Following their triumphant showing at the National Championships, the Alexandra Field Band brought their celebration home on Saturday, parading through the streets of Alexandra in a victory parade that turned heads and stirred hearts.

Programmes officer Phumzile Twala said the band, which clinched multiple accolades across various categories, used the occasion not only to showcase their hard-earned trophies but also to inspire local youth to join their ranks.

Read more: Alexandra Field Band scoops top honours at national championships

“While we may have a lot of children now, there are still others out there in the community doing nothing,” said Twala. “Joining the band will at least prevent them from doing the wrong things that we see happening around our community.”

At the Nationals, the band delivered a standout performance, earning a silver medal for Creative Excellence, another silver for Winter Guard Best Visual/Design, second place for Best Dance Performance, first place for Best Pit Performance, second place in the Sports Squad category, and ultimately, the Overall Second Place Trophy and a Gold Medal.

“They exceeded my expectations,” Twala said. “Each and every year, they come up with a brand-new song that kills it all the time.”

Also read: Alexandra Field Band turns fundraiser into celebration of talent

Despite the impressive medal haul, Twala emphasised that the band’s success was rooted in their mindset long before the competition began. “I told them at Nationals that whatever outcome comes, you are winners,” she said. “We were gunning for number one, and I know with the skills they have, they’ll get it next year.”

Parents, too, were beaming with pride. Vuyiseka Ntabula, whose child is in the band, expressed her joy with their victory. “I am overly excited that they performed well at Wanderers Stadium and brought the trophies home. It also makes me happy that Field Band keeps them busy, this helps them avoid using substances.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Alexandra Field Band marches through the streets in celebration after winning multiple trophies at the Field Band National Championships. #Band #alex ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Adding to the celebrations, the band’s social officer, Neo Ramopo, was honoured with the prestigious Woman of the Year award at the Nationals for her outstanding contributions. Twala called the recognition “well-deserved,” highlighting Ramopo’s efforts to secure sponsorships for children to receive eye tests, among many other initiatives.

“For me as a Social Officer to win it, it is an affirmation of what I do,” said Ramopo. “My job is to take care of the children and the staff. So, if they are recognising that I’m doing a really good job, it means a lot to me.”

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