In March 2010 the Showband participated in the Showpiece Evening Concert at the New York
Wind Band Festival and had the honour and privilege of
playing in the
Carnegie Hall
together with an outside performance in one of Donald Trump's
former buildings due to adverse weather which prevented an
outside performance in the Bandshell in Central
Park.
Following the return of the Showband from America - Glyn Wilkes
together with a number of other contributors prepared a diary of
the visit, which appeared in the Academy Newsletter over two
issues - the diary appears below.
Diary of the Academy Showband in America.
Saturday
20th March
‐
With almost enough money raised we set out from the Academy at
4.30am on our journey to Heathrow. Arriving in plenty of time
and thanks to the frustrating wonders of electronic check‐ins,
we just made the flight! An excellent journey followed with the
students flying the Academy flag with politeness and behaviour
which was deservedly praised by the cabin crew. Upon arrival at
New York, travel to and check in at the hotel was organised by
World Music Projects and went very smoothly, times and locations
confirmed for Sunday's activities, rooms explored, cases
unpacked and boundaries around Times Square shown, it was free
time for checking out the area and feeding until curfew. After a
long day travelling bed was the order of the day.
Sunday 21st March
‐
The day started with everyone meeting in the hotel foyer at
8.30am. Breakfast in New York was sampled with the added bonus
of the hotel being on the route of the New York Half Marathon.
Then on to the first musical feature of the trip, a workshop
with Dr James McRoy of Long Island University. Dr McRoy is
Professor of Music and Director of Bands at this campus. He is a
highly respected figure in musical worlds, specifically in wind
band music. His time with the band was a great introduction into
the American style of wind band playing with in depth work which
may not change the Showband's style but has given them an extra
layer of experience and knowledge to call on in their
performances. Following this was the final rehearsal for our two
concerts whilst in the city. After a short break, we were off on
a short tour in the sun, taking the ferry from Battery Park to
the Statue of Liberty and a look around Lower Manhattan. The
musicians were impressed by the vastness of this magnificent
Statue, taking in the overwhelming views of the Manhattan
skyline. Free time followed for meals where the boosting of
McDonalds profits appeared to be the order of the day! As night
fell we assembled once again in the Hotel Foyer and heading in
the direction Times Square, turned left for the evening trip up
to the "Top of the Rock" which is one of the main viewing areas
for New York city and the second tallest building (after the
Empire State). It is here that you can appreciate the size of
Manhattan and marvel at the city lights as we walked on the top
of the Rockefeller Center.
Monday
22nd March
‐
After the morning briefing it was free time to shop and take in
the New York atmosphere whilst getting soaking wet in the rain!
There was so much rain that sadly all performances in Central
Park were cancelled but thanks to World Projects we managed to
perform in an alternative venue – the ground floor lobby of one
of the old Trump buildings which, although keeping us and our
equipment dry, was a very "lively" acoustic to play in being
built mostly of glass. Despite the weather and the acoustics,
the quality of musicianship shone forth, with lighter pieces of
music such as Lord of The Dance and Hairspray Medley being
appreciated by the audience. The evening was time for the
"Festival Dinner Cruise". We boarded coaches in our evening gear
and we were driven to Chelsea Pier, past the berth that the
Titanic would have arrived at (which could have been a little
unnerving), to board the cruise ship giving time to meet many of
the other bands taking part in the Festival. Although still
raining, many trips were made out on deck to take in the view of
the city from the Hudson River and an evening of dancing, eating
and a reinforcement of the "special relationship" between us and
the American bands ensued.
Tuesday
23rd March
‐
The day of the festival and concert in the world famous Carnegie
Hall, the second visit for some members of the Showband and the
first experience for others. After a free morning it was time to
walk to the hall to listen to the afternoon adjudicated
performances by 6 American Bands from JJ Pearce High School,
Texas; Niceville High School, California and Woodland High
School, Florida. A good mix of music from marches through to
contemporary works especially written for the performers was
heard. The standard was high and listening to these performances
gave us all a feel for the acoustics the hall in advance to our
sound check and performance that evening. After a short break
for traditional New York fare, it was time for the main event,
performing for the first half of the Showcase Concert on the
stage of the famous Carnegie Hall in front of an audience of
travelling supporters, members of the public and the many other
musicians who took part in the afternoon's adjudicated concerts.
The evening started early with a long wait backstage whilst the
technicians form the hall had their break, this gave time for
individual warm ups and nerves to start to develop. Once the
technicians were back on duty it was time to move to the stage
and get used to playing in this world famous hall whilst
consolidating areas of our music. Finally the moment arrived,
queuing up the stairs in band order with last minute uniform and
music checks was just the thing for honing the nervous energy
that flowed through the band, the Showband took to the stage.
The programme
included: Philip Sparke's "Prelude to a Celebration" which was
warmly received, "Beyond the Summit" where the Showband received
it's first standing ovation, Elgar's "Nimrod" which was
sensitively played. After an introduction from the announcer,
the Showband played it's most challenging piece "And the
Multitude With one Voice Spoke". This piece was based around Dr.
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. The rendition was
well received which showcased many soloists. Probably the most
popular piece in the programme was "American Carnival" which is
a medley of traditional American Themes. This featured many
players in the band and it was in the "Dixie‐land"
style section where the audience arose to their feet with
thunderous applause. The final piece, "As All The Heavens Were A
Bell" brought the first half to a climatic close with final
notes incorporating the English National Anthem. It was then
that the Abraham Darby Showband received the longest ever
standing ovation ever from a very enthusiastic audience. What a
magnificent performance with tingles running down spines and the
audience on their feet, a truly great result from much hard work
both students and staff.
This was
summed up by William V Johnson the Artistic Director of the New
York Wind Band Festival who wrote "I know I speak for the large
crowd in attendance when I tell you that your performance was
nothing short of stunning and inspirational, as evidenced by the
tremendous ovation you received." and, "Personally I was very
moved, not only by the magnificent musical product you created,
but also the great love and integrity you demonstrated in its
preparation. We all relish those moments when music opens the
heart and exposes the soul."
The band were
"buzzing" and still on a high whilst listening to the Cardiff
County and Vale of Glamorgan Youth Wind Band for the second half
of the concert which we were not only very pleased to see them
due to the difficulties of their flights but also to be able to
listen to their great performance. The performance that the
Abraham Darby Academy Showband gave in Carnegie Hall, New York
is something that the musicians, staff and parents will treasure
for the rest of their lives. It is only at the pinnacle of a
professional musician's career are they likely to perform in a
venue such as Carnegie Hall, so for our musicians to perform to
such a high standard as they did is remarkable. Not only did the
Showband represent the Academy to an outstanding level but they
were also brilliant ambassadors for Telford, Shropshire and the
UK. The level of performance given, was only achieved through
hundreds of hours of practise and rehearsal, which is proof of
the fact that if hard work and commitment is put in, the rewards
will be amazing. A massive well done to all Showband members,
staff, and SMADA for making the whole trip a truly magical and
unforgettable experience.
To see a selection of photos from the recent
trip - please click on the link below:
Academy Showband Trip to New York 2010
