POYNTON COMMODORES – ‘Open the show for ‘James’ at the M.E.N. ’
The scene was set at the Manchester M E N Arena on Saturday 28th of April for the homecoming concert of the 80’s and 90’s favourite group ‘James’. The arena was packed and the crowd began to buzz with anticipation when the lights dimmed and the steady rumblings of a hard drum beat broke the silence. However, the sound wasn’t coming from the stage. The spotlights focussed towards the back of the arena and out of the darkness, came the thumping drums of the Poynton Commodores Drum line. The bright green and white uniforms looked immaculate under the spotlights and the black plumes in the member’s hats added a touch of flamboyance to the whole picture.
In front of the drums were the large bright flags of the Colour Guard which flashed rainbows of colour across the dim light. The noise from the audience became louder as the Corps appeared for everyone to see on large screens at the side of the stage. They roared and clapped their approval as they marched down towards the stage and then rose into a fantastic thunderous crescendo when the trumpets of the Commodores Brass Line broke into the opening bars of one of the James fans favourite numbers, ‘Come Home’.
The Corps marched up on stage and, suddenly, 15,000 people in the M E N rocked along, danced and jumped to the Poynton Commodores.
They had the audience with them all the way and all that remained was for the black curtain at the back of the stage to drop and ‘James’ appeared out of the darkness and picked up on the rhythm set by the Corps. Drums and trumpets were joined by keyboards and guitars when, for a few more moments, Rock met Drum Corps. The Corps rocked along with the group and, when they eventually marched off the stage, the applause from the audience was echoed by the nodding heads of approval from members of the group and their obvious appreciation for the fantastic job done by the Corps. The applause followed the Corps all the way out of the arena.
This was not just a big occasion but it was a massive event for the Corps and especially for each and every marching member, member of staff or parent who was present. It will be an experience and a memory they will never forget. The Corps is always looking to expand and include new members who wish to share their great experiences. Anyone wishing to join, wishing to discuss sponsorship or people who would simply like to find out more about the Corps should contact Corps Director, Karen Muskett, on 01625 876441 or check out the web site at www.commodores.info which also contains videos of the James show.
Contact the Corps now – It could change your life.
Mike Williamson.
