CONCORD CELEBRATED

Concord alumni, staff and supporters in large numbers gathered together at Davy's Sporting Club in Sheffield to mark the 25th anniversary of Concord Drum and Bugle Corps.

The evening opened with a short 30-minute concert, designed to illustrate the current programmes operated by Concord. Opening the show were the youngsters of Concord AllStars - the future of our group - who gave a spirited rendition of their recent DCUK Finals performance. There then followed a seamless and continuously-running series of performances by various ensembles within The Concord Experience.

The Prologue comprised a melange of Concord themes from across 25 years played in traditional brass and marching percussion style emerging through a smoke screen (in the original sky-blue shirts) and introducing our famous "big red flags" - a great nostalgic reminder of times gone by. Following this another classic from our programmes "First Circle" - again featuring brass, percussion and dancers and introducing our new rhythm section of drumkit, keyboards and bass guitar - all making full use of the stage and dance floor areas with stage and effect lighting.

Our dance team then entertained with a sassy rendition of "Steam Heat" with choreography by our new dance teacher Catherine M eliciting spirited response from the audience. "Nigel in D Minor" featured the talents of flautist Heather R with accompaniment by Richard H on bass guitar and Callum D on drumkit - an original composition by Richard. On then to one of our favourite numbers "Land of Make Believe" - introduce again through smoke clouds and bubbles to an electronic backing, the piece featured brass soloists Katy L and Luke H and some comedy touches amongst the low brass (nothing new there then !) as instruments gradually grew in size - finally with Robert M blowing everyone away on sousaphone.

The next interlude again saw the percussion and rhythm sections playing "Miko Cuban" - a complex Latin piece for keyboards and rhythm accompaniment. Comedy again featured as Sarah G introduced "Sing a Song of Sixpence" to background playground noise before being ousted by the brass section wearing lime green hairy jackets and all performing on baritones and tubas. Our dancers returned to perform a delightful routine to "Lost" using diaphonous flags and enhanced by soft lighting effects.

The finale was another original Chris E arrangement of "Mission Incredible" beginning with a large drum section of basses, tenors and snares - later to be joined by brass and rhythm sections and by dancers playing cymbals. A typical Concord finish - loud, fast and spectacular.

Judging by the volume and length of the applause, the presentation was enjoyed enormously by the large audience of alumni, families and supporters of Concord who attended.

The remainder of the evening proceeded - as planned and anticipated - with much merriment, reminiscing and greeting of old friends. A fitting and memorable way to commemorate 25 years of excellence and to look forward to the futurew with great confidence and ambition as we continue the Concord story.

Thanks to everyone who made it possible and a great success.


PS : keep your eye on YouTube for extracts soon !