Chairman's Report - 2006-2007

[gubigband]

We approached the autumn term with our work cut out as we looked forward to maintaining the high standard and build on the success of the previous year. We began with our now traditional assault on the Freshers’ Fair in pursuit of new members. Though slightly more subdued than the last time round we still had the odd gimmick such as Matt’s wooden mini saxophone with its loud ‘shite kazoo’ sound to draw attention to our stall, and of course we came with the usual arsenal of cakes and sweets to throw at potential new players, as well as other stalls..

The first rehearsals once again provided us with the need to trim down certain sections (ie saxes), but we decided to delay formal auditions for a few weeks to see who was actually committed to rehearsing on a weekly basis. This in itself whittled the band down to a size we could work with so consequently auditions were not necessary. We set an ambitious target in the first term – to bring the band up to the standard we left it at last year, while introducing new repertoire, and preparing a set for not just the Music Club Christmas concert, but also Christmas Jazz Night. We put in a lot of work in this first term and everybody demonstrated the commitment and enthusiasm that was needed to make it successful. We were also assisted by some useful sectional rehearsals taken by Gordon Paton and Lorne Cowieson. I was pleased to hear Lorne speak well of the band and he was keen offer his help in the future. The term concluded with a hugely successful Jazz Night at the QMU and a performance at the Music Club Christmas Concert that – despite a couple of last minute set backs – was very well received indeed. Particular thanks go to Steve for stepping in to play piano at less than an hours notice!

After the Christmas break we were invited to perform at the English Literature Society Burns Ball. With only a week to prepare for a long set that for the context of the occasion could not be a mere replica of the Jazz Night set, we were aware of the challenge this would place on the band. People responded to that though, and after two intense rehearsals we put on a performance that was a great advert for the GU Big Band. The band has proved it responds best to the pressure of an upcoming performance and after the burns ball, with three successful performances behind us this year and none planned for the near future, the enthusiasm and work rate seemed to slow down for the remainder of the term. Though a March Jazz Night was discussed, difficulties in booking the QMU and other technical problems led us to focus our attention on making the April event as good as possible. Ian did manage to arrange a performance at Kelvingrove Art Gallery which, by all account was successful in introducing the band to a wider audience.

After the Easter holiday, with only two weeks before the Music Club Concert and the Jazz Night, the commitment returned. We added in an extra rehearsal on the Saturday in between, and this was very well attended. In all three rehearsals a lot of work was put in by all and we achieved two very good performances. Thanks again go to all-rounder Steve – the Andrew Flintoff of the Big Band (minus the pedalo) - for yet more last minute piano playing. One wonders if he got more applause for his first note in Cotton Tail than for the whole of his solo later on… The Jazz Night was by far the most successful to date and everyone deserves thanks for their advertising efforts, none more so than Sam for plastering the vet school with serious posterage.

Looking back to two years ago, when five of us sat with a pint in Jim’s Bar contemplating the task of creating a decent, functional big band that one day could do more than three tunes at the Music Club concert twice a year, I think we’ve all done pretty damn well. We now know we can put on at least two Jazz Nights a year, that not only pay for themselves but make a profit, as well as responding to outside requests for us to play. I’d like to thank Gordon and Emma for taking the odd rehearsal when necessary. In particular I’d like to thank Jennifer for being an admin superstar as secretary. Of course I’m sure everyone would join me in thanking Ian for his work and commitment to the band that has got us to the standard we are (not to mention his unique onstage audience banter…) I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved, and I look forward to seeing the band continue in the same vain.