Alderley District Scout Band have had a fantastic year, finishing as runners up in the league.
The band have been competing in the National Class for the third year running, which is the highest class of the Traditional Youth Marching Band Association. Having put together a routine of 12-14 minutes, the band have been judged in each competition on Drill, Display, Wind, Percussion and General Musical Effect, which is the overall sound.
This year's competition started in June when the band took first place in the Halesowen Marching Band Championships - a fantastic result considering it was the first competition a quarter of the band had taken part in. The second competition was the Queen of the Moorlands Competition in Leek, in September, where they achieved second place, then the following week the band achieved another first place in the Rubery Competition.
Although the results of the Greater Manchester Competition in October were not as good, the Alderley District Scout Band entered the final competition knowing that they would finish at least second in the league.
Emma Simpson, Assistant Bandmaster, said "We also knew, however, that the odds were stacked against us as we had had a change of personnel since the last competition, with members being unable to compete due to going away to university and personal commitments.
"We only have a small competing band at present, originally it was 16, and so any changes make a huge difference. That is why we are currently undertaking a recruitment drive. Unfortunately luck was against us on the day, and although members had put in a considerable amount of practice, we did not perform our best on the day, and only managed to finish fourth.
"Although the final result was disappointing, we did have a fantastic year, and managed a second place finish in the league, an amazing achievement considering this was the first competing year for a quarter of the band, and for another quarter it was only their second year. It shows that there is much promise for next year, but we do need more members. We compete against bands that are nearly double in numbers, which does make a huge difference."
Alderley District Scout Band are holding an open evening on Wednesday 1st December where youngsters and their parents are invited to meet the band members, find out all about the band and have a go on the instruments. Click here for further information about the band and the forthcoming open evening.
