Saturday 19th November - Brass in Concert Championships - Sage, Gateshead
Band Number 8 – GUS
Music: Various
Theme: Our Planet
Big opening piece with on screen presentation introduces the programme, the flugel solo that followed is well controlled, full sound and great feel to the music, well accompanied by the band. A well-executed comedy section with the recycling percussion section which went down well in the hall.
A strong ‘drums of thunder’ which is accompanied by more thought provoking video. The final piece is ‘Within Blue Empires’ which is symbolising the sea and all the life within.
Band Number 7 – Brighouse and Rastrick
Music: Ian McElligott
Theme: ‘Tango’ The Art of Seduction
Strong opening, big sounds and works well. We move into a Tango with dancers and this emphasises the timing of the band, the solo is a cornet solo and we are captivated by the sound and the style.
Each piece has a lovely feel and balance, each solo passage is well executed. Finishing with Libertango which is a great piece and again the band really make everything sound so easy and everything has a lovely Tango feel and flow the dancers come back on to add the Tango spice to the ending.
Band Number 6 – NASUWT Riverside
Music: Various
Theme: War of the Worlds
Music from War of the Worlds is always popular, some great compositions and here we have a good mix of arrangements for Brass Bands. Some excellent solo moments, must make mention of the Flugel player, what a lovely tone and such a full sound. Good use of the tech and some great compositions and arrangements.
We finish with ‘Eve of the War’, that also brings to a close the first half of the contest.
Band Number 5 – The Flowers Band
Music by Various – all world Premiers
Theme: The Legend of Troy
Strong and punchy opening, plenty of drive and set the scene well. Good use of the tech with lighting and visuals, full sounds and good clarity make this a good listen, good work from the percussion team. We are very lucky to have some outstanding Soprano players and today Paul Richards showed that he is very much one of the very best, excellent solo.
With players moving in and out for Apollo we see slick movement across the stage, even from the Bass section who get a moment at the front. A final piece that is rousing and a perfect end to the set, a well balanced programme.
Band number 4 – Hammonds
Music by: Various
Theme: Cinematic Sounds
A widely used topic for entertainment contests, the big screen has thrown up some absolute gems for brass band and today we get to hear some more. The opening sets the scene well and almost has you reaching for the popcorn.
The solo from Kirsty was breath-taking and a real highlight of the day so far, a better sound you would be hard pushed to find anywhere.
The programme has a bit of everything and entertainment value is high, some great pieces.
The intros from a professional actor helps the programme and keeps the audience engaged.
Elegy for Dunkirk was so well played, a very touching piece and played with real class, the final piece is the Barbarian Horde arranged by Sandy Smith and brings to a close a good and very enjoyable performance.
Band number 3 – Cory
Music Composition and Arrangements by Philip Harper
Theme: Dr Who
Presentation very good and slick changeovers, duet with Tom and Glyn a good mix of tempo and dynamic, a good pairing and very well performed, quite outstanding. This is an end-to-end entertaining performance, The Rings of Saturn is a quite beautiful piece and the final piece ‘Exterminate’ was a perfect ending.
Band number 2 – Krohnengen Brass Band (Norway)
Music from Svein Henrik Giske
Theme: From Bergen With Love
A fanfare to open, then a lovely Soprano Solo, well presented and delightfully played. A ‘sassy’ all female piece follows with the players all stepping forward to be heard, not to be out done the male contingent get their moment as well. Some wonderfully lyrical playing in the 3rd piece and some stand up solo moments that are confident and beautifully played, the band also show their vocal skills delightfully to finish the piece. We continue with a march and this is bright and precise, just how a march should be. The final piece from the Norwegian Band is full of everything and hugely entertaining, laughter along the way and a well-presented entertaining end the bands performance.
Band number 1 – Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band
Music from Simon Dobson
Theme: Just a German Girl – Marlene Dietrich
· The Clock Master’s Daughter
· Berlin Nights
· The Vaudevillian Death (Feature Piece)
· The Rise of the Right
· Just a Gigolo – Solo Item
· The Fall of the Wall
Slick changes of position, strong opening well-choreographed dance routine, great visual entertainment. Good use of lighting. Made the most of the tech available to them.
Strong performance and good story telling helped by some great writing from Simon Dobson.
The band worked hard to maintain the story line and the balance and contrasts within were excellent, the style came across well and the comedic elements were well presented.
Each element really working well and some great playing, a genuine feeling of excitement as the programme continues, this is a well worked presentation, in all elements, the composition, the choreography, the presentation and the playing all well led by Alan Withington at the front.
A great opening programme to start the day.
The Bandsman will be attending the Brass in Concert Championships and will bring you up to the minute news and views on the performances and the days events.
The bands taking part in order of the draw that took place in May 2022.
1. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
2. Krohnengen Brass Band
3. Cory
4. Hammonds
5. Flowers
6. NASUWT Riverside
7. Brighouse & Rastrick
8. GUS Band
9. Foden's
10. Friary Brass
11. Tredegar
12. Grimethorpe Colliery
