The Corsham Windband Association visited Orléans d and Jargeau (Corsham’s Twin Town) in the Loire Region of France during the half term break. Two features of the trip were highlighted by our hosts from the Jargeau Twinning Association – the sharing in our joy of music making and the celebration of partnership between the people of Corsham and Jargeau. Whilst in the area the bands raised 1200 Euros for ‘Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque Enfants du Monde’ – a charity dedicated to funding surgery for children with heart problems.
With the Mayors, Deputy Mayors of Jargeau and Châteauneuf sur Loire, members of the Jargeau Twinning Committee and an audience of local families in attendance, the band performed concerts in Jargeau, Chateauneuf and Orléans. Our musical repertoire was described as joyous and infectious, with standing ovations at each event. Forty playing members, supported by parents and friends performed a selection of film music including Les Misérables, Pirates of the Caribbean, West Side Story, ending with the electrifying Pink Floyd Medley. The Youth Concert Band Saxophone Choir debuted with a complex arrangement of ‘Top Cat’.
The Association also visited Chateaux Chambord and Chamerolles, with a guided tour of Orléans (Joan of Arc history and more).