Following their success at the regional brass band contest which is held in Torquay in March every year, Wotton Silver Band were proud to represent the South West, and their town of Wotton-under-Edge, at the National Brass Band Championships held in York on 19th Sept.
Wotton band are a traditional brass band, who were established in 1894. They perform at a variety of venues in their local community throughout the year, including upholding a much-loved tradition, which began well over 100 years ago, of playing hymns and marches on top of Wotton hill on the first Sunday in May each year.
On this occasion the band were competing against 18 other second section bands from around the UK, who had also been invited to the event following success in their own areas.
The contest required all the bands to prepare and perform a set test piece “Song of Courage” by Eric Ball, which profiles the composer’s story of his journey of faith during the first half of the 20th century.
Wotton band achieved a creditable place of 11th out of 19 bands for their performance – which they also played at an open rehearsal for the community of Wotton-under-Edge, and for their friends and supporters, the week before the contest.
The icing on the cake for the band was that their tenor trombone player was announced as soloist of the day, and received a prestigious award from Kapitol promotions. Dave McWhirter has been a member of the band for over 30 years. Reflecting on his success, Dave said “It was an incredibly emotional moment. I left the stage feeling that I’d delivered my best performance, but to be chosen for this award in such a strong field was truly overwhelming. I was completely shocked!”
Wotton Silver Band would like to express their thanks to their local community for the wonderful support they received in the months preceding the contest. They would particularly like to acknowledge the generosity of the many individuals, companies and organisations who kindly sponsored them for this event.
