At our recent meeting Simon Morgan, a former Royal Marines bandsman and latterly an instrumental music teacher introduced us to the wonders of woodwind instruments. Starting with a beautiful piece on the alto saxaphone, invented as recently as 1840. Simon demonstrated the playing technique and demonstrated how it can be used to play music written by many of the famous composers many years before its invention, playing Baroque parts originally intended for the flute or even violin.

Moving on to the Clarinet Simon demonstrated its much wider and hugely versatile tonal range. Using backing music he played Colors of the Wind, the haunting melody from the Disney film Pocahontas showing off the instrument's velvety tones. This was followed by the huge Bass Clarinet, a little over four feet long with wonderfully rich bass tones as demonstrated in the tune When Your Hair Is like The Snow. Written by Scott Joplin, this is nothing like his familiar Ragtime tunes but a meandering and moving air.

Simon brought a superb musical talk to a conclusion by taking us through the light and breezy Suprano Sax, a delightful version of Greensleeves on the Flute and finally a rousing and jazzy version of Baa Baa Blacksheep on the Alto Sax.

This was a hugely enjoyable and educational talk followed, as usual, by a trip to the bar and a sociable lunch.

If you you think you would like to join us please contact David Newnham on 01590 642124 (otishome@btinternet.com).