Milton Keynes bands strike up for prizes at regional championships

Milton Keynes Brass were awarded third prize in a large field of 18 bands in the second section, at the contest on Sunday, March 18.

Playing a new piece called Ex Terra Lucem, by Jonathan Bates, the band gave a great performance featuring solos for Matt Ball (cornet) and George Bruce (euphonium). As a result, the band have now been promoted to the first section and will play at the National Finals in Cheltenham in September.

Jonathan Mott, MD of Milton Keynes Brass, said: “The band has worked very hard and maintained consistently good results over the last 12 months resulting in an appearance at the national finals and promotion. 12 months ago we had a plan to achieve this and it’s nice to see this coming to fruition.”

Bradwell Silver travelled home with the gold after securing first place in a fourth section of 18 bands and an invite to the national finals. This is a record breaking result for the band as it will be the first time in a 117-year history they have qualified for the national finals. The first place also means the band have gained promotion to the third section in 2019.

Bradwell Silver musical director Brian Keech, pictured, said: “I am so proud of the members for this fantastic win. With the majority of the band taught through our development group this is a tribute to all the tutors. With the national finals and other exciting events in 2018, including a WW1 commemoration concert at Stantonbury Theatre in November, the band has a wonderful year to look forward to.” You can support the bands by attending concerts, booking them to play at your event, or even joining up and learning to play an instrument. www.bradwellband.co.uk and www.miltonkeynesbrass.org