Marching on to world titles

AFTER tasting success at the European Band Championships last week, the Derwent Valley Concert Band has moved on to the World Marching Band Championships in Monza, Italy.

Musical director Layton Hodgetts says highlights of the first week of competition included the first leg of the first leg of the world titles in Belgium, marching for three hours through a 17th century French town with more than 500,000 lining the route, and winning the open concert band section of the European Band Championships in Germany.

"While overall there are more than 50 bands competing with 2200 musicians, the Derwent Valley Concert Band has received a great deal of attention in both Belgium and Germany as the first Australian band ever to perform in the regions," Mr Hodgetts said.

"We have been highly successful on a number of fronts with Chris Rice receiving the silver Drum Major award for the European Marching Championships, while I received the gold medal conductor's award. It has been an outstanding effort from everyone in the band," he said.

"The results suggest they are performing at their absolute peak. The results have exceeded our greatest expectations, but have come at the end of a very intensive and long preparation period by everyone in the band."

The international championships in Monza conclude on July 13.