The Super Tonics were the first band to perform. Arriving at school in bitterly cold temperatures, biting winds and horizontal snowfall, they didn’t let this dampen their spirits, and gave a mature and entertaining performance. After hearing some very positive feedback from the adjudicators, the Super Tonics were awarded a gold for their performance. 

The second band of the day were the first to perform in the jazz category. Warwick School’s most senior Jazz band – Jazz Lab, led by Mr Storer. As always, Jazz Lab gave a polished and confident performance of their varied programme. We heard several stylish solos from multiple members of the band and Jazz Lab secured themselves a gold award. 

Big Band Blue, a new entry from Warwick School this year took to the stage next. Mt Tibbitts led the group through a diverse and challenging programme. Competing in the jazz category too, Big Band Blue (recognisable by their electric blue neck ties) pulled out all the stops, giving a refined performance. Good enough for a gold award. 

Little Big Band were the only group of the day to compete in the junior jazz section. This was the first NCBF experience for many of the group, but no nerves were visible on the faces of these young musicians. Performing classic repertoire from the jazz canon, with some well executed improvised solos, Little Big Band were awarded gold. 

Not to be confused with a similarly titled group, Big Band Red (wearing red ties this time) were the penultimate Warwick band to take to the stage. A tightly synchronised rhythm section and some wonderful horn section playing, helped this group to gain – you guessed it – a gold award. 

Finishing Warwick’s campaign in the way it started, in the wind band category, Foundation Wind Orchestra gave a gripping and impressive rendition of their programme. It was a tour de force from the most senior wind, brass and percussion players in the Warwick Schools Foundation. Completing a clean sweep, Foundation Wind Orchestra were also awarded gold. 

Congratulations to all the musicians who performed at NCBF and thank you to all the staff who made this possible. We are delighted to announce that all six bands have been invited to the National finals in April.