They said there’d be music
They said there’d be dance
When I looked at the band
I did not think grand.
Tried to make my excuses
To leave the room then
But my hosts stood before me
Said to just wait and see.
As the audience assembled
They started to tune
The cacophony piercing,
Pervading the room
I took a large gulp
Of the drink I was proffered
Tried to settle my nerves
For the sounds to be offered
But when they got started
I was tapping my foot
To the lilt of the music
Pure harmony they put.
Then “New York New York”
Sang out round the room
It wasn’t Old Blue Eyes
But he sang with aplomb.
Another old number
And I was “In the Mood”
As though with Glenn Miller
And now I was glued.
From loud shrill and brassy
To romantic and soft
The band never faltered
I should not have scoffed.
And I loved all the evening
With these keen amateurs
And I learned to applaud
Not to offer censure.
So if you are invited
To a local venue
Give support open-minded,
Could be the best thing you do!
Amateur music can be just as fine as that of professionals given enthusiasm and talent moulded by a good conductor. I went to a Big Band evening and was really impressed with the band, which performs locally to raise money for charity. This poem and photo seek to express that. I hope you enjoy it and that you too will support local talent rather than just rely on the ‘professionals’ – remember everybody starts somewhere.
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