Skiing Sousaphone

Saturday, the 21^st of February 2026 

#musicians #orchestredharmoniedechamonix #sousphone #flute #baritone #ski #Chamonix 

What a treat to meet up with musician friends in Chamonix and be invited to join a rehearsal of the Orchestre d’Harmonie de Chamonix. We were provided with instruments from their store cupboard. I ended up with a sousaphone, a first for me! We played through a mass setting by Jacob de Haan. We must have done a good job as we were invited to play in their concert at the end of March!  

For many years, I played with the band every Christmas. Happy memories of playing in Chamonix town square on Christmas Eve – Mon Beau Sapin (O Christmas Tree), Douce Nuit (Silent Night). I even wrote some pieces for them – Cirque De Neige (Snow Circus), 500 Years Of Christmas. 

What a privilege to have musician friends around the world. And thank you to Jean-Marie Couttet, conductor, clarinettist, teacher and friend.