule Britannia’. It was a heady mix.
Tributes were paid to the youngest member and the veteran of the band respectively. The 15-year-old is tipped to be a percussionist of National calibre and the longest-serving member, aged 93 years young, was praised for his ongoing work with the youth training band. Both had pieces of meaningful music assigned to them, marking a proud moment for each.
The concert closed with the ‘Evening Hymn’ and ‘The Last Post’. Andy took his place in the balcony to deliver the poignant notes, so familiar and so powerful. A sure reminder that Remembrance Sunday in all its solemnity is fast approaching.
‘We Will Remember Them’.
