Andrea Lee and her fellow players of Barnes Concert Band talk to us about the creation of a new music group to commemorate their mothers.
Anyone who plays an instrument or sings in a local leisure-time music group knows all too well that it’s the joy of making music with others that continues to draw us to rehearsals week-in week-out. But there’s no doubt that within community music groups we can find so much more than the music: we meet new people, experience a sense of belonging, share tea-break conversations and invariably a laugh or two. Music groups can become an incredibly important part of people’s lives and, for some, an unexpected but welcome source of support at particular moments.
Six members of Barnes Concert Band in south-west London experienced just that kind of moment. We were drawn together through a sense of loss and bereavement for our mothers who had passed away within the last two years or so. Beginning with kind words, empathy and shared experience of dealing with grief, we progressed very naturally to the idea of making music together.
'We have a name, ChrysantheMums, which reflects a flower that despite being associated with mourning is also notable for a late and enduring bloom. Our interpretation of the word is amusing and raises a smile.'
Given the unplanned nature of this collaboration we had a rather random set of instruments between us. What do you do with a bassoon and euphonium, or an oboe and trumpet? Thankfully several publishers have good four-part and five-part arrangements scored to suit pretty much any combination of instruments. We also found a couple of publishers who were happy to re-arrange existing pieces to match our instruments. Our repertoire is neither sombre nor sorrowful but joyful with room for occasional contemplation and remembrance. We have a name, ChrysantheMums, which reflects a flower that despite being associated with mourning is also notable for a late and enduring bloom. Our interpretation of the word is amusing and raises a smile.
Plans so far are for informal and occasional playing and maybe some busking for charity alongside expanding the group to welcome everyone who wishes to remember their mums or to express sympathy and add support. More recently the project has evolved into the idea of organising a 'come and play' event, open to local musicians to join us, significantly on Mother’s Day – or specifically Mothering Sunday in the UK (which is on 30 March next year). This special day has endured the test of time and is widely celebrated, but can be especially poignant for many people whose mothers are no longer here. Coming together to make music – in a celebratory rather than sad way – feels like a positive way to feel connected and provide support to others.
We are keen to link up with other instrumental groups and choirs that have been founded in response to bereavement and gauge interest in a network of participative events in local communities on or close to Mother’s Day. The aim would be to offer some mutual support through shared music-making, poems and readings and an opportunity to remember our mums, and those of friends and relations, with affection. Repertoire ideas could be shared with the possibility of creating a playlist for any group to use and Making Music have kindly offered to publicise any activity that takes place.
If you have any ideas to share about musical activities for Mother’s Day, or have a similar group to the ChrysantheMums or are interested in forming such a group, please do get in touch with us via email at musicmemories4mum@gmail.com as we would be delighted to hear from you.
Contact ChrysantheMums at musicmemories4mum@gmail.com in time for Mothering Sunday on 30 March 2025
Find out more about Barnes Concert Band on their website and follow them on Instagram
