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 News
Over 150 Musicians Perform at 40th Anniversary Tattoo
Here is Charlotte Hissey's report In February 2010 it was announced that, to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, 17th Tonbridge would hold a tattoo at Tonbridge Castle, on 17th July 2010. The visiting bands were announced as, Redhill Corps of Drums, Burgess Hill Marching Youth, The Royal British Legion and Corps Of Drums Romford, and the Surrey County Band St John Ambulance. We were all very excited, but all knew that a lot of hard work was ahead. We worked on learning a display to perform at the tattoo. To make us feel comfortable performing the display to a crowd, we used the display in the TYMBA competitions. We also learned a new tune called Sir John Moore Concert March to play at the finale. The morning of the tattoo came and all the bands had joined together to practice the massed band finale at Tonbridge Castle. Each band were going to perform their own display before the finale, to show off different musical techniques, and to delight the crowd with their marching skills. After the practice, each band prepared themselves for the afternoon event. 17th Tonbridge were the first band to perform, after the Surrey County Band had welcomed the guests on their arrival with their music. After we had finished our display we had to wait for the rest of the bands to finish their performances. All of the bands then came together for a massed band finale to bring the afternoon to a conclusion. There were over 150 musicians and we played Jellallabad, Sir John Moore a fanfare, Sunset and the National Anthem. It was an amazing feeling to have performed in this musical spectacular. A day that we, and especially our president Brian Davison, will never forget.
Posted on Saturday 21st August 2010 by Martin Rapley
Three top places at the TYMBA solos
On 21 March twenty members travelled to the West Midlands to take part in this years competitions. Performing to judges from The Royal Marines members had to learn a number of set pieces as well as demonstrate their own freestyle piece. The band had members entered in six different classes and achieved three first places and five second places. Foundation drum 1st place - Nathanael Higgs & Luke Elliott 2nd place - James Racher Foundation woodwind 1st place - David Hardman 2nd place - Chris Ditcham Foundation bugle 1st place - Samuel Johnston 2nd place - Harry Kitchen Intermediate bugle 2nd place - Charlotte Hissey TYMBA (Senior) mallets 2nd place - Sherry Kingswood Posted on Monday 22nd March 2010 by Martin Rapley
Annual Award Results
Senior Solo bugle runner up - Ben Racher Senior Solo bugle winner - Alice White
Junior Solo bugle runner up - Hannah Batchelor Junior Solo bugle winner - Samuel Johnston
Senior Solo side drum runner up - Alex Mulchinock Senior Solo side drum winner - Matt Sayer
Junior Solo side drum runner up - Luke Elliott Junior Solo side drum winner - Nathanael Higgs
Senior Solo fife runner up - Alex Pallot Senior Solo fife winner - Alice White
Junior solo fife runner up - Matt Taylor Junior solo fife winner - David Hardman
Senior Solo bells runner up - Sophie Luckhurst Senior Solo bells winner - Sherry Kingswood
Junior Solo bells runner up - Erika Harris Junior Solo bells winner - Rachael Stalker
40 year service certificate - Brian Davison
5 year service certificate - Lydia Hamblet 5 year service certificate - Emma Kullman 5 year service certificate - Alex Pallot 5 year service certificate - Sophie Luckhurst
Best Senior Progress - Ben Racher Best Junior Progress - Matt Taylor Best New member Progress - Luke Elliott
Turnout & Attendance Third Place - Charlotte Hissey Turnout & Attendance Runner Up - Samuel Johnston Turnout & Attendance Winner - Sophie Luckhurst Turnout & Attendance Best new member - Hannah Batchelor
Dantville shield for the best personal performance - Ben Racher
17th Oscar for the funniest contribution to the year - Jack Garland
Welsh Cup for achievement not otherwise recognised - Matt Sayer
Band Member of the Year - Gemma Kingswood
The Davison Award for Service - Alice White
Posted on Sunday 7th February 2010 by Martin Rapley
First band to ever perform at Disney Studios, Paris
Posted on Thursday 19th November 2009 by Martin Rapley
Five wins and eight seconds at the solo competitions
