On Sunday 10^th October Monmouth School hosted a workshop for the joint Symphonic Winds who are busily preparing for the National Concert Band Festival later this term which is being hosted by Monmouth School for the 2^nd year running.  ‘Ronde for Isolde’ by the English composer Stuart Bedford is proving to be a challenging piece for this ensemble and after a full day’s rehearsal one could sense how more assured their interpretation had become.  This was most evident on Monday evening at the Blake Theatre when this piece was introduced as ‘work in progress’ but was performed with considerable confidence and panache.  The well supported audience were treated to other pieces that will be performed at the NCBF and there was also a special performance of the music from the movie ‘Gladiator’ which had wowed audiences during their summer tour to Italy.