HE is used to being in the limelight, but this time Stan Hacking became the star of the show when he was presented with a rare award.
During the 30th anniversary concert of the Stan Hacking Concert Band, the popular city conductor was presented with the Lord Mayor's Commendation in recognition of the outstanding amount of money the band's concerts have raised for local charities over the last three decades.
Exeter Lord Mayor Percy Prowse said: "I have known Stan and his wife Ann for a long time and he accepted my request to do a concert for Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF), my chosen charity in my mayoralty.
"The chances of getting a Lord Mayor's Commendation are very rare. You stand a better chance of catching six snowflakes on the moon."
He added: "The last Lord Mayor didn't award any and the one before that awarded one. I have the greatest pleasure in giving this award to Stan and Ann for their meritorious contribution to the community through what they have achieved in 30 years. They have collected no less than just over £320,000 for local charities."
That long-running tradition was continued during the anniversary concert at St Peter's School in Exeter, with £1,000 being awarded to ELF and £1,000 to the RD& E's Bramble Ward.
Around 270 people packed into the school hall to see the film soundtrack themed concert called Night at the Movies.
Stan served more than 20 years in the Royal Marines, where he was a Band Colour Sergeant, and worked as a conductor with Devon county ensembles before forming the Stan Hacking Band and becoming its conductor.
Stan was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in June 2010 and has courageously battled through treatment setbacks including pulmonary fibrosis – a lung condition – alongside his cancer.
Despite suffering from ill health, Stan has been determined to carry on with the band and continue raising money for local charities.Review
Stan Hacking 30th Anniversary Concert
St Peter's School, Exeter
WHEN it comes to the local music scene, the name Stan Hacking and his concert band has almost reached legendary status.
And it's a reputation that's justly deserved because 2014 marks 30 years since saxophonist and conductor Stan Hacking put together a band and performed a charity concert.
Ever since then the band has hosted regular concerts throughout the year to raise money for local charities, and among the most popular are the Christmas concerts with Stan being credited for getting the Christmas spirit flowing in Exeter.
For years I have written about Stan and his massively faithful following of fans, but have never seen him in action. What better concert to choose as my first than their 30th anniversary evening?
Straight from the start, Stan shone like a star at the helm in front of his extremely talented 60-strong band. Dressed impeccably, Stan greeted the audience with charm and wit, and then let the music do the talking with The River Kwai March starting off the night of film themed music.
The next song was West Side Story, taking the audience through a musical journey of the film and all its highs and lows.
Later on in the programme, orchestra member Jackie Turner provided the vocals for My Heart Will Go On, and then it was all back to being just about the music.
A particular highlight of the first half was Band of Brothers which perfectly captured the atmosphere of the film, sending goosebumps up my arms.
But even that was topped when Stan turned to face the audience and picked up his saxophone to play Harlem Nocturne with the band.
The apparent joy on Stan's face was infectious, and there was no missing the look of determination of someone who refuses to let his health and shortness of breath deny him his passion for playing and performing.
The standing ovation he received was more than deserved and it certainly wasn't the only one of the night.
Bringing the first half to a close was the fun Zorba the Greek which had the audience clapping along.
The second half saw conductor Barry Parsons leading the orchestra with epic numbers such as Gladiator and Pirates of the Caribbean (Curse of the Black Pearl).
For the final song, Chicago, Stan returned to the stage to conduct the band and they were all greeted with standing ovation at the end.
It was an evening full of reminiscing of the great highs and lows experienced by the band over the last 30 years, in between a varied programme of music which offered something for everyone, and demonstrated the talents of each and every member.
There is also lots to look forward to in the future with tickets already on sale for the band's Christmas Spectacular Concerts.
They will take place on Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14, at Exeter's Barnfield Theatre from 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £9 adults, £5 under 16s. Call 01392 465462/ 447672.
