The Ember Big Band in concert – in aid of Shooting Star Chase

Our line-up, 23 musicians plus three talented singers, performs in styles and tempos ranging from the Great American Songbook to swing, Latin, funk and rock. The band is conducted by Bill Geldard, one of the UK`s best known trombonists and arrangers. Since turning professional at the age of fifteen, he has played with some of Britain`s most famous orchestras and musicians including The Squadronaires, Ted Heath, John Dankworth and Jack Parnell. Ask him about the high spots of his career and there is a modest pause (probably because they are too numerous to mention). Then he recalls touring with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Liza Minnelli and Sammy Davis Jnr; having a solo specially written for him by Sinatra`s arranger Nelson Riddle; performing with Henry Mancini at “The Pink Panther” premiere in Switzerland; playing on the sound track of the first Bond film, “Dr. No” – and on the signature tune of ITV`s hit series “The Avengers” and “Minder”. Bill said: “Ember is an amateur band, but we take a professional approach to everything we do. There`s a difference between being `amateur` and `amateurish`. We`ve got a cracking programme lined up for Shooting Star Chase including numbers from movies, shows plus Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra classics. Our team of brilliant young dancers will be performing routines ranging from “Chicago” to “West Side Story” – Glenn Miller to Rock `n` Roll”.

Please note that the bar and auditorium will be open from 7.00pm, with the event beginning at 8.00pm.