This weekend’s appearance at the National Championship Finals, the last being 2005, was the culmination of 3 years progress and hard work under the leadership of Major David Barringer. The bands personnel has remained constant over the last few years and this has contributed to the bands growing quality of performance. The band continues to grow its appearances and concerts in the Bournemouth area and engaging Major Barringer’s services for competitions has proven to be a wise investment.
*Picture – Major David Barringer with the band on stage (Courtesy of 4 bars rest)
In September the band planned a rehearsal schedule to meet the challenging parts that Howard Snell had presented in his arrangement of Daphnis and Chloe. In fact in his summary speech prior to the results of the contest, he apologised to the 80 secondary cornet players (4 in each of the 20 bands) for writing such complex parts. Logistics are always challenging for these events and even more so as the piece required four percussionists along with a full entitlement of percussion equipment.
The band is indebted to Brian Butler at Dorset Bio Solutions for generously sponsoring the transportation of the bands instruments and percussion. www.dorsetbiosolutions.co.uk
The band met in London Friday evening prior for another rehearsal, this time at the Knightsbridge barracks of the Life Guards, courtesy of Major David Barringer’s contacts. The Regimental Sergeant Major invited the band into the officer’s mess for drinks later that evening, a real privilege and also an insight to part of a British tradition as the barracks have been established since 1890. The band returned for an 8am rehearsal next morning, this time having to negotiate a large number of horses and military personnel as it was business as normal at the barracks.
The draw was made at 8.30 am and the band was pleased to be drawn to play fifteenth having rehearsed the National Anthem just in case of a number one draw. After a another light rehearsal the band was able to enjoy the atmosphere around the Royal Albert Hall before meeting in the labyrinth of changing rooms beneath the Albert Hall stage. Player registration is strict and photographic player registration cards have to be checked in for every band prior to performance. It was 4.15 pm when the band took to stage. The band received a great reception when walking on to a capacity crowd.
The commendable performance was driven by the outstanding playing on the day of the three players with the most pressure and exposure. Dan Shave – Soprano, Rachael Bartlett – Flugel Horn and Phil Randell – Solo Horn. The bands ensemble work and dynamic playing were of the highest standard.
This was a great day for BCB that technically, for 24 hours, made us the 14th best band in the UK!