The Area test piece chosen for 2007's qualifying competition was Isiah 40 by Robert Redhead. The Aveley and Newham Band last performed this work at the National Championships in the Albert Hall way back in 1996. Those still playing with the band were under no illusion of the level of technical difficulty that this would present, although the announcement of the test piece was well received. It was generally felt that, unlike some of the test pieces of recent years, only the very best performances would do it justice and so present the adjudicators with a much easier day's work. This view was underpinned by results from other area contests as they became known.
During the week prior to the contest, came the news that neither Staines Brass nor Alliance Brass would be attending, but despite the obvious loss to the competition, there was no let-up in the week's exhaustive rehearsal schedule. It was a credit to the musical director, Nigel Taken, that by the morning of the contest, the band felt confident that they could produce a winning performance.
After a favourable draw, the Band produced a very solid performance and was delighted with each of the soloists: - baritone, horn, flugel, cornet and euphonium all excelled, and the Band left the stage pleased with the day’s efforts.
The consensus amongst the listening public was that three bands’ performances stood out well above the rest- those of the Aveley and Newham Band, Redbridge Brass and Zone One Brass. The adjudicator, Nick Childs, was also of this opinion and awarded Redbridge Brass first place with 193 points with The Aveley and Newham Band (192 points) and Zone One Brass (190 points) taking second and third places respectively.
The Aveley and Newham Band are delighted to be representing the London and Southern Counties area once again at the National Finals in the Albert Hall this October. This will be the eighth occasion that they have attended this prestigious event since 1997. With a busy summer which will see the Aveley and Newham Band compete at the All England Masters International at Cambridge, The English National Championships at Preston and The British Open Championships at Birmingham's Symphony Hall, the band should be in a great position for their return to London in October.