Band in Alford honours its top four

Kira Roberts (15) has received the Edward Robinson Cup for Musical Progress.

Euphonium player Kira, has long been recognised as a talented musician, but over the past 12 months she has progressed to an entirely different level through hard work and perseverance.

Not only has she enjoyed considerable success in music examinations in both theory and practice, she has developed into an excellent musician and band member.

Amongst her achievements, she has been a tutor to the Training Section, she represented the band well by performing Last Post and Reveille on Remembrance Sunday in Alford, and has only recently returned from the United States where she was a guest of the musical director of the Natural State Brass Band and competed as an individual in the North American Brass Band Association Championships at Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she achieved third place.

The musical director of the Natural State Brass Band, Mr Rusty Morris said of her: “She is a special young lady. She has a laser focus and a great work ethic.”

The Margaret Sutton Award for Commitment and Dedication in the training section was awarded to Rebecca Wilkinson. Rebecca, who has been a member of the training section for some years, was chosen by the training section’s musical director, Andrew Taylor as she has developed and progressed musically through her regular attendance. She was recognised as being a young lady who has gained in confidence, both musically and as a young person.

Band secretary Jane Taylor was awarded the Harry Farnsworth Memorial Cup for Bandsmanship for her work behind the scenes to ensure that the band functions efficiently.

Although not a musician herself, Jane puts in hours of her time, all unpaid, organising the band’s many engagements and dealing with all the other correspondence that goes with running a busy organisation.

Band members voted that assistant conductor and principal trombonist Richard Walker should receive the Sally Walker Shield for Player Personality for his continued assistance and leadership, stepping into the conductor’s spot, often at very short notice and always delivering the goods when the many commitments of musical director Steve Walker (no relation) prevent him from rehearsing or conduction the band.

The Shield was presented to the band by Richard’s father, Jim Walker in memory of his late mother, Sally, both of whom also used to play with the band.

“We are very lucky to have a gifted musician like Richard to take over when Steve Walker is not available,” commented band chairman Martin Briggs. “He has done a brilliant job and this was recognised by the membership.

“As a band, we feel that it is important to recognise the achievements of our members. Whilst there were several nominations in each section, all of them very worthy, all four of the recipients have certainly earned their award.”

Anyone wanting to find out more about the band, including details of its forthcoming performances, or how to hire the band, or anyone who is interested in auditioning for the band, or learning about its training programme should contact band secretary Jane Taylor on 01507 466330, or via [email protected]