Blog: What a great night at Colchester Institute!

Guildhall Big Band were fantastic last Thursday! 

They played a mixture of modern pieces and standards, all of which were brilliantly played by the band.

My favourite of the musicians was the Pianist, with his delicate but strong playing, letting his fingers skate across the keys with effortless precision. I am bias though, being a pianist myself, but whenever he started a solo or even just a counter melody my eyes and ears were drawn to him.
In fact the whole rhythm section impressed me, really solid and just plain ‘Cool’ (as rhythm sections generally are!) the drummer in particular was so happy to be playing, but the massive smile on his face did not distract him from his tight and musical playing. The trumpets were strong, as were the saxophones, and the trombones made a beautifully warm sound, with the trombone soloist playing some lovely solos.

I wasn’t just impressed by the band on this evening. Being a former pupil of Colchester Institute, I have been to many performances in the Swinburne hall over the years (and performed on that stage myself on many occasions) and I have to say it was quite a tired environment then. No box office, refreshments served in the student refectory and quite a bland auditorium. Now it has a bit of life and resembles a professional performance space, with tables at the front wearing red cloths, a bar at the back open throughout the performance and an actual foyer with a desk and everything!!
I really enjoyed revisiting my old college and was so happy to see the improvements made. Can’t wait to go back to see some great music!!

Libby Williamson