(cover: Suranaree Girls’ Wind Symphony performance in Denmark)
Suranaree Girls’ Wind Symphony from Thailand made history at the recent 2015 World Association of Marching Show Bands (WAMSB) European Open and the World Championships held in Rastede, Germany (26 to 28 June) and Copenhagen, Denmark (1 to 5 July) respectively.
The wind symphony was on a tour to both countries to participate in the concert band categories of the Championships.
In Germany, the band clinched First Prize in the Open category with a score of 94.25.
Their conductor, Mr Apivut Junt Minalai, was also awarded the title of Best Conductor, after scoring an impressive 98.33.
In Denmark, the wind symphony also emerged Top in the “Concert Band” category with a score of 92.5, beating as many as ten other bands from Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Poland.
“Band is an art where everyone has to co-operate, and our efforts have finally paid off despite the long road. I have learnt a lot from them, and I hope the awards motivate them to do even better in our future performances. The best conductor award is the result of everyone’s efforts, not just mine alone; without my band, how can even I be a good conductor?” said Mr Apivut, when asked about his feelings in winning the awards.
Competition Repertoire
Germany
Deep Impression by Vanich Potavanich (Thai composer)
Primavera – Beautiful Mountain Winds by Satoshi Yagisawa
Denmark
Spring Breath March by Tomonori Watariguchi
Primavera – Beautiful Mountain Winds by Satoshi Yagisawa
A contributing editor at TBP.