Evening of Music for Charity Raises Nearly £200 for MASC

NEARLY £200 was raised for MASC (Mid Devon Alliance for Special Children) at St Paul's Church at the Tiverton Concert Band's Summer Performance.

People enjoyed an evening of orchestral music on July 24 including Hoe Down from Rodeo, the theme of the Godfather and Great Movie Marches.

Special guests to the evening were Andrew Wilson who lives in Manchester who was only 10 when he won a scholarship to study the piano at the Royal Academy of Music Junior School. He was joined by Andrew Daldorph who graduated with a first class honours degree in music from the University of Southampton in1993. He now resides in Exeter.

Andrew Wilson who selected some of his own songs to play along with Andrew Dalorph said: "It is lovely to play here tonight with Andrew and the band, and in front of this good audience.

"My parents live here in Devon so it's nice to come here and visit and to raise money for charity.

"I chose the songs we are playing tonight because they are my favourites. If I like them, I am sure those listening will enjoy them too. The important thing is that everyone has a good time."

His playing partner for the evening Andrew Daldorph added: "He has chosen some challenging pieces this evening, but I enjoy playing lots of different styles other than just classical.

"I particularly enjoyed playing our first piece together , Sonata by Lawsun Lunde, as he is a composer who is not so well known."

The Tiverton Concert Band which perform three concerts like this a year as well as fetes and events, is currently looking for a new MD. John Fitton who has left the post returned to conduct for the evening.

He said: "It has been a long day for people as a lot of them went to the Mid Devon Show this afternoon.  This is a nice way to put them into a relaxed mind after that.

"We started soft and then performed the Dambusters to wake them up a little."

In total £194 was raised for MASC which is an organisation which is based in Tiverton Youth Centre and caters for children with additional educational needs. Two Youth clubs are run for children with moderate to severe disabilities. There was also a raffle to help raise more money for the group.

 Youth leader of MASC Kate Smith thanked the audience for their contributions. She added: "It was a very professional event which got better as the night went on with different styles of music.

"Money we have raised tonight will help towards our next project. For example, last year we built a snake for our carnival entry, or we may take children out on a day trip."

The Tiverton Concert Band is currently looking for new members. If you would like to join contact John Fitton on 01884 252574 for more information.