Band to be a success (From Stroud News and Journal)

Band to be a success

The Five Valleys will reverberate to the sound of the annual Stroud Marching Band Competition this weekend. Alli Pyrah found out what we can expect.

ST TRINIAN's schoolgirls, trumpeters dressed up as clowns, stilt walkers and gyrating samba players were vying for play time at last year's marching bands festival.

And this year's event promises to be even noisier and more colourful, with bands from all over the country descending on Stroud for a chance to win one of the coveted awards.

The competition, introduced in Stroud in 2000, offers musicians of all styles and ages the chance to blow their own trumpet, with children as young as three participating in previous years' events.

"We have had everything from classical music to pop," said Phil Nicholls, one of the judges at Saturday's event.

"I think it's totally different from anything else around the country. Others tend to be far more formal and rigid, but Stroud Town Council has given the youngsters a fairly open brief.

"It's not necessarily the biggest and the best that always win. You can have someone who can play the most technical music in the most exquisite way, but be totally boring.

"Most of the formal competitions are heavily weighted towards technical ability, but the Stroud competition is weighted towards entertainment and enjoyment and I think that's what makes it special.

"There's a kind of magic about it. In Stroud, the people are very receptive and I think that pumps the young people up to march and play even better."

Nevertheless, the standard of performance is high, with some bands practising up to three times a week.

Warwick Girls and the Kingston Scout Band, who both competed at last year's event, have also performed at Disneyland and EuroDisney.

The bands march and play their way down a route lined with bunting, which starts at the beginning of the high street, down through Kendrick Street, Russell Street and George Street.

They end up outside the Subscription Rooms, where crowds gather to catch a glimpse of them as the judges finalise their decisions.

Prizes are awarded on a range of criteria, including musical ability and marching display.

First, second and third prizes are awarded for musical ability.

Other awards include best soloist, most entertaining band and most entertaining individual, and the SNJ sponsors the Gaffer Trophy, which is awarded to the best band leader.

Bernard Brown, who became involved in marching bands through the Scout movement, was awarded Stroud Town Council's 2005 Civic Award for his role in bringing the contest to Stroud.

"I have enjoyed marching bands for many years and thought it was about time I gave something back," he said.

"I love the music, and to see the kids out there entertaining and enjoying themselves is amazing."

Programme for Stroud Marching Band Contest on Saturday:

10am Upton Youth Band 10.20am Gloucester Gladiators 10.40am Forest Emeralds Majorettes 11am Bridgetown Concert and Show Band 11.20am Kingston and Malden Scout and Guide Band 11.40am Ilfracombe and District Youth Band 12pm Warwick Girls 12.30-2.15 Bands entertain around the town. 2.30pm Prize giving on the Subscription Rooms forecourt and performance by winning band.