British Open Championships 2024
Carlton
A very well controlled opening, lovely change in volume, well managed and balanced. Frantic but the control remains and we get some lovely interchange across the sections. A great full sound when the band are given the opportunity to push the volume, great work in the bass section, moves together and comes across well.
Some wonderful, lyrical playing mixed well with areas of the piece that are very technical and are handled well. Story telling is the key and the move between sections is lovely.
The performance is not without issue, a few slips and a few moments of insecurity, but these do not detract from the enjoyment.
Allan Withington is really drawing the best from the band, great to watch the great man at work.
The balance and power continues to bring the music to life, this is not a piece for the feint hearted, a full on percussion part that must have given a few players sleepless nights, every part of the band is being tested to the full.
A strong ending to an enjoyable and intriguing performance.
Well played Carlton
Aldbourne
Love the opening, good balance and builds well, we get a few ends of phrases that don’t complete together, but the excitement is there and well controlled.
Good interchange across the sections, again this is well balanced so the music flows well. Trombones and Percussion work well, definitely not a piece for the feint-hearted, very intricate, a challenge that is being well met by Aldbourne.
Ivan Meylemans is working his magic at the front, giving the band all they need to feel confident, great to watch.
As the music slows and we get a more melodic sound from the band we hear a wonderful balance and such a full sound.
We are not without slips in the performance, the flow continues and we get some delightful lyrical playing from across the band.
The build is good to a very strong close to the piece, another enjoyable performance, some areas of the piece did not sound as confident as others, but overall an enjoyable performance.
Well done Dabchicks
Northop Silver - Erik van de Kolk
What a great opening, really has set the scene well, lovely balance, every part being heard and builds nicely in volume.
The passing between sections works well and although frantic is controlled, comes across well.
The percussion team look like they are enjoying themselves, which considering how tricky the parts are is very unexpected.
The big sounds come across well, I am losing the middle of the band from where I am sat.
Erik van de Kolk is very much in control, giving confidence around the stands for all the important entries, great control in the volume changes.
Lovely duet between Cornet and Euphonium, very good balance and work well with each other.
Wonderful flow, this is a lovely rendition, applause to the percussion team who seem to be getting more from the part than previous bands.
Builds well to the close of a great performance, very much enjoyed.
Well done all, especially percussion, great work
Flowers
Strong opening, very assured and precise, lovely balance with Basses and then Euph, a very clear sound. The passing between sections works well, different styles from different sections which comes over well.
The big sound is controlled, very full and balanced. The precision is clear in this performance.
While feeling a little frantic in places, it also feels controlled, it feels very much on the edge which adds excitement.
As always Paul Holland is very much leading from the front, every beat very clear and the control over the band is great to watch.
The volume drops and I lose the balance a little from where I am sat, lovely sound from the Flugel, beautifully played.
The interchanges are well managed, some great sounds from Cornet, Euph and Sop that are a delight to listen to.
The ebb and flow is good to hear, then we raise the volume and intensity, before it drops like a stone, great sound from the Bass section and good work from the Trombones.
The build to the end is managed well and such a full sound, great finish to an excellent performance that had a bit of everything.
Don’t forget you can listen to Flowers Band in Concