Christmas Concert 2007

The traditional WLSBB Christmas Concert was held in St Margaret’s Academy, Livingston on Sunday 16th December. As usual, the concert was divided into two sections - the first telling the story of Christmas and the second half is a musical party.
Apart from the normal raffles and other fundraising activities, the draw for the 2008 West Lothian Challenge contest was held during the concert.

The first half of the concert began, as always, with the carol “In the Bleak Midwinter”, featuring an opening cornet solo by Rebecca Doolan. This progressed into “Snowman”, the theme from the cartoon film of the same name which was released in 1982, and is otherwise known as “Walking in the Air” by Howard Blake.
It was then the audiences’ turn to accompany the band in the carol “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”.
Continuing the Christmas story, the band then played the children’s Christmas song “Little Donkey”, written by Eric Boswell, followed by the traditional French Christmas carol “Il est Ne” - “He is born”.
Next up was “Peace” featuring Frazer Kirk on Baritone.
Traditionally, the youngest cornet player is chosen to perform a solo, playing “Mary’s Boy Child”, and this year that honour went to Celeste Kelloch.
This was followed by Peter Meechan’s “Hymn to Africa” and “Rainforest” from the “Windows on the World” suite.
After the moving theme from the “Band of Brothers”, the audience had the chance to demonstrate their musical prowess joining the band to sing the carol “Away in a Manger”, featuring 3rd cornets Rachael Downs and Callum Jack.
The penultimate item of the first half was “Vitae Lux” - “The Light of Life”, written by Frode Alnaes.
Before the interval, the audience had to ‘sing for their supper’, accompanying the band in the carol “O Come All Ye Faithful” before they could have their refreshments and mince pies.

Before the second half could begin, the draw for the 2006 West Lothian Challenge was made. It was drawn by Rachael Downs and Callum Jack.

The results of the draw are as follows: -

Semi Final 1 - Sunday June 1st 2008                             Semi Final 2 - Sunday June 8th 2008

1. Unison Kinneil                                                        1. Kingdom Brass
2. Scottish Co-op                                                        2. Dalmellington
3. Kirkintilloch                                                            3. Whitburn

The first item of the second half was the presentation of the Brian Duguid Award. Brian was Arts and Cultural Services Manager for West Lothian Council, and was a strong supporter of the band before his death in December 2005. The wooden trophy is presented annually to the bandsperson who has, in the opinion of the music staff, shown the greatest improvement in their playing ability and has shown dedication to the band throughout the year. This years recipient of the Brian Duguid Award was Solo Cornet Player Danielle Deojee, who gratefully received the Trophy from Nigel Boddice MBE. The presentation of the award was accompanied by the “Olympic Fanfare and Theme”, written by John Williams and arranged by Peter Graham.
So, it was back to business, and the party could now begin.
To get the party going, it was an old favourite - Jingle Bells.
This was followed by a solo by percussion player, Daniel Fairlie - “The Little Drummer Boy”.
Another Christmas favourite next - “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer”.
On a more serious musical note, the band’s next item was “The Children of Sanchez”, featuring solos by the band’s three wise women -

The final item on the programme was another old favourite “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, however with a bit of audience encouragement, Nigel Boddice was persuaded to provide an encore in the form of “(Is this the way to) Amarillo”, originally recorded by Tony Christie, but also famous due to a version by Peter Kay.
Thus ended another memorable WLSBB Christmas Concert - all we need now is the turkey and trimmings! Merry Christmas to all!