On Sunday 16th September 2018, Stone Scout & Guide Band returned to the competition scene for their first display in 15 years. They joined 8 other bands from across the UK at Longford Park Stadium, Stretford in Manchester. The youngest member to take part on the day was 8 years old, with the oldest aged 14 years.
The band put on an amazing performance, despite their inexperience and their nerves, and came third overall out of the five bands in the Contest Class.
The members are now looking forward to building on this success and have entered the Traditional Youth Marching Band Association’s National Finals which will be held at Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby on 14th October 2018 form 11.30am, again in the Contest Class. This will be a really exciting day, with performances from 11 bands across the country, as well as the Royal Marines Corps of Drums, and to commemorate the end of World War I there will also be a Beating Retreat where all the bands will come together to form one Massed Band.
Bandmaster Kerry Dawson says
“We are really proud of all of our members for their hard work and dedication. It is incredibly nerve-racking to perform in front of friends, family and even strangers, especially when you’re so new to competitions and don’t really know what to expect.
We were able to purchase new uniforms thanks to a grant from Staffordshire County Council’s Local Community Fund, supported by Councillor Jill Hood, so we really looked the part.
Now the members have some recognition of their efforts and can use the judges’ comments to improve and fine tune their skills. After this next competition we will be looking to learn a new display, so now would be a great time for young people to join the band.”
Stone Scout & Guide Band takes young people aged 7 and over from all Girlguiding Units and Scout Sections. Membership is completely free and all tuition and equipment is provided. Being a member of the band also counts towards activity badges in both movements.
If your child is interested, please contact Kerry Dawson, Bandmaster, on 07853 362 734 or by email to ssagb1986@hotmail.com
Keep up with what the band are doing, and see them in action over on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ssagb1986
