Success for Training Band Star!
Charlie T, solo horn player in our Training Band, auditioned for the National Children’s Band of Great Britain last month, and we are delighted to announce that he has been successful! This is an absolutely incredible achievement, and testament to Charlie’s skill, commitment and brilliant musicality. Inspired by a workshop with famous horn player, Sheona Wade, organised by the SWBBA, Charlie found out about the Children’s Band after researching Sheona’s background, for a school project. After submitting an initial recording, Charlie got through to the next stage of the auditions, where he performed his chosen pieces, along with sight-reading and scales, to the famous principal cornet of the Fodens Band, Mark Wilkinson. Congratulations, Charlie – you have a wonderful musical future ahead!
West of England Championships
Last weekend, the band participated in the delayed regional championships, held this year at Cheltenham Racecourse. The testpiece was “Spectrum” by Gilbert Vinter, and most players in the band admit this was the toughest piece of music they had ever played. Although rehearsing it was very demanding, the improvements made both individually and as an ensemble were really noticeable, and special mention must go to our baritone and horn sections, who had to work especially hard to make up for a missing player. Thanks also to John Stuckey, who helped out our trombone section, after the change in the original contest date meant Nigel was unable to attend. We were hoping for a top 10 finish, to solidify our place in the first section, and so finishing 11th was pretty close to our aim! A fun, rewarding day out, and it is great to finally be back contesting again after a two year gap.
February Concert
In February, we performed at the now annual Lions Club of Sidmouth concert, raising money for both the band and other Lions’ charities. Thank you to our guest performers, the Seagrass Trio, whose songs added another texture to the concert, with their entertaining mixture of original compositions and nostalgic favourites. For the band, it was the first concert since October, following our COVID-disruptions at Christmas, and a great opportunity to perform some new pieces, and give the lips a good workout before the summer! Thank you to the Lions for organising such an enjoyable event, and to Mark Coulson for stepping in at the last minute to operate the lights and sound.
Hot Cross Buns
This Friday (15th April), the band will once again be back playing in Sidmouth at 8.45am for the traditional Hot Cross Bun giveaway. The event has been cancelled for the last two years, so it will be a real joy to be there this week. Fingers crossed for sunshine!