STANLEY tells it all – Direction found
2017 brought the much desired direction. The breakthrough came unexpected. At the World Music Contest in Kerkrade that year, there was a stand of Mirasound. I recognised the name of the company and talked to Mr. Harold Voskuylen, the owner. His father recorded the first album I had played on at 16 years of age. It took every evening for a full week to record two marches with the local Wind Band. Playing the French Horn this meant a lot of after-beat(s).
Looking through his albums, I saw the cd ‘United States Marches’ by the Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides. A wonderful band of high musical standard and likewise reputation. On this album, the band sounds like an American military band. Talking about both a serious level of performance and respect as well.
In Europe, we expect a Symphony Orchestra performing German repertoire to sound like a German orchestra. The same with French repertoire, English and others, off course. However, with a Symphonic Wind Band this doesn’t happen all that often. Truly amazing.
At home, listening to this album, I was sure about our direction. Both the marches by John Philip Sousa and John Williams inspired me. More importantly, when Ellen walked in with a smile on her face asking ‘is this the music for our band?’ Well, what’s left to say? Done!
Stanley E. van Wel MM – Music Director
Posted on LinkedIn.com dated 25 October 2023