FOR their exceptional performance at a national festival, a local music group has won the highest achievable award.
The platinum award recognises Trinity Concert Band’s excellence and dedication to community music making.
The musicians travelled to Warwick this month for the National Concert Band Festival that brings together some of the best wind ensembles from all over South and central Britain.
Music makers are judged in various categories such as technical ability, interpretation and sound quality, with an adjudication panel drawn from eminent musicians.
Bands enter the festival, not to compete against each other, but to receive feedback and a considered critique from the judges.
Certificates signify their success, and are received as either platinum, gold, silver, or bronze.
Highest performing bands are then invited to the annual NCBF National Festival, which takes place next year.
Trinity Concert Band are excited to have received automatic entry to the event at The Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, which will be held in April 2023.
Paul Speed, the group’s musical director, says: “It’s fantastic.
“Trinity Concert Band has always performed well, but to be so successful after Covid, when we weren’t able to make music together, is such a great achievement.
“The band had to work so much harder to regain its standard after that long time apart.”
The group was judged on 18 categories.
They gained platinum standard for 17 of these, with only one being awarded a gold.
“I chose three different pieces for the band to show off their abilities,” says Paul.
“The first was fast, furious and very technical.
“The second, by Eric Whitacre, demonstrates the balance and the sound of the band.
“Tuning and intonation has to be just perfect.
“And the last piece was one we had performed at a previous concert.”
“There was a great buzz in the coach on the way home, and we’re all now looking forward to next year’s festival.”
Trinity Concert Band will give a family-friendly Christmas concert in Reading next month.
Directed by Paul Speed, the event promises a popular mix of seasonal nostalgia and festive cheer.
Christmases past and present will be represented, along with music from different periods, places and festive movies.
Children of all ages are welcomed, and people will be encouraged to sing well-loved carols as well as hear the band play.
The concert will take place at Reading Minster on Saturday, December 10 at 4pm.
Tickets cost £13, students (with ID) cost £7, and under 16s are free to enter.
People are advised to purchase a ticket for the event before they sell out.
Newcomers and Ukrainian refugees can claim a free ticket from the box office.
For information and tickets log onto: www.trinityband.co.uk
