The Royal Albert Hall was once again the venue for the National Brass Band Championships 2021 where 19 of the country's best best competed for the coveted title of National Champions.
Since the band had not performed together since the beginning of the Pandemic in March 2020, the band only had 8 weeks to get back into shape and prepare the set test piece 'Heroes' by Bruce Broughton.
From the beginning of August 2021, Andrew Craze began rehearsals in preparation for the contest as well as getting the band back in shape. Everyone knew that it was going to take 100% effort from everyone to get match fit whilst coping with the added restrictions still in place due to Covid-19. Facemasks, social distancing, hand sanitising etc were all put in place so that preparations could go ahead in the safest possible environment.
Musical Director Kevin Mackenzie then arrived in September to continue preparations and lead the band on stage for the contest. Kevin said "It was great to be back in front of the band after the recent restrictions. Andrew Craze had done a sterling job in getting the band into a position where I could really work on pushing the band further on the test piece. I would like to thank Andrew for his initial work and also to the band for giving it their all. The performance on stage was 100% committed and considering they had not performed together for so long, they all did themselves very proud indeed. The placing of 7th come results time was the icing on the cake. To get another top 10 finish (6th place last time) was testament to their commitment. I look forward to returning again soon for the regional preparations".
We would like to congratulate Fodens on their magnificent win and to Flowers for their top 10 finish.