News - Double Contest Winners
AN AMATEUR brass band has scooped double honours with its bold and polished performance.
The Hook Norton Brass Band won two cups at the Oxfordshire and District Brass Band Association Entertainments Contest.
Unlike the majority of competitions, which are solely about music ability, this annual regional competition also rewards showmanship and entertainment. The band won a cup for each of these disciplines.
Member Nick Wilson of Hanwell Fields, who plays solo baritone horn, said: "This was the first contest we've done for quite a long time so it's a big thing for us and we're all delighted.
"It's a big boost for the band and particularly our conductor Jenny Barrie, as this was the first contest we've done with her."
Brackley and District Band and Shipston Town Brass Band also won cups in their sections.
Each group had a 20-minute slot in the competition.
"In this competition one also watches the performance and marks things like how you come on stage, presentation, synchronisation, choice of music and entertainment value," Mr Wilson said.
"We'd practised hard and on the day played a traditional piece, a jolly piece, had a solo performance from our bass player, James Bolton-King, and finished with a medley of George Gershwin."
The band has a 120-year history, but though named after Hook Norton and sponsored by the village brewery, it is now based in Banbury.
Mr Wilson, 24, said: "It's great being able to make music with people, and the satisfaction and enjoyment of playing well with other people is really good.
"I started playing the trumpet and cornet from the age of about six or seven and have played with a number of groups. At Hook Norton we have a real range of people some as young as 14 or 15 years old."
The band practises at Banbury High School in Ruskin Road every Monday at 7.30pm and is looking for new members. Its next show is its autumn charity concert at St Peter's Church in Hook Norton on Sunday.
Anyone wanting more information should call Martin Quartermain on 01608 737269.
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