Saturday 16th of May saw the Great Western Youth Band complete its most ambitious project ever, when hosting the newly crowned European and British Open Champions, The Cory Band from Wales.
The Cory Band arrived fresh from Belgium where just a week earlier they had retained the ultimate accolade for brass bands, that of winning the title of European Champions for the second year.
After an early start, the youth band spent the day working in workshops under the Direction of Cory’s musical director Bob Childs. Bob was joined by a team of 5 players from the Cory band including some of the worlds top soloists including Owen Farr (Horn), Chris Thomas (Trombone) and David Childs (Euphonium).
The young players spent time in full band and sectional rehearsals working up 2 pieces which were to be performed with the Cory Band that evening in front of a packed audience. They were also treated to a series of workshops and masterclasses with the youth band being shown how to warm up and various playing techniques, along with advice on everything from how to play quietly to coping with nerves on stage.
The day got even better and the excitement levels rose even further when the full Cory Band arrived in Swindon and the 2 bands rehearsed together on the stage, ready for the concert.
In the evening a packed audience were then thrilled at the joint playing of both bands in opening the concert, with John Winterflood, the youth bands musical director putting the massed band through its paces for the march Death or Glory, followed by Bob Childs conducting the bands playing John Miles’ Music. A truly memorable sight and sound.
The Cory Band then took over and played a totally inspirational concert, full of the most fantastic sounds, superb virtuoso soloists and the most amazing variety. The playing was simply breathtaking and the absolute professionalism of the band was ample evidence why Cory are the number one band in the world.
It was quite simply a fantastic day which truly inspired the young players to practice hard and to develop their musical skills further. The youth band have subsequently received many emails and comments from parents and players, all of whom were on cloud nine for days.
The memories of this day will no doubt live on in the minds of the young people and the audience for many years to come. A fantastic day.