VERWOOD ‘B’ after being placed 9th in the 4th section of the West of England Brass Band Regional Championship Contest
Verwood’s two brass bands triumphed over the weekend of 8 and 9 March when competing with over 70 bands in the West of England at Torquay.
Due to the exceptional number of players in Verwood Concert Brass it was able to send two bands to represent Verwood rather than one like most other bands.
The ‘A’ Band was placed 4th out of 13. Although not a podium finish, (last year they were 3rd), it proves that the band can consistently perform at a high level which puts them at the top of the table for next year.
Musical director, Kevin Smith explained, “The championships run on a league basis with the two bands with the lowest score over three years being promoted and the two with the highest score demoted. Our 3rd from last year and 4th from this year means our score of 7 gives us the lowest score going into next year’s contest. Another good result will see the band promoted to the top championship section.”
The ‘B’ Band competed in the 4th section against 21 bands and Verwood’s 2nd band was up against many towns’ main and only band.
Over the last three years ‘B’ Band has been placed 19th, 20th and 20th and so the players were overjoyed with achieving 9th – a huge improvement that gave them their best result ever.
Barry Harkcom, Musical Director of the ‘B’ Band said, “I was so pleased the band were awarded a very creditable 9th place as it is just reward for all the hard work and effort everyone has put in to improve their performance. It is made all the more rewarding that a number of players have come up through the Verwood Training Band and for about half a dozen players it was their first ever experience of contesting. This result gives a great foundation to build on.”
Verwood Concert Brass President, Pam Reeks, who earlier in the year received a British Empire Medal for services to the community which includes her involvement in the band, said: “I could not be more proud of our bands and the great results they achieved. It continues the great start to our 150th anniversary year.”
The bands of Verwood Concert Brass will next be performing on 26 April in their Spring Concert at The Hub, Verwood.
