Thurrock Marching Brass First National Title In 30 Years
Thurrock Marching Brass completed an undefeated season to win the 2013 British Youth Band Association Cadet Class National Championship title at Cannock, West Midlands yesterday. The talented group of musicians and performers have brought Thurrock’s first National Marching Band Championship title home for an incredible 30 years!
As you would expect at a National Championships, the young marching band had to fend off late minute surges by their competitors and held off the 6 times National Cadet Class Champions the 37th Kingswood Cadets with a narrow margin, but a well deserved victory. The band also won best caption awards for Music Detail, Music Effect, Colourguard and Visual Detail. They also collected the 2013 British Youth Band Association Cadet League Title trophy.
Speaking of the victory an elated Chairman, Paul Morgan comments “As a member of the original band for over 15 years myself, my aim when bringing back to Thurrock something that they would be proud of has developed into a truly amazing experience for everyone involved. Not least all the youngsters that are now a part of this great organisation. The legacy that our great founder, David J, E. Loader established 40 years ago has been ignited once more through this re-launch, which took place in 2010, some 21 years after the original band folded. In three short years we have given the members experiences that will last them a lifetime, and to bring home the first British Marching Band Championship for Thurrock since 1983 has made all the efforts even more worth while. There are so many people to thank, but I would like to say a huge thank you to our Corps Director, Darren Crisp, his Deputy, Ken Mansfield and all their incredible staff for working so hard with our youngsters to help develop them into fine young people with good solid values through hard work and dedication. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the Head Teacher at William Edwards School and Sports College, Steve Munday, for allowing us to take advantage of the school facilities and to the support that he and his staff provide us. I was in the band when we won the 1983 British Championships at the highest level, and remember just how I felt hearing our name read out as the Champions. That feeling is incredibly unique and for our youngsters to experience that in our 40th Anniversary year makes me one of the proudest Men in Thurrock right now!”
Also speaking of the historic victory Corps Director, Darren Crisp adds “I would just like to echo the words of our Chairman and thank every one of my staff for their incredible dedication, but also to the support staff and parents for all that they do for us and for the youngsters under our care. But most of all I would like to say a huge well done to each and every member for what they have achieved here. In a very short timeframe they have developed into National Champions and that is no mean feat! Thurrock Marching Brass has an extended family that spans the entire 40 years since Mr Loader first founded it, and to continue that legacy is not only an honour but a privilege that all of us involved are so grateful to be a part of. It’s hard work and at times things don’t always go to plan, but as with anything that is difficult to achieve, you keep at it and keep working hard until you reach the goals that you set. We add this National Title to two previous Silver medals in 2011 and 2012 respectively, and so I am even more delighted with everyone for doing just that. Working hard and learning to become better at what we do. Everyone is welcome to come and have a go at Thurrock Marching Brass. The new home of the 2013 British Youth Band Association Cadet Class National Champions and League winners. Thank you to everyone that supports us.”
Thurrock Marching Brass are proud to perform as much as they can within the community and you can keep up to date with all their engagements on our website below or by following them on Facebook.
info [at] thurrockmarchingbrass [dot] org
www.facebook.com/thurrockmarchingbrass
