Seventy-nine bands from across the West of England converged on Torquay on Sunday 11th March 2012 to compete in the sectional competitions that every year influence promotion and demotion between the five brass band "leagues".
For the first time since 2005, Bournemouth Concert Brass (BCB) were competing in the top flight Championship section of the West of England Annual Regional contest. The test piece chosen was "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" (Derek Bourgeois), a sixteen minute piece especially written to challenge a bands technique, ensemble work and stamina!
Six weeks of intense rehearsals preceded BCB's arrival at the Riviera Centre. Eleven bands competed with a clear favourite and strong competition from at least six other bands. The band was confident in its performance under the continuing leadership of Major David Barringer.
Drawn fourth and followed by four strong bands BCB took to the stage. (The picture shows BCB on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in 2005)
It was a good performance and the band was pleased to leave the stage praising the contribution of Rachel Bartlett on Flugel Horn, Phil Randell on Solo Horn and a great job by the percussion team including Jon Foulds on Timpani and Glockenspiel.
The two adjudicators, Jim Davies and Alan Morrison, felt they had a clear winner and yet again the Flowers Band (sponsored by Flowers Brewery) took the day.
Second was Bournemouth Concert Brass - a great result for the band securing Championship status for another year, gaining valuable ranking points and a place at the National Championship Finals.
The top two bands from each region across the country qualify to play at the Royal Albert Hall in London on the 20th October. Apart from the great day out and experience of playing in the historic setting, BCB will be competing against some of the best bands in the land. Already confirmed are Black Dyke Mills, Faireys, Brighouse and Rastrick, Rothwell, Jaguar and Leyland.
2012 will be an exciting year for the band and we hope that you will continue to support us.
To listen to the Band's performance of "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" click the play button on the the audio player below: