Charlotte Shout Fest 2008

This past Tuesday, I got the chance to go to a Shout Fest. What is a Shout Fest? It was a meeting of great music that included shout bands (tubas, trombones, trumpets, tambourines) and various choirs.

http://www.charlottecentercity.org/nav.cfm?cat=18&subcat=102&subsub=0&id=2038

Let me tell you, after hearing them, they wanted me to go and get my tuba and mouthpiece and start marching again!! I was just amazed about their improvastional skills. I didn't see a piece of music everywhere and the crowd from age 2-82 were spiritually moved by the music. At one point, I felt like I was right in the middle of a battle of the bands because 2 Shout bands were facing each other at the front of the church and each band were respectful but going at each other full force. One band would hold their last note at triple fortismo, with the lead trombone meandering around the last note as his slide almost falls off, while the other band were itching at the chops, to take that last note, change the key, and rock it on to a brand new song. They really bought gospel music life and force fed it right to your soul. If you ever get the chance to see a Shout band, I would strongly encourage you to go, as there are several bands across the country.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shout_band

Take It Easy!!