A buzzing performance of the theme music from the 'Green Hornet' film has won 16 year old cornet player Nadia James of the Marple Band a top of the range professional level Yamaha trumpet.
Nadia's rendition of music that has famously been covered by the likes of the great American trumpeter Al Hirst was picked by Russell Gray from a host of outstanding entries from across the banding world in the competition promoted by Yamaha Instruments and Band Supplies Ltd.
Hard decision
"This was such a hard decision to make,"Russell told 4BR. "The standard was so high and some of the performances were mini works of performance art! We had players of all ages and abilities having fun — but the best came from Nadia — it was a performance that had everything we were looking for."
Nadia is currently studying for her A Levels in Music, Spanish and English, and has been playing since primary school. Not only is she the principal cornet of Marple Band, she also plays with Foden's Youth Band and the National Youth Band of Great Britain.
Inspiration
Although not 100% sure of what she wants to do in the future, she told 4BR that music will be a central part of it. "I love playing with Marple and enjoyed the challenge of 'Legacy' this year at the Areas, which had a lovely cornet solo that I had to work on.
I chose 'The Green Hornet' as I heard Cory principal cornet Tom Hutchinson play it on a National Youth course and he inspired me. It's great to win.
I'm thinking of going to Music College but I'm not quite sure yet, but having the opportunity to be able to develop my trumpet playing on such a great instrument may help me make up my mind!"
Inventiveness
Yamaha's Band & Orchestral Sales Representative Euan Meikle was delighted by the response and the inventiveness of the entries.
"The competition showed just how players of all ages and abilities are making the most of difficult circumstances to find a brilliant outlet through performing music.
The entries were all fantastic, and our thanks go to everyone who took the time to take part, especially Nadia who we are sure will make the most of her Yamaha trumpet prize.
We also hope everyone else continues to simply enjoy playing and come up with great performance ideas!"
Enjoy the performance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O5o0_-VXRg
The entries were all fantastic, and our thanks go to everyone who took the time to take part, especially Nadia who we are sure will make the most of her Yamaha trumpet prizeYamaha
Silent brass winner
Such was the standard that Band Supplies also provided an additional prize of a Yamaha Silent Brass Mute, which was won in a prize draw by 7 year old Martha Potts who plays with Pentland Brass not far from John O'Groats in Scotland.
Her rendition of the 'The Muppets' theme whilst wiggling a hula hoop was a delight, and was put together in one take!
"We found out about the competition on 4Barsrest and Martha decided to enter,"mum, Jacky said. "Martha knew the music and gave it go. The mute will come in handy as she in practicing all the time now!"
Martha added: "I really like the Muppets and have seen their films. I like playing my cornet in the band and in the Caithness Junior Orchestra and Schools Band."
Thanks
Talking about the success of the competition, Band Supplies Managing Director Ronnie Tennant told 4BR: "My thanks go to Yamaha for working with us and providing such a superb prize.
We received entries from just about every corner of the banding world — and they were all wonderful — so my thanks go to everyone who took the time to take part."
