What a weekend…!
Lions Academy Band
First to play was our Academy Band in the Elementary section on Saturday morning.
Programme:
1. The Muppet Show
2. Londonderry Air – Soloist, Charlie Kearon
3. The Saddleworth Suite – Pots ‘n’ Pans, Grasscroft Ghoul & Friezland Fiesta
4. Abide With Me
4 Bars Rest said “Lions certainly had a gold hallmark about their set under conductor Tom Hancock, as they opened in a long line with the ‘Muppets Theme’ (with brilliant car horn soloist), before segueing skilfully into the euphonium solo ‘Londonderry Air’ played wonderful by ‘Best Soloist’ winner Charlie Kearon.
Their original brass band work, Dave Chapman’s ‘A Saddleworth Suite’, featured great percussion and plenty of spooky ‘Grasscroft Ghoul’ sounds before it closed with a wicked ‘Fiesta’ complete with signature jester hats. They rounded off their set with a warmly played ‘Abide with Me’.”
Lions Academy Band were absolutely thrilled to be crowned National Champions and are so proud of Charlie for being awarded Best Soloist as well! Also, a special shout out to Musical Director, Tom Hancock, who is currently celebrating 25 years as a Lion!
Lions Debut Band
On Saturday afternoon it was the turn of the Lions Debut Band to take to the stage in the Debut Section!
The aim of the Debut section is to enable beginners to receive their first experience of public performance as well as provide a space for more experienced players to perform in a non-competitive environment. All competitors in this section should have a positive experience so to encourage them to continue to progress on their instrument.
Programme:
1. Debut
2. Rock Steady
3. Heavy Metal
4. Samba Party
5. The Hip Hop Train
4 Bars Rest Said “Such an innovative set from Lions ‘Debut’ Band. Pre-made backing tracks really helped aid the youngsters to produce a wonderfully fun performance. Great stuff, well done!! Lions Debut Band featured a number of new compositions from their MD. They opened with a wonderful piece called “Debut” – very fitting indeed. Followed by a trio of pieces including “Heavy Metal” in which they released their inner Iron Maiden!”
The Debut Band thoroughly enjoyed their performance, for some of them this is the first time they ever performed in front of a LIVE audience, we are so proud of them.
Lions Youth Brass
Sunday then saw Lions Youth Brass take to the stage in the Championship section!
Programme:
1. Out of the Mountain
2. First Light – Soloist, Hannah Taylor
3. Neverland
The Youth Band were absolutely over the moon to be awarded second place and a gold award! Musical Director, Nigel Birch, said this will go down as one of the bands greatest ever achievements. Nigel celebrates his 27th performance at the National Youth Championships this year!
4 Bars Rest said “A deserved Gold Award went to runner-up Lions Youth Brass, with a set that showed their growing maturity under MD Nigel Birch. Their opening ‘Out of the Mountain’ by Ian Raisbeck was followed by ‘First Light’ played confidently by cornet soloist Hannah Taylor and Christopher Bond’s popular ‘Neverland’.”
