All-round versatility

ASPLENDID performance by the TWGHs Chen Zao Men Symphonic Band not only won them thunderous applause, but also a convincing win in the Class 247 - Secondary School Bands category at the Schools Music Festival.

Second was the TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College and joint third were Hongkong International School and Belilios Public School.

Each school had to play one compulsory piece - ''Princeton Variations'' by David Shatter - and another piece of their own choice.

TWGHs Chen Zao Men Symphonic Band chose ''A Jubilant Overture'' composed by Alfred Reed as their choice.

One of the two adjudicators, Mr Malcolm Tyler, said: ''The Chen Zao Men College band did give us a really musical performance; every member paid great care to details in the music and tried to express a wide range of tone and effects.'' ''They particularly showed good control rhythmically, some care with dynamics and wise use of resources, such as trumpets and xylo.'' Although the two judges found that there was just a tiny loss of control when the band was playing the second piece, on the whole there was considerable competence and real touching work.

Formed in 1978, the TWGHs Chen Zao Men Symphonic Band comprises 35 pupils ranging from Forms 1 to 6.