Keith Strachan
  • Home
  • CV
  • TV
  • Theatre
  • Film
  • Music
  • Educational
  • Gallery

The Zoo Ball and Time Travel

When my son Sam was learning to play the cornet at Redbridge Music School Junior Brass Band in the late 80's I attended, like all dutiful parents, many concerts and as a result offered to write a collection of light entertaining pieces which I felt would suit the age group. I came up with the Zoo Ball which was full of punning titles in a variety of styles whose aim was to conjure up a party atmosphere in which the zoo animals, and the young musicians, could have a swinging time. It became quite popular with the kids so I was persuaded by staff at Redbridge to try to have it published. I sent it to Philip Sparke at Studio Music and as a result of our ensuing conversation I adapted it for Orchestral Wind Band and it was published. Some time later Philip asked for a follow up suite so I came up with Time Travel with pieces written in different time signatures. Below is a recording of the complete Zoo Ball by the Redbridge Music School Brass Band and also a selection of pieces from both suites recorded by Studio Music.  
Picture
Picture
The complete ZOO BALL suite recorded by the Redbridge Music School Brass Band in 1988

​
Keith Strachan · The Zoo Ball by Keith Strachan (Original recording by Redbridge Music School)
ZOO BALL selection from Studio Music's Wind Band publication. The music for the complete suite can be purchased from Studio Music. 
​
Keith Strachan · The Zoo Ball (a selection recorded by Concert Band)
TIME TRAVEL selection from Studio Music's Wind Band publication. The music for the complete suite can be purchased from Studio Music. Link below.
Keith Strachan · Time Travel by Keith Strachan
Click to set custom HTML
Link to to Studio Music's website where the Zoo Ball and Time Travel can be purchased online
CONTACT DETAILS:  keith@strachan.org