Still striking up the band after 70 years - Q&A with Keith Arrowsmith

KEITH Arrowsmith, cornet player for the award-winning Maltby Miners' Welfare Band, first picked up his instrument almost 70 years ago but has not run out of puff yet. Keith (74) told us about some of the highlights of his life-long love affair with music.

Q: How did you first discover your love of music? Did you learn an instrument at school?

A: I started playing cornet for Dinnington Salvation Army at the age of seven.

I joined Maltby Grammar School orchestra and Brass Band and on leaving school, and the Salvation Army, I joined Maltby Miners Welfare Band.

Q:  Do you have any memories of your first rehearsals, roles or performances with a brass band?

A: At my first rehearsal, I discovered brass band music included classical compositions and film music, instead of just hymn tunes and marches. I wasn’t aware that the band was in a relatively poor state with only 15 players — a viable contest band needs 25 — and at my first contest at Sheffield City Hall I naively thought our performance was the bee’s knees, especially as we sounded different to the other bands.

My disappointment at coming last was very real.

Q: Do you get nervous before curtain-up or do you relish performing for an audience?

A: I have played solos in front of an audience since the age of ten so luckily I don’t have “nerves”.

Q: Who have been your favourite people to work with over the years — have there been some memorable characters in the band?

A: My favourite individual is Terry Clifford, Maltby’s musical director, who I have known for  decades. I also recall with great affection the late Jimmy Harris, a capable but humble man who was always prepared to take on conducting the band at times of crisis.

I recall visiting him during illness after he had retired from banding and seeing a photo on the wall of him conducting the band in Clifton Park.

He was rightly but quietly proud of his former role in the band.

Q: Why are you passionate about your band and brass band music in general?

A: Making music is uplifting and the opportunity of entertaining others rewarding. Calls for encores and standing ovations are the icing on the cake. The words “escapism” and “fellowship” also figure.

Q: What have been your most memorable shows and why?

A: The annual sellout concerts at Rotherham Civic Theatre are a thrill for all band members and last year our soprano, Jonathan Chambers, stood up and played a very challenging piece (without music), giving an immaculate performance worthy of any championship virtuoso Other fond memories include winning the Yorkshire area contest twice since 2010 — it’s like United winning the cup final.

Winning a band contest after years of disappointment and soul searching is wonderful when you’re awaiting the  announcement of a good result more in hope than expectation.

Such results always come as a surprise to what is essentially a village band with no sponsorship or corporate funding.

Q: What are your fondest memories of performing and travelling with the band?

A:  We made a CD recently and a sceptical record producer warned that a good outcome was doubtful over a day and a half — a championship band had recently spent a week making a recording.

He was shocked and surprised at the quality of the product but of course Terry had been rehearsing the band for weeks in preparation.

The band toured Belgium last year which was a bonding experience for those able to go.

Q: Have you had any particularly funny experiences or moments during concerts?

A: I recall a couple of amusing experiences. When we were leading the Lord Mayor’s Parade and trying to be more “professional”, we practised counter marching before leading the parade into Rotherham Minster.

Unfortunately, our marching and playing band reversed into the following ranks of Guides and Brownies — no fatalities ensued!

On another occasion, when setting off from the Maltby British Legion on Armistice Day, the band’s bass trombonist fixed his lyre (a mini music stand) to his slide instead of the fixed bit. His music kept going in and out of focus till he reached the nearby Cenotaph!

Q: Are any family members involved with performing as members of MMWB? If so, is this enjoyable or stressful?

A: My wife also plays in the band which keeps me “grounded” with some interesting discussions on the way back from rehearsals. I am not spared gentle/brutal criticism.

Q: Why do you think MMWB has been so successful over the years?

A: The band’s success is due almost entirely to one man — Terry Clifford, our MD, who has a passion for music and treats every player whatever their ability with kindness and respect.

Also, there is a whole network of capable ex-players willing to help cover absences due to holiday or illness.

Q: Coronavirus has caused huge disruption to all sorts of entertainment and music groups. How are you coping with this and keeping morale up? When do you hope to get back to rehearsing and performing?

A: Pandemic restrictions continue to wipe out rehearsals and performances. We keep in touch collectively via social media including weekly conference calls.

Anybody who’s seen the film Brassed Off will know banding is a way of life rather than just a hobby, and a few members are devastated by the ongoing situation.

Q: What would be your message to someone who thinks they might like to follow in your footsteps but isn't sure how to start?

A: Maltby runs a training band which welcomes “newbies” unconditionally. All ages and abilities can have use of an instrument when the current health restrictions are lifted. If you’re wanting to take up a fulfilling hobby contact the band’s website for details.

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