Interview with Cinderford Academy’s Clive Lewis
As well as participating in the Indoor Music Games/SoundSport competition this year, Cinderford Academy will host their own IMG event. Drum Corps Europe asked Clive Lewis, Bandmaster of Cinderford, about their participation in SoundSport 2016.
Clive explained that "The Cinderford Academy Band was formed in 2006 as a feeder band for the Cinderford Town Band, which was formed in 1879. The CAB has entered many contests and engagements in the past ten years, and has achieved a high musical standard. My goal is to train players to achieve excellence to the highest musical level they can." Band members regularly sit their musical grade exams, taught by Clive and assisted by his wife Rose, who also teaches piano.
Commenting on the bands involvement with IMG, Clive said "Last year the band entered the Soundsport contest in Bristol on the recommendation of Andy Hewlett, one of our bass players. We were a little apprehensive about entering because the contest is a little bit out of our normal comfort zone. But we need not have worried, the band and myself, enjoyed the experiance and everyone made us very welcome."
Cinderford Academy received a Silver Award at Bristol and also played the other groups back on at the end of the event for the retreat. Clive added "We certainly got a great reception from the audience and DCI's John De Novi came over to me to compliment us on our sound. I was particularly please to be awarded with the Gold prize in the music caption, so I hope that we can build on this for 2016."
This year Cinderford will bring SoundSport to their heartland in the Forest of Dean, with an IMG show in Lydney. Clive commented "We think this is something that could prove popular with local brass bands, particularly the training and youth bands, as it gives them an additional performance opportunity in an entertaining and friendly environment. The CAB and myself were looked after very well at the Bristol Contest and we made many new friends, so I'm looking forward to welcoming them to the Forest."
Cinderford Academy have yet to announce their forthcoming SoundSport program, but Clive added that "Our performance for 2016 has a 'nautical' theme. We hope you enjoy it!"
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