On 20 September sixteen members travelled to The Midlands to take part in the TYMBA solo competitions. The new format allowed our mallet and fife players to take part as well as the bugles and side drums so this was the most competitors we had ever entered. There were almost 100 young musicians in the competitions split into three age ranges across six different instrument groups. We had members in ten different competitions so it was to be a busy day to ensure that everyone was in the right place at the right time. Everyone had learnt the pieces over the summer holidays and retuned to practices in September to polish their performances. For three weeks practices were dedicated to our competitors to give them every opportunity to excel so when we met at 6.15am on the Sunday morning there was an air of calm (or they could have still been asleep). We arrived a little before ten and our first competitor was on at 10.30 so there wasn't much time to change and warm up. The competitions were in two separate areas so we had to make sure the other band members and parents who came to support were in the right rooms to watch as well. The Foundation classes were held first and as not all of the older competitors were there it was pretty quiet. Eventually everyone else arrived and there was quite a buzz around the venue. The judges were either professional musicians or members of HM Royal Marines Band and over the next six hours everyone performed their pieces. The younger members had easier pieces and were given encouragement from the audience and the judges alike, but when it came to the senior sections the pieces were tough and they were on their own. Dry mouths, shaky hands and nerves affected a lot of the performers but not one gave up and everyone received a round of applause at the end of their pieces. And eventually everyone had performed, the scores were totalled up and everyone gathered for the award ceremony. There were certificates for the runners up and trophies for the winners of each section and fourteen times one of our members was called forwards. We managed a clean sweep of the bugle competitions for the second year in succession and Ben Racher will be representing the band in November to compete for the tile of 'TYMBA Musician of the Year'. Well done to everyone that took part, musicianship and confidence will have improved and will continue to keep the band at it's high standard. Here is the full list of prize winners:
Foundation Side Drum 1st Place Luke Elliott 2nd Place Nathanael Higgs
Foundation Malletts 1st Place Danny Scott 2nd Place Rachael Stalker Foundation Woodwind 2nd Place David Hardman Foundation Bugle 1st Place Matthew Taylor 2nd Place Samuel Johnston & David Hardman Intermediate Malletts 2nd Place Sherry Kingswood Intermediate Woodwind 2nd Place Sherry Kingswood Intermediate Bugle 1st Place Charlotte Hissey 2nd Place Emma Kullman TYMBA (senior) Bugle 1st Place Ben Racher 2nd Place Daniel Wright
Posted on Sunday 27th September 2009 by Martin Rapley
Winners, Runners Up and the Most Entertaining Band of the Day
An excellent start to the competition season saw the band placed first in Halesowen and runners up in Rubery. In the second contest they were voted the most entertaining band of the day. Here are the full results: Halesowen Contest 1st place Percussion section 1st place Drill 1st place Drum Major 1st place Mallets 2nd place General Musical Effect 2nd place Wind section 3rd place Display 3rd place Turnout Overall 1st place Rubery Contest 1st place General Musical Effect 1st place Mallets 2nd place Percussion section 2nd place Wind section 2nd place Drum Major 3rd place Drill 3rd place Display 3rd place Turnout Overall 2nd place Overall Most entertaining band of the day Posted on Wednesday 22nd July 2009 by Martin Rapley
Squad retain title of South East of England Drill Champions
For the second year running a drill squad from the band won the title of South East of England Drill Champions. Eight members of the band travelled to Hornchurch in Essex to take part in the contest and under hot conditions, retained the title. Katie Meyer, Jack Garland, Sophie Luckhurst, Charlotte Hissey, Robert and Matthew Sayer, Alice White and Daniel Wright put in a lot of hard work at practicing their dressing, personal drill and smartness. The squad had to march un-aided by any drum beat for two and half minutes. During this time they had to complete a selection of set manoeuvres which included left and right turns, slow marching and wheels. No word of command was given during the routine so it had to be memorised by each individual. They were judged by two professional Army Drill Instructors who awarded them points for smartness, accuracy, degree of difficulty and dressing. Instructor, Andy Holden commented: “To win the title in 2008 was a great result but to retain the title is even better. It’s hard to remember all the pattern marching and without a drum beat to keep you in step, it’s not an easy task.” You can see pictures of the drill squad and their trophy by visiting the picture gallery. Good work drill squad.
Posted on Monday 29th June 2009 by Martin Rapley
Band play at National St. George’s Day Parade at Windsor Castle
On Sunday 26th April the 17th Tonbridge Scout & Guide Band were honoured with the highest award by being asked to play at the National St.George’s Day Parade at Windsor Castle. The annual event is a celebration of over 1,000 Scouts obtaining their Queens Scout Award, gallantry awards and outstanding service awards and each year a different Scout Band is invited to play along side a Guards band. Historically, other bands have been fully chromatic but the 17th Tonbridge made it more unique as they are a traditional Corps of Drums, playing bugles and fifes. Before the official proceedings took place the band entertained the 2,000 strong invited guests in the main quadrangle of the castle with a twenty minute display of music, marching and precision drill. This also included a Marine style solo from the Corps of Drums with eight side drummers standing smartly in a long line at the side of the lawn. After a light Infantry finish the band left the quadrangle to a rapturous applause to make way for the main parade. They had chance to rest a while before joining the rear of the parade and formed a Guard of Honour for ex Blue Peter and Duncan Dares TV presenter, Peter Duncan who was the Chief Scout. He talked to a few members of the band and was impressed by his welcome to the event. The main parade and the colour party were led into the castle by The Band of The Coldstream Guards. Once the whole parade had assembled the Queens Scouts and Parade were then inspected by the Queen’s representative, Sir Michael Hobbs and Peter Duncan. As the Inspection took place 17th Tonbridge and The Coldstream Guards provided musical accompaniment and played alternate music and traditional marches. Once the main parade had been inspected the 17th Tonbridge took up their place at the front of the parade and paraded around the quadrangle where they were met by a hearty round of applause from the invited guests. The parade then headed around the castle grounds and down to St.Georges’s Chapel for the National Scout Service. At the end of the service Peter Duncan addressed the congregation and congratulated them on a wonderful turnout. The bands last duty of the day was to lead the parade out of the castle grounds and back to the Royal mews. It was the first time the castle had been open to the public on this day so the parade was met by thousands of tourists with cameras as they left the castle grounds. The band had time to reflect on the coach while heading home and started to think about where they had just performed. It was a glorious day. The sun shone. The band were outstanding and apparently an important lady could be seen watching from her window. It’s not every day that you get to play in Her Majesty the Queens garden. The band received some wonderful comments from parents and invited guests after their performance. “I watched the band from the Quadrangle and I thought they looked and sounded brilliant.” “They gave such a professional and polished performance.” “It was wonderful to see your young people displaying such professionalism and musicianship, and setting such a terrific example.” “We were standing right near the gate as the band came out, and so many people said how fantastic they were. An old Scout Leader from Scotland said they were the best band he’d ever seen.” Bandmaster, Martin Rapley was also impressed by the bands discipline and professionalism. He said, “When I became Bandmaster it was a goal of mine and my Instructors to be invited to play at Windsor Castle. To finally reach that goal is a tremendous achievement for everybody involved with the band. The band have not only proved that they have reached such a high standard in their music and marching abilities, but also challenges us to raise those standards once more. They are a credit to the Scout and Guide Associations, themselves and their parents. This event is the largest in the Scouting calendar and we felt honoured and privileged to play at such an historic venue.”
Posted on Friday 1st May 2009 by Martin Rapley
Success at the Drill Contest
Eight members of the band travelled to Brentwood in Essex to take part in the Brentwood Open Drill Competition. The contest was organised by the Royal British Legion Youth Band, Brentwood and it was the first time the band had taken part in the contest. Each drill squad had up to two minutes to perform a drill routine without any word of command. There were six drill squads taking part and each group taking part had to supply a judge that would mark each of the squads except their own. Before the competition started the 17th squad had time to go through their routine a couple of times to polish some last minute bits and pieces. The practice went well and the squad were in good spirits and knew what was expected of them. They were ready for their show. Once everybody had arrived, John Paul from Brentwood briefed all the squads and then the draw was taken place to decide the running order. The 17th were drawn first. Once changed, the squad entered the hall very smartly and with a real statement of intent. The squad were first inspected by the Drum Major of the Brentwood Band. Once Inspected Senior Bandsman, Matthew Sayer gave the order to the squad to start the routine. The routine involved counter marching, changing from quick to slow time, wheels and some other creative executions that were choreographed by the squad themselves. At the end of the performance the crowd showed their appreciation with a loud cheer and applause and the squad left the hall. Once all six squads had completed their piece, they were invited back into the hall for the results. The Inspection and Drill cups were won by Burgess Hill Marching Youth but in the Drill Contest the 17th came second. This was a great result and they were very close to winning. Some of the judges commended the squad with some positive comments: “Good variety of movements. Good use of the floor and a confident group of individuals.” “Good snap and precision.” “Some complex drill movements executed to a high standard. Well done” Congratulations to Matthew Sayer, Katie Mayer, Sophie Luckhurst, Daniel Wright, Jack Garland, Sherry Kingswood, Charlotte Hissey and Alice White for taking part in the contest and representing the 17th in true style and achieving second place.
Posted on Saturday 11th April 2009 by Martin Rapley
2008 Band Awards
Posted on Wednesday 4th February 2009 by Martin Rapley
Rain Doesn’t Dampen The Lord Mayors Show
It was an early start for a selection of senior musicians from the 17th Tonbridge who had the honour of taking part in The Lord Mayors Show in London as part of the Scout Association Band. This special massed band was put together to represent the Scout Association in one of the most prestigious events, which is watched, by over 9 million people worldwide. The massed band were number 90 in the parade and after a long wait at Smithfield the band finally made its way into the main parade. They played a selection of bugle and chromatic marches during the parade but as they came up to where the BBC cameras were they played the traditional classic, Mechanised Infantry. As the cameras panned onto the massed band they began to play the march - perfect timing and the full chromatic sound with the mix of bugles came across strongly on the television. Even as the cameras moved on to the floats behind, you could still hear the band playing. The front rank of drummers also got some good television coverage, especially the Senior Drummers from the 17th Tonbridge, Alex Mulchinock and Katie Meyer. Well-done superstars. Once the band got to the law courts it was time to have a well-deserved break and some lunch. The heavens then opened and everyone tried to shelter the best they could. The rain came down but this certainly didn’t dampen the spirit of the band or the crowd. After a rest it was time to step off again and make the way back to Smithfield via The Embankment, Blackfriars and The Bank of England. The band finally arrived back at Smithfield and although it was a long parade the massed band had an amazing time taking part in one of the biggest and largest events in the capital. Congratulations and well done to all those that took part. Posted on Wednesday 26th November 2008 by Martin Rapley
Solo Buglers Dominate National Finals
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.
Posted on Tuesday 4th November 2008 by Martin Rapley
Two Gold medals and Greater Manchester Parade Band Champions 2008
Greater Manchester Concert, Parade and Arena Championships 2008 Posted on Thursday 16th October 2008 by Martin Rapley
Northern National Class Champions and Top Note Buglers
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
Posted on Tuesday 8th July 2008 by Martin Rapley
Haileybury Military Tattoo, Hertfordshire
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 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 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 To take part in the weekend events was a privilege and to be invited to with play
Posted on Tuesday 1st July 2008 by Martin Rapley
Veterans Day Parade, Brentwood
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 17th 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. 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 17th 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. Posted on Tuesday 1st July 2008 by Martin Rapley
Success in Drill Competition
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.
Posted on Friday 20th June 2008 by Martin Rapley
Success in TYMBA Solo Contest
3 band members took part in the finals in April and all won awards. Chloe Mulchinock - 1st place Senior bugle contest Click here to see pictures from this event. Posted on Tuesday 29th April 2008 by Martin Rapley
Band trip to Limerick, Ireland 15th - 18th March 2008
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. Posted on Monday 21st April 2008 by Martin Rapley
Band Play Live on the BBC
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. Posted on Sunday 6th April 2008 by Andy Holden
Training Day with the Kohima Band , Princess of Wales Royal Regiment
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. Posted on Sunday 6th April 2008 by Andy Holden
Band Crowned TYMBA League National Champions 2007
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”. Posted on Friday 7th March 2008 by Alex Mulchinock
New Years Day Parade a Huge Success
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 Posted on Friday 21st December 2007 by Alex Mulchinock
TYMBA Greater Manchester Marching Band Championships
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. Posted on Thursday 11th October 2007 by Alex Mulchinock
La Tour de France
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 The band then paraded to After the parade the band went and enjoyed all the events and festivities in the sports ground and Au revior. Posted on Monday 8th October 2007 by Alex Mulchinock
Band Crowned Supreme National Champions and Most Entertaining Band.
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. Posted on Thursday 5th July 2007 by Alex Mulchinock
South East of England Marching Band Championships and TYMBA Southern Drum & Bugle Solo Heats, Hornchurch
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 Posted on Thursday 5th July 2007 by Alex Mulchinock
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