A platinum award for the NTU Concert Band

Published: 27/03/2024

On Sunday 17 March, the NTU Concert Band travelled to Warwick School to compete in the finals of the National Concert Band Festival (NCBF). They came away with the highest accolade – a platinum award!

A group shot of the NTU Concert Band with their award outside the National Concert Band Festival

The band, an extra-curricular ensemble of NTU students, colleagues and alumni, qualified for the finals after receiving a platinum award at the Regional Concert Band Festival heats back in November.

Since its launch over 30 years ago, the NCBF has grown to be recognised as the largest, most active and enterprising festival for wind instrument musicians who play in wind bands or big bands throughout the UK. An expert judging panel assesses performances by the competing bands, presenting platinum, gold, silver and bronze awards.

At the competition, the NTU Concert Band performed an exciting programme of music including John Williams in Concert arranged by Paul Lavender, The Sun Will Rise Again by Philip Sparke and Encanto by Robert W. Smith.

The judges highlighted their "very enjoyable performance with clear musical direction, drive and vision".

I really enjoyed my first NCBF experience. To receive a platinum award with the NTU Concert Band, after all of our had work this year, felt amazing. Definitely an experience I would want to have again!
Beccy Owen, trumpeter and BioScience MSc student