The members of Mereside Brass assembled at Greater Manchester Police's Sedgley Park facility last Friday for their first weekend workshop — which proved to be a great mix of hard work, fun and games!

Surprise

Saturday started with a surprise, when baritone star Katrina Marzella arrived to lead the first day dedicated to the current Pontins Fourth Section test piece.

Using her charm and musicianship in equal measures, Katrina ensured the members knew just was expected from them if they are to challenge for honours at Prestatyn.

Hit squad

Meanwhile, Sunday saw the arrival of the Foden's hit squad and the band got down to srious work on concert repertoire. The Foden's team of tutors built on the previous days work and were impressed by the progress made.

Unfortunatley amid much laughter, the 'Back Row Bunglers' were the last placed ensemble whilst 'The Little Maids' were disqualified for fielding Plumley's Pantomime Dame, Antonia as a ringer!4BR

Fun and games

With the hard work out of the way, Saturday night saw the fun and games of the in house solo & ensemble competition, which was won in fine style, much to Glyn Williams's delight by Ellie and Megs, the Euph Babes, by a short head from Ben the Bari.

Unfortunatley amid much laughter, the 'Back Row Bunglers' were the last placed ensemble whilst 'The Little Maids' were disqualified for fielding Plumley's Pantomime Dame, Antonia as a ringer!