The players and supporters of Foss Dyke Band have been enjoying extended celebrations following their recent First Section victory at the Midlands Regional Championships in Bedworth.
The success under MD Gareth Westwood meant that the band from Waddington in Lincolnshire will return to the Cheltenham National Finals for a second time in three years after also winning the Second Section Midlands title in 2023.
Rich praise
Victory on Morley Calvert's 'Introduction, Elegy and Caprice' brought rich praise from the adjudicators, with Steve Pritchard-Jones summing up his written remarks by describing it as, "An excellent performance which was controlled and played with panache."
Fellow judge Derek Renshaw added: "I just sat back and listened to the end. This was an excellent performance all round, so well directed, tempos and dynamics just right. Thank you for an exciting rendition."
Delighted
Understandably Gareth Westwood was also delighted with the performance and result, as he told 4BR: "I'm determined to build the band the right way — with more hard work to come after we finish these well deserved celebrations.
The players are so committed and understand that, so we never over-reach ourselves. This was a great piece to show that too — so difficult to capture its style and with tests for everyone."
He added: "I concentrated on the key things such as tempi and dynamics and allowed the flexibility to come from that. I was delighted by the way the band played, but the win was a great bonus and the celebrations an extra topping!"
I was delighted by the way the band played, but the win was a great bonus and the celebrations an extra topping!MD, Gareth Westwood
Concert success too
Gareth revealed that the band now hopes to take part in two more contests this year in addition to their Cheltenham trip, and also have a number of exciting projects and concerts in the pipeline.
"We will follow the theme of our successful 'Night At The Movies' concerts, with a new 'Stage and Screen' soundtrack spectacular at Waddington Village Hall in May so we can continue to reach out to new family audiences who can share in our musical progress."
Find out more
To find out more about the band go to: www.fossdykebrassband.co.uk
