2020 update: The WTW Big Band was renamed the CB Johnson Big Band in 2019 in honour of the late CB Johnson who was an integral member of the music community. See the Facebook page for footage of past gigs and information on their upcoming events.
It’s always a pleasure to play keys for the lovely community WTW Big Band. I first played a guest number with the supporting WTW Jazz Band (a.k.a the small band) a few years ago and have since “dep’d” (filled in/cover) on piano for several of the big band gigs. It’s been my introduction and education in playing with a big band and has come with many challenges, most notably fast sight-reading!
I’m not sure if my sight-reading has improved but learning tunes has, in general, definitely sped up. I have my seven years in Bromley Schools Orchestra as a violinist to thank for my ability to keep up with reading big band charts.
For several years the WTW Big Band have played at the Brunswick Primary School Summer Fair in Southgate, North London and 2016 was my second time with them. The previous year I was so ridiculously nervous, anxious and overly self-critical of mistakes I made that I came away from the gig with very mixed feelings about my playing. But I’m glad I’ve persevered (with encouragement, especially from CB) and although the nerves are still there, at least I now manage to enjoy playing the tunes. And I’m pretty chuffed with myself for not getting lost or too frazzled from the wind whipping over my pages at random points whilst playing.
Gigs on keys
2018
| July 15 | WTW Big Band at Victoria Park Summer Fair |
2017
| July 1 | WTW Jazz Band (a.k.a the WTW Small Band), Islington |
| June 10 | WTW Big Band at Brunswick Park Primary School Fair |
2016
| June 18 | WTW Big Band Playing at Hargrave Hall Annual Fair |
| June 11 | WTW Big Band at Brunswick Park Primary School Fair |
2015
| July 25 | WTW Big Band at Edmonton Festival |
| June 6 | WTW Big Band at Brunswick Park Primary School Fair |
2013
| May 13 | Guest with WTW Jazz Band (a.k.a the WTW Small Band) |
Playlist of the CB Johnson Big Band (as WTW Big Band)
Note: I was on keys for just the first two videos in this list!
The WTW Big Band was renamed the CB Johnson Big Band in 2019 in honour of the late CB “Cools” Johnson who was the Music Director and trumpeter for many years. Even when he stepped back from directing duties, he always encouraging musicians to join in and learn and himself had taken up the trombone. CB even encouraged me to start learning the bass guitar! Select the button below to go to the Facebook page for more footage and information on their upcoming events.
“CB” originally stood for “Coolie Boy” which was how some of his long time friends and family would have affectionately known him as.
