On Sunday 26th November, in a rare excursion into the land of competition, the Band performed at the National Concert Band Festival regional heats held at the Colchester Institute for Music & Performing Arts.

Musical Director John Hutchins’ reason for entering was to challenge the Band musically and to get valuable independent feedback and advice on our progress. The day was also a chance to meet other musicians and hear similar Bands perform.

Unlike the brass band world, the wind band festival has a ‘non-competitive’ format where bands are judged on their ability to perform a 15-20 minute programme from a set list of graded pieces. We performed Yiddish Dances, a highly evocative piece of music that challenges the Band’s ensemble playing and allows many soloists to shine, in particular Christine Till on the Eb Clarinet, who was deservedly commended by the judges.

Our performance was very well received by the judges, and we were given a Gold award - the highest attainable.  They commented on our excellent ensemble playing and on the way that John Hutchins led the Band.

The day was a highly valuable experience for the Band, and we now wait with baited breath to see if we receive an invitation to participate in the National Finals in Gateshead in the spring.

   Click here to see the adjudicators notes, taken during our performance.