british trombone society
www.trombone-society.org.uk
Summer 2007
Leicester concert for Matt Fulham charity
Trombonists join forces to raise almost £2,000 for a trust fund set up following the murder of a young trombonist from the East Midlands A 16-piece trombone choir, directed by BTS President Bob Hughes, featuring top names from all genres, performed a fundraising concert in January. Included in the lineup were Ian Moffat, Jon Stokes and Darren Smith from the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Roger Harvey and Dan Jenkins from the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Lindsay Shilling from the Royal Opera House, Jim Gribben from the Central Band of the RAF and freelance players Tim Smart, Chris Fower, Stewart Drummond and Chris Hickman. The concert also featured local brass dectet PLC Brass, led by Pete Collins. All players gave their time for free, which meant every penny raised went to the Matthew Fulham Foundation. The charity was set up by the family and friends of Matt Ful-
“To know that what a bunch of brass musicians did on a chilly Sunday evening in Leicester is already making a difference to people experiencing a devastating loss, its made me proud to be a trombonist” Dan Baker
ham from Hinckley in Leicestershire who, while on a family holiday to Egypt, was killed by a suicide bomber in 2005. He was there to celebrate his 18th birthday - a milestone he was, tragically, never to reach. The event, at the Y Theatre in Leicester, was organised by local bass trombonist Dan Baker, who explained the impetus behind the concert: “Not many people realise you get virtually no support from the Government if you’re the victim of terrorism overseas. The Fulham family had to set about raising funds to fly
their son’s remains home and pay for the funeral. I thought that was terrible and wanted to help raise awareness and funds. I was overwhelmed that so many other trombonists felt the same way.” Proceeds from the trombone choir event have already been used to help six families who have experienced a terrorist atrocity while overseas. Compered by local BBC TV presenter Dominic Heale, the evening was summed up superbly when he said, “Trombonists are a tight-knit bunch who look out for each other and support each other. What we have on stage tonight is the British trombone community’s message of sympathy and support to the Fulham family.” Website www.matthewfulham.org
Left: Bob Hughes leading the fundraiser for the family of terrorist victim Matt Fulham (Right) and others
Glasgow trombone day preview Sunday May 13th 2007 will see the first big BTS event in Scotland for some time. The event will be held at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in sunny Glasgow. The programme covers both afternoon and evening, with something for everyone young and old, amateur and pro. Main featured artists so far are the brilliant Bones Apart, who need no introduction, and Mike Suter, ex-Stan Kenton Band bass trombone wizard, who will come with his latest CD and newly designed Kanstul trombone. Several other big names have threatened to come - details will be posted on the website as they emerge. Bones Apart will give a workshop for young players, the RSAMD trombonists will be showcased, both in solo and ensemble works, there will be trade stands, and even a class in slide lubrication!! There will be chances for everyone to blow, starting with a massed warm-up, and with an open-to-all rehearsal for two slots in the evening concert. The post-concert social gatherings in Scotland are legendary, and there is every chance of that tradition being upheld! Free entry for everybody to all events. For final details, please check the BTS website news page. Be there ! Website www.trombone-society.org.uk
Chris Stearn The Trombonist | Summer 2007 |