Onwards and Upwards

Co-operative Milnrow Band, having won the Senior Trophy in 2009 were promoted to contest for the Senior Cup this year.

After weeks of preparation the long awaited day dawned and a final "run through" of the contest music was held in St Georges College Blackpool under conductor for the day Andrew White.

The previous few weeks had been somewhat traumatic, the band having parted company with its resident MD, and Andrew taking over the baton at a late stage of the preparations.

However, with renewed confidence it was with typical optimism that the band keenly anticipated seeing what they could do against the formidable opposition of the 19 other bands in this, the middle section of the three to be contested on the day.

The band appeared on stage at 2.00pm and playing at number 11 gave what was generally thought by those in the audience to be a more refined and subtle performance of the test piece "The Year of the Dragon" by Philip Sparke than previous bands.

The MD played his part by encouraging band and soloists to excel in their efforts and it was with great self assurance and aplomb that 16 year old Chris Binns performed the difficult trombone solo which incidentally "tripped up" many trombone soloists on the day.
So to the loudest audience reaction as yet the band exited the stage with the hope and belief that it had done enough to "be at least 4th in the frame" and that the two adjudicators in the "box" were suitably impressed.

After all 59 bands on the day had competed it was 6.30 pm and time for the results.
The main result for Milnrow was that of the Senior Cup.

As with announcers it seemed ages but eventually we heard what we hoped for "Co-operative Milnrow Band 4th" (out of 20), which result has ensured an invitation to compete another "higher step up" for the Grand Shield in 2011.

Band members and supporters were highly delighted with the result, surely now they have proved beyond doubt that Co-operative Milnrow Band is not just "a make weight" but a Championship Section band with true potential.