Sunday 28 February saw Brass Bands from all over the UK gathering at Marlborough School, Woodstock, Oxfordshire to compete in the Winter Contest. With Area Competitions on the Horizon and this being an ‘Own Choice Test Piece’ contest, many bands chose to take their Area test piece out for a road test and Saints were no exception.

With Lee Woodward at the helm, Saints played ‘The Mermaid of Zennor’ by Philip Harper in the 2nd section, to the ears of a very appreciative audience and Adjudicator Brett Baker.

Brett, himself a Trombonist (previously Principal Trombone with Black Dyke Band), had a tough job in adjudicating and commented on intonation as defining criteria for distinguishing between the bands. Something that every band can improve upon.

Saints took the win, receiving some very encouraging comments from Brett in preparation for the up-and-coming areas on 19 March.

Our very own Soprano Cornet player Llewellyn Wells took the Best Instrumentalist prize, with Brett commenting on his beautiful and consistent playing.

The whole band played brilliantly; playing together and making a beautiful sound which meant that the soloists had a rock-solid foundation upon which they could shine.

Lee was chuffed with the result and the whole band still has some work to do for the Area Contest on 19 March in Stevenage.

Well done Band!