Following heats earlier in the year the band had 2 representatives in each of the junior and senior bugle finals.  All four of them put in excellent performances resulting in clean sweeps in both competitions.

 
Senior section

Daniel Wright – National Champion
Sakura Shimizu – Runner up

Junior Section

Charlotte Hissey – National Champion
Alex Pallot – Runner up

Greater Manchester Concert, Parade and Arena Championships 2008

Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th October

 

The mighty blues were back on the road for another busy weekend of competitions travelling up to Manchester to take part in three individual TYMBA Contests. The band had entered into a Concert, Parade and an Arena show competition so there was certainly no time to relax.

 

The weekend started at 9.00am prompt with an hour’s rehearsal. Once the coach was loaded with the instruments, uniforms and baggage it was time to get on the road.  After a good journey the 17^th arrived in Manchester late afternoon. Once checked in to the hotel it was a quick turn around and they were back on the coach on their way to the venue to take part in the evening’s concert competition.

 

Saturday evening - Concert Competition

There were eight bands taking part in the concert contest and Tonbridge were drawn sixth out of seventh to play. The 17^th were the only non-valve band taking part and they knew they would stand out. All the other bands in the contest were seated throughout their performance. When it was time for Tonbridge, a team cleared all the chairs away, which created a buzz in the audience. The 17^th walked on smartly from behind the audience and took up their positions. Drum Major, Steve Spicer was told to leave the front of the band, as they weren’t going to be marching – the crowd felt sorry for Steve and gave him a big ahhhh.

 

Musical Director, Sarah Rapley took control and the band started the show with Queens Fanfare. During the performance Steve kept trying to get in on the act but was ushered away by some of the band members. The show was divided into three parts. The mallet section, complete with brand new bell lyres gave a solo performance playing Tubular bells and the Percussion section gave a slick and visually impressive static drum display. They finished with the crowd favourite Military Boogie, complete with Steve on triangle. The performance was met with a large cheers and applause. The band gave a thoroughly professional performance and they were awarded a Gold Medal with distinction and were second overall. After the prize giving a disco was laid on for all the competitors and then it was back to the hotel for some rest and to prepare for the following day.

 

Some of the judges comments:

“Great content and great use of bugle and fifes”

“Your performance was well received by your audience. You entertained.”

“ A distinct and entertaining performance with a good injection of humour. Well done.”

 

 

Sunday – Parade and Arena Competition

It was an early start for Tonbridge as all the instruments and uniforms had to be prepared for the days competitions. Once the coach had been loaded up it was time to check out of the hotel and head back to the Leisure Centre.  In the Parade Competition the band had to perform a number of set pieces as well as demonstrating immaculate drill and dressing.  The band were awarded their second Gold Medal with distinction of the weekend and were also awarded the Parade Band Champions 2008 trophy for winning over all. 

 

The band had some time to relax before the last competition of the weekend. Tonbridge were the last band on of the day and performed to a very high standard. The mallet section picked up their second trophy of the year for Best Mallet section beating their rivals, The Haverettes and the band came second in Drill, General Music Effect and Percussion.

 

Some of the judges comments:

“Excellent dynamics. Impressed with the fact that all bugles play fifes.”

“Excellent mix of music.”

“Very smart uniforms and the stick drill from the percussion section was visually very impressive.”

 

It was safe to say that the band were pretty tired after a very intensive weekend of competition but it was all worth it. They left Manchester with some great memories and of course more importantly, two Gold Medals.
 

 

Travel delays and heavy rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the band who took the National Class Champions title at The Rubery Youth Marching Band Championships.

After sitting in a traffic jam on the M40 the band were an hour late to the venue but were still in high spirits on arrival and eager to get on and perform their show.

They were playing first in the National Class and were up against three other bands. Whilst they were on the arena you could see the rain closing in but fortunately it held off for the whole performance. The following band unfortunately had to stop during their performance due to lightning. The rain was so bad that the awards ceremony had to be held inside and the organisers did a fantastic job of relocating to ensure everything still went ahead. The results were:

 

General Musical Effect             17th Tonbridge

Wind Non valved                     17th Tonbridge

Percussion                              17th Tonbridge

Mallets                                    17th Tonbridge

Turnout                                   17th Tonbridge

Drill                                          The Haverettes

Display                                    The Haverettes

National Class Champions      17th Tonbridge

 

It wasn’t only the band that had success on the day as four buglers secured their place in the finals of the National Solo Bugle competition.

 

Junior bugle

Charlotte Hissey          1st place

Alex Pallot                   2nd place

 

Senior bugle

Daniel Wright              1st place

Sakura Shimizu           2nd place

 

Congratulations to the band and the solo buglers. The next TYMBA contest is a weekend trip to Manchester in October, where they are taking part in a Concert, Parade and an arena show competition.

 

22nd June 2008

 

The second tattoo of the weekend was the largest and certainly most prestigious with an audience of over 2000. The Haileybury tattoo is in aid of The Army Benevolent Fund which is a charity that provides support to serving soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.

 

The band left Tonbridge at lunchtime, still excited from the previous evenings tattoo. The event was set in the beautiful surroundings of Haileybury School in Hertfordshire and the sun was shining which made it even better. The 17th were performing as a massed band with Brentwood, Harpenden Pipe band and The Minden Band of the Queens Division.

 

Once the band arrived at the venue it was straight to work with a rehearsal of their show. The massed bands worked out how they were going to get on and off the arena and then practiced the music for the Tattoo, under the baton of the Musical Director of the Minden Band, Captain Simon Haw. Once he was happy it was off to get some dinner at the schools very impressive canteen. The band had some free time to visit some of the attractions which included a funfair, craft fair and side shows.

 

The band were changing in the schools new facilities and after an inspection and tune up it was show time. At 7.30pm prompt, the Brentwood fanfare team opened the tattoo and performed their marching display. Once again, they gave a thoroughly professional performance which was matched with crowd appreciation. It was now time for the 17th. They gave a very different style of performance with more pattern marching which the audience greatly received, once again applauding the marching at Light Infantry pace.

 

The Harpenden Pipe Band and The Minden Band of the Queens Division then gave their own displays before the massed band finale. The 17th marched on with Brentwood playing Mechanised Infantry as a massed band. Once the massed bands were in position the Musical Director of The Minden Band took control of the rest of the show. The massed bands played, Highland Cathedral, Second Fanfare, Evening Hymn, Sunset and the National Anthem. The salute was taken by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, The Countess of Verulam and after the musical performance she gave the permission for the bands to leave the arena. The 17th then marched off to the bugle classic, Swing March.

 

John Wyndham, Band Director of Brentwood said, “I would like to congratulate you all for the way you entered into the weekend. Your dedication, commitment, professionalism and music ability are second to none. For the older members of our band it brought back many happy memories of when we were a bugle band. You all showed this weekend why you are The Traditional Youth Marching Bands Association National Class CHAMPIONS - my band and I would not dispute this fact. All weekend I have had many complimentary comments about you from members of the public, military and event organisers. Thank you - it would be a pleasure to work with you again.”

 

To take part in the weekend events was a privilege and to be invited to with play Brentwood and the Guards band was an honour. It was one of the most prestigious events the band has ever taken part in and our thanks go to John and the Brentwood band for their encouragement and assistance. The 17th came away with some special memories and would love the opportunity to work with Brentwood in the future.

 

 

21st June 2008

 

In 2007, John Wyndham MBE, Band Director of The Royal British Legion Youth Band Brentwood saw the band at a TYMBA Contest and was so impressed with the standard and professionalism of the band that he invited the 17^th to play with his band at two Military Tattoos. The first one was to be in Brentwood and the second at Haileybury School, Hertfordshire playing additionally with The Minden Band of the Queens Division.

 

It was going to be a lot of hard work, but the band were up for the challenge. Leaving Tonbridge in the afternoon they travelled to the TA Centre in Brentwood where the evenings show was being held. After a good rehearsal for both bands it was time for a spot of dinner courtesy of the TA Chef who came in specially to cook for the 90 performers. Great sausages.

 

Once dinner had gone down, both bands headed back to Brentwood’s band room where they got changed into their uniforms and prepared for the evening Tattoo. At 7.25pm the massed bands were given the word that the Mayor and the Brigadier had arrived and the massed bands marched back to the TA centre, each playing a march. It was an impressive sight with Brentwood’s bright red uniforms complemented with that of the sky blue shirts of Tonbridge. The massed bands could be heard approaching the TA centre and the anticipation in the audience was growing.

 

The Fanfare trumpet team from Brentwood opened the Tattoo and then the 17^th were first to perform their unique routine of drill, light infantry marching and bugle playing. The 250 strong crowd especially liked the light infantry and the band’s performance was met with strong applause.

 

Brentwood were next on and an eighty strong band almost filled the entire arena. They gave an immaculate display and a particular crowd favourite was a static piece - Lord of the Dance, which opened with a solo flutist. The sound filled the arena beautifully and it was met with a well deserved applause.

 

It was now time for the massed bands. Senior Bugler, Ben Racher marched across the arena and played the bugle call, Fall In and the massed bands entered the arena to Mechanised Infantry. The red and blue uniforms looked very smart together as over 80 musicians filled the arena. The massed band then played Second Fanfare, Evening Hymn, Sunset and the National Anthem. The Brigadier then complemented the massed band on a terrific evening of fine music and precision marching. The 17^th left the arena first to Swing March and paraded back to the band room with Brentwood playing a march each.

 

Once the band was changed it was back to Tonbridge to prepare for the following days tattoo.  They would have to do it all again, this time with The Guards Band.

To see pictures of this event. Click here.

In the first ever TYMBA drill competition held at Hornchurch, nine members of the band put on an excellent performance and came away as winners.  The squad had to demonstrate some set drill manoeuvres and then put on their own freestyle piece all without any word of command or drum beat.

 

Well done to those who took part.

 

3 band members took part in the finals in April and all won awards.

Junior bugle contest
Chloe Mulchinock - 1^st place

Senior bugle contest
Sakura Shimizu - 2^nd place
Daniel Wright - 2^nd place

Both Daniel and Sakura were one point from coming first.

Click here to see pictures from this event.

Saturday 15th: Arrival

A very excited youth marching band from Kent met at Hayesbrook School in the early hours to travel to Stanstead Airport. The band were travelling to Limerick, Ireland to represent England in an International Band Competition and St. Patrick's Day Parade. Flying into Cork, the band made their way to Limerick and arrived at the Youth Hostel late afternoon to find the van that contained all the kit, instruments, uniforms and luggage parked outside the Youth Hostel. The band drew a huge sigh of relief, especially the girls as they now had the most important item for the trip, hair straightners. Once the van was unloaded and the band had been fed and watered it was straight down to business to prepare all of the uniforms and instruments for the following day's event.


Sunday 16th: International Parade Band Competition

After a hearty breakfast the band travelled to Limerick city centre to take part in the Parade Band competition. There were 14 bands taking part from Germany, America, Northern Ireland, the Irish Republic and us from England. Once the band had un-loaded all the instruments it was show time and the they marched into their starting position. The bugles and fifes went down a storm with the audience and as they marched down O' Connell Street they were met with rapturous cheers and applause. Once the parade was over the bands congregated in Arthur’s Quay and played a couple of pieces of music each. The 17th took the opportunity to show off traditional British bugle marches such as Swing March and Mechanised Infantry and the drum section performed a Marines style show. Drum Major, Steve Spicer also showed the crowd why he's National Champion with some fine mace drill and flourishing. As the band played, some of the Instructors were interviewed by local radio and TV.

Once the band had been given the fall out, it was off to the local bowling alley. The highest score went to Ben Racher. Well done Ben. On the way back to the Youth Hostel the band stopped off at St.Finnachta's National School, to meet the local scouts from Sixmilebridge. The band then played a selection of music for them and spent time exchanging stories and experiences.

The evening was spent with a local folk group where the band were introduced to some traditional Irish instruments. They were also treated to some traditional Irish dancing which included a man doing some interesting things with a broom. The band took their fifes along hoping they could play for the locals and played "It's a long way to Tipperary" and "Musket Fife and Drum", the theme tune from the ITV series, Soldier Soldier. The band were complimented on the standard of their music and after a very long day it was back to the youth hostel for some well earned rest.


Monday 17th: St.Patrick's Day Parade

It was another early start for the band as they made there way back into Limerick to take part in the St.Patrick's Day Parade and celebrations. The parade was so big it had to being formed up in two different places. The band took their place at the TA barracks and had a chance to talk to some of the other participants in the parade waiting for the step off. The parade was made up of over 150 floats, bands, local groups etc and it was reported that there was over 50,000 people gathered to watch. The bands unique style was once again, received well by the crowds, especially the traditional fife marches.

After the parade had finished, the band had a free afternoon in Limerick to soak up the St.Partick's Day celebrations and to purchase some very large green Leprecaun hats. That evening the van had to be packed with all the kit, uniforms and instruments as it was leaving for the journey home that night. After two days of hard work the band could finally relax in the youth hostel before the return journey home.


Tuesday 18th: Going Home

Once the band had packed up the rest of their gear it was time to say goodbye to the youth hostel and begin the journey home, but there was time for one last sight seeing trip. Bunratty Castle is a traditional Irish village. The band had a guided tour of the castle and then time was spent seeing how Irish people lived in earlier times. A particular favourite was the tea shop, they served fantastic homemade scones. Lovely!

But all good things must come to an end It was back on the coach to catch the 6.50 flight from Cork back to Stanstead. The coach journey back to the airport gave the band time to chat and talk about the trip and the coach was still buzzing from an amazing and throughoughly enjoyable four days. The band finally arrived safely back in Tonbridge late evening to be greeted by the now infamous white van with all the equipment and parents.

A big thank you goes to everybody who made the trip such a success including all the leaders and helpers, sponsors, fund raisers, Mike & Pauline who drove the van and of course the band members who performed so well.

Click here to view pictures from this event.

Senior Musicians, Daniel Wright and Sophie Luckhurst accompanied by Andy Holden travelled to the studios of BBC Radio Kent in Tunbridge Wells to appear on the PJ and Harris show. They had been invited onto the show to talk about the band, becoming TYMBA League National Champions and their forthcoming Irish Tour to Limerick.

Sophie and Daniel took along their instruments hoping they could play live on the show and PJ and Harris were more than up for it. They asked a whole host of questions about why it's good to be part of marching band and what happens when somebody actually joins. Daniel and Sophie then got their chance and played "It's a long way to Tipperary". PJ and Harris were very impressed and PJ actually threatened to sing along. Andy presented PJ and Harris with the Fortissimo CD, a live recording of the band and played "La Reve Passe" from the CD to finish the interview. Andy said, "It was a great experience and PJ and Harris were enthusiastic and about the band and what they do. It gave the listeners to the show a bigger insight into the band, it's activities and achievements."

Click here to see pictures of this event.

Three weeks before their first ever trip to Ireland, the band made their way to the TA Barracks in Canterbury for a training day with The Kohima Band and Corps of Drums of the 3rd Battalion, The Princess Of Wales Royal Regiment. The Kohima Band were no strangers to the 17th as they spent a weekend with them in 2007.

The objective of the day was to help the 17th with their competition show piece for The International Parade Band Competition in Limerick on the 16th March and a general refresh on drill and music.

The band arrived at the barracks at 10am and it was straight to work. The band fell in wearing their Limerick Tour jackets for the first time and went through their competition piece. The first run through went well but The Kohima Band spotted places where it could improve and they set about helping with the pattern marching and individual drill. After a couple more run throughs it was time for a well earned spot of lunch.

The first part of the afternoon was spent looking at the music. WO2 (BSM) Steve Walkley took the helm and listened to the bands musical arrangement for the competition. He commented how good the band sounded and decided that there was little he could do to improve them.

After a quick break it was outside onto the parade square to put everything together for two final run throughs. By the end of the day the show piece had definitely improved and the band members felt ready for the competition. The day was a tremendous success and our thanks go to all the members of The Kohima Band for their help, guidance and inspiration.

You can see pictures of the day by going to the picture gallery.

TYMBA League National Champions 2007

The band have just been awarded the prestigious title of TYMBA League Champions for 2007. Throughout the year they took part in contests up and down the country and consistently performed to a very high standard at each one. Trophies were won in wind, drill and percussion throughout the year. The percussion section did particularly well as they won at every contest.

TYMBA League Champion Drum Major 2007

Drum Major, Steve Spicer has also been crowned the best drum major in the UK by becoming the TYMBA League Drum Major Champion. Steve won the best Drum Major trophy at every TYMBA contest which is no mean feat. When Steve became the Drum Major of the band it was a personal goal to win the title. The band are very proud of Steve’s personal achievement and commend him for all of the hard work and dedication to winning the title.

Both trophies were presented to Steve at the bands Review of the Year last month by special invited guest John Wyndham, Band Director of the Royal British Legion Youth Band Brentwood. John said “It was a magnificent achievement and Tonbridge should feel very proud of the bands achievements”.

January 1st 2008.
The Band were honoured to participate in the New Year's Day Parade, London. This prestigous event, is one of the largest public events to take place every year; with over half a million people watching the parade from the streets and another two hundred million viewers, watching the parade coverage from their televisions.

This event also celebrated the 22nd Anniversary of the New Year's Day Parade. With approximately ten thousand performers assembling, representing 20 different countries, from around the world.

The parade ran for two miles, winding round the streets of London, visiting significant landmarks; such as Westminster Abbey, Trefalgar Square and Big Ben; with the procession ending at Berkeley street, near Hyde Park.

The Band can now be seen on YouTube and heard on various radio station podcasts as a result of this event.

For more information on this event, visit: www.londonparade.co.uk

23rd September 2007
The band made an early start (7.30 to be exact) to take part in the Manchester competition for the very first time. After a second and a first at the two previous TYMBA contests the band were feeling confident and high spirited. Unfortunately Burgess Hill Marching Youth had pulled out of the competition but we hope to see them back in competition at The National Finals in November.

So it was down to Tonbridge and The Haverettes to slog it out for the top spot in the National Class. Once the band arrived the individual sections tuned up the instruments and then the band as a whole came together for one last tune up before the show.

The competition was being held in a sports centre, which was good practice for the Nationals, which is also held in a similar venue. The band were the last to play in the class and could hear the cheers of the audience as The Haverettes finished their performance. It was now time for Tonbridge. The band marched into the hall with a statement of intent. They meant business today and every foot could be heard as they came to the halt. The band instructors felt the band put on the best show of the year so far and the band came off feeling like they had done a good show. They felt the  crowd were behind them and it was now up to the judges to decide.

The band won Best General Musical Effect, Percussion, Mallets and second place overall. Drum Major Steve Spicer won yet another National Class Drum Major title. This makes it three wins out of three for Steve and he is now a strong contender to win The Drum Major League. It’s of the opinion that the band is getting stronger and stronger every time it performs and now the hard work starts all over again in preperation for the finals in November.

Sunday 15th July

Allez. Allez. Allez . Tonbridge was just one of the Kentish towns that hosted stage 1 of the Tour de France. Almost 200 riders came through Tonbridge and the band were on hand to play their part. It was an early start as the roads were closing at 8am. Once all the uniforms and kit was locked away the band took themselves off to a local cafe for breakfast to keep their strength up. At 10am the band marched round to the sports ground where they opened the days festivities. A crowd soon gathered to watch them play a musical array including marches and tunes, including the ever increasing crowd favourite, Military Boogie.

 

The band then paraded to Tonbridge Castle. It was from here that they would play as the bikes came through the High Street. It took over an hour for the sponsor’s cavalcade to go through as a countdown was given on how far away the bikes were. The tension was building and a massive cheer went up as it was announced that English Rider Danny Miller was in the lead. Almost 200 bikes went through Tonbridge. If you blinked you would have missed them but still, a very impressive sight. As the last bike went through the barriers were raised and the band led the closing parade which included over 50 vintage bikes, mountain stunt bikes and the Samba Band.

 

After the parade the band went and enjoyed all the events and festivities in the sports ground and Tonbridge Castle. Well done to the band on making the day such a memorable one for Tonbridge and Malling.

 

Au revior.

Halesowen Marching Band Championships
24th June

The band travelled to Halesowen, Birmingham to perform at the second TYMBA Contest of the season. Last season the band were TYMBA Championship Class League winners so with the promotion to the highest League, The National Class all eyes were on them. But after a second place at Hornchurch the week before the band could smell a victory and were high in spirits. After a good tune up of the instruments the band were ready for the show. The band marched onto the arena with a statement of intent and you could clearly see that they meant business. All the hard work certainly paid of and the band were placed first in General Musical Effect, Wind, Percussion, Drill, Display and were crowned National Class Champions. The bands show also captured the imagination of the crowd as they were rewarded for being the most entertaining band of the day.

Drum Major Steve Spicer, one of the best Drum Majors in the UK also took the award for Best Drum Major and after a first at Hornchurch the week before sits at the top of the TYMBA Drum Major League.

It's a great start to the season and all the hard practice and rehearsals certainly paid off. The next TMYBA Contest is the Greater Manchester Band Championships on the 23rd of September.

The first competition of the season is always an interesting one and the band travelled to Sanders Draper School in Essex to compete in the National Class for the first time in ten years. The competition was going to be tough as they were competing against three other bands one of which was arch rivals Burgess Hill Marching Youth who also play bugles. The band was drawn to play first and they put on a good show but the common feeling was that they could do much better. Despite their disappointment the band picked up awards in Wind, Drill, Mallets and were runners up in the class. Drum Major, Steve Spicer picked up his first National Class Drum Major award, which he was overjoyed with after months of hard work.

In addition to the competition the band entered 17 musicians into the Southern Heats of the TYMBA Solo Drum and Bugle Competition. The soloists had to march into a hall and play a piece of music that was specially written for the competition. The band gained the top five placings in both the Junior and Senior bugle and a second place in the Senior Drum. So for the second year running the band have seven soloists through to the National finals, which is at the end of the year. Well done to all of the members for taking part and congratulations to those who made it through to the finals.

NATIONAL FINALISTS
Junior Bugle
Chloe Mulchinock, Toby Racher and Daisy Ratcliffe

Senior Bugle
Alice White, Matthew Hissey and Sakura Shimizu

Senior Side Drum
Alex Mulchinock