The Marple Band were awarded second place in their first contest as part of the Second Section at the North West Area Brass Band Contest.
The band took on 15 other bands in their section and gave a great performance of the challenging test piece, Chaucer’s Tunes, by Michael Ball at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
Following their winning performance in the Third Section last year and subsequent promotion to the Second Section, The Marple Band had worked tirelessly to ensure that they gave a strong performance that would prove they were deserving of their promotion.
The hard work of both band members and MD had obviously paid off and they are delighted to be placed second in such a tough category against strong competition.
Over the past few years The Marple Band, once British Open Champions, has returned to full strength after rebuilding itself from just a handful of players. After a 12-year leave of absence, the band has recently returned to contesting under the baton of ex-Fairey Solo Trombonist Les Webb, who has led the players to victory two years running.
They have qualified for the finals of the National Brass Band Championships, so will be returning to Cheltenham for a second year running to compete with the other regional qualifiers from across Great Britain. The band will be playing a number of local concerts to raise funds for their trip to the finals and are hoping that the people of Marple will give them their support once again.
The band anticipates that their success will raise the profile of their ongoing joint band room venture which will provide the Brass Bands of Marple with a residence in their home village.
Article by The Marple Band Flugel Horn player, Rachael Ward.
