The 2014 Norwegian School Band Festival took place last weekend in Trondheim as part of the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Norwegian Constitution.

Major prize

Over 8,500 young musicians in various brass, wind and twirling bands took part in the youth event which was based at the Lerkendal Football Stadium, with the Gala Concert finale featuring marching bands from Norway, Netherlands and South Africa.

The major prize on offer saw the presentation of the Norwegian School Band Championship title (for musicians up to age of 19), go to Søreide Sandsli Skolekorps Brass Band (above), located in the southern part of Bergen.

The band will now compete at the 2015 European Youth Band Championships in Freiburg, Germany.

Wonderful

Only a few years ago the band was struggling in competitions, but through the outstanding work of conductor Thor-Arne Pedersen, they have been rejuvenated, winning the prestigious title by giving an excellent performance of ‘Music for a Festival’ by Phillip Sparke at Trondhiem’s wonderful Olavshallen concert hall.

The National School Band Championships shows that the Norwegian brass band movement has an excellent foundation on which to build for a great futureHarald Eikaas

Fantastic achievement

Band spokesman Harald Eikaas told 4BR that everyone associated with Søreide Sandsli Skolekorps was thrilled with the result and the chance it now provides to compete at the European Youth Championship in Freiburg.

"It’s a fantastic achievement for a band that has taken giant steps over the last few years," he said.

"All our congratulations go to our conductor Thor-Arne Pedersen, all the parents — among them many former players from Eikanger Bjorsvik and other top Norwegian top brass bands – and of course, the fantastic young musicians who have put so much effort into this contest."

Foundation

He added: "The National School Band Championships shows that the Norwegian brass band movement has an excellent foundation on which to build for a great future, and that hopefully the young musicians will go on to play for many years with our brass bands throughout the country."