The band was pleased with its performance and result at the recent National Finals held at the Royal Albert Hall, London on 28 October 2006. The band performed 17 th out of 20 and gave a good performance of the set test Les Francs Juges by Hector Berlioz arr. F Wright.

This was the band’s second appearance at the competition and it was keen to consolidate upon the great 7 th place achieved on debut in 2004.

It is fair to say that the rehearsals leading up to the competition didn’t quite go to plan as conductor Nigel Weeks battled his way down from Manchester for each of the rehearsals – some starting and ending rather late! Nevertheless, the band knuckled down and worked really hard throughout the week and was well prepared for the competition.

The band stayed in the Regency Hotel on Queens Gate and were well looked after by the friendly hotel staff. The hotel was within easy walking distance of the RAH and allowed the band and supporters to come and go as they pleased.

Band chairman, Derek Thomas, carried out the nerve-wracking draw and was concerned given that the dreaded no. 1 was still in the bag but he managed to pick out no. 17 which meant that the players had the opportunity to go up to the hall or to relax at the hotel.

Once the time had arrived the band was in positive mood and took to the stage at about 15:00 right after the eventual winners Grimethorpe Colliery UK Coal. Despite the tough draw the band put on a solid show and special mention must go to Andrew Jay who was playing soprano for the first time in a few years and for the first time on stage with the band. He was featured at various points in the piece and did a great job which was commended by the adjudicators and by those listening.

The band received a great ovation at the end although that was a feature of the day for all the competing bands as the large audience stayed in the hall for many of the performances and showed their appreciation for what proved a very popular test piece.

Come results time third cornet player Becki Richards represented the band on stage. After the top six had been announced the band was eager to find out it’s placing and was delighted with another top 10 finish. Congratulations also go to Camborne Band, also representing Cornwall and the West of England, and which came 13 th.

The result made the journey back all the more enjoyable (or is that bearable?) although talk naturally turned to the next competition which is Brass in Concert at the Sage Centre, Gateshead on 19 November which is of course an entertainment programme competition. Not long to go for that one…

The band wishes to thank Ed Kennedy who helped out on the solo cornet bench for the contest and the Keay Theatre, St Austell for allowing us to rehearse and be recorded in the build up to the contest.

Thanks to Ian Thomas for this report and the photos.

 

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