Saturday 31st January
The Verwood Youth Band took part in the Wessex Brass Band Association Youth and Training Band Festival last Saturday and came away with the Youth Section 1st prize and Royal Marines Cup. Plus the band’s principal cornet player, Emma Graves, was awarded the Woodfalls Trophy for the best soloist of the day from any section.
The 27 strong band was not only made up of VCB members but also other enthusiastic local under 19 year olds who seemed to have a very enjoyable time. They played a varied programme including 'Singing in the Rain', Amazing Grace, the hymn – ‘Blaenwern’, the march – ‘Slaidburn’ and the soloist piece performed like a true professional by Emma, ‘My love is like a red, red rose’.
Kevin Smith, (musical director of Verwood Concert Brass) who conducted the band said “I really enjoy having the opportunity to rehearse and then present such an enthusiastic and talented group of young musicians. They can all be very proud of what they have achieved.”
Both Emma Graves and Naomi Hewin, who sat together on the front row of cornets are hoping to join the Royal Marines Band Service in 2016 and were delighted to meet the adjudicator, Captain Sam Hairsine from the Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth who was very impressed with the overall standard of playing from all the Bands.
The Verwood Youth Band would welcome more under 19 brass and percussion players to come and join them. For details please contact Mike Dunnings via email to m.dunnings#ntlworld.com (change # to @) or phone on 07791 340870.
