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MAGHULL
Maghull Wind

Orchestrain lockdown

When lockdown began in March nobody knew just The third piece released in June was composed by
how long it would last for, but the committee at Karl Whelan, “Hymn to the Angels” was composed
Maghull Wind Orchestra knew that something must in support of NHS staff, care and key workers who
be done to ensure that its members could keep were doing so much at this time. So how did Karl
making music together even if they couldn’t dicover Maghull Wind Orchestra? He explained “I was
physically play together. As a band they are lucky scrolling through Facebook and saw that Maghull
to have composers, arrangers and editors who Wind Orchestra had created the video of “You’ll Never

have worked incredibly hard to put the musical Walk Alone,” it was amazing – this was before “Hymn
arrangements, click tracks and videos together to the Angels” was even written!”
enabling the band to still play to audiences both near
and far. It was a few weeks later when MWO musical
director Phil Shotton was recording some parts for
the orchestral version that the collaboration came
together. When asked how he would feel about MWO

recording the piece Karl jumped at the chance,
remembering how he felt about the previous video he
had seen. Over 35 band members took part in the
resultant exciting virtual performance.

The virtual performances started with “You’ll Never
Walk Alone” in April with over 40 musicians taking part.
This first performance was released in honour of

the NHS workers who were working so hard and
risking their lives for us. It was released to coincide
with the Clap for Carers and received a huge amount
of media attention with the piece even being featured
on North West Tonight!
Fourth, in July came “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” This
Following on from this, in May came the second virtual piece was chosen by band members and dedicated

performance of “All You Need Is Love,” this time over to all of the children and young people who were
50 band members took part. This piece was again struggling at this time with getting used to the
performed in honour of the NHS and aimed to “new normal” - facing disruption to their routines,
encourage viewers and listeners to “be kind.” The song friendships, education and other day to day activities.
is another iconic Liverpudlian anthem celebrating The band hoped that the fun video would put
the values which are most important in our current smiles on lots of faces and remind everyone of the
climate – love and support of each other and our importance of friendship, as well as reminding
communities. members of the friendships they have within the band.

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