Northants concert band virtually records moving cover to thank NHS workers including one of its own members

A Northamptonshire community concert band has virtually recorded a cover of an ‘uplifting’ piece of music to thank frontline NHS staff.

The Nene Valley Community Concert Band, made up of musicians of all abilities from across the county, wanted to send a positive message to those working on the frontline during the pandemic, including one of its own members.

Jackie Callow, who plays the clarinet for the band, works as an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at Northampton General Hospital and also features in the cover of ‘What a Wonderful World’.

Chairperson for the Nene Valley Community Concert Band, Andy Dickinson, said: “We have a number of key workers in the band and that’s a good reason to do something to support them.

“One of our members thought ‘Wonderful World’ would be a nice and appropriate song to do. It’s a little bit more uplifting and a bit more positive.

“We’re just trying to send out a positive message, to provide some light relief and to show love and support to the NHS and key workers.

“We also have quite a few members who are older and vulnerable so they can’t get out, so doing this lifted them up and gave them something positive to do.

“But by doing something for themselves they are actually doing something for others too.”

A total of 26 members recorded their parts to the classic song, which Andy says was a ‘logistical nightmare’ and relied on players listening to a backing track and following the band’s conductor.

He added: “These videos look really simple when you see them on YouTube, but to play in our own homes, in tune and in time was a nightmare.

“When we put it together we didn’t know what it would come out like, but it came out significantly better than we thought it would.

“My friend’s son put it together for us, voluntarily, and did a great job. We are delighted.”

The video, which Andy says has been shared among staff in Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital, was a hit with the band’s own nurse.

“Jackie said that the first time she watched it she was in tears and many of her colleagues were too.

“She said they felt like they really were being appreciated.”

Andy also hopes that while the band cannot meet every week like it usually does, recording things like this video will help keep the members together.

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