Photo: Supplied.
There’s something about a brass band. Whether it’s a traditional colliery band in North England, the local school band or a services marching band, for aficionados the sound of massed brass creates instant goose bumps and a sudden intake of breath; heads lift and eyes brighten. If you’re a brass band addict, the Excelsior Band has a special delight for you with its Big Brassy Christmas show. If you’re not an addict yet, come along anyway – you soon will be!
“There’s nothing like the music of a brass band. We’re well known for playing for hymns in churches, leading parades, playing jazz, swing, pops, classics, presenting concerts – pretty well everything but rap and bebop!”
Howard particularly loves Christmas concerts, such as the RPAC celebration.
“We’ve got the favourite Christmas carols and songs the audience can sing along to, montages of some of the favourites, a beautiful euphonium solo, a lot of audience interaction – and some surprises. We’re going to have a great, feel-good time!”
How does the conductor keep so many sounds together, maintain balance and contrast, when they’re all brass instruments?
“The most important three things sound, sound and sound,” he says. “It all starts with the tubas, the big basses down at the bottom for the whole band to sit on; then the middle of the band, the horns and the baritones, then the top end – you have to be careful it’s not too heavy. The trombones add colour. Getting the blend and the balance comes with rehearsal, as long as the conductor knows exactly what he wants.”
And the Big, Brassy Christmas will be exactly what the audience wants. Book your tickets now at rpac.com.au and prepare to be hooked – in the best possible way.
