Magic of technology gets the band back together
WITHOUT live shows and gigs, musicians the world over have been taking to the internet, sharing their talents free of charge and providing cheer for their listeners during these troubling times.
Most of these have been solo performances, restrictions preventing band members from being in the same room. However, one Wexford band has found a way around these restrictions, performing as one despite being miles apart.
And what’s more, there’s 25 people in this band.
Members of the Holy Family Confraternity Band (HFC) have collaborated to put together an arrangement of Duke Ellington’s Caravan.
Each band member performed their part from home and then submitted it to former conductor Louise Malone, who had volunteered to edit and compile the music.
Band Secretary Alan Mahon explained how it came about: ‘It all started with a conversation I had with Louise. We were saying how we miss playing music and wondered when rehearsals and gigs would begin again.
‘We thought of the idea of getting the band to do a virtual performance. Louise said she would offer to edit and compile all the videos together.’
Band members were contacted and, within ten days, 25 players had submitted their recordings. ‘We were delighted with the response and end result,’ said Alan. ‘Louise put in a lot of work, involving many hours stitching all the video and audio clips together. She did an amazing job.’
The band was so impressed with Louise’s creativity that it decided to create its own Youtube channel and uploaded the recording onto it.
‘The video has already got lots of views. One thing that is very noticeable on the video is the age profile of the performers, from school-goers to those who are in retirement. It is wonderful to see adults and children playing music together,’ Alan said.
After hearing how well it sounded the band thought it fitting to dedicate the YouTube clip to the over 70s who are in isolation, in nursing homes or who are currently hospitalised.
‘Duke Ellington was the Ed Sheeran for those people in their day as his music was extremely popular. Caravan is a lively piece of music which should bring a bit of cheer to those people,’ said Alan.
You can watch the YouTube clip by entering HFC Concert Band Wexford plays Caravan. It can also be seen on the band’s Facebook page.
‘It was a great way for getting members to keep in touch and brushup on their individual bandpractice and we hope to continue doing other music this way as it will be September at the earliest before we can resume rehearsals again,’ Alan said.