This week was an exciting time for Preston city centre when the new, ARC, cinema was officially opened by Film Animation Artist Nick Park.
The band supporting the event, that wasn't advertised, was a very pleasant surprise as their talent and repertoire was brilliant, but also the costume characters Wallace and Gromit completely entertained me no end! The conductor, Graham, of Preston Concert Band played ball ducking and diving as both Wallace and Gromit took turns in taking over conducting the band and playing up to the crowd.
In my spare time I like to people watch. Adults and children alike were full of smiles. At one point a little girl mimicked the Wallace character mimicking the band's conductor - hilarious and cute.
The band who seem to consider themselves amateur were flawless and totally professional playing classis film theme tunes such as James Bond, Indiana Jones, Disney classics, pop medleys, Chicken Run and Wallace and Gromit no less. The latter whilst Nick Park cut the ribbon to the entrance of the cinema officially opening it.
It was dry, windy and cold weather and the musicians played, for at least 2 hours, throughout. As a musician I can totally empathise with them playing in such conditions. I found them to be remarkable and completely understated. Bravo I say to them!
Although I am no maestro, as a multi-instrumentalist, to varying degrees, I can play the clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, percussion of the concert band instruments, for example. However, their standard was impeccable and a true inspiration to behold.
Here's an impromptu video clip I managed to capture of the said awesome concert band (please excuse my chaukling in the background"That's (live) Entertainment!" for you):
https://youtube.com/shorts/APRJHQw48-0?si=_ufwO78q9dWOU69N
Although the band is not mentioned by Blog Preston here is their link to one of their articles about the news with more information:
#Muso
#KeepingMusicLive
#JustForFun
🎺📯🥁🎷🪈
