Concert Band Success

Congratulations to Concert Band, who performed at the National Concert Band Festival on Sunday.  At only their second visit they were given a Silver Award by the distinguished conductor and composer Guy Woolfenden OBE.  Last year the Band was awarded a bronze; over the last year they have made significant progress under their director, Mark Cadman.

He chose to perform four pieces: Troy – Michael Sweeney, Into the Storm – Robert W Smith, Ballad for Benny – Philip Sparke and The Blues Brothers Revue – arr Jay Bocock. The 37 players produced a vibrant, exhilarating sound in the tutti sections and a lovely mellow tone in some of the softer and more varied passages, and Mr Woolfenden clearly enjoyed their performances.

It was also an opportunity for our players to hear some excellent playing from other schools and from older, more experienced performers.  Amongst the other groups were Foremarke Winds, also directed by Mr Cadman.  They were, remarkably, given a platinum award – new this year.  As this was their first ever visit to the Nationals this is an incredible achievement for this newly formed band.

Congratulations therefore to both schools, and in particular Mr Cadman.

Such terrific progress bodes very well for the Christmas Band concerts at the end of term.  Make sure you have secured your tickets from The Lodge, for the 9^th & 10^th December, when Concert Band, Jazz Band and Foremarke Winds will perform.