Page 63 - MERCIAN Eagle 2020

Corporal Wendy Robert Birmingham Remembrance Recording. November 2020
situation, but through the support, coaching and encouragement of the other band members, they faced every challenge with
a true determination to succeed. There
was a real sense of elation, pride and achievement as they completed the course, and it is moments like these that make everyone realise the importance of the team supporting each other.
Career Development and Training have also formed an important part of the training this past year, with musicians preparing for CEQ 3, 2 and 1 examinations. Musician Kasjan Kryszczuk successfully completed his CEQ 3 Aural Exam, with an incredible score of 90%, and went on to complete
his marching band assessment, meaning he has now completed his CEQ3 –
congratulations! The structured progression and examinations that both Regular and Reserve Musicians follow are designed to support the continuing development of each musician, right through from those who have just joined to the most experienced. For CEQ 3, the programme includes practical musicianship, music theory, aural and marching band. For those at the other end of the scale, their challenges include a full performance, in which their presentation skills, playing skills and programme notes are assessed.
Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day 2020 were unusual as they saw Band members at home with their families instead of on parade. Corporal Wendy Robert represented the Band as part of
Small Group Training Holcombe Camp August 2020
Birmingham City’s Act of Remembrance, where things had been adapted so that the Act of Remembrance could be streamed from the City’s Cathedral, which was pre- recorded to minimise contacts. She was
in Birmingham at dawn to sound the Last Post and Reveille that was then used in the broadcast and streamed live across the region.
The Band are rehearsing at every opportunity, individually, in small groups
and as a full band. They are working on new COVID-19 safe marching display moves, and on a challenging and interesting repertoire waiting for the time when public live performances are able to restart.
Band on Holcombe Hillside, recording for VJ. August 2020
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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