Let it Snowman, let it Snowman, let it Snowman: band’s big screen date
A BOROUGH brass band, whose film concert last year was a sell-out, returns this month to revive their musical accompaniment to a screening of The Snowman this weekend.
It caps what has been a busy season for St Sebastians Wokingham Brass Band, which has been performing in concerts, school fairs, carol services and traditional carols in and around Wokingham.
Their live musical accompaniment to The Snowman last year was so popular that this time they are putting on two shows, a matinee for families, followed by a gala performance.
The film was first aired on Channel 4 in 1982, and made Aled Jones famous for the Walking In The Air song – even though he didn’t sing it in the original animation.
The music was composed by Howard Blake, and the 30-minute cartoon has become a festive staple ever since.
Saint Sebs will be performing at Wokingham Baptist Church on Saturday at 3.30pm and again at 6.30pm.
Both screenings will be followed by Christmas music, and the event will raise funds for SHARE Wokingham.
There are a number of other opportunities to hear the band play this month.
On Saturday, December 9, they were carolling at Wokingham Town Hall, in the afternoon, before appearing at Emmrbook’s Dog and Duck pub.
And on Sunday, they were performing for shoppers visiting Wokingham’s Waitrose store.
They were at Wokingham Masonic Centre, last night.
The music continues after Saturday’s showcase performance.
On Sunday, they will be at St Sebastian’s Church, Wokingham Without, from 6.30pm.
On the evening of Thursday, December 21, they will be at The Lexicon shopping centre, Bracknell, and on Saturday, December 23, in the daytime, they will be carolling at Wokingham Waitrose.
But for many in the band, their film performance is the highlight of the season.
Sian Moorhouse, the band’s concert secretary, said: “This is our third year performing The Snowman.
“It’s the performance we’re most excited about, and it was so popular last time round that we decided to add an extra performance.
“The slightly shorter afternoon show will end with children’s songs such as, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, for everyone to join in with.
“The evening gala performance is followed by a traditional concert of carols and Christmas music.”
Performing to a film comes with challenges.
“The first time we did this, in 2019, we realised just how difficult it is to keep in time with the film, said Ms Moorhouse.
“For example, there’s a bit where a snowball hits a cat, and we have to make sure that we highlight that with a note at exactly the right time.
“Our conductor, John Watts, has had to find inventive ways to keep us all exactly to time.”
St Sebastian has partnered with Share Wokingham, who are providing refreshments for the event.
■ Both film showings are at Wokingham Baptist Church, on Saturday, December 16. A relaxed matinee at 3.30pm, will be followed by a gala showing and concert at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £12 for adults, £6 for under 18s, and are free for under twos on laps. For more information, visit: