BREAM Silver Band, and the celebrated Wyedean Gospel Choir joined forces for an evening of music in the West Dean Centre last weekend.

The audience was treated to solo performances from both band and choir.

Jenny Lane, performing on cornet, played the well-known theme from TV’s Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

A baritone performance from Elaine Turner followed with Appassionata, an original work from the pen of Richard Rock, a melodic work that can show off the baritone instrument in a light not often seen.

The soprano cornet, was ably played by Colin Davies in his rendition of Solitaire, a ballad written by  Neil Sedaka.

The second half started with a delivery by musical director, Phil Turner, of the Post Horn Gallop.

The post horn, a valveless instrument, was used to signal the arrival or departure of a  post rider  or  mail coach. 

Christmas numbers included the legendary White Christmas, Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire and among others, a medley of Christmas pieces entitled A Christmas Celebration.

The well-known I Dream of Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair was played by principal euphoniumist, Duncan Robertson, written by Stephen Forster.

No Christmas concert is complete without a selection of carols for the audience to join in, and they were not disappointed with favourites such as The First Nowell, O Little Town of Bethlehem and In the Bleak Mid-Winter finding the audience in fine voice.

A band spokesman said: “Many thanks to the audience for their support of the concert and raffle (first prize won by Laura Tisdale, visiting from London), the proceeds from which go to band funds for purchase of music and instruments and providing tuition for youngsters from the locality.”

They added: “The band will now embark on preparation for the major contest of the year, which takes place in March in Torquay. Players old and new are welcome and details of the band, including contact details can be found at www.breamband.com.