This year’s November trip to Torquay had a completely different agenda compared to previous years, in that the work done in the band room in the build up to the contest was more important than the contest itself.

Of Distant Memories by Edward Gregson is probably the hardest own choice piece that the band had attempted – this was a deliberate approach taken to try to develop the band.

And that it most certainly did! A lyrical piece of music, with plenty of technical and performance challenges, with every section put under pressure.

We had multiple players in new seats, with Lisa moving to Solo Horn and Kelly on Euph, and new front row cornet Helen in her first Torquay contest. Sarah, from Academy, helped on Timps.

Despite all the challenges we got there – as Steve said in the Saturday morning rehearsal:
Getting to Torquay with everyone available – tick!
Having a performance he was proud of – tick!

The adjudicator agreed, and in his comments noted it was “A difficult work played to a good standard…”

Amy Tubb had a slightly different take on things: “Bloody hell.. that was the toughest contest experience of my life!”

But we’re a better band for it all

Results
1. City of Cardiff – Dances & Arias
2. Lympstone – Tallis Variations
3. Forest of Dean Brass – Salome
4. Filton Concert Brass – Year of the Dragon
5. Plymouth City Brass – Cry of the Mountain
6. Hyde Band – Essence of Time
7. Weston Brass – James Cook Circumnavigator
8. Chalford – Of Distant Memories
9. Glastonbury Brass – Tallis Variations
10. Roche Brass – Salute to Youth
11. Sidmouth Town Band – The Corsaire
12. Lanner & District Silver Band – A London Overture
13. Porthleven Town Band – Land of the Long White Cloud
14. Helston Town Band – Equilibrium