Chester schools band is a big hit in Italy

Sep 4 2008 Chester Chronicle

CHESTER Schools Concert Band celebrated its 23rd year of music with a tour to Tuscany in Italy that culminated in a standing ovation from an excited audience of local residents and holiday makers.

The eight day tour, based in the spa town of Montecatini Terme, which took in the sights of Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano and Siena, brought audiences in excess of a thousand to their feet with the band’s performances of classical, film and pop melodies.

The Chester Schools Concert Band, ranging in age from 13-18, made its first visit to Italy during the summer holidays visiting the birthplace of the Renaissance and giving a number of memorable concerts.

When not performed to large enthusiastic audiences in temperatures of 35 degrees, the band spent time visiting many of the historic sights and buildings in the region.

The Chester Schools Concert Band, which was formed by its musical director Anthony Lewis, has toured extensively in Europe and Scandinavia with 11 overseas tours to its name covering 14 countries.

Mr Lewis said: “We aim to give our young musicians a broad range of performance and cultural opportunities during their time with the band and to develop both musically and socially before moving on to higher education.

“The majority continue their instrumental playing through university and beyond, maintaining their love of music.

“I was particularly proud of the way the band presented themselves both on and off stage with many complements received regarding their professional approach, organisation and team work.”

The band rehearses from 7–9pm every Tuesday during term time at Bishops’ High School, Vaughans Lane, Chester. For further details, prospective members should come to a rehearsal and speak to the musical director.