Concert

LSMS Concert at Shuttleworth College, Padiham

On possibly the best day of the year so far in terms of weather we had to go to a concert.  Big Girl started to learn euphonioum (posted here ) in November and was playing in her first ever concert.  I must confess that I was a teensy bit naffed off about missing out on such glorious weather but am pleased to report that I was blown away by the whole thing.

The lessons Big Girl goes to are provided by the Lancashire Schools Music Service so this was a concert by all kinds of groups within that remit.  There was a local Samba percussion group, string ensemble, guitar ensemble, flute ensemble and various windbands of all ages.

They were all amazing and when the Burnley Junior Windband performed, with big girl on euphonium, I just about burst with pride.  This is the great thing about a big brass instrument - there usually aren't many of them so you can actually HEAR them playing (unlike trumpets or clarinets - there's just too many of them).  And she played her little heart out and kept going all the way through.  She was thrilled!  And I nearly burst with pride!

There was a lot of shifting about to allow the various groups to perform and there must have been at least 150 children involved.  The organisation was excellent.  The venue is the local high school in Padiham, Shuttleworth College, which is a brand new building and very modern.  They took full advantage of the open arrangement and some of the smaller ensembles played in the various balconies rather than on the main floor.  It was really different.

The standard of playing from the senior groups was astounding with some great mixes of modern and traditional pieces. From a lady gaga mix from the strings to pomp and circumstance from the Lancashire wind players.   Can't wait for the next one.