Annual Presentation Evening 2009
Article by Mark Newman

The bands annual presentation night was once again an enjoyable and fun filled evening for the band members and spectators.

The evening began with a performance by the band who played a varied programme of music containing some new pieces of music. “Marches on Parade”, a medley of famous marches and “Benedictus”, a Euphonium solo performed by Joe Harvey were showcased by the corps. The finale piece was the band’s new march composed by President James Marshall, “The March of Friendship”. This piece was written to celebrate the friendship between the corps and the Verein Lundener Spielluete band from Lunden, Germany and in memory of the bands late Honorary Secretary, Pam Evans. The band’s business part of the night was completed and next was the awards and a review of the band’s 2008 highlights.

After a quick change into party clothes by the band members the presentations began. The first award of the evening was the Presidents award, awarded to an individual whose efforts towards the organisation, in any shape or form, assists and progresses the band into the organisation it is. The worthy recipient of the award was Daisy Smith, Treasurer on the bands executive committee who has been a key part of running the band for over 40 years.

Service awards were next on the agenda, with the following band members being recognised for the respective number of year’s service to the band.

The achievements of the band members who had passed music examinations outside of the band were then recognised prior to the second of the big awards being presented. The Best Newcomer Award was won by flutist Lauren Harris, who has progressed significantly since joining the band with no musical or marching experience.

The Most Improved Drum and Wind awards were next, with Casey Marsh and Cpl Joe Harvey being the respective winners.

The hardest award to obtain was next on the agenda, the Attendance Award. The winner, with an attendance of 94% through 2008 was cymbalist Bradley Robinson.

The Band Personality of the Year award was next. This award is voted by the band members themselves and band members are asked to vote for who they think has contributed to the band the best overall as a whole. The winner this year was drummer Casey Marsh.

The final award of the evening, Band Member of the Year was presented to L/Cpl Adam Reed. Throughout 2008 Adam has constantly put the band’s needs first, resulting in him playing Cymbals at the Manchester Contest, and more recently transferring to Tuba to balance the sound of the band. A very worthy winner of the most prestigious award on the evening.

The attendees and band members then continued the night on the dance floor adding more enjoyment to the already fun filled night.