Cardinal Vaughan Big Band

As those who follow the Band will know, we are about to lose a significant number of players as they leave the School at the end of the year. There are still a few chances to catch the Big Band however at several events early in July.

The Band will be playing at the Cardinal Vaughan School Fete, from 1.30 pm on Sunday 3 July.

The Band will make its final appearance of the School year at the Bull’s Head, Barnes, at 8.30 pm on Wednesday 6 July. This will be the final performance of the current band at the Bull’s Head before many of them leave for University and promises to be a memorable evening.

The Band will make also play the following evening, 7 July, at the Vaughan’s Summer Concert.

The week ends with a trip to Birmingham to take part in the Finals of the National Festival of Music For Youth at the Adrian Boult Hall.

The Big Band were awarded a TES Jazz Award at the finals! Here is the adjudication from  the final of the Music For Youth festival:

Cardinal Vaughan Big Band Adjudication

Smackdown – Good ‘jazzy’ feel – feet tapping all over the place. Good to see an extended piano solo (and baritone solo and alto solo as well!) at the heart of the piece. Sax section particularly swinging on the soli and throughout.

Better Get Hit – The right sort of energy from the start – a Mingus like messiness coupled with a great sense of the band understanding the intent of the piece – and yet tight when called for – soloists at the heart of everything – great repertoire choice [thank you - ed!]

The Invitation email arrived on Friday evening asking us to appear in the Final of the National Festival of Music For Youth. Many congratulations to the Band - it was certainly deserved after the barn storming performance in April.

We now need to maintain the momentum up to July. The running around the hall trick will work in Birmingham as you can get off the stage.But shall we get a new idea? Get thinking!

Looking forward to next Sunday and the Mornington jazz Odyssey!