National Music Festival 2009

Following the success of the previous year this event has become established in our calendar and this third national BB/GB Music Festival was held at Chandlers Ford Methodist Church. Participants from local companies in the South were joined by companies from as far as Kent, London, Cornwall and Doncaster.

The Festival, although non-competitive, encourages the individual as well as the team to perform to their highest standard. Performances which are clear, concise and communicate to the audience bridging the gap between technical ability and artistic nuances achieve very creditable results.

There were 59 entries in five class groups: brass, woodwind, keyboards, mixed instrumentals and voice. A number of entries this year were cross-company entries made by ‘Brigade friends’ as well as ensembles formed for the occasion. We were also treated to a mini-rock group, a solo spoken verse and a ‘rap’. We also introduced two new class-types this year which proved to be popular: accompaniment with CD track and solo unaccompanied. 

It was encouraging that entries had increased by 24% on the previous year and it is hoped that the number of entries will continue to increase again for next year as more companies get involved. It was also pleasing that a number of adults entered this event demonstrating that this is not just a youth event, but an ‘all-age’ Brigades’ event.

The adjudication was provided by Christopher Mahy who has an extensive background in music education. His expertise and professionalism was put across with positive enthusiasm which gave all performers future development goals, targets and aspirations.

The broad marking range for participants was:

The results were very encouraging and all faired very well:

For the ‘best of classes’ the adjudicator had the discretion to award cups and trophies to entrants who are awarded the following levels of attainment: Highly commended; Distinction or Honours.

The results for the 2009 Festival are: