We recently enjoyed contest success at the Regional Brass Band Contest held at The Cube in Corby on 4 March 2023. Despite being a few players short, the band delivered an excellent rendition of the test piece “Hungerford Town” and was awarded a creditable 4th place out of a line-up of 15 bands, just one place short of qualifying for the ‘Finals’ later in the year and the Band's best result in recent years.

Each year Bands throughout the  country compete against other Bands in their region to determine who performs a set piece of music the best, according to the two adjudicators. The results from the last three contests determine a Band’s place within the league tables, with success leading to silverware, prize money and the opportunity to represent your region at the ‘Finals’. A Band that does well will also be more attractive to potential players looking to join a Band.

Our result this year together with our 7th place in 2022 puts us in a great position going into the 2024 contest with a very realistic chance of gaining promotion from the fourth section to the third section.

Alec Stageman came along to our Open Rehearsal at the beginning of this year and has continued to enjoy playing with the Band over the last few months. The contest was his first and he had this to say about his experience - “The day was an interesting insight into the brass band world. Everyone was very supportive of each other and I was made to feel welcome, like I’d always been there. We did very well considering myself and others were new to the band and the trombone section opened the piece with a solo feature. I also enjoyed the social time after. Can’t wait for next year.”

Recently appointed conductor Dave Howard said “I was delighted with the band's performance on the day.  They did everything I asked of them and have come a long way in the few months that we've been working together.  This all bodes well for the future as we work to build the band back up to full strength in this, its 50th anniversary year and I'm really looking forward to some exciting concerts and further competition success in the future.”

We would urge any brass or percussion players that are interested in coming to give us a try to get in contact and come along. We would very much like to fill up the remaining positions within the Band and in particular are interested to hear from the following – front row cornet, horn, euphonium, Eb bass, Bb bass and percussion. Instruments can be provided.