On 11th Feb 2012, a strategic appearance by BCB at this year’s Yeovil Entertainment contest at the town’s Octagon Theatre provided the band an ideal opportunity for some quality performance experience. In the lead up and preparation to the event the band was able to improve its technique, stamina and team spirit ahead of the West Country Regional’s in 6 weeks time at Torquay. On this day the band will play Derek Borgois’ challenging test piece “The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” – 16 mins of complex and testing music competing once again against other West Country Championship section bands.
So, Yeovil was not about the result but the experience. The carefully chosen 25 minute program incorporated choices of music, the content and styles of which would benefit the work to be done on the test piece in the coming 6 weeks.
The picture opposite shows Dave Hatton and Alfie Hughes in rehearsal at the SA Hall.
BCB’s chosen program was;
“Young Pheasants in the Sky” - A transcript of a Japanese fanfare written especially for a school opening
Virtuosity - A fast and furious trumpet solo testing the soloists range and technique. Our soloist was soprano - Dan Shave
The Mothers did weep. A reflective piece allowing the band to feature its range of tonal qualities.
Be a Clown A short and quirky arrangement of the well known song (Don’t mention the wigs and noses).
“Peel Park” - from Lowry Sketchbook. Arr.Phil Wilby. This finale from an established work provided BCB an opportunity to create some great sounds and ensemble work.
The band played to its best levels producing sound and technique to compare with the best on the day. With the results in waiting there were a few specialist prizes including “Best Soprano”. BCB’s Dan Shave received this award for his superb performance of Kenny Bakers “Virtuosity”. Dan swapped his soprano for trumpet to excellent effect and the band provided a slick accompaniment.
This was a fun day out for all and with Flowers band again walking way with the top prize the rest of the bands left to regroup for Torquay and to start planning for ways to topple Flowers Band in 2013.
BCB would like to thank Yeovil Salvation Army for the use of their hall and facilities for rehearsals.