Thurrock Marching Brass Take Gold At Daventry
Thurrock Marching Brass travelled to Daventry in Northamptonshire on Sunday 10 July 2016 for their first summer competition on the British Youth Band Association (BYBA) circuit.
This was the very first time that the show, entitled “Under New Management” was performed in public in this format, coming off the back of their success with the program from the winter period. The whole TMB family were on hand to assist in setting the elaborate stage up ready for the performance, and support these amazingly talented youngsters.
Under New Management extends the storyline from the smash hit family film, Bugsy Malone, and starts off at the last night frolics in the speak easy before the whole place is sold off at auction, going to the highest bidder. Some brilliant play acting from the young auctioneer laid the hammer down on the winning bid as members of the audience raised aloft their auction paddles to try and win the bid. This is a fun for all the family production, and the following scenes see a number of auditions taking place with dancing, drumming and music from all sections of the band before getting into the opening night of the club, now Under New Management.
The finale had everyone smiling and clapping as the young members, who’s average age is just 10 years took their sectional bows to much applause, and right at the end, the tiny caretakers, donned in warehouse overalls and flat caps, keeping in line with the 1920’s theme, ran to the front and let loose with their triangles. Something that is rapidly becoming a fun signature closer for Thurrock Marching Brass productions, and what a wonderful reception these youngsters received.
In addition to the competition, the hosts, Liberty Drum Corps, also organised a car park jamming session where all performing units took turns in playing to all those present. It was a community spirit the likes of which has been missing from competitions in this country, and the TMB youngsters entertained the other bands with some parade tunes from their repertoire, again to much applause from everyone.
When the results were announced, Thurrock Marching Brass were awarded High Colourguard, High Visual Detail, High Overall Visual, High Overall Music, and 1st place and Gold Medal in the Cadet class.
A great start to the summer season campaign.
Jay Lindner, Corps Director of Thurrock Marching Brass had this to say about the event “The kids, my staff and indeed all the parents and supporters have worked really hard to develop the theatre production ready for the summer competitive season, and there have been many hours put into the logistics to make it all work. The kids absolutely love performing, and did that show today with every single one of them showing just how much. The trophy success was a bi-product of all that hard work and I would like to congratulate Warwick Corps of Drums on winning the Music Detail trophy on the day and giving us some competition on the day. The spirit of friendly rivalry on the field and relaxed atmosphere and camaraderie off the field was clearly demonstrated throughout the day, and especially during the car park jamming session. The members really enjoyed that as did everyone there. THAT is what banding is all about. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what division or class you perform in when you are willing to relax and enjoy each others performances and company then the day will always be a great success. A small fortune in sweets and a cheeky McDonalds on the way home concluded an absolutely brilliant day and to my staff, the parents, supporters and everyone who has been a part of this year’s journey in whatever capacity, not least the kids themselves, a huge THANK YOU for making it so enjoyable. Roll on the next performance! ”.
Thurrock Marching Brass is 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.thurrockmarchingbrass.org
www.facebook.com/thurrockmarchingbrass
Twitter @thurrockMB
