A MUSICAL group is aiming to boost its 'sax appeal.'

The Citadel Big Band was formed some three years ago to cater for local musicians of 'mature age' who found themselves at a loose end on Thursday afternoons. Initially it was uncertain if the group would evolve into a brass band, wind band, orchestra or a dance-cum-jazz band but eventually it settled down as a 'big band' specialising in the music of the past greats such as Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman etc.

But age and time have taken their toll and the band is currently much smaller in numbers and is experiencing problems in maintaining the sound. Although the group still has a nucleus of brass and rhythm sections it is desperately short on saxes.

To tackle this problem the original aim to enlist only those musicians in the over-50 age group has been waived and the invitation goes out to all players (brass, woodwind and drums) of whatever age to go along and have a blow with this swinging band.

Their home is The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens where they have access to a vast library of music and the use of spacious rehearsal facilities from 2 to 3.30pm each Thursday.

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