Concert Band and Big Band awarded Gold Awards at the National Concert Band Festival

Corby Business Academy’s Concert Band and Big Band were both awarded prestigious Gold Awards at the National Concert Band Festival on Sunday 23 November 2025.  This is the first time in the academy’s history that both ensembles have achieved this outstanding honour. The two ensembles performed at the annual competition in front of a select panel of distinguished adjudicators at the Cripps Theatre at Northampton School for Boys. 

The Concert Band performed a 20-minute programme starting with ‘Encanto’ by Robert Smith, followed by selection of music from the musical ‘The Lion King’.  Year 10 student Isabella Davies then performed a stunning version of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from the musical ‘Carousel’.  To conclude the Concert Band performed some challenging music from the ballet by Tchaikovsky ‘The Nutcracker’. 

The Big Band directed by Mr Brad Turnbull, began their set with the classic Latin hit ‘Caracas’ before Year 11 student Scarlett Morgan’s beautiful vocal solo ‘Mack the Knife’.  They then closed their set with a lively performance of One Direction’s ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ which included audience participation. 

Both the Concert Band and the Big Band won Gold Awards for their performances at the festival where they competed alongside some of the best bands from the most reputed private schools and grammar schools in England.  

The students who represented Corby Business Academy identified their regular rehearsals at school to be the main reason behind their success on the national stage.  Trumpeter Denis Musat from year 13 said: “We’re so thrilled to win not just one but two Gold Awards with the Concert Band and Big Band.  We’re fortunate throughout the year to perform in renowned venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London and Symphony Hall, Birmingham as well as performing in front of large audiences at our own concerts.  Being part of the school’s ensembles is incredibly rewarding.” 

Director of Music, Mr Wears, said: ‘We are immensely proud of our students and all the hard work they put in to perform at the National Concert Band Festival.  To win two Hold Awards is truly deserving of all the hard work that goes into our performances.” 

Please save the date and join us at our annual Winter Showcase on Wednesday 17th December at Corby Business Academy if you’d like to hear these award-winning bands. More details about the event will be shared in due course.