National Music Festivals 2017

Two great events took place this year.

The number of entries was lower than in previous years, but the calibre and fellowship shared amongst all who visited was not diminished. The festival also sponsored the awareness of clean water in Kenya and raised over £160 for this cause.

There were new companies visiting the festival this year and hope that this will continue as BB and GB companies are made aware of this event in their area. The dates for 2018 have already been arranged for:

24 March 2018 at Chandlers Ford Methodist Church and 28 April 2018 at Derringham Bank Methodist Church - Hull

All participants received an enamel collectors badge, a certificate and report for taking part.

 

Southern Festival on Saturday 25 March in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire

A vast array of musical styles were performed to a large number of spectators on 25 March as part of the Southern BB/GB Music Festival; one of the largest audience we have had.

Performers received a good verbal and written analysis of their performance and pointers for the future given by Peter Theobald, an ex-local primary teacher with a wealth of experience across a number of genres. Although the marks awarded were not as high as some may have expected but they were fair and comprehensive. A number of trophies were awarded and the table of results are given below.

The audience and performers warmed to his interpretation which was undertaken in a culture of warm ambiance at Chandlers Ford Methodist Church. As part of the culture of the day spectators and performers were able to experience, in a workshop environment, the playing of djembe drums from a local music group from Southampton. This was very popular.

View photos here:

 

Midland Festival on Saturday 6 May in Oadby, Leicestershire

6 May was our Midlands BB/GB Music Festival. It was supported by band supporters and local Battalion officials. Although the audience was small the atmosphere had the feel of a family gathering.

The day started with a mixed genre and ability workshop led by Lizette Bailey. Three pieces of different styles were learnt and performed and those taking part had opportunity to improve on sight-reading and improvise skills.

Performers received a good diet of helpful pointers for the future given by Rebecca Pepper, a freelance musician and peripatetic teacher from the Nottingham area. The marks awarded were comprehensive, with a number receiving distinction and honours. A number of trophies were awarded and the table of results are given below.

Oadby Baptist Church supported a wide range of performance styles with the youngest aged 8 and some only having started on their instrument in the last 4 months and willing to show what they had achieved to date.

View photos here:

 

Trophy Winners 2017

		Southern Festival		Midlands Festival
Percussion	Most promising ensemble	Ding Dong Belles	1st Chandlers Ford GB	n/a	n/a
Vocal	Most promising vocalist (13 years & under)	Emma Chester	1st Totton GB	n/a	n/a
	Most promising Choir	1st Hedge End	1st Hedge End GB	n/a	n/a
Keyboard	Most promising player (13 years & under)	n/a	n/a	Sam Watson	Sutton Coldfield BB
	Most promising player (14 years & over)	Kieren Bokhove	1st Chandlers Ford BB	n/a	n/a
Woodwind	Most promising woodwind player (13 years & under)	Josh Fitter	2nd Strood BB	n/a	n/a
	Most outstanding group in the ensemble classes	Flute Quartet	1st Chandlers Ford BB	Samuel Jordan & Martha Norton	5th Hull BB/GA
Mixed Instrumentals	Most promising player	Will Lewis	1st Chandlers Ford BB	Harriett Read	5th Hull BB/GA
	Most promising ensemble	Annabelle & Simon Duxbury	1st Chandlers Ford BB	5th Hull	5th Hull BB/GA
Brass	Most promising brass player (13 years & under)	Morro Barry	1st Chandlers Ford BB	William Stewart	5th Hull BB/GA
	Most promising brass player (14 years & over)	Simon Duxbury	1st Chandlers Ford BB	James Stewart	5th Hull BB/GA
	Outstanding group in the ensemble classes (14 years & over)	Stephen Coulter & Will Lewis	1st Chandlers Ford BB	Terry's Bones	London Stedfast
	Outstanding group in the brass band classes	Chandlers Ford Training Band	1st Chandlers Ford BB	1st Chandlers Ford	1st Chandlers Ford BB