Spennymoor Town Band, under their musical director Fiona Casewell competed in the North of England Brass Band Championships, held at the Gala in Durham City earlier this month.
Eight bands competed in the third section, with the first two bands qualify to represent the region at the National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain.
The Town band were awarded a creditable third place.
Hugh Stephenson, President of the band told Spennymoor News: “The band played exceptionally well but it is disappointing not to qualify for the finals.”
“A little icing on the cake was that our percussion section won the Best Percussion prize,” he added, “and we are really looking forward to our next contest in May.”
The following weekend, Spennymoor Youth Band, again conducted by Fiona, represented the North of England at the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain which were held in Birmingham.
Playing against tough competition from across the country the band were awarded a bronze certificate of merit and were highly commended by the two judges from Lancashire and Scotland.
Fiona said: “I’m so proud of how the Youth Band played.
“They showed real confidence and we can use this experience to make improvements for next year.
“Having a thriving Youth Band is great news for the whole organisation, who benefit from having good young players that eventually join the Town Band.
“We have developed a system that works and I’m really proud to lead both bands in this successful period.”
Town Mayor, Cllr Liz Maddison who has chosen the Town and Youth Bands as the beneficiaries of the Town Mayor’s Charity Appeal during her term of office said: “I’m absolutely delighted with these results.
“The bands are well and truly a great asset to the Town and without doubt put Spennymoor on the national map.”
If anyone would like to join the Youth Band, they can contact band manager Mike Johnson on 07973 684933 or secretary Viki Clarke on 07572 211470 for the opportunity to learn to play a brass instrument and make new friends.
The Town and Youth Bands will be holding their Summer Concert in St Paul’s Church, Spennymoor on Saturday 6 June at 7.30pm. All proceeds from admission and raffle will be divided 50/50 between the church and the Youth Band. Tickets will be available soon.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
