Tewit Silver Band will be spearheaded by youthful leads as they look to claim a third National title in six years at Cheltenham this weekend.

The band will be led in their First Section challenge on Jan Van der Roost's 'Excalibur' by 17 year old Archie Hall on principal cornet, one of a dozen teenagers in the ranks of the North of England band.

Policy

MD, Martin Hall, who inspired their 2019 and 2021 Fourth and Third Section National successes told 4BR: "This is our youngest average aged band by a mile. It's always been our policy to bring in youngsters as soon as they are good enough, and this year we have had a bumper crop.

We have a progressive system in place with four youth ensembles, and have just started Tewit Community Brass to further strengthen local links to older players who fancy either returning to banding or giving it a first go themselves."

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Familiar trip

Although the band has become very familiar with the 195 mile one way trip down to Cheltenham in the past few years, by gaining promotion to the Championship Section in 2025 they are hoping that next October may see them heading to London instead.

"We are an ambitious band," Martin added. "But it is an ambition built on reality and enjoyment.

Having a dozen teenagers on stage this weekend means just as much as playing on the stage of the Royal Albert Hall — although I may change my mind this time next year!"