National Finals 5th !

On the 20th September the band took to the stage at the Centaur Centre in Cheltenham to compete in the biggest contest in the banding calendar, the national finals of Great Britain.  We were delighted to have been awarded 5th place out of the top 17 second section bands from across the country. The band were also delighted that Craig Wintle the bands principle cornet player took the best soloist prize of the day for his impressive lyrical and technical solo work!

 

4 Bars Rest were there reporting live and had this to say as the performance unfolded.

 

Band Number 4. Forest of Dean (Chris Howley)(West of England)

The quartet stands where they are sat—it’s a nice balanced sound too, not overblown, well done, Craig Wintle & Melvyn Porter, top man & euphonium for effective delivery.

MD, Chris Howley has clearly thought out how he wants to lay the performance out and its working. It’s a nice and steady musical trip—there are some tricky moments that are catching them out, but this is purposeful. Bekki Berrow on flugel delivers her part with belief.

The duo of cornet and euphonium again shine with a nice balanced ensemble sound behind them. This is Switzerland coming to Cheltenham from the local outfit—very picturesque.

Overall:Lots to admire in a reading that wasn’t short on confidence and belief

Star Player:Craig Wintle on principal cornet, led from the front