Oh Ate

Just a quick line to wish all followers of the OBB a very Happy New Year. The Band start again in early January providing the best in music and entertainment. It looks as though it is going to be an extremely busy year again, with the Band travelling around the country. Almost time for a roadie me thinks?
Back Soon.

Cough Splutter Sneeze

My PC is like Fort Knox with security. However some clever individual out there managed to include a Virus on a PC game, which took up residence in my Computer. These people who write these things are extremely clever, so I don't know why they don't go and work for NASA or the CIA or something more worthwhile, instead of exploiting your average Computer user. I also get droves of messages from Banks I am not in, asking me for Bank details etc. All this is, is theft and anyone ,who steals anything ,are the scum of the earth in my eyes. It has taken me about 2 hours but I have managed to kill the virus (I think) and I managed to play the Trombone at the same time, whilst waiting for recovery programme to download, so yes I am a man multi-tasking? a miracle hey girls!

I Do!

It's quarter to three, theirs no one in the place except you and me.....Ok it's a quarter to two but that don't rhyme. I should have been in bed an hour ago, and no doubt the rest of the Band are. However thanks to technology, I got lost coming back from a gig near Coventry tonight. I blame it on my satellite navigation system of which I affectionately have named Doris, and a gritter lorry near the M42. I lovingly call my Sat Nav 'Doris' when she gets me to my destination, but when I get lost I name her other things far to nasty to mention here! What I did not realise is, that the grit coming out of the back of the lorry affects the orbit of the satellites? That can be the only reason why I ended up on the M6 on the way home tonight. 'Doris' cheerfully asked me to do a 'U' turn when safe to do so.............ON A MOTORWAY???? I finally managed to get back on route after adding an extra 20 miles on my journey, and throwing Doris through my car window (which I should have lowered, before I threw it out) As it was, the Gig went well. It was a wedding, and they are not the easiest things to play for. It is a British law at a wedding that you must have at least 3 children running and sliding across the dance floor on their knees. This indeed was the case at this wedding, so we could safely carry on and play . I have to say that the Band sounded awesome tonight, and all in all it was another successful gig for the most entertaining Band in the Midlands. That was the last gig for 2007, so we have a well deserved rest until the 13th January when we will return to the Oak. Time for bed said Zebadee!!! Boing

Down Hill ski run

My life has always been very varied. At this time in my life I am working both ends of the emotional scale. One moment trying to keep people entertained with music and laughter, and the other end in Funeral Work. Although we have to keep a solemn face at a service, it is not always easy. There are quite a few incidents where I nearly lost it. One was sliding down the hill at a cemetery in deep snow, just after telling the mourners to be careful. I slid on all fours down the hill. The Gravedigger tried to catch me as well as the Vicar and one of the bearers, and if it had not been for a gravestone I would have made the road which was only about 100 feet away.Today we had a service in a church that was built in the 1400s. Now people in them days were allot smaller. To get the coffin in church requires only 2 bearers, as it has to be placed with one end on a pew and the other on a trestle just behind the organ player (who by the way regularly gets bashed in the head with the coffin.) It was a fairly heavy carry ,and as the church was packed ,was very difficult ,as no one would move out of the way.. In some ways it reminded me of a Laurel and Hardy movie. But we all kept straight faced and did the job the best we could. Managed an hours practice last night so all is well.

Spare Tyre

Well that's it, all over. 2 days and half a stone heavier with all the food and no exercise. It was a shock to the system driving to work this morning as it seems that 98% of the population are still off. Not had chance to blow for 2 days and I know it will be a struggle to get my lip back in as I lose it so quickly. I knew a Euphonium player who could put his instrument down for 6 weeks, then when he blew again his range was still the same as when he left it grrrr!! Despite popular belief I do not get all my jokes from crackers!! But I liked this one.
Who wears a Black Cape and goes 10.9.8.7.6
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. Count Bacula of course lol.

Joyeus Noel

A capacity crowd at our Xmas Dance last night, and I hope we brought some festive cheer to all those there. It only remains for me to wish everyone a Very Merry Xmas from the Ockbrook Big Band. Back Soon.

Xmas Wish

Christmas is almost upon us, and I am really looking forward to my 2 days off, although thanks to my boss, I now have a cold which may alter my Xmas plans entirely.
Although Xmas can be an exciting time for the majority of people as families come together over the festive period, there are many who spend it on there own ,and because of the occasion, it can seem more lonely than ever. So please spare a thought to those out there who have no friends and family, and hope that they can have the strength to get through this holiday the best that they can.

45 RPM

2 more jobs to go for the year 2007 and we have beat last years number of gig's so it is a record for the OBB. Our last job See's us travelling to the West Midlands to play at a wedding, and then that is it until early January when it all starts over again. However we are going to fit a Xmas social in before we start, a good chance for the Band to take Wives and Partners out as they support us all year round. It is almost like the Film Orchestra Wives sometimes lol.

Hat Dance

We sometimes think it is a dangerous job being a musician, but it is nothing compared to being a musician in Mexico. A Trumpet player was found murdered this week, and 2 more musicians were found shot in the couple of weeks before? So if by any chance we did get asked to play in Old Mekico, I think I will turn the gig down for the safety of our Band. Mind you I can think of one person I would send.
I got to Bramcote early today for a 'carry in' and was pleasantly surprised to see a Trad Jazz Band playing outside the other chapel. I did not know any of the musicians, but did bump into a fellow Trombone player, who informed me that it was the Funeral of a Pianist (he had not been playing in Mexico) who had actually reached a fair old age. I thought what a great send off it was for a fellow musician, and the Band did well to play outside in freezing temperatures. I hope that when I go, they have more instruments than Celestial Harps up there, as no doubt I would be on the 1000,000 stand down playing off beats?

Scrooge...

It is noticeable this year that there is a definite lack of Carol Singers. Talking about it at work today, it is probably not surprising, as one work colleague hides behind the settee with his family, and wont come out until they are gone. Another has a cauldron of boiling oil in the upstairs bedroom ready to pour out of the window to get rid of them. Myself, well I rush out and join them on my Trombone? never fails to get rid of em. Christmas , Bah Humbug.

Who Dares..... erm me!

Got to bed late night last night as played for a Glenn Miller night. The room was packed to the rafters. It still amazes me the pull that the 'Miller' arrangements still have. I often wonder that if Glenn had lived to a ripe old age, if his music would still been as popular today? A work colleague was also bleary eyed at work today, as his neighbours had kept him up half the night with loud music. It reminded me when I was taking part in Casualty Evacuation Ambulance duties. I was staying on an RAF Air Base and after a particularly stressful day, had got to my bed at about 1am. At 3am I was woken by 2 guys outside my room having a drunken row. Without thinking I shot out of the room in my shreddies and told them to please be quiet ( a bit more colourful than that actually) It was only at breakfast the next day and everyone was in there respective uniforms, that I glanced across at these 2 guys, and saw they were in fact SAS soldiers. I left my toast and the dining room fairly quickly!!!

Aisle Altar Hymn

It looks as though 2008 is going to be a bumper year for the Band. I took another enquiry today about a Wedding, and we are not out of 2007 yet? Not bad for saying that we do not really advertise, but depend on word of mouth and the web site. Talking of weddings, it's a fact that a man is not complete until he is married.........and then he is Finished!!!!!!!!

Hot Air

I realised that I was quite tired driving to work this morning. It was a busy weekend so I wasn't really surprised. At work their is no heating in the workshop, and seeing I was in there most of the day I figured I had to come up with something to heat the place as my hands were going blue. So in the best Blue Peter style, I found an Hair Dryer and some sticky Back plastic, and Hey Presto I had my own personal Blow Heater. I just hope my boss does not find out, mind you it is the only time I will use an Hair Dryer. We have also had some Nice e mails about our Xmas Concerts and feedback praising our tight and crisp Trumpet Section, the best they have ever heard, and I have to second that as they all are extremely talented musicians working together as a team.

Rovers

Second night at the Ashby Xmas Concerts saw a full house with people waiting for ticket returns to get in. Almost the end of the year now with only a couple of gigs left to do in 2007. Next year is filling up nicely as word of the Bands reputation as the Most Entertaining Big Band in the Midlands spreads. I am now really looking forward to my TWO days off at Xmas, but more looking forward to see what presents Roy V the Trumpet has bought for the Band when he dresses up in his yearly role as Santa, oh the expectation!

I'm Forever Blowing....

First night of our two night Xmas Concerts last night (that's 3 nights?) and the audience lapped it up. The overall comments on the Band at the end of the evening was that it gets better and better every year. This was the 8th year that we have appeared in Concert, and for many it is the real start of Xmas for them and the Band.. My heart sank last night when I noticed that the front row of the audience was occupied by about six 16-18 year olds as I thought they would be bored with our music and show. I have to say that they have restored my faith in the youth of today (Now I an sounding like my Dad!) as they had a great time, were polite, enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The only downside to last night was our new very expensive Bubble making Machine, which cost a fortune. Only 2 of us knew about this in the Band, as I wanted to surprise them when we set it off in 'White Xmas' It certainly surprised them as almost everyone lost their place in the Music.....an amazing sight to behold, and no expense spared for true entertainment with the Ockbrook Big Band.

1st day of xmas

Managed about an hours practice last night, which left my lip like a bit of old liver? The Boss at work found a partridge road kill today (ok it was probably a pheasant, but it does not fit in the twelve days of chrimbo) so his family are having it for Xmas dinner! I started my new regime to reduce my stress levels today, after realising I can't change the world to be more considerate and thoughtful. However driving home from work I suddenly saw coming towards me, 2 lads on a push bike heading straight for my car on my side of the road. Now normally I would have done a handbrake turn and chased them down, but today I just smiled and called them 'little scamps' (well sort of!)

Many Happy Returns

I have been off the air for a while due to a major family illness, that involved the Intensive care unit and the dedication of many Doctors and nurses. Whatever God you believe in, his 'in tray' must have been full that day as the family member is recovering well. Anyone reading this who has not told a member of family or friend how much you think of them should realise that one day it might be to late. I have had a second chance to say what I have had to say, and not many people get that opportunity.
Due to the emotional roller coaster ride, I have not blown my bone for a week now, which will tell, with the up and coming Xmas concerts, so I will have to wing and a prayer it for now I am afraid.. I also have been dodging this virus that is going around, but it crept up behind me yesterday,and is now attacking my throat with barbed wire, as I type, but it wont stop me singing, which will no doubt disappoint some people!!! lol.

And Roses

Just deciding to go to bed last night when 2 more gigs came in by e mail. I am one of those people who likes to get things done straight away (will I never learn that the majority of the world is not like that) so I stayed up to organise the details, which is probably why I was late for work this morning. It was one of those mornings when you think 'just 5 more minutes'..... only I did not plan on falling asleep again. I managed a wash, shave, bowl of flakes and a coffee all in 7 minutes, not bad eh? ( Mind you I don't have to do my hair, so that saves 3 minutes at least) It also did not help that the traffic was bad due to a detour because of road works, or indeed every lollipop lady throwing herself in front of my little car to let 1 very slow child across the road, every 100 yards. I think I will ask Santa for a louder alarm this year?

Cream

Playing in the other Band last night, you never know until you get there, what pieces you are going to play. Last night was easy as only one solo, and that was the last piece of the night. The only downside now is I am getting home later, as they have now installed a new security barrier that wont open until you punch in the correct code, and although this code is announced at the end of the night, some of the more mature people have forgot it before they have got to the exit? This means a long line of traffic waiting to get out. Because I have a small one (car) I am considering having a go at driving under the entrance barrier! Well ,I have always fancied a convertible!

Suite

I really must get around to re-insuring my instrument as it is so easy to have an accident these days. A couple of years ago, I was playing at a Dance with the OBB, when a rather large drunk lady sat on my Trombone just before I was about to do a solo. I didn't realise how badly it had been damaged until I tried to move the slide, and it wouldn't! I went to speak to her in the break, but she did not want to know about the damage she had caused. The thing is with me I have a long memory, and in the end I did get my own subtle revenge lol. I also remember the Army Band travelling on a very long German bus. These were the ones that actually bent in the middle when going around corners. Unfortunately we had stacked the Bands instruments on the pivot point of the bus, so when it went round the corner it was like watching a nutcracker at work, as a Bass and saxophone was crushed together into a metallic mess. I have seen Trombone slides drop off on marches, instruments fall off stands, and even someone drive over there own instrument doh!!.
Now where is that policy.

Who ate all the pies?

I know the meaning of the song 'I don't like Mondays' as stuck in the same traffic jam for ages this morning, which was grey and miserable. When I got to work there was no heating (not that I ever get warm in my job!) as the boiler had broken down. This was followed by washing the Hearse in icy cold water, and to make matters worse I had forgotten my MP3 player so had to sing, which never goes down well at our place. Then a few hours in an icy cold coffin shop. But worse of all, the cafe had run out of mince pies so I have only managed to consume 4 today? I hate Mondays.....

Deliha

An excellent rehearsal tonight for the up and coming Xmas concerts/dances. Poor Colin our vocalist is suffering with the 'lurgy'. In fact everywhere I have been today people are going around sneezing and coughing, where is, if they just stayed at home these things would not spread! . I bet it was the same in the Great plague of London. " Oh I seem to have this Black Spot on me chest, but I will pop to the shops anyway...........??"
I have eat more than my quota of mince pies today, and frankly scarlet I don't give a damn, as I like them. So here is a cooking tip for you all. Get a mince pie, remove the top, and put in a slice of Stilton cheese. Then place in microwave for 30 seconds and if you don't become a mincepieaholic then I will eat my wig.

Ho Ho Ho

Well Xmas officially starts today I suppose. Drove to a Xmas craft village with Glenn Miller arranged Chrimbo music playing in car, and it even snowed a little on the way. Had lunch and then a trip around Lichfield. If you have never been to the Cathedral, then you don't know what you are missing. Also bought a couple of Trombone play along CD's, but annoyed when got home as all the tracks are with the solo line intact, which does nothing for sight reading. I know that Roy V our trumpet player always looks forward to this time of year, and can't wait to get his Blue Peter home made decorations up. Actually Roy had an accident when he was younger and swallowed a Xmas Bauble. He suffered from Tinselitus for weeks after!