Two bands 523 miles apart, never met and still managed to make music together

The Musical Directors’ of The Lewis and Harris Youth Concert Band-Gavin Woods and Eccleshall Band-Martin Jones met through a mutual contact, Gavin’s mum.

During conversations about the challenges of making music during the lockdown Martin suggested that members of the two bands might collaborate on a joint project to make a video.

So began a wonderful musical adventure which saw individual members of the bands’ record their parts in the comfort of their own homes.  The resultant videos’ were then stitched together by video and sound engineer Dominic Gwynne.

The music chosen for this piece of musical fun was Camptown Races,  and just as at Ascot, participants wore hats.

The official launch party took place on Saturday  23rd of May on Zoom where an audience of a 100 or so guests, including Director of Education and Children’s Services-Bernard Chisholm,  were entertained by host Martin Jones before viewing the premiere of the video.

Well done to all of the band who took part in the project which has provided an excellent focus for the musicians during the lockdown period.

Well done to Lewis & Harris Youth Concert Band members Elizabeth Greenstock, Tom Blunt, Emily Davidson, Ben Jones, Francesca Greenstock, Penny Fish, Henry Greenstock, Simeon Fletcher, Jane Finlayson and musical director Gavin Woods.