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WMC Kerkrade
wow... just wow: A message from our Drum major
"To go from not having done a full playing run-through to completing several, and at such a high standard, is seriously impressive. Standing in front of that sound was something special - it genuinely gave me the same feeling as watching the world-class bands we get excited to see at WMC. After this weekend, I’m 100% confident we have a show and a band that belongs in that division."
- Tom Clark, Drum Major
The Impact of the Sound: There’s a unique perspective you get standing in front of the band that you just don't get while you're in it. This Spring Training Weekend, the band's sound reached a new level of power. Whether it was the sheer impact of Seven Nation Army or the precision of our newer formations, the "wall of sound" we’ve been building is officially here. It’s the kind of performance that doesn't just reach the audience, it demands their attention.
Evolution on the Move: A top-tier show is all about the final revisions, and the way members adapted to change this weekend was brilliant. We saw the routine evolve in real-time as we implemented:
- The Reverse at the start of Counting Stars.
- The Flow Fix: Removing the turn in I Want It That Way to keep the momentum moving.
- The Visual Punch: Adding the extra head bang and turn in Another One Bites the Dust.
These tweaks have elevated the show instantly, proving that we aren't just learning a routine, we’re crafting a performance.
The Road to the Highest Division: We are heading to the World Music Contest in the highest division we’ve ever competed in. While the stakes are high, the goal is simple: we are competing against ourselves. The focus now shifts to personal performance: posture, instrument drill, and dressing. We want to walk off the field in Kerkrade knowing we gave it our all! If we do that, the score doesn't matter - but with the standard set at our Spring Training Weekend, we are certainly pushing for the best result possible!
What Next? We have the makings of a world-class march parade show. As we move into the coming months, let’s keep that focus, keep our heads up, and continue to be the best we can be for each other.
Super proud of the effort. Let’s keep pushing. β€οΈπ€π€πΆπ
ahead of the curve
Following our recent rehearsals focusing on individual precision, we successfully executed a full run through of the routine. We are in a fantastic position as we head to our Spring Training Weekend on 3rd May.
Progress in the Field: The technical foundation laid over our previous rehearsals allowed us to focus on the flow and energy of the show today. Getting the entire show on its feet this early is a massive achievement. In previous years, we have found ourselves still learning entire pieces of music just weeks before we head to Kerkrade. We are ahead of the curve as we progress into the refining phase, pushing the standard of our playing and marching even higher. The routine is starting to become second nature, allowing us to perform without hesitation.
Special Thanks: A massive thank you goes to all our members for the commitment shown during this pivotal rehearsal - it’s clear that everyone is taking personal responsibility for their roles. We also owe a huge shoutout to Lauren for getting the new folders ready, complete with version 6.0 of the routine, ensuring we are all literally on the same page as we push the standard even higher! β€οΈπ€π€πΆπ
A yard above the rest
The sunshine today provided the perfect backdrop for one of our most technical rehearsals yet. While the instruments stayed in their cases for the afternoon, the mental and physical work was higher than ever as we focused entirely on the details of our routine.
Progress in the Field: This rehearsal was all about dotting the i's and crossing the t's. We spent the session solely focused on yard markers, rehearsing to the tape to ensure every single member knows exactly where they need to be at any given count. By removing the music and focusing on the "math" of the show, we were able to run the entire routine from start to finsh. checking our alignment and dressing. This silent run through is a vital step in our #roadtoWMC, building the muscle memory needed to ensure our formations stay razor-sharp. The discipline shown by everyone to stick to their points, even with the occasional gusts sending the markers flying, was fantastic!
Special Thanks: A massive thank you to everyone for their focus and hard work, with a special shoutout to Steve for constantly rearranging the markers and the Visual Performance Team for their eagle eyes in spotting those tiny adjustments that make a world of difference to the overal picture!
Another great rehearsal in the bag. We’re getting there! β€οΈπ€π€πΆπ
Kev's charity chop: Supporting two incredible charities
The Mission: "After months of twirling and twisting my beard in meetings, the time has come for it to go! I'm raising £1,000 to be split between two causes very close to my heart. First, The Rose Maternity Hospital, who gave life-saving care to my grandson Oakley when he was born 3 months early wieghing just 1lb 13oz. Second, the Hertfordshire Showband as we prepare to represent the UK at the World Music Contest this July!"
The Challenge: "The big shave happens on 3rd May during our Spring Training Weekend, Every donation brings the shears closer; from the first inch at £150 to the full removal of my moustache at £1,000. For those who don't know, I've had that tache since my wedding in 1983, so it's a big deal to see it go! Please help me reach the goal for Oakley and the Band."
Click here to support Kev's charity chop and our #roadtoWMC. Thank you!
a medley of progress
Yet another productive rehearsal on our #roadtoWMC! The energy across the band is higher than ever as we officially close out the initial learning phase of our new routine. It's not easy building on a legacy of success and World Chamption status, but we are making solid progress.
Progress in the Field: Today we revisited Skip to the Good Part for the first time since our Autumn Training Weekend. Despite the gap, the group tackled this complex medley with fantastic energy, shaking off the cobwebs and making immediate strides. What's been even more impressive is the flexibility shown by our members who have been adapting to different positions on the pitch. This versatility is vital for the show's success; seeing everyone step up into new spots to keep our formations seamless really shows the true Team-First spirit of the band.
With Seven Nation Army sounding powerful and the full medley coming together, we are in a great position heading toward our Spring Training Weekend. We are moving from the learning stage into the refining stage, where we can finally start to polish the performance and build the confidence needed to perform at a world-class standard.
Special Thanks: A massive thank you to everyone for their focus and hard work, with a special shoutout to our Music Director Vicki, Deputy Music Director Andrew, and Percussion Instructor Hannah for their incredible work in writing and arranging the medley that is bringing this show to life.
Another great rehearsal in the bag. We’re getting there! β€οΈπ€π€πΆπ
On the cover: A message from the Editor
"We are delighted to give pride of place on the cover to the Hertfordshire Showband who have supported us with advertising over many years. It's another exciting year for the band and we should be very proud of their achievements in putting Potters Bar on the map, internationally."
Click here to read the full article.
Come rain or shine
We often talk about the finish line, but the real work happens in the pouring rain on a Sunday afternoon. Today, the commitment of our competition band was on full display for our first outdoor rehearsal of the year.
Despite the initial downpour, we saw a fantastic turnout, with members showing up to put in the work. That kind of dedication is exactly what defines this group - everyone powered through the rain with a level of focus and determination that was truly palpable.
Progress in the Field: We're particularly excited about the progress made on Boom Boom. The arm swings and instrument drills are looking precise, synchronised and snappy. It is rewarding to see the hard work paying off as we continue our #roadtoWMC!
Special Thanks: A massive THANK YOU to Queenswood school for once again hosting us π Having such a great space to rehearse is vital and we appreciate the support as we refine our routine.
The competition is getting close, the hard work is paying off and the momentum is only growing.
Well done everyone!
We've Qualified!
We are thrilled to announce that we have officially qualified for the World Music Contest (WMC) Kerkrade 2026!
In an incredible milestone for the band, we have been promoted into the Championship Division for the March Parade - the first time in our history that we’ll be competing at this elite level. This achievement is a direct result of the relentless hard work and dedication shown by every member since our last trip to the Netherlands in 2022. While we are excited to represent the UK on the world stage alongside the best bands in the world, our real goal remains to push ourselves, raise our own standards, and perform with the pride and passion that defines this group. Now the real work begins as we refine every detail to put on a truly world-class show.
Keep your eyes peeled on 22nd November, when the live draw will take place to announce our performance slot! πΊππ₯πͺπΆ
Step into the cave of wonders!
What a night! Our Concert and Quiz - Cave of Wonders was a total transformation, and our magical carpet ride delivered on every level. The "Quiz Concert" concept worked brilliantly, and the feedback from our audience has been incredible - it was a genuine pleasure to perform for such a great crowd.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the night was a record-breaking success for the band's future. Between the ticket sales, the raffle and the silent auction we raised over £3300! To everyone who joined us, bought a ticket, or "dared to enter the cave" for our auction - Thank You for your amazing support! This total will go a long way in supporting our #roadtoWMC!
Special Thanks: An event of this scale is a team effort, and we have many people to thank for making the magic happen. A huge THANK YOU to our event sponsors Travel with Kitts and Advanced Underwriting for their vital support of the evening, everyone who helped transform the hall into a Cave of Wonders, and to the band for sounding better than ever.
Congratulation to our winning Quiz Team Table 13 and all our raffle and silent auction winners!
Thank you for being part of such a special night! π§βοΈβ¨β€οΈπ€π€πΆ
Achievement Unlocked: Our Autumn Training Weekend
What an amazing weekend of music and movement! Our Autumn training session is always a big milestone in the band calendar, and this year was no exception. The energy throughout the entire weekend was fantastic, and the progress across the board was undeniable.
Progress on the Field: The standout achievement was seeing the entire band march and play Skip to the Good Part without march cards. Memorizing a full show while maintaining formation is a massive milestone and doing it as a complete group shows just how much work everyone has put in recently. It’s a fantastic achievement and shows exactly how far we have come.
We also spent time reviewing our performance footage from the British Youth Band Association - National Championships. It was great to see everyone engaging with the process, reflecting on their own performance, and supporting one another. That mindset of self-evaluation and asking the right questions is exactly how we reach the next level together.
Special Thanks: The Autumn Training Weekend is a tradition in our calendar, but it only happens thanks to a massive team effort. A huge THANK YOU to the Fire Service College for hosting us! We'd also like to thank Kerry and Lauren for organising accommodation and rehearsal space, Andrew for transporting the instruments, Kelly for driving the minibus and Tom, Vicki and all our instructors for pushing us and raising our game.
It was a truly fantastic weekend for the band. There are exciting times ahead, and we can’t wait to get back out there! πΊπ₯β¨
Well done, everyone! β€οΈπ€π€πΆπ
Success at the National Championships!
We are incredibly proud of our performance at the BYBA National Championships in Corby, where we took the music from our WMC 2026 routine out onto the pitch for the first time. It was a fantastic day for the band, marked by brilliant morale and a performance that truly showcased our team spirit and resilience. We are thrilled to share that we came home as 1st Division Parade Champions with an 89-point Gold Award, as well as taking home the trophies for Best Overall Music across the entire competition and Best Drum Major. This result is a vital step forward in our journey to the world stage.
A huge thank you to our crew and the entire team for the hard work behind the scenes to make this vision a reality. We can’t wait to keep refining the show as we continue on the #roadtoWMC! ππ₯π₯π¬π§
A Marathon effort: Thank you Mark!
We are absolutely blown away by the incredible generosity of former baritone player and long-term supporter, Mark Gammon, who completed the London Marathon in support of our #roadtoWMC. Mark’s dedication to the band saw him tackle the 26.2-mile course to ensure as many of our members as possible can experience the unique opportunity of performing on the world stage in the Netherlands. We are thrilled to announce that the final total is in, and Mark has raised over £1,800 for our WMC fund! This significant contribution will go a long way in helping with the costs of equipment, rehearsals, and transportation for the competition. Mark’s passion for the band, years after his own time on the field, is truly inspiring, and we cannot thank him, and everyone who donated, enough for this support.
Click here to see how you can follow Mark’s lead and support our fundraising efforts β€οΈπ€π€ππ»βοΈπΆ
Painting the Way: A Huge Thank You to Queenswood
As we wrap up our summer season, we want to share a massive thank you to Queenswood School for their incredible support in our #roadtoWMC. Over the last few months, the school provided us with a temporary outdoor home, even going as far as painting the WMC arena dimensions onto their summer field for us. This generous gesture saved us countless hours of measuring and marking out at the start of each rehearsal, allowing us to focus entirely on our March Parade programme. Having that dedicated space has helped us make huge strides and the show is truly starting to come to life!
We wouldn't be the band we are without the amazing community around us, and we are so grateful to Queenswood for helping us sharpen our routine as we look toward the world stage. If you or your organization would like to support our journey, we’d love to hear from you! ππΆ
