The Tenby and District Brass Band completed a marathon week in traditional brass band style. First engagement of the week was on Tuesday, December 11, when the band played the musical accompaniment to the open-air carol service in Carew Castle.
The evening, in aid of Barnardos, had a magical atmosphere. The night, being crisp and dry, resulted in a very large torch-light procession parading into the castle grounds, with Neyland Ladies Choir resplendent in their Victorian costumes.
At the conclusion of the service, a very welcome cup of hot soup was provided by the Barnardos ladies.
There was no respite for the Tenby band, however, as it was across the road to the local church hall for a band rehearsal to 'fine tune' the pieces for the next concert.
This was the following evening, when the band again took part in the Christmas Musical Extravaganza with the Tenby schools in St. Mary's Church.
The band in their 'slot' played the first movement of A Christmas Suite by Stephen Bulla; this was followed by Vaughan Williams' English Folk Songs arranged by Frank Wright.
To end the Tenby band's contribution to an excellent festival of Christmas music, they played Instant Christmas by Bruce Fraser, a compilation of popular Christmas carols.
On Thursday, December 13, the Tenby band travelled north to Whitland to join Whitland Male Voice Choir in a Celebration of Carols.
Last but not least, on Friday night, December 14, the coldest night of the week, being minus three degrees, the Tenby and District Brass Band played outdoors at Carew Memorial Hall for Children in Need.
Five diverse engagements in four days is quite an achievement and the junior members of the band are to be congratulated on their stamina and commitment. The man wielding the baton all week was musical director, Robert Thompson.
The Tenby and District Brass Band now look forward to their remaining four engagements in 2001.
S. B.