The band travelled to Stevenage to compete in the Fourth Section heat of the National Brass Championships for the London and Southern Counties region and won first place! After weeks of preparation and rehearsal, the band delivered a confident and stylish performance and we were absolutely delighted to take away the top prize.
It was a busy day but expertly organised for us by contest secretary Richard Lovett seen here accepting trophies from the adjudicators, Andrea Price and Jonathan Bates.
Sixteen bands from across the region took part in the Fourth Section contest, all of them playingIndian Summer by Eric Ball, a tone poem in four movements written in 1950 and loosely inspired by Native American culture and storytelling. The adjudicators complemented us for capturing the drama and evoking the spirit of dance in the music, as well as praising the poise and balance of our performance. Paul Miller and Alan Hall delivered solos on euphonium and cornet with a flair the adjudicators described as atmospheric, soloistic and shapely.
Excitement is building as we now await the announcement of the music chosen as the test piece for the final. We will be the only London-based band in the Fourth Section National Final which will be held in York in September and we’re thrilled to have earned the opportunity to take part!
Huge congratulations and thanks to our MD Jim Lynch for his focus and dedication in getting the band prepared for the contest, and achieving such a fantastic result!
And here is a recording of our last playthrough of Indian Summer, the night before the contest and some photos of us celebrating!
#londonandsoutherncounties #nationalbrassbandchampionships
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