The Alexandra Field Band delivered an excellent opening performance at the Field Band Foundation’s national championships at DP World Wanderers Stadium on October 3, according to the band’s programmes officer Phumzile Twala.

The two-time champion is aiming to secure first place this year after finishing second in 2025. It has made at least 13 championship appearances and won its first title in 2017.

As in previous years, bands from across the provinces have brought their best to the stage. The field band’s opening performance — described as excellent by both Twala and brass tutor Tlotlisang Potsane — was months in the making.

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Twala spoke following the band’s first appearance at the 2026 championships. “They nailed it,” Twala said. “At this point, I don’t care what the judges think about the performance. These children are just winners. They are so talented. I wish that Alexandra could see the talent that they have.”

Judges will decide which of the 10 participating bands takes the 2026 title. For most of them, however, simply taking part has already made them winners, whatever the outcome.

Potsane, a mellophone player who performed in the first round, said he felt both excitement and nerves beforehand. The months of preparation paid off, according to Potsane. “I think it was the best so far,” he said. “It took blood and sweat, and a lot of energy.”

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Boitumelo Maswana, chairperson of the band’s parents’ steering committee, said the band is gunning for first place. “We won the championship in 2017, and the following years we came second and third,” Maswana said. She believes the band has put in enough work to bring the title home, especially given the support it is receiving.

According to Twala, more than 100 parents came to watch their children compete on the foundation’s biggest stage.

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