Triumph for Aldbourne Band

Jubilation as brass band wins at national finals in Cheltenham

ALDBOURNE Band made history at the weekend by winning the First Section National Championship at Cheltenham.

No band from the West of England has ever done so well in one year.

In March they won first place in the First Section Regional Finals at Torquay; in May they won first place in the Senior Trophy British Open at Blackpool Winter Gardens and now they have taken first place in the national finals at Cheltenham.

The test piece for the weekend was La Force Del Destino by Giuseppe Verdi, first played in 1862. The adjudicators were unanimous in their praise for a piece well executed.

One of them, Malcolm Brownbill, said: “Aldbourne Band gave a performance which captured the real essence of this super overture, with excellent soloists and fine band support and so well directed.”

Another said: “‘What a statement to open. ine sounds and a lovely tempo allows classy soloists to shine. Great technique on show in Allegro Agitato, and once more we hear inner detail to compliment solo lines of quality. Andante is the best yet. Allegro is high class stuff - great ensemble work builds into a finish that shakes the spine. A real bobby dazzler of a climax.”

The Band had great support from local people who travelled by coach and the hall resounded to applause well before the band had finished playing the piece.

Trustee of the Band Alan Watson said: “The Band gave a brilliant performance which received overwhelming acclaim by the audience. They truly deserved this win.

You can hear a repeat of the band's winning performance at 7pm on Saturday, October 8 at Ramsbury Church with the Bella Voce Choir.

Tickets are available on the door and more information can be found online at www.aldbourneband.org.uk