Young players from the Abraham Darby Academy in Madeley, Telford returned to the Academy in the early hours of Sunday having participated in the National Concert Band Festival, held in the Royal Academy of Music in London.

New Dawn

The Academy Showband was awarded a National Platinum Award in the School Wind Band Festival after their performance of Philip Sparke’s 'To a New Dawn' and a new composition entitled 'Elements' by American composer Brian Balmages.

Platinum and Gold

The Showband award was followed by a National Gold Award for the Academy’s Jazz Band in the School’s Big Band Festival under the joint direction of Dougie Bill and Tom Gledhill.

This latest Platinum Award for the Showband followed on from them gaining a Regional Platinum Award in Cheltenham last December.

I was especially pleased that following a period of rebuilding to achieve another well recognised National award was testament to the dedication of the students and recorded the progress that had been madeRachel Morton

Pleased

Rachel Morton, the Academy’s Head of Music told 4BR: "We are extremely proud of all the Showband members. I was especially pleased that following a period of rebuilding to achieve another well recognised National award was testament to the dedication of the students and recorded the progress that had been made."