It's a right royal welcome to town------by Jenna Weekes
YOUNGSTERS from all over the world performed in front of royalty on Wednesday (July 21) at the launch of the World Show Band Championships in Bournemouth.
The Duke of Edinburgh was guest of honour at the event at the Fitness First Stadium at Dean Court and joined the audience to watch the finely tuned, rhythmic and tuneful performances which had clear multinational influences.
Colourful flags were waved and twirled by dancers as, eyes-forward and heads held high, the bands marched impressive routines to the beat dictated by their drum majors.
After a short speech, Prince Philip announced his delight at opening the show, before a fanfare from the Royal Marines and a rendition of God Save the Queen, after which he greeted performers on the football pitch.
Chou Chihyung, 17, of the Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo Senior High School Band from Thailand(應該是 Taiwan吧 !!!), said: "The Duke asked me about the weather and if we live comfortably in his country. He was very kind."
Then there were performances from a Danish band followed by the Thai(應該是 Taiwan!!!) band, the Trinity School Show Band from Nottingham and finally German band Fanfarenzug des KSC Strausberg.
Each performance had percussion, brass and wind instruments and elements of both traditional and more modern music with the Copacabana and the Beatles' Penny Lane among the pieces played.
Organiser Jim Vaughan told the Echo: "We're pleased it went so well because there was no opportunity to rehearse it. It's been a great start to the next five days.
"There was a panorama of colour as you looked around and saw youngsters from so many different nations and age groups performing a range of styles.
"Many of the youngsters came up to me and said they'd come especially to see the Queen's husband."
Bournemouth Mayor Emily Morrell-Cross was also impressed and described the occasion as "absolutely fantastic." She added that she thought Bournemouth had more than enough talented youths to form their own marching band.
And, chairman of Bournemouth Football Club, Peter Phillips added: "The bands were great entertainment, really good fun and all very different. The Thai(應該是Taiwan!!!) band were outstanding but they were all very good and very different. Anyone that comes to watch is certainly getting value for money."
Further performances are scheduled and include the preliminary heats on Friday and Saturday at Dean Court, with the top bands going through to the final on Sunday.
Staff from the Royal Marines School of Music were this morning due running workshops for the youngsters at the Bournemouth International Centre.
And the Odeon Cinema is screening Mr Holland's Opus - starring Richard Dreyfuss as a musician who uses his high school marching band to inspire pupils.
For tickets to the championships call the box office on 01202 726333 or turn up on the day.
First published: July 22
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