Saturday 21st January saw some 35 instrumentalists assemble at the Manor Preparatory School for the 3rd annual Playing Day organised by Abingdon Concert Bind Smiling old hands came with happy expectation, newcomers to the band and first time visitors from other invited bands a little hesitant and apprehensive.

An initial tribute to Mozart on the 250th Anniversary of his birth with a ‘warm-up’ blow through the Impressario Overture soon settled all fears. As the day progressed under the shared Conductorship of Philip Burditt, Director of Abingdon Concert Band and Stephen Bell, Director of Northampton Wind Band, the players were welded into a grand cohesive sound with a wide ranging variety of music.

The day ended with a concert style performance of a selection of the works studied, which included the Vanguard Overture – Curzon; Country Gardens – Grainger; Finnegan’s Wake – Potter; 4 Norfolk Dances – Sparke a Movement from Jacob’s Concerto for Band.

Everyone departed exhausted but exhilarated after a great day’s music making, demanding a repeat occasion for what is developing into an annual event.