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Section 2. Test Piece : Labour And Love (Percy Fletcher). NFBB Result : 4th
Well, we did it! Just a few months ago, few band members really believed that we would actually get to take part in this annual event. We'd opted out of the contest last year due to a lack of players and the situation this year seemed bleak. However, with a little luck and a lot of work, not only did we compete - we had our best result for some time.
This was actually my first local contest (I'd previously only attended the Regionals), so I was quite looking forward to finding out how it differed. In the event, I must say that I really enjoyed it. I particularly liked the fact all grades were represented on the same day and that I got to see and compare bands that I'd only previously read about. The biggest surprise of the day was meeting ex-NFBB member Helen Oakley, with husband Alan - they'd travelled down from Durham especially!
Although the band as a whole put in a lot of effort, a few feats perhaps deserve particular mention. In addition to his Principle cornet duties (including solos) Steve somehow managed to cover the soprano part as well. Mike, in addition to his work chasing up players, managed to kick his long term baritone habit(!) just weeks beforehand and become a much-needed cornet player instead. Mark, a guest for the day and more usually seen with a cornet, not only had to learn the bass drum part from scratch just hours before stepping on stage, he had to learn to play drum as well!
In a piece relying heavily on individual solos, credit must also go to Andy, Ian, Reg and Steve for doing a fine job and picking up favourable comments from the adjudicator in the process. Finally, the biggest 'thank-you' of all must go to Ted Howard for all his efforts, both on stage and off.
Guy, 3/12/2000
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| This collection of rehearsal pictures was taken just prior to the Poole WBBA Contest, December 2000. Click to enlarge. |
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