Well, the festivities are over and we briskly march (120 bpm !) into the New Year – Christmas time is the busiest time of year for the band so in January it’s time for a brief rest and perhaps some reflection.

Whilst 2016 saw us play many memorable concerts there can be little doubt as to the highlight. This was, of course, our trip to Belgium where we played at the Menin Gate.

We travelled to Ypres, first playing a concert in the town square beside the magnificent Cloth Hall. The foundation stone was originally laid in 1200 although the hall was, of course, laid to ruin in the First World War. The Hall was subsequently rebuilt to its former glory. It was a magnificent setting and the enthusiastic crowd gave a standing ovation after the two hour performance.

Later that evening we had the incredible honour of playing at the Menin Gate ceremony. The panels of the gate bear the names of 54,896 soldiers who have no known grave. Every day at 8pm the last post is played at the gate. This has taken place every day since 1927, the only break being during the Second World War. Taverham Band were invited to perform after the last post and we decided to play the theme music from the film “Saving Private Ryan”, entitled “Hymn to the Fallen”. Our performance can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55pMYBFTc-U

The piece starts and ends with a solo snare drum and we asked the band’s drummer, John Clarke, about the experience. Was he nervous?

…..“Absolutely. Whilst I have played the piece many times I only had one chance to get it right at the gate. It’s not difficult to play quickly but more of a challenge to play it at the slow tempo required. We had to wait quite a while before Ian gave me the upbeat so there were some nerves. Fortunately it went well and it was a very proud moment for us”

It was clearly the highlight of 2016 for Taverham Band and one of the greatest honours that a band can be given.

We wish you a happy and peaceful New Year and thank you for your tremendous support in 2016. We very much look forward to seeing you at our concerts this year.

Ian Colman – Musical Director
01603 868680