Funeral

Today was the funeral of someone I've known for 30 years.  She was a mother of four children, who all played in the band when I was small.  One of her sons is the current conductor, and it was another son that first invited me to play with the band back in 1987.  Her daughter taught me to play drums.  The other daughter is married to the current band manager.

The funeral was in the local parish church and was well attended.  The band performed throughout the service, often playing pieces that her husband arranged.  The most tear-jerking piece was the hymn Deep Harmony.  It's the kind of piece that really shows off the brass band sound and it tugs at the heart strings, especially when played well.

Many of the current band were there, and ex-players came too, including players from Black Dyke, Grimethorpe, the RAF Central Band, the King's Division Band and Hammonds Saltaire.

It was a good send off, with the music celebrating a life given in support of everything the band did.