Well what a day it has been! An early rise for the Band and Spectators alike. With the coach leaving Milton Keynes at 8am to begin our Journey to Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre for the L&SC Regional Contest 2023. Morale and Spirits were high for all. The entire band hoping to put on a positive performance and do the test piece the justice it deserved.
The Performance
In the London and Southern Counties 3rd Section there are 18 bands. All of which were tasked with playing Chorale and Toccata by Stephen Bulla. As a band we were drawn to play 3rd; which was a relief for all. Allowing that all important time between performance and results to let the nerves settle. It also meant that all members of the band had the chance to go where they feel most at home; The Bar!
The performance was heard by the adjudicators; Andrea Price and Anne Crookston as well as spectators, Other bandsmen and Many more! The piece was enjoyed by all including The British Bandsman; A magazine and website devoted to British Brass band music. Straight after our performance The British Bandsman posted: “A very steady and enjoyable performance, good balance and tricky sections were handled well. No fireworks, but that’s no bad thing.” As a result these comments gave the band hope and made us proud. We had achieved what we set out to do; which was to put on best performance we could.
The results
After what felt to be a long day, the band finally got the results we had all been waiting for.
All 18 bands, spectators, family and friends piled in to the auditorium filled with the anticipation of what’s to come. It started with giving thanks to all involved in the setting up and running of the contest. As well as the overall feedback of the days performances by the adjudicators. This led on to the awards being given for Best bass section and the Best instrumentalist as well as 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
Now for the results you have all been waiting for…
Bradwell Silver band smashed it out of the park with 6th Place in the 3rd section of L&SC regional contest 2023!
Following the results we were given the long awaited Adjudicators comments. Some of the comments included: “A well considered performance.” as well as “A performance that grew in confidence.”
Overall, our phenomenal result combined with the constructive yet brilliant Adjudicators comments filled us with pride and led us to ending the day on a high note. This was made even better by the potential of being promoted to the 2nd Section for 2024 due to Bradwell silver band’s consistently high scores in the contesting circuit.
As a band we would like to thank everyone who supported us today; in person and in spirit. We would not find playing half as enjoyable as we do without this. We look forward to continuing playing throughout 2023 and will do our best going in to 2024’s contesting year.
