One of the best things about coming to the end of a year as successful as Sovereign's 2024 is being able to recognise the people who have contributed to that success. Our Christmas Concert with a large and enthusiastic audience was the perfect opportunity for our Chair Phil Green to award this year's band prizes: Bandsperson of the Year and Players' Player of the Year.
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Our Bandsperson of the Year 2024, chosen by the Chair, is our fabulous Solo Horn player, Bob Allen. Phil says,
Bob's award was so well deserved. He's a true bander, giving 100% of effort to everything he does in, and for, the band. In all the year's he's been a member (and that's a lot) he's been an example to us all in his attendance and preparedness for rehearsals. He does lots behind the scenes, is supportive of younger players, and, although it might not be apparent at first glance, is a funny and extremely positive chap - exactly the sort of player that every band needs. Luckily for us, there is only one Bob Allen.
Our Players' Player of the Year 2024, voted by band members, is our amazing tuned percussion specialist Emma Taylor. Phil says,
The band are blessed with some fantastic soloists and musicians, but the contribution that Emma gave this year to all our concert and contest performances, as well as in rehearsals, clearly struck a (tuned percussion) chord with the other band members, who voted her our Players' Player of the Year. Playing at such an accomplished and professional level at such a young age bodes well for her future and that of the band. It should be noted that 12 hours after receiving this award from her fellow players, Emma was shaking a sleighbell for 3 hours in the cold outside Asda, Oldbury, with a group of players raising funds for the band - and even that was brilliant!
Congratulations and THANK YOU to Bob and Emma!