Cementing the band’s best ever start to a year, Desford have recorded a hat-trick of wins in 2008. The performance of Martin Ellerby’s “Malcolm Arnold Variations” found favour from the panel of three judges - Eric Crees, David Read and Philip Sparke. David Read commented after the event “it was a super interpretation – so elegant and full of the necessary character”.

Nigel Seaman’s vast orchestral experience and fluid approach to interpretation emerged as the key to taking top spot over apparent form band Tredegar Town Band.

“Malcolm Arnold has been one of my favourite composers for many years. Martin’s piece was so idiomatic of Arnold’s writing that I revelled in the recreation of the style of Malcolm Arnold.”
(Nigel Seaman)

The Band would like to thank Paula Russell, who flew in from Brisbane to play principal Cornet for the event and Steph Barrett of Leyland, who stepped in at the last minute to play on the front row.