Big Band Night - 10 March 2010

Featuring the Kneller Hall Jazz Orchestra, an 18 piece ensemble comprising musicians from the foundation course with a few additions from ranks above!  The opening piece was Valero, an exciting Latin piece with trumpet and saxophone solos opened the show. The evening continued with more jazz standards, including Basie Straight Ahead and Harold Arlen's 'Over the Rainbow', featuring Captain Guy Booth on tenor saxophone. Maleguena and Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, both tricky pieces, rounded off the first half of the evening.

The second half had a slightly different feel, as it was an open mic session, led by our guest, Mr Jeffrey Wilson.  He was supported by the rhythm section of the Jazz Orchestra, and was open for anyone to come and solo, jam and generally 'do their thing'.  Mr Jeffrey Wilson started with a few standards, himself taking solos on the saxophone, and was followed by some very impressive jazz flute playing from Lance Sergeant Matt Mackay.  Musician Austen from the RA Band also took centre stage on Alto Saxophone. 

The evening was organized by Musician Emily Henry along with Warrant Officer Class 1 Esther Freeborn, without whom the night would not have been anywhere near such a success.

Recital Concert 24 February 2011

On 24 February the Royal Military School of Music Foundation Course staged an in house recital concert.  The concert was open to the public with the Foundation Course organising and planning it.

The Foundation Course Choir opened the proceedings, which at least allowed every member of the course to take part in the concert.  The Foundation Course Jazz Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble and Kn#zil Brass also made their debut at the event.  The Jazz Orchestra was set up by Musician Emily Henry and Kn#zil Brass by School Lance Corporal Nick Walkley. 

Kn#zil Brass is a fusion of marching band traditions formed in the image of brass groups such as Mnozil and Youngblood, bringing New Orleans Jazz to Kneller Hall.  Other acts included the Woodwind Quintet and solo performances from Musn Kasparis, Musn Henry, Musician Calef, School Lance Corporal Walkley, School Lance Corporal Howes and Musician Ward. 

There will certainly be other similar style concerts in the foreseeable future.  Watch this space!