The young musicians of Test Valley Brass Youth Band are soaring high, having won not one, but two trophies at the recent Wessex Brass Band Association’s annual contest – sponsored by Her Majesty’s Royal Marines.

Held at Downton, near Salisbury on the weekend, the competition attracted the most talented youth bands and musicians from Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Varied

The training band competition allows up to six adults to play alongside younger musicians, Test Valley Brass performed a varied programme of music as well as a compulsory hymn tune.

With an excellent performance, particularly from flugel Izzy Rutherford, the band was good enough to overcome a strong challenge from second place Vectis Band from the Isle of Wight, to win the overall trophy.

There’s no doubt that most musicians play best when they are playing music they enjoy. So the entertainment format of these contests gave us all the chance to enjoy ourselvesMD, Steve Large

Youthful delight

Later on the same day, without their adult helpers, Test Valley Brass Youth Band presented a programme drawing from many genres, including the uproarious 'African Funk', where the players left the stage and performed wandering through the audience.

In between Jan Walukiewicz, gave a near faultless rendition on the euphonium of 'The Way We Were'. Once again, the adjudicator awarded the victory to the band, with local rivals Michelmersh Silver in second.

Enjoy

Musical Director Steve Large told 4BR: "There’s no doubt that most musicians play best when they are playing music they enjoy. So the entertainment format of these contests gave us all the chance to enjoy ourselves.

"Sure enough, our youngsters gave an excellent account of themselves and put a smile on the faces of the audience, and dare I say it, the adjudicator. For some of our younger players, it was their first ever contest. I am delighted for every one of them that we were able to achieve such success together."