BAND members who wanted to stay in touch through the lockdown have recorded performances in their homes.

’Callington Town Band was looking forward to a busy season of engagements before the coronavirus struck and, like bands all round the world, was forced to put its plans on hold,’ said secretary Shirley Morse.

’However, not wishing to lose contact with each other, a weekly Zoom meeting was arranged and although originally just for a chat it soon developed into something more.

’One of the members, Graeme, offered to make a compilation video of the members playing.’

After practising and recording themselves in solo performance at home, the players sent their clips through to Graeme, who edited them together into a joint piece.

’The first venture was of them playing four hymns and the result was promising enough to spur them on to try a march, Slaidburn,’ said Shirley.

’’Some members found it quite daunting to play on their own and video themselves, but it was considered a good effort. So, they have now started work on their third performance, Song of the Frontline, a piece specially written in support of the NHS.

’Although this in no way replaces the pleasure of sitting among other players at the weekly practices it is certainly keeping them on their toes and they will be ready when the lockdown for musicians ends.  It has also reinforced what they already knew - that Callington has a really friendly and supportive Town Band.’