:Marxmen Group
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On Saturday 13th September 2008 the Marxmen took part in the Ouse Valley Competition at Bedford. We finished in 4th place in division 3, but the points result to 2nd place through to 4th place were all very close.
Now there should be members comments on today's competition and the will be placed below with the latest comment at the top.
Mike Suckling: It was all so close for the Bands in 2nd, 3rd and 4 positions that the overall points will not be much different. After our next and last Competition we will be able to drop the points from our 1st competition for the sake of the final result. This will add about 1 point to our score, so there is hope yet of finishing just above half way up in Division 3.
On Sunday 7th September 2008 we are taking part in the Braintree Carnival Sponsored walk. This walk happens each year but usually coincides with a Competition, so only those not at the competition can take part.
We usually collect a significant amount of money. This year we are going to give Braintree Carnival Committee a proportion of our collected money as they bought our new plumes a couple of years ago.
Sunday 22nd June 2008: The Marxmen take 5th place at Colchester BYBA Competition in Division 3
Saturday 7th June 2008. Braintree Carnival. Yes the first Carnival just had to be the 'Home Town' one. For many this was their first Carnival and a fine show they put on. Just how do you keep the guard smiling for over one hour? (and the Escorts also) The repertoire for the arena display was vastly improved on last year. Just Imagine how long we could have been in the the Arena if some of the Christmas Concert Music was included. Sadly it was noticed that attendance was down owing to the work commitments of many of our members.
Bank Holiday Monday 26th May 2008. Well the 2008 season has only just started and the Marxmen have neatly completed 2 paid appearances. Both were exceptionally well attended with just a few missing for their working commitments. This I am afraid will be the case this year. The Show music was played on both engagements. Today's rain did not stop matters as all squeezed into Stisted Village Hall. Flags were flying (I do hope we are insured).
The Show title for the 2008 season in Division Three is "The Marxmen Go To The Movies" or simply "The Movies". This follows on from the 2007 Junior Division league and National Finals winning show "Back To The 60's". Our Band and Guard members have remained virtually the same for this season. They all know how tough it will be as they meet other Competitors in Division Three this season. Our Christmas Concert was a major success and long may we have one. Road march music has been worked on and with our repertoire from last season will give many Carnivals one of our best shows yet. Now the show music has started. There are some significant wind instrument changes which were essential. I cannot reveal the names of the music to be played at the moment, as an element of surprise is there. I am assured that a dramatic start will be made followed by a slowing of tempo and then a build to the ending crescendo.
Last season our Guard held the attention of all Carnival audiences and complimented the Band in competition. This year they are the same but just one year older, more experienced and wiser.
The Band will have the confidence for a number of "solos", and we may not need the Musical Director to be Drum Major (Field Commander) as he may be on the field.
There will be a little something that is different for the Marxmen (2), formally known by many as Braintree Dimensions, but we must see that it works ok.
There will be more to follow.
Tonight, Friday 7th December 2007 our presentation evening was held at Bocking Village Hall. A good time was had by all and we had representatives of Equinox present. More will be said about Equinox when we have held our Christmas Concert.
Last Wednesday the Marxmen's AGM was held in the School Hall. Once again a working Committee was appointed although several people wear two hats or more. In recent years this has been the case.
The Marxmen are currently working very hard to produce a Christmas Concert. Last year the Marxmen did not have the chance to produce a Christmas Concert but have done for many of the preceding years. This gives them time out from Competition preparation and allows them to deliver a number of items that they have not attempted before. Their team work improves and of cause their repertoire increases. It also gives them valuable time to improve their sight reading. And, they actually have the change to start fund raising for a new uniform. We have always valued the Christmas Concert before the start of the work on next seasons show.
The Marxmen attended Equinox's Presentation Afternoon at Biggleswade. It was an enjoyable afternoon as you can see from the following pictures.
The News Item shown below was released by BYBA. This situation is somewhat unique as the Marxmen and Equinox have established a friendship both on the competition arena and socially.
On Sunday 7th October 2007 the Marxmen Won 1st place in the Junior Division of BYBA's National Finals at Coventry. It was a very close finish with Equinox just in second place. The Marxmen, Committee, and supporters express their thanks to Equinox for their friendly attitude. Long may this continue.
After the win at Severn Vale competition just 8 days ago the Marxmen have taken first place in the Midland Impact competition at Hinckley Football Stadium on Sunday 23rd September 2007. This puts them in 1st place in the Junior League at the end of the season. Finals next on 7th October 2007 at Coventry.
After a very successful Carnival Season the Marxmen returned to the BYBA contesting at Upton Upon Severn to take part in their 2nd competition of the season. They managed to secure first place in Junior class. They won 6 of the 7 sections. Next competition is 'Midland Impact' at Hinkley on Sunday 23rd September 2007. Don't miss this competition!!!
The Marxmen finished in second place in Junior Class at the Colchester BYBA Competition. They were just 12 points behind Equinox, the winners of Junior Class, who thought they had been beaten. Guard were just 1 point short of a draw.
The Marxmen are pleased to be marching in the new Junior Division for their 1st competition at Colchester. If we have assessed our place incorrectly and we out-perform a significant number of those in the Junior Division then we will be more than happy to join those in Division 3 for our 2nd competition. The Marxmen will appear at Colchester in a manner that is just a little different.
This years show music is called BACK TO THE 60's (A selection of Rock and Roll) and the hard work has started.
The Marxmen have applied to enter, in the Junior division, the following BYBA competitions: Colchester (Sunday 24th June 2007), Severn Vale MBC (Saturday 15th September 2007) and Midland Impact (Sunday 23rd September 2007)
The Show Music for the 2007 season will be announced on Wednesday 7th February 2007.
