Newspaper Article 1996 – Band presents An Afternoon at the Proms

Band presents An Afternoon at the Proms

The Hastings Citizens Band will present its annual An Afternoon Tea at the Proms concert at the Hastings Municipal Theatre this weekend.

The concert will be presented in a similar style to an English Prom, featuring a variety of tunes including Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and God Defend New Zealand.

Each year a different soloist features in An Afternoon Tea at the Proms.

This year it is Hastings Citizens Band’s percussionist Grant Myhill.

Mr Myhill played in the orchestra that supported the Hawke’s Bay Opera Society’s production Tosca and he has participated in a number of Napier Operatic Society shows. He has been a member of the New Zealand National Brass Band for four years, with which he toured the US last year. Mr Myhill has also won seven New Zealand percussion titles at brass band national championships.

Concert organisor Susan Myhill says the Hastings Citizens Band is lucky to have Paul Waring as compere this year.

“Paul is well known for his involvement in Music Halls locally and ably leads singing.”

The entry fee of $6 per person, or $20 for a family ticket (two adults and two children) includes a song sheet, flag and afternoon tea which will served from 2.30pm in the Shakespeare Room.

A selection of whistles will also be available for a small fee.

While British Proms no longer allow whistles, the Hastings Citizens Band encourage there usage, along with scarves, flags and appropriate dress”, Mrs Myhill says.

The concert funds will go towards the Hastings Citizens Band’s trip to China next month. On September 18 the band will travel to Guilin as part of the 15-year sister city anniversary celebrations.

The concert, which commences at 3pm, will be performed on August 18 and tickets are available from band members and at the Municipal Theatre on Sunday.