The young members of the NASUWT Riverside Concert Band are still celebrating its seems following their recent qualification in the Fourth Section at Darlington to reach the Lower Section National Finals in Harrogate in September.

Delighted

A delighted Alan Hope, was a proud (but totally impartial announcer!) at the Dolphin Centre on the weekend as the band, who were only formed four yers ago, reached the finals.

Alan told 4BR: "It was a very proud and emotional moment for everyone connected with the band. They only started four years ago with seven young players and some tutor books and we did our first Christmas Concert playing just four items!"

Fair

Alan is the official MD of the band, but due to his role as Regional Secretary, he hands over responsibility to a member of the senior band to conduct at the contest. "I think that is only the fair thing to do, mostly for the band I must add, as I am trying to do a thousand and one things at once on the weekend in Darlington!"

For the past two years John Bell has taken up the challenge and this year he led the band to its first ever regional success, with Alan almost in tears when it came to announcing the result.

It was a very proud and emotional moment for everyone connected with the band. They only started four years ago with seven young players and some tutor books and we did our first Christmas Concert playing just four itemsAlan Hope

Wonderful job

"John has done a wonderful job, and all congratulations go to him and the band," Alan added. "Just to see how much it meant to him and the band made all the hard work worthwhile."

Riverside had plenty to cheer on the weekend as the senior outfit also qualified for the Royal Albert Hall in the Championship Section, and the youngsters gave them a pre contest boost by playing 'Sant Saens Variations' for them.

Excellent relationship

Alan concluded: "It is an excellent relationship between the two bands
who are now able to share some of the concert engagements. We know that we are not unique in doing this, but as a result of the
efforts of many, we do have two bands and some players who are not far
from moving up to the senior level."