Senior Band Success at Buxton Contest 2008

The Senior band scored another victory with “Elgar Variations” in the build up to the Senior Cup at Blackpool.

Mark had a clear map for the contest season this year which started in January with the preparation on Martin Ellerby’s fantastic test piece “Elgar Variations”. The band played the piece at Preston Guild in February and was awarded first prize by Alan Morrisson. The band also played the piece at the Flemish Open in April and although did not gain a prize at the contest the band were very satisfied with the performance.

It was always in the plan to enter Buxton contest and give the work another run out before the Senior Cup. Pemberton hadn’t entered this particular contest for many years and for many of our players it was the first time they had played at this beautiful venue.

Overall the band gave a solid and musical performance which found favour with the adjudicator Mr John Berryman. He awarded the band 191 points and first prize, whilst awarding the bands principal cornet Joanne Johnson the best soloist prize. Her playing was truly sublime and was well deserved for all her hard work on this particular piece.

Afterwards our MD, Mark Peacock, said:

“This is a tremendous boost for us in the week up to Blackpool. The band are really looking forward to the next performance and John Berryman’s comments will give us some focus in our rehearsals. The band will not be complacent this week and we are under no illusions that we can make improvements.”

We look forward to the band’s performance next week and hope for a result and performance that will take the band into the Grand Shield!