The band gave yet another stunning performance in the open section of the recent National Festival of Music for Youth in the awesome setting of the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. They had been working extremely hard on the programme for this “contest” since their well deserved win at the West of England Bandsmen’s Festival, Bugle in June. The initial preparation for the programme was very skilfully handled by David Loukes, MD for the St. Austell Band who very kindly stepped in to conduct the band for a number of rehearsals.
The programme consisted of Pastime with Good Company, David of the White Rock, Radetsky March and finished with A Klezmer Karnival. Each of these pieces presented the band with different challenges and styles but the youthful players were, as usual, soon taking it all in their stride.
The final three rehearsals were taken by Philip Harper the well known MD of the PolySteel band who was to go on to conduct them at the festival. Philip added his own sparkle as he polished the final performances of the pieces, concentrating on the visual aspects as well as the actual playing. However, it was not too clear who was watching Philip the most, the players, or the mothers of the players who crowded in to each rehearsal!!
The band set off at 8am on Thursday 13 th July and arrived at the historic Paragon hotel in Birmingham just after lunch time where after a quick rest and change, they assembled for a rehearsal in a room kindly given by the Hotel. Philip “top and tailed” the pieces and checked over the choreography. He also handed everyone a peg to keep the music together and went through the stage logistics. Once again, the supporting ladies all watched from behind!
The band arrived at the Symphony hall at 4.30pm and checked into their dressing rooms. It was then off to invade the local McDonalds for refuelling before assembling back at the hall to get ready for the performance.
The band were fourth in order to play and opened their programme with an impressive “walk-on” to Pastime with Good Company. The whole performance was extremely well presented and took the audience on a journey through the differing styles and moods, climaxing with the very exciting Klezmer Karnival. This earned the band, without doubt, the loudest and longest applause of the section. All of the ladies certainly agreed that Philip was the best conductor to watch!
Mount Charles were awarded a Highly Commended Performance Award which is loosely equivalent to 2 nd place. Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band just pipped them to the Outstanding Performance award with a programme solely consisting of Thomas Wilson’s Sinfonietta.
Back at the hotel, the band and supporters had a well deserved relaxing evening in the restaurant and bar with the younger ones having fun with a pool tournament and general merriment.
The band are now looking forward to competing at the Pontins Youth Championships at Prestatyn, North Wales in September.
