Congratulations to the Saint George’s School Symphonic Band who came first in the XIII District Festival of Wind Bands – Youth Category, that took place on 12^th May in the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University. As organisers of the event, The Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra selected the SGS Symphonic Band to represent Bogotá in the National Band Competition, which will take place in Anapoima from the 1^st – 5^th November 2018.

All the district and regional bands that previously qualified in the children/ youth category took part and it was an unforgettable evening of culture and music for all. The jury was made up of the renowned composers, conductors and teachers: Alberto Guzman Naranjo, Alejandro Mantilla Pulido and Ricardo Jaramillo Gonzalez.

We once again congratulate all the musicians in the band for the achievements they have obtained over the last few years. Through their dedication and hard work, they have achieved nationwide recognition. A special mention for their teachers Omar Cifuentes, Alex Sanchez, Edgar Hurtado, Julian Vasquez and Juan David Durán, whose commitment and professionalism have made this possible.

The SGS Symphonic Band has been awarded the following prizes over the years:

-Third place in the National Competition in El Retiro Antioquia in 2013

-Second place in the IX District Festival of Wind Bands, organised by The Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra in 2014

-First place in the X District Festival of Wind Bands, organised by The Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra in 2015

–First place in the XI District Festival of Wind Bands, organised by The Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra in 2016

-Second place in the National Youth Bands Competition of Anapoima, Pedro Ignacio Castro Perilla, XXII edition in 2016

-Best Original Composition in the National Youth Bands Competition in Anapoima; Sabor a Fiesta, composed by Jesus Orielso, Santiago Jacóme

-First place XII District Festival of Wind Bands organised by The Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra in 2017

– Best Trumpet Band in the XII District Festival of Wind Bands organised by The Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra in 2017

-First place in the Youth Category in the 43^rd National Competition of Music Bands of Paipa in 2017

-Best interpretation of ‘Pionono’ by the composer Andrey Ramos Herrera, in the Youth Category in 2017

-First place in the XIII District Festival of Wind Bands, organised by The Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra in 2018