Dear fellow members of Corby Silver Band,

What an excellent result from the Leicester Association contest on 18^th November 2007, perhaps more importantly, what a great performance! – I felt it was quality concert-level playing.  As we were playing on the day, I thought, “hey, this sounds great, I wish I could be in the audience listening to this”.  The intonation was good (brilliant in places), the dynamics were excellent (specifically mentioned in the adjudicator’s comments), and the ensemble was tight. The 1^st and 4^th movements were powerful but very controlled, whilst the 2^nd movement was very sensitive and moving, and the 3^rd movement controlled and exciting – bang on the tempo all the way through.  We can’t deny that there were a few untidy moments, but I’ve heard untidier moments from professional orchestras on many occasions.  There wasn’t one comment in the adjudicator’s remarks that we couldn’t agree with (a very refreshing change compared to the area contest in March).

We should ALL be proud of our performance and our achievement.

At the great risk of missing anybody out, I’d like to make a few specific comments/acknowledgements:

• David Mann for his support on Soprano cornet – it really does make such a difference to have that extra “top”
• Dave for a really sweet piece of top cornet playing, especially in the 2^nd movement – hitting that top A was an exhilarating moment, for both of us J
• Pat and Kayleigh for some solid (and in-tune) trio playing along with Dave
• The ladies of the back row, Eve, Annika, Cara and Jodie, for showing such good concentration on the day
• Ian, Eileen and Ann for some great horn playing (and thank you Ian for a beautiful rendition of “David of the White Rock” on 11^th November).
• Our trombone section for moving around to make full cover possible, particularly Becky for covering the bass trombone part so powerfully and confidently (and thank you for borrowing the Tam from the youth brass), Sophie consequently moving up to cover the 1^st trombone, and Tim taking time out of his hectic working life to fill in the second trombone part (poor guy not even having time to wait for the results before having to hit the road to get back “up north” where he’s currently working)
• Lloyd for dealing with the contest administration and covering the 2^nd Baritone part
• Pete for covering the euphonium section on his own and playing a fine solo at the end of the 1^st movement (sorry you couldn’t be there Robin, I hope you recover quickly so that you can be back with us as soon as possible)
• Charlie, Pete, Ian and Amanda for some cracking ensemble playing
• Aidan and Oliver, their first contest together, playing like a real pair of pro’s (these lads are going to go far)
• The gentlemen at the back of the band, unlike most bass players, you don’t drag!
• Paul and Bev (Oliver’s mum and dad), for being amazingly great supporters, for arranging the coach transport, for organising the construction of the new stand for the tam, and for hauling percussion equipment around (always with enthusiasm)
• Our loyal supporters and parents who act as, instrument carriers, chauffeurs,  “trial audience” for new pieces, child-minders, refreshment suppliers and anything else that needs to be done

The list could go on, everybody in the band is an essential part of the performance, with the supporters being an essential part of the smooth running of the band. If I’ve left anybody out, please accept my apologies. 

As I write this, it brings into very sharp relief just how much of a team effort this all is – it’s a pleasure to be part of that team.

Once again, a great result.  Thank you very much.

Did anybody get it on vid for YouTube?

Very best wishes