The main Christmas event for the Band was the Aylesbury Mayor’s Carol Service at St Mary’s Parish Church on 4th December. The service was led by Fr. Doug Zimmerman, rector of St Mary’s, with readings from scripture by the Mayor, Cllr. Tom Dixon, Cllr Richard Lloyd, leader of the Town Council, Judge Sheridan, Recorder of Aylesbury, Debbie Brock, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, and other councillors and representatives of local charities. The Band was conducted by our new Director of Music, Brendan Gudgeon.
Before the service began, the Band played A Christmas Festival by Leroy Anderson, then as the Mayor’s procession entered the church Festival Fanfare by John Wasson. Other music was provided by St Mary’s Church Choir, the Aylesbury Music Centre Choir, and Bedgrove Junior School Choir. During the service Aylesbury Band played to accompany the carol singing, and some other Christmas music, including:–
- Scherzo Variation from A Christmas Suite by David Barker
- Ye Merry Gentlemen from Three Carols from Olde England by Duncan Stubbs.
- Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson
At the end the Band accompanied everyone singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and played Rob Wiffin’s arrangement of the Farandole from L’Arlésienne by Georges Bizet.
Then the following Saturday, 10th December the Band returned to Fairford Leys to play for the Carol Service in Hampden Square. This event seemed a little reduced compared to some previous years, the Band simply accompanied the singing of a number of carols, led by a children’s choir on the bandstand in the square. As usual the last item was Jingle Bells, sung to let Father Christmas know where to go, until he arrived with gifts of sweets for the children.
So ended our year of music making. Brendan has hinted at some exciting events for next year, so we look forward to 2023 with anticipation.