Join in special event to celebrate pandemic heroes (and heroines) on NHS anniversary day

Thursday 20 May 2021

Scotland’s brass bands have been invited to take part in a day of special events to celebrate the anniversary of the National Health Service and to recognise the efforts and sacrifice of social care and frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day will take place on 5 July and a special anthem has been commissioned from composer Liz Lane. The music is designed for bands to perform to coincide with the Nation’s Toast at 1.00pm on 5 July as their tribute to those who give so much 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The piece, entitled Hear the Call, contains subtle musical references to the four UK nations and is written to be played by groups of all sizes from six players upwards. The music has been commissioned by Brass Bands England and full scores and parts are downloadable free of charge from the BBE website.

To aid bands in their preparations for the event, a recording by Grimethorpe Colliery Band will also soon be made available. Funding for this new commission has been supplied by the Norman Jones Trust.

Composer Liz Lane commented: “I was very honoured to be asked to write Hear the Call. The concept is a journey of one person (the solo at the beginning) who is supported by frontline workers so that they are able to return to family, friends and community.

“The brief requested Hear the Call to be playable by as many people as possible, and it is written for 4th section/youth band upwards. If there isn’t a full band, it will work for a minimum ensemble of six parts (cornet, flugelhorn, tenor horn, baritone, euphonium and Eb bass) and others can be added. Feel free to put together combinations, but these six parts are crucial to make it work properly. The addition of a small drum kit would work especially well.”

Brass Bands England chief executive officer Kenny Crookston said: “We are delighted to have been asked by Pageantmaster Bruno Peek LVO OBE (pictured) – whose brainchild it was to mark this special day – to participate in this unique celebration and I would encourage bands everywhere to get involved.

“The past 14 months have been very challenging for all bands, but with the gradual easing of restrictions it is hoped that they can all be back to something approaching normal activity when Hear the Call receives its first performances.”

Pageantmaster Bruno Peek added: “We wanted to have a special, unique anthem to pay tribute to all those who work so tirelessly within the NHS, social care and on the frontline round the clock without any thought for their own safety.”

You can join in on social media with the hashtag the #NHSFrontlineDay and follow @brassbandseng and @nhsfrontlineday on Twitter for updates.

Those who are intending to participate are asked to register their involvement as soon as possible. To register to take part in the NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day on 5 July visit nhsfrontlineday.org

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Email Nigel Martin: sbbapr@gmail.com