The Wessex Brass Band Association in conjunction with the Royal Marines, recently held their Youth & Training Band Festival at the Trafalgar School, Downton, near Salisbury.

The adjudicator Captain Sam Hairsine RM, with the percussion kindly loaned by the Downton Band.

Success

After a highly successful day of competition it was Verwood Youth Band who came away with a well deserved first place.

Not only did they pick up the Royal Marines Cup, but principal cornet player, Emma Graves, was awarded the Woodfalls Trophy as ‘Best Soloist of the Day’.

The band was formed only a year ago to help nurture the development of young brass and percussion players in the area.

Impressed

Under the musical direction of Kevin Smith, their 20 minute own choice programme, which included ‘Singing in the Rain’, ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Blaenwern’, ‘Slaidburn’ and Emma’s solo, ‘My Love is like a Red, Red Rose’ claimed the honours, impressing adjudicator Captain Sam Hairsine, Assistant Director of Music at the Royal Marines School of Music.

He summed up the day by saying he was both pleasantly surprised and encouraged, not only by the number of young players taking part, but also the quality of playing, which boded well for the future.

Really enjoy

Verwood MD Kevin Smith, told 4BR: “I really enjoy having the opportunity to rehearse and then present such an enthusiastic and talented group of young musicians. They can all be very proud of what they have achieved.”

Worthwhile

Meanwhile, Emma, who claimed the ‘Best Soloist’ prize for the second year running, added: “It is always special to be awarded a prize as it makes the practicing all the more worthwhile.

I was especially pleased to have received the award from Captain Hairsine as my ambition is to join the Royal Marines Band Service when I finish my A levels.”

Concert

After the last band had played and the adjudicator was assessing the results, the participants and audience were treated to a mini concert by the Woodfalls Band, whilst the event itself was sponsored by the Royal Marines Band Service.

In the Training Section there were a number of excellent performances to enjoy, with eventually Andover Training taking the Hawkes Challenge Cup. In the Ensemble Class A category it was Hyde Training that took the Wessex Summer Cup, Vectis (A) taking the Trevada Cup in Ensemble Class B.

I really enjoy having the opportunity to rehearse and then present such an enthusiastic and talented group of young musiciansVerwood MD Kevin Smith

Results:

Training Section:
1. Andover Training
2. Vectis Training

Ensemble Class A:
1. Vectis (A)

Ensemble Class B
1. Hyde Training

Youth Section:
1. Verwood Youth

Silver Awards:
Gillingham Imperial Training

Bronze Awards:
New Forest Training
Hyde Training Quartet

Best Basses in Youth Section: Bridge Brass
Youngest Player: Olivier Bartlett (aged 5) from Hyde Training
Deportment: Wilton & District
Best Performance of a Hymn Tune: Andover Training

Individual Awards:
Gold: Andover Training — principal cornet
Silver: Hyde Training — tenor horn; Vectis (B) — euphonium
Bronze: Vectis (B) – trombone

Best Instrumentalist: Adam Large (Andover Training)
Best Soloist: Emma Groves (Verwood Youth)

Best Overall Band: Andover Training