Cannons Creek wins ‘Top Junior Band’ at World Marimba Championships

This year marked the first year of entry into the World Marimba Championships for Cannons Creek Independent School, entering five bands under the ‘Pop category’ spanning from Grade 4 – Grade 9. The event was held at St Cyprian’s School from 15-16 August, where 130 bands and 1500 young musicians performed. All Cannons Creek bands achieved ratings of over 81%, with the Grade 4 group progressing to the Grand Finale as a Wild Card entry and thereafter winning the title of ‘Top Junior Band’ (tied with Grove Primary). Bands were assessed based on the following criteria: Musicality, Improvisation & Creativity, Choreography & Stage, Dress & Theme, Vocalisation, and Spirit & Ensemble Unity. Time Limit, Melodic Instrument, and Dress Code were also taken into account in terms of compliance and disqualification.

The comments from the adjudicators were as follows:

Grade 4 (scored 90%): “Nice joy + energy. Really impressive mallet control in the melody. Great job! We enjoyed your drumming and direction, your dynamic range, arrangement, harmony, and everything was just really amazing. Well done.”

Grade 5 (scored 81%): “You sound great! Look up and smile, fun performance. Love the spirit, amazing momentum and steady tempo. Great dynamic control. Well done!”

Grade 6 (scored 88%): “Nice Dynamics – Great control + secure performance. Great energy + bassline. Amazing spirit. Cool outfits and superb presence. Keep going!”

Grade 7(scored 81%): “Good tone + control. Make sure you look up and smile. At points the song lost energy – although your sound was great and stable overall. Beautiful sound and arrangement, express and enjoy your playing. Well done!”

Grade 8/9 (scored 88%): “Good steady start from the bass and rich tone. Tempo nice and steady, youthful articulation from the lead. This is a solid band, everyone is together, wonderful arrangement. Well done!”

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