This morning we headed off to Kanda Hitotsubashi Junior High School by the underground as this was the quickest way to get there.
Upon arriving the band gathered with all the other bands that had congregated for the day, to run through a few numbers that would constitute the massed band. Apparently there were approximately 300 players, and they packed the gallery.
Jim rearranged the band after the first number so as to get everyone into their parts/musical groupings, rather than in individual bands. Rather than having a lot of bits all over the place the parts would sound much more clearer and easier to direct as a whole.
The immediate difference was extraordinary and when the third piece was played the sound that was generated was astounding. The afternoon massed band was sure to be a resounding success and I’m pretty sure that all the seats would be full when the Festival got into full gear.
After this each of the bands got ready for a march through the streets of the area, even though it was slightly raining as we started it cleared up just as we were finishing. We walked past The Salvation Army Headquarters along the way.
The performances started not long after arriving back at the hosting venue and would go through to at least 5pm. This would include 10 bands and a special band, as well as the massed band at the conclusion, which would make for a long day.
As the other bands were performing our band was encouraged to watch and listen to them as a sign of respect, but also to be encouraged by the many pieces that were played out of the reportoire of previous visits by the WCB, which should be taken as a huge honour to those that have come before.
Interspersed during the day we had a light lunch as some of the bands started playing through their pieces and we were split into two groups to partake in a Japanese Tea Drinking Ceremony.
We ended up watching quite a few of the bands from around Tokyo and further a field. One of the bands had been on the road overnight, leaving at 11pm last night travelling for about 8 hours just to be there. Now that is what I call commitment!
The WCB also had the opportunity to sing O Boundless Salvation as part of a vocal accompaniment for one of the bands which brought people to tears, as they were moved immensely.
The youngest band was from a primary school and one of the shortest people barely was able to see over the Timpani’s, but played his part without missing a beat. It was truly a sight to see when he got up on a stool to play the chimes in a later piece, the chimes being almost twice his height. One of the pieces they played was the title track from the Lion King which was truly an inspiration.
Jim also had the honour of conducting the Special Band made up of people from all over Japan.
It didn’t take long for the time to pass and Wellington Citadel Band was set to go, commencing their 8 piece section with Phoenix and concluding with Let There be Light.
After which time the massed band assembled for Manchester, A Christmas Festival and The Wellingtonian. All of which rang out around the hall and was truly inspiring with so many players.
This was followed by numerous photos of sections, bands and the massed band of course, then there was a meet and mingle time. Many contact details, Facebook contacts, and Instagram connections were made and hundreds of autographs signed on programmes, CD’s and books and hundreds if not thousands of photos taken over some drinks and light snacks.
After about and hour of this we were shepherded out of the hall so that we could have dinner a short walk from the venue and head back to the hotel for some much needed rest, as tomorrow we have an early rise.
The life and times of Perry... 