Wychavon Entertainments Contest

A Very Entertaining Contest:
For the first time since 2004, the Band entered the Wychavon Entertainment Contest.  Although now competing in the second section, the Band was hoping to make an impact against what was a strong line up of 10 bands.  The Band, which is now not unfamiliar with entertainment contests, was to play a short program of music to entertain the audience and adjudicators alike.  The pieces that were played were Fanfare of Daffodils (from Five Blooms in a Welsh Garden); tenor horn solo, Over the Rainbow; Be A Clown; Elegy (from Entertainments) and Children of Sanchez.

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The early draw in the section meant an early get up for most band members, but this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the band and its willingness to give a good performance on the contest stage. 

After a rehearsal in Pershore Town Hall, the Band made its way to the theatre in preparation for the contest and the entertainment that came with it.

For one however, it seemed the entertainment couldn’t come soon enough, and took it upon himself to make his own by locking his car keys in the car along with his euphonium, uniform, various pieces of essential percussion equipment and a clown wig.  As the clock was ticking down towards the performance time, it was becoming increasingly evident that a crisis was at hand.  However, thanks to our BBb Bass player, Mark Bodenham, the crisis was soon averted given his experience working for the RAC, and a friend of his who was quickly at the scene to give a helping hand. 

Following this drama, the band made the final preparations for the performance of their carefully prepared program.

The performance went smoothly, with only a few hiccups.  A special mention must go to our Solo Horn player Tracy, who gave a cracking performance of Goff Richards's arrangement of Over the Rainbow.  A couple of tuning errors and car horn which didn’t sound were noted in the adjudication, but otherwise the Band was overall pleased being placed a respectable 5th place.

The Band did the usual boozing and socialising after escaping from the stage which made the day out even more worthwhile.  It was great to return to the contest after such a long absence and is already looking forward to competing at this competition at the same time next year.    

The Band's next outing will be to the 65th Annual SWBBA Championships in Torquay in November.  Let’s hope we can continue our strong start to the contest season!