RDTC Play the Royal Festival Hall
Article by Shena McKenzie- News editor Romford Recorder

IT sounded simple enough. Round up 57 youngsters laden with instruments and uniforms on to a bus, drive to one of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, rehearse, change, perform a knock-out show in front of hundreds, pack up, and head back to Romford.

Oh yeah, and do it all within the space of a few hours.

I didn't quite realise just how hectic a performance by the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps at the Royal Festival Hall could be. But as "one of the band" on Tuesday evening, I was also blown away by the youngsters' enthusiasm, their incredible talent, and the smooth operation by a dedicated team of organisers.

The band, aged between 10 and 23, meet just before 4pm in Romford to load up the bus - which, it turns out on this particularly hot day, doesn't have air conditioning.

No matter. The children are understandably excited and chatty when I meet them to help lug trumpets, drums, and stands into the concert hall.

From there it's on to the stage for a half-hour rehearsal. Many of the young musicians are in awe for a moment of the huge and iconic stage.

"Is it really going to be full tonight?" asks one small girl.

Band secretary Kerrie Binder explained how the important performance came about: "You have to be invited to play here and we were asked to play by Robert Webster, THE virtuoso cornet player in the world - it's just incredible to be here."

"It really raises the profile of the band - this is a hallowed stage."

It's then back to the dressing rooms to change into their £500 traditional olive green uniforms, slick back the hair, adjust a few belts, and then on to the stage to open the Gala Celebration to launch the University of Stratford's new International Centre for Brass and Choral Studies.

The concert was in support of the Royal Free Hospital and also on the night's bill were world-renowned classical Kiwi singer Hayley Westenra, Robert Webster, comedic horn players Mnozil Brass, and the Twyford Gospel Choir.

Lead by bandmaster Paul Binder, the RDTC perform a knock-out rendition of A Gala Flourish by Philip Harper.

I've seen the group play a few times, most notably for Prince Philip in February last year, but seeing them on such a prestigious stage is something else - the sound in the specially-built auditorium is incredible and I'm again reminded of what a slick, talented lot they are.

Afterwards, Paul is on a high.

"We had Rob Franks, the principal trumpet player in the London Symphony Orchestra, and Robert Webster, the finest cornet player in the world, in the audience, so the pressure was on. But as always, my kids delivered."

The famous Dr Webster was equally impressed with the band's performances, saying: "To have a group of youngsters coming in and performing at this level is fantastic. It sounded like a tough piece to play but they did it and everyone enjoyed it."

After the busy evening it's back on to the bus and home to Romford - what a night!

Next up for the band will be preparing for a trip to America next year to perform in the Washington Day Parade.

The group are also on the brink of having their very own clubhouse, in Pettits Lane, Romford, for the first time in 52 years.

"We've got the lease and we've just got to agree the terms," Kerry said. "It means we'll finally have a home, but it won't be just for us it will be a community facility for dance and social groups as well. It's very exciting."