Redbridge Brass third in competition

26 January 2010

CHAMPION band Redbridge Brass maintained their successful run of podium placings with third at this year's Mineworkers Open National Brass Band Festival held at Skegness.

In this demanding contest the band impressed the audience with some masterful playing in a highly entertaining programme culminating in a staged rendition of the famous Bolero by Ravel.

Brass bands are not normally known for their choreography, but Redbridge Brass decided to include this in their programme as the contest encourages innovative and fresh ideas to be used.

This they certainly did and incorporated lighting effects and smoke in what became a very dramatic and moving performance achieving a standing ovation and the longest applause of the day.

"It's all a bit of risk, as we don't get a technical rehearsal due to the number of bands involved in the contest," said band manager Tim Morgan. "We basically have to say what we'd like to achieve and provide as much detail as possible and work with the crew to put our show together."

This year the band added electric guitars and keyboards to its normal 28-piece brass and percussion line-up to do a sensational opening number - the Earth, Wind and Fire classic Got to Get You into My Life.

The band showed its versatility with a jazzy version of Moon River, plus a symphonic Scherzo by Shostakovich for classical lovers.

Trombonist Dave Wallace said: "Though we didn't get the win we and others thought we deserved, and had to return the trophy we won last year, we really enjoyed the contest weekend and showed that 'southern' brass bands are leading the way in innovation and performance."

You can see the band in action in an afternoon concert at the Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford, on Sunday at 3pm. It will include some of the music from the contest.

The Redbridge Music School brass band will also be playing. Children go free.