The Bermuda Philharmonic Society's 'Rejouissance' for concert band was a family affair for trombonist Brianna Roach, who sat a few seats down from her dad, Conrad Roach, leader of the trumpet section, and next to her uncle Graham Maule, playing first trombone.

'Celebrate life' was the theme of the programme, performed by the concert band under the direction of Kent Hayward on Saturday September 25 at Warwick Academy's Phoebe Purvis Memorial Hall.

The musical term translates literally as 'rejoicing', and was used by Bach, Handel and others as the title of a lively movement. "Put in the context (or out of it, for that matter)," explained Mr. Hayward, "the programme is a celebration of music, Wind Band music, which is very versatile." Highlights of the programme included two suites for Military Band, Opus 28 No.1 in E-flat and No. 2 in F, traditional pieces of the concert band repertoire, and more contemporary selections from the 1980s and The Beatles.

For Brianna, the most enjoyable piece was the Overture to "Candide" by Leonard Bernstein. She and her friend, fellow trombonist Sajni Richardson, liked the melody of the piccolo and flute, and very quietly sang along at the back of the ensemble.

"I'm not sure classical music has relevance for teens," she stated, but went on to note that, "We all had a bunch of fun learning the pieces in rehearsal. It was interesting to learn what music was played before the music we know today."

A friend came to the concert and enjoyed it, though Brianna admitted, it may have been because the programme also included a medley of Beatles tunes and another of songs from the 1980s.

Brianna has been playing the trombone for six years. She recalled: "I walked into my dad's office at Saltus one day after school when I was in Year 5. I saw a trombone on a trombone stand, picked it up and started to play with it. My dad put a sheet of music in front of me, and I learned a few notes, and since then I've played for real."

She thoroughly enjoyed playing in the concert band with her dad and uncle. "It was a great experience," she stated, and she appreciated the advice of her uncle Graham who was seated next to her. However, it's not a common occurrence, as her dad is in demand for professional performances. Community events like church services are where they are most likely to be playing together.

There were a number of students invited to join the band by their teachers, who came from the Warwick Academy, Bermuda Institute and Saltus Grammar School music programmes. And father-daughter wasn't the only familial relation among the sections: there were siblings as well who came together in the delightful ensemble.

The Bermuda Philharmonic Society is planning a Christmas concert, and will conclude their 2010-2011 season with a band and orchestra camp for students in July. For more information about the Society, visit the website www.philharmonic.bm.