The Lanner Brass Academy, formed in 2010, took part in the recent West of England Bandsman’s Festival at Bugle, where despite the rain and strong winds they came away with a tremendous second place on their contesting debuts.

Award

Training Section adjudicator, Derek Greenwood was impressed by their programme of ‘A London Prelude’, the cornet solo, ‘A Whole New World’ and ‘Children’s March’, and picked out 8 year old principal cornet Siana Rouse, to win the ‘Best Cornet Player’ Award.

Siana walked on stage to the sound of loud applause to collect her award – an incredible achievement especially as she was so small she couldn’t sue her feet to help stop her stand from possibly blowing over!

Massive strides

Academy Director, Phil Matthews told 4BR: "The Academy has made massive strides since it was started from scratch 2½ years ago. The players worked so hard to play the music that was chosen for them but to be placed 2nd exceeded all our expectations. Now I’m really looking forward to see what we will achieve over the next 2½ years!"

We are all delighted at what our Academy has achieved at its debut contest performanceBand Chairman, Lee Rouse

Delighted

Band Chairman (and very proud father), Lee Rouse added: "We are all delighted at what our Academy has achieved at its debut contest performance. As an organisation we have invested heavily in attracting young people into banding and this has led to us outgrowing our current bandroom.

We have well developed plans to move from our current bandroom into a purpose built facility. All being well, we will have relocated in time to prepare for next year’s West of England Bandsman’s Festival."