© 2023 West Oxfordshire Winds
West Oxfordshire Winds
WOW’s Programme:
The Wizard of Oz - Arlen
If I only had a Brain,
We're Off to See the Wizard,
Over the Rainbow
Ding, Dong the Witch is Dead
Summertime - Gershwin
Blue Moon - Rodgers/Hart
Rhapsody in Blue - Gershwin
Summer Holiday - Welch/Bennett
WOW changed venue for their summer concert, making this the third hall I've heard them in. Despite the poor summer weather we're having, the hall was very hot during the concert, no doubt making it quite uncomfortable for some of the players. Playing in tune becomes a real problem for wind players in extremes of temperature, but they managed this very well.
The hall was fairly full, with about 70-80 people. The wind and pieces ranged from
a Wizard of Oz medley, through Gershwin's Summertime (wishful thinking, weather-wise!)
to Summer Holiday, that old chestnut sung by Cliff Richard. I, for one, am pleased
the new roof at Wimbledon precludes the need for him to sing there, and much preferred
this rendition by WOW. All-in-all, this was a very enjoyable evening. The players
looked as though they were really enjoying themselves and the audience response showed
they also did. It's good to see the group going from strength to strength, in terms
of numbers participating and quality of performance. Well done.
(Doug Lamb)