The Once and Future King. CBBA Contest, April 2009.

1. Rather muddled to begin, much better by 3 before A, and some good sounds from A, although I think 'legato' could be more effective. Excellent antiphony before D, but E could have more impact and F felt a little frantic.

2. Some unsettled tuning to begin (mutes make it even more difficult). Good bell effects - well constructed. Sop sounds a little timid at A but certainly keeps to dynamic! Trombone is great before C and there are some sustained sounds from C. Just not 100% on the tuning always. Good build to F but try to sustain through minims more here (too many people breath?). Overall, a very commendable attempt to convey the mercurial atmosphere required - well done.

3. Commanding to start. Sop and Bari could 'dance' a bit more after A. Lots of excellent work at the lower end of dynamics, and well balanced (not overdone) at other end. Trombones extremely good - bravo! Just a little bit of raggedness before H and to end - always leave something in the tank!

Overall, after an inauspicious start, this was a performance of very good quality & maturity - well done.

Band Placed 1st (out of 1).