THEY may only be trainees but the Woodbridge Excelsior Training Band has proved they have as much brass as anyone.The training section of the Woodbridge Excelsior Band has snapped up two trophies at the Spring Festival Band Contest in Norwich.

By Jessica Nicholls

THEY may only be trainees but the Woodbridge Excelsior Training Band has proved they have as much brass as anyone.

The training section of the Woodbridge Excelsior Band has snapped up two trophies at the Spring Festival Band Contest in Norwich.

Triumph for the band comes just weeks after the senior section showed that they could still blow their own trumpets after eight years off the competition circuit.

After travelling to Stevenage in March to take part in the Regional Qualifying Contest for Brass Bands and left ranked fifth out of 27.

But this weekend, the glory was with the training band who came runners up in their section at the festival.

Jackie Walker, musical director said: "This is a fantastic achievement for the trainees and we are thrilled to have brought two trophies back to Woodbridge.

"This is all down to the hard work and dedication of the trainees and we are delighted with the result."

The training section was launched five years ago and numbers are restricted so there is a high ratio of experienced tutors to trainees ensuring a high level of tuition.

All tuition is given free of charge and instruments are provided by the band which meets every Friday from 7 – 8.30pm.

Anyone wishing to join should contact Band Secretary Sara Norris on 01394 385749.

On May 19 the training section will be playing at the Senior Band Concert at the Community Hall, Woodbridge at 7pm and at the BBC Music Live Event, Felixstowe at 1.30pm on Monday June 3 for the Queen's Jubilee.