Lanner & District Silver Band enjoyed a thoroughly successful time of it in the heart of Cornwall on the weekend as both their Senior and Academy bands enjoyed contesting success.

Outstanding

Under the baton of Stuart Chappell, the seniors took home the First Section title thanks to outstanding performances of the set work, ‘Kingdom of Dragons’ and the march, ‘Flying Eagle’, with euphonium star Matthew Rowe claiming the ‘Best Player’ Award.

The birthday boy certainly enjoyed himself and later told 4BR: "I had a great day. I came off stage feeling really good and was pleased with how I played and felt very proud to be part of the performances we gave."

Off to Wales

It was Matthew’s penultimate performance with the band, as after his final appearance at the National Finals in Cheltenham, he will take up his place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.

MD Stuart Chappell added: "I set the band a challenge of preparing in just six rehearsals, and each and every player came up trumps. We’re especially proud of Matthew Rowe and for him to secure a place at the Royal Welsh College proves just how far he’s developed as a player with us."

What made the day even sweeter was that we were able to perform the road march version we recently commissioned of ‘The Lanner Falcon’ written for the band in 1995 by Goff RichardsLee Rouse

Not outdone

Not to be outdone, the Lanner Academy Band under Phil Matthews took the Training Band Section honours, with percussionist Daniel Matthews also claiming the ‘Best Player’ Award.

Academy Director (and proud father), Phil Matthews told 4BR: "This was only the third contest the Academy has competed in. All our players have been trained from scratch by us and I’m so proud of them all.

At Lanner, we have a well structured programme which welcomes anyone into the organisation where they can play in the Academy Band and hopefully go on to play in the senior band."

Sweeter

A proud Band Chairman Lee Rouse rounded added: "What made the day even sweeter was that we were able to perform the road march version we recently commissioned of ‘The Lanner Falcon’ written for the band in 1995 by Goff Richards.

Since the news item about the piece was published on 4BR, so much interest was shown that we are now looking to publish the concert version and I’m sure more details of that will follow in due course."