Stan continues to hit the right note

This year marks a significant milestone for FORCE Cancer Charity and its association with one of the most popular musical icons in the Exeter area.

The Stan Hacking Concert Band is preparing for its 15th performance in aid of the charity and has already raised more than £12,000.

They will be on stage at St Peter’s School in Quarry Lane on Sunday March 22. Tickets are available from the FORCE Cancer Support Centre in the grounds of the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital or by contacting Jackie Turner (01392 465462 or stanhackingband@hotmail.co.uk).

The band plays everything from Beethoven to ABBA and began its support for FORCE in 2006. Founder Stan Hacking has since come to value the care offered to anyone locally affected by cancer.
He was diagnosed with myeloma or bone marrow cancer in June 2010 and has also developed the lung condition pulmonary fibrosis.

“Every time I go to the FORCE Support Centre I see how much they do for us. They need as much money as they can get and I want to help in any way I can,” said Stan.

Originally from Manchester, Stan formed his band more than 30 years ago to raise money for charities in his adopted home city.

The total has topped £330,000 but the former Royal Marine Band Colour Sergeant has no intention of easing up.

Ill-health and the chemotherapy he undergoes to successfully manage his condition mean that Stan struggles to play the saxophone any more at his concerts but he still conducts the band of more than 60 musicians with the same passion that has always driven him.

“We rehearse every Wednesday and I see that as part of my therapy. We try to keep a variety of ages in the band and I think we now have one of the finest groups of musicians we’ve ever had,” said Stan.

There are a number of medics in the ensemble including consultants so Stan joked: “If I ever feel ill when I’m on stage, I know I’ll be in very good hands!”

The band consists of woodwind, brass and percussion. Many of the leaders of the sections are teachers and Grade 8 players and all band members need to be at least Grade 5 standard or equivalent.

Stan aims to cater for all ages and tastes in his concerts which will typically include a stirring march, a classical overture and music from the shows.

“Over many years Stan and the Band have been wonderful in their support for FORCE, and apart from giving a great deal of pleasure to so many people with their music, they have raised substantial funds from their concerts towards the work of the charity,” said FORCE fundraiser Mervyn Hayes.