On Friday 10th November 2017 the "Big Band Swing" once again appeared at the Haddenham Village Hall.
Lee Buckingham, a member of Haddenham Lodge, No. 8944, is the leader of Big Band Swing, an 18 piece big band, playing music from the golden era of the big band sound through to present day arrangers.
Formed in 1996, the band has evolved over time but has always maintained its primary purpose; to play music and have fun. It consists of a 4 piece rhythm section, 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones and is fronted by a female vocalist.
Lee joined the band in 1998, took over as band leader and Musical Director (MD) in 2006 and can be found out in front when not playing the trumpet.
The Big Band Swing first appeared at the Haddenham Village Hall in 2007 and in 2010 Lee offered up the band's services for a charity concert on behalf of Haddenham Lodge; the band has enjoyed performing for the local community every year since. At each concert, held in November, approximately 100 guests fill Haddenham Village Hall to listen and dance to the Big Band sound while raising money for the Lodge's charities of the year. Friday 10th November 2017 was no different and brought the total raised by the Big Band over the last 7 years to almost £5,000
Music played by the band is that of the Basie, Ellington, Miller, Riddle, Nestico, Hefti catalogue, with modern composers, such as Goodwin, Holmes, Collins and Martin also thrown in to the set list. Vocal arrangements of Fitzgerald, Cole, Clooney, Lee, Sinatra, and many more, get the audience singing along to tracks they know and love.
Local charities which benefit from the £5,000-£6,000 that Haddenham Lodge donates each year, from its fund raising efforts, include: Horsewyse, The Pace Centre, Haddenham Youth Theatre and Age Concern Haddenham & District.
Lee said: "The Big Band love performing these great tunes and the fact that we can do so while raising money for local charities is an added bonus."