After much hard work and thorough preparation, the band were delighted to secure qualification to compete at the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall in October after gaining 2nd place at the Area Contest at Torquay on 11 March 2007.

For the first time under the baton of Andrew Duncan, the band delivered a performance that caught the ears of adjudicators David Hirst and Barry Thompson.

Andy had come down previously to work the band over 2 weekends before he arrived on 3 March for the final week to work the band into shape for the contest. The band had not competed since Brass in Concert in the previous November and, what with a few player shuffles as well, preparation was always going to be key.

Earlier in the week, there was concern for John Rushworth and Nick Harris who played 3rd man down and 2nd euphonium. They had received news that they were to be posted with their fellow Royal Marines to Cyprus and that they may not have been available on the day of the contest. After a manic day arranging contingencies, the concerns were alleviated as John & Nick were able to rearrange their schedules which meant that they could play but would have to leave almost immediately after playing on stage. The Band members wish to extend their thanks to both of them for putting themselves out in the way they did.

The rehearsals leading up to the contest went well and by Sunday the band felt confident that it was fully prepared to go try and defend it's title as Area champions.

It was always going to be an emotional day for Megan and Duncan Alexander as this was their last contest before they both take a break. Megan is due to give birth to their 2nd child in June and they clearly need the time to spend on their family. Both have been exemplary band members and they will be sorely missed but they have promised that they will be back at some point and the Band looks forward to welcoming them back. In the meantime, we have 2 more committed groupies!

Playing number 6 out of 11 entrants the band was pleased with its performance with all soloists handling their solos well. Particular praise must be given to 15 year old Yasmin Stevens who has taken over the flugel seat following Tim Whitehead's break from playing. Her performance was no surprise to the band members as Yasmin had settled into the seat without difficulty and was playing consistently well in the rehearsals leading up to the contest.

Also special mention goes to solo baritone player, Terry "Positive" Sleeman, who calmed the whole band assuring the players that they needn't be nervous because if he didn't play the first note, nobody would need to play anyway! Needless to say he managed a great opening that set up the rest of the performance.

The Band's supporters were hopeful of a good result but the general consensus in the hall was that the 2 qualification places were likely to go to any 2 out of Mount Charles, Polysteel, SWT Woodfalls and Camborne. Come the announcement of the results, the band was delighted to secure a trip to the RAH again. It was an almost perfect day for Bass Trombonist Andy Rice who was also celebrating his birthday. If only his beloved Plymouth Argyle could have beat Watford in the FA Cup!

The trip home was naturally enjoyable. Particular mention must go to Shaun Woodland & Peter Jackson for keeping us all amused!

Our congratulations go to Polysteel who took 1st place.

The band now looks forward to its concert at Stroud in a couple of weeks time and thereafter preparing for the Grand Shield at Blackpool in May. Garry Cutt will conduct the band on both occasions.

Thanks to Ian Thomas for this report.

 

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