Swing Band 'wows' in Grenada

The Swing Band travelled to the Caribbean and toured Grenada between 29th June and 7th July. Departing early in the morning after the leavers' ball, the band played six concerts whilst on the island, featured in two live television interviews on "Good morning Grenada" (which included the programme's theme music being replaced by Will Leith's saxophone improvisations on I got rhythm), and raised nearly £5000 for St James's home for orphans (Grenada) through generous givings from the audiences at the concerts.  Evening concerts took place in True Blue, the Rex Grenadian, La Source, Grenada Boys' Secondary School (which involved playing alongside pupils in school and members of the band coaching them prior to the concert) and the band was also invited to play for the Graduation Dinner at Westmorland Girls’ College.

Between concerts the band rehearsed up to three hours each day before enjoying snorkelling, swimming, sailing and the Caribbean sun in general.  The musical standard achieved in concerts was extremely high, with all-time favourites Soul Bossa Nova (Quincy Jones) and Pennsylvania 6-5000 (Glenn Miller) being encored many times.  A cricket match against the hotel staff was a highlight of the tour, with Sherborne Swing Band lagging just a little behind on the score.

Posted: Thursday, October 16, 2008