Super Summer Sounds 1999
by Brian Murphy
All those who were fortunate enough to be in the Droichead Arts Centre on Friday 23rd July last were treated to what was surely a fitting end to the Summer Sounds courses in this millennium. From the moment the Drogheda Brass Band marched purposefully onto the stage until the moment Archie Hutchison dropped the baton for the final time, the audience were enthralled by the power, the passion, the commitment, the vitality and the sheer entertainment of it all.
Archie Hutchison is presented with his honorary life membership from the Drogheda Brass Band by the mayor of Drogheda, Mr. Sean Collins.
It is unlikely that any future Summer Sounds concert will match this year's for quality, entertainment and joviality. The opening, powerful strains of Fanfare for NABBA forced the audience into the clutches of the little Scot from the word go, and when he had them there in the palm of his hands he grasped even tighter with a trip through Star Wars.
Then it was time to slow the tempo; to allow the audience savour the music. "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" is a wonderful piece of solo music and the audience seemed to enjoy the trip down memory lane. Following the presentation of the briefcase to Michael Maher for the band's success earlier this year, the resident conductor took the band through "Prelude Opus No.23" and "Ol' Man River".
If the audience thought that it was time for a break, they were sadly mistaken. Drogheda Youth Brass took to the floor and played through their set, including "The Celtic Suite" and "I Will Follow Him" before finishing off in fantastic style with "Bandstand Boogie". Both Alan Bourne and Martin Cassidy deserve a lot of credit, not only for the performance, but for the attitude and appearance of the 55 strong youth band.
Then at last, the audience were allowed to relax. Break time.
Alan Bourne being presented with a small gift from the mayor of Drogheda.
Immediately after the break, they were on the edge of their seats once again. "March from the 6th Symphony" is a terrific piece of music, originally written for orchestra. And as Alan Bourne waved his magic wand at the band, each member appeared to respond in kind as the whirlwind piece wove its way to the dramatic finish.
It was time to relax once more with "Sweet By and By", but no sooner had one settled into its slightly highland lilt, then up popped Mr. Murphy once more with the now traditional presenting of gifts to the tutors. First up, Mr. Derrick White MBE, who thanked everyone for their kind and warm welcome throughout the week. He was followed by Tim Bourne and then by Alan Bourne. That was before the main surprise of the night with the presentation of Honorary Life Membership to Michael Maher and Archie Hutchison. For more on Michael's presentation, see this news article.
Tim Bourne is presented with a small present from the Drogheda Brass Band.
Then it was a finale to finish all concerts. A trip through music from films which began with "Indiana Jones" and slowly "bassed" its way into "Great Escape". A very subtle change. Then "Colonel Bogey" before Glenn Miller's "Little Brown Jug" gave the swingers a chance to shine. Another change in style and into "Never an Absolution" from the hit film Titanic, played on keyboard by Tim Bourne. That slowly ebbed away into "Jaws". Only Archie could ever think of that one!
The end of "Jaws" really woke the audience up with a (literal) fright before "James Bond" echoed around the hall. What better way to finish the final Summer Sounds concert of the millennium than with "Riverdance", the piece that really launched the Summer Sounds series of concerts into gigantic proportions. It was a truly fitting finish to what had been a marvellous week. It was just such a shame that our friends, old and new, could not have stayed just a little longer.
Derrick White MBE, being presented with a small token of appreciation from the Drogheda Brass Band by the mayor of the town, Mr. Sean Collins.