Wantage Silver Band

Advanced Youth Ensemble

Not quite a contest perhaps, more of a showcase of local musical talent, with the opportunity for advancement to a further, broader-based event. A WSB 'Advanced Youth Ensemble' entered this contest on 28th March at Bayards Hill School in Oxford, conducted by Phil Bailey. The ensemble consisted mainly of Youth Band players but also included young players from the A, B and Concert Brass bands. They played Julius Fucik's march "Children of the Regiment" and Mark Freeh's take on Tchaikowsky's "Nutcracker Sweet(!)", receiving great comments from the ‘mentors’. We wait to hear if the group progress to the next round; but the music was a great credit to the players and to their tutors Phil Bailey and Roger Middlebrook.
UPDATE: we have now heard that they have won through to the next round at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Thursday 9th July.