De Beers’ Musina Field Band once more added valuable silverware to their cupboard when they scooped five awards during the 2008 Field Band National Championships held in Turffontein, Gauteng.

Although the energetic lads from Musina were competing with some of the best field bands in the country, they proved their critics wrong by coming out tops in one of the toughest competitions in the country.

They proudly returned to Musina with the following awards: Overall Best Dance Performance, First Division Runners up, 2nd Marching Percussion, 2nd Runner up Percussion Ensemble and 1st Runner-up Mixed Ensemble.

Comprised of 110 children, the field band has become the pride of the Limpopo province because they never stop bringing top awards home.

Band coordinator Ivan Kwatlande said although the competition was tough, they were always confident that they would make an unforgettable impact. “We learnt a lot from the mistakes we committed during the same competition last year. This time, we told ourselves that we would make a historic impression in the field band music fraternity.”

Kwatlande said he was not surprised when the results of the competition were announced: “We knew we deserved it, because we worked very hard during our rehearsals. We were fully prepared and we knew that nothing would stop us from winning. The kids were eager to receive more trophies and that is why they gave it their all. ”