Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps win the
National Championships & League Title for the second year running.

On the 4th December 2004, the band entered the National Championships at Cannock, after winning two qualifiers earlier this year. The prize at stake was the National Championship Title and the TYMBA League title.
It was a risky move for the band, as they decided to come away from a contest routine that had served them well (winning six consecutive contests) and presented a brand new arena show. The band knew that to succeed they had to get to grips with a more complicated arena show with a larger band than before, with quite a few members making there first appearance at a contest.
Despite these challenges the band peaked just in time and met early on the Saturday morning to travel to Cannock. Due to limited facilities at the venue and the bandmaster's desire to have a run through on the day, the band took the novel approach of using the coach park at the Watford Gap services for a final run through. This created quite a stir with the coach load of parents and supporters being joined by a coach load of Japanese tourists watching the band trying to play above the noise of the motorway traffic. Satisfied with the performance the band boarded the coach and proceeded to the venue.

After watching the four solo buglers compete in their competition, the band's focus then turned to the main event of the day. The band members did some last minute checks on their uniforms and instruments before reporting to the inspection area.
The adjudicator randomly picked a number of the band members for the inspection and by chance picked three members who had never competed before. The band scored well with very high marks.
Sammy Fish scored a perfect 10 out of 10.

With the inspection out the way the band waited patiently for their turn on the arena. The tension back stage was building as we could hear Syston Scout Band giving their performance.

The band entered the arena and were considerably larger than any other competitor and played a warm up hymn "Love Unknown".
By this time the audience numbers had swelled as many band members from other competing bands had decided to watch our display which seemed to inspire the band even more. It was particularly pleasing to see the Haverettes Band giving their support to their neighbours from Romford, in what turned out to be an outstanding day for them winning the Championship section. Well done Haverettes!!

The display opened with the march "Slaidburn" to which the band advanced up the arena using the full 100 feet width. Drum Major Marc Price threw the mace in the first few seconds of the piece in an effort to demand attention from the judges. Everything the band had rehearsed seemed to be working and the floor actually shook when the band members halted. Despite the large numbers of the band, many were surprised at the dynamic range of the band. The judges made comments to this effect with a couple praising the ability to play quiet for a band of this size.
The next piece was "Blazeaway" which got the crowd clapping straight away with this popular 6/8 march. The tricky parts written for cornet and clarinet were being played well, with the basses, trombones, and tenor section also enjoying their chance to sing out.

One of the aces up the band's sleeve was the piccolo solo featuring Sarah Beale. In her ever first contest Sarah played the solo piece with ease showing the depth of ability in the band.
The attention then turned to the drum section in a piece arranged by Steve Cressy and the drummers themselves. As an extra feature the solo lead was played by Mark Adams on a HTS drum, giving a brighter sound as the drummers displayed several new techniques such as playing on the shell of the drum.
After the fireworks by the drum section the mood was changed with the band playing a slow march. The piece, "Going Home" was a tricky piece to master as unusually for a slow march it had constantly changing time signatures. The piece also required demanding playing from the woodwind/flute section.

With three quarters of the performance now completed, The Drum Major paused before the final piece. The band's use of the arena, drill and musical performance was extremely high in standard and had been held to together with equally impressive control by Marc Price.

For a final tune the band played a light hearted piece "The Police Academy Theme" which featured all sections within the band. The opening introduction was lead by drummer Mark Adams with Kirsty Evans and Sarah Twinn oncornet. The band struck up in sound with the horn section enjoying their chance to shine, playing in their upper register. Everyone was playing well as they approached the trio section in which the woodwind took over with some style. The momentum of the piece began to build as the band played the finale coda section in a similar style to the opening with the whole width and depth of the arena being used.

The reception the band received at the end proved without doubt it had been a crowd pleasing performance. However contests are not decided on a "Clapometer" and the band would have to wait for the results.

" I would like to pay tribute to the tremendous team effort by everyone involved at Romford in reaching our goals. A special mention to our brilliant instructors; Colin, Peter, Steve, Greg W, Sarah and Greg T
Most importantly to the members who wear the Green Uniform and their desire to continually strive for excellence"
	Paul Binder Bandmaster Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps National Champions & League Winners