30s, 40s, 50s….jazz, swing….upbeat for dancing….. romantic and smoochy…we do it all!
Mark is our alto sax sax player, and the band leader. He’s an extremely talented musician, but that’s not the only string to his bow (what?!) he’s also a very talented sailor, recently winning a silver medal with the GB Blind Sailing Team in the US.
We’re making music!
Helen on clarinet came to play with us last night, as did Carole who has agreed to arrange some music for us. Pete also came along to listen – he’s interested in joining the band on double bass, as Aladar, due to family and work commitments is unable to join us on a regular basis – pity!
This is me, Pat. (and that’s me on the contact page too) I’m the singer of room 10. I’ve sung all my life, but I’ve been into singing jazz for the last 10 years or so, since a vocal coach I was going to at the time introduced me to it, and we decided it suited my voice.
I’ve also done a bit of gospel on the Glanfa stage in the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff (I live in Cardiff – did I say?!) and more formal singing for wedding celebrations, but jazz is definitely my main love.
Up until now I’d only sung in small combos or with backing tracks, so room 10 is a new, and very exciting adventure for me – I hope you will be able to join us in this adventure!
Due to a confusion and double booking situation, our first gig at Kings Weston house’s wedding fair is now off – still, rather that than a messy divorce down the line..!
We’re disappointed, but it’ll give us more time to get ourselves sorted and polished before appearing before the public, and as the KWH people have suggested upcoming Christmas parties there, it’s not the end of our burgeoning relationship….
Back to room 10 then, for more practicing, fun and good music!
room 10 has arranged its first function! We are getting together a small demonstration group to perform at the Kings Weston House Wedding Fayre on 1st October. This is to raise public awareness and hopefully will get us some bookings!
Next step – source business cards to hand out….
As Dan our trombonist and Pat our vocalist are on holiday, and Mark our alto sax player is currently in America representing GB in a blind sailing competition, it was a very different practice this week!
This enabled the band to concentrate on our individual parts, which we all worked on. At the end of the rehearsal we were all happy that there had been improvements made.
During rehearsal, changes in mute for John on trumpet got us a better sound…Adam used his skill and experience and added bits in here and there on drums, which has made an big difference to the sound and dynamics of the music.
Music has now been given out to John on trumpet and Adam on drums..at last I heard them say!
Things are looking…and sounding…good!
The line up now is –
Vocals- Pat
Piano- Emma
Double Bass-Aladar
Drums-Adam
Alto Sax-Mark
Tenor Sax-Hazel
Baritone Sax-Mike
Trumpet- John
Trombone-Dan
Clarinet-Louise
Flute-Jayne
Looks like our mini big band is coming together – how exciting!
I’ll shortly go round everyone and give a potted bio of us all – well, I’ve got to embarrass everyone as much as possible, it’s my job!
John on trumpet joined us last rehearsal and is now in the band…a flute player is due to come along to rehearsals soon, which should now complete the line up for our mini Big Band. Exciting times!
room 10 