Rachel left the corps, and Dennis continued as the Corps Director with Rus’s aid.
2003 saw the Cadets perform ‘Black is Back’ which included ‘Music of the Knight’ (Phantom of the Opera), ‘Black and White’, ‘Blackadder’ and ‘Blackbird’, whilst the Senior Corps performed a show based on the Cirque de Soliel show ‘Quidam’.
The Senior Corps enjoyed an influx of members from Southern Aurora ( Brighton) who were unfortunately unable to compete that season. Both corps held high esteem for each other, and existing friendships made it easy for the Southern Aurora members to fit in. The corps also benefited from a brand new uniform. Although it was awkward rehearsing in a public field due to being unable to rehearse on our normal field, the corps continued to rehearse hard and well.
The Cadets reflected this work ethic and practiced hard, improving in leaps and bounds.
At finals, the main corps came away with an amazing 1st place at BYBA finals retaining their British Youth Band Association Crown (923 and a red patch! The highest BYBA score to date!) and 4th at DCUK, whilst the Cadets came in 2nd and 3rd . It was a fantastic year for both corps.
