New York Staff Band in Birmingham - 29th May 2003

Following a Civic reception for the band by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, an enthusiastic audience from the Midlands and beyond was treated to Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris’s masterly interpretations of music, such as Gustav Holst’s intriguing First Suite in Eb and Edward Gregson’s Variations on Laudate Dominum.  The slow 2nd movement was sheer poetry, taken at a slightly slower pace than usually heard, which brought out the full breadth and beauty of this variation.  Incidentally, Dr Keith Wilkinson arranged the Holst music.  The writer found it vaguely reminiscent of Ralph Vaughan Williams' folk song arrangements.

The band’s soloists all gave virtuoso performances.  Gordon Ward (cornet) and Andrew Baker (Eb bass) displayed complete mastery of their craft, while Aaron VanderWeele in Stephen Bulla’s Air ‘N Variations gave us an astounding euphonium tour de force.  It was noticeable that the soloists displayed a pragmatic modesty in their presentations. Raymond Livingston was the band’s other soloist.  He displayed an engaging and powerful vocal style under the title Favourite Song of All arranged by Harold Burgmayer.  The band’s accompaniment was perhaps a shade heavy for this item, which made it a little difficult for the writer to catch all the words.

How good it was to listen to some excellent singing.  Rock of Ages was beautifully crafted and once more featured the talented Raymond Livingston.  The audience reaction to this was profound.  I do feel that some of our bands might be neglecting this art form.

For many, a spiritual highlight would have been Ralph Pearce’s The Cry of the Warrior, dedicated to the memory of his father, a one time Commanding Officer at Birmingham Citadel.  The music quite naturally has a strong Welsh influence, including the emotive Crugybar and the stirring Men of Harlech.

If the two gentlemen promoting the band’s CDs had worn bowler hats, they could have undoubtedly been taken for that great duo Laurel and Hardy - this was an amusing interlude in its own right.

A further mix of sometimes jaunty, sometimes swashbuckling music was all played with flair and imagination. This was especially evident in Gaelforce (Peter Graham) - a complete showpiece that might have encouraged the more energetic people in the audience to display their Riverdance skills. The inevitable Stars and Stripes Forever was also greatly enjoyed.  The great John Philip Sousa would have been proud of this presentation.

A wonderful night culminated in the audience joining the band in the hymn Through the Love of God my Saviour.  One line caught the eye, reminding us of those still recent events of 9/11 that are etched on our memory: "Though we pass through tribulation - all will be well."  Thank you Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris and all the members of the New York Staff Band for a totally memorable evening.

AJC