William Alwyn was a consummate film composer, as capable of creating powerful marches as he was atmospheric waltzes. In these exciting arrangements by Martin Ellerby for wind band, the full variety of Alwyn’s inspiration can be appreciated. There is the romantic allure of the overture to The Crimson Pirate, the compact, brilliant characterisation of The History of Mr Polly and the suite from Geordie, with its seductive use of familiar Scottish melodies. The scores for The Way Ahead and Desert Victory convey action with superb and stirring effectiveness. The RNCM Wind Orchestra is one of several large scale ensembles that make up the wide diversity of music making at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester, one of the world’s leading music conservatoires. Clark Rundell is currently Director of Contemporary Music at the RNCM, whereas Mark Heron is a member of the staff conducting faculty.