Contest success is music to band’s ears

The brass band competed against a number of other musicians at the Southern Counties Amateur Bands Association (SCABA) Autumn Contest at The Hawth in Crawley on September 30.

Battle Town Band (BTB) came second in the second section and after deciding to take on the extra challenge of entering the first section, BTB were rewarded with fifth place.

SCABA organises four contests a year for bands from all over the south east, attracting brass bands from as far afield as Belgium to compete.

Bands can choose a piece they would like to play and then compete against other bands of a similar ability in various sections.

Battle Town Band is a second section band and chose to play Dimensions by Peter Graham, competing against 11 other bands.

A band spokesman said: BTB was “delighted” with the result.

After the main prizes were announced, the band was further honoured by having their tenor horn section selected for the Best Horn Section prize and Cheryl Goodsell was awarded the Best Solo Horn prize.

Following the morning’s success, the band chose to enter the first section, playing against bands of a high ability.

Battle Town Band played Force of Destiny by Verdi (arranged by Frank Wright), a difficult piece of music for any brass band.

They were eventually awarded fifth place.

Jon Penton, BTB’s musical director, said: “Battle Town Band has come a long way in the last few years and everyone has worked very hard. We have a team we can be proud of.”

Battle Town Band rehearses on Friday at Battle Memorial Hall, 7-9.30pm. As well as taking part in contests, the band plays many concerts in the area including at the Memorial Hall, Bexhill Festival of Music, Alexandra Park Bandstand, Brighton Pavilion Gardens, Hever Castle and at village fetes. New members welcome, visit www.battletownband.com or come along to a rehearsal. The band’s next concert in Battle will be the Christmas Concert on December 15 at the Memorial Hall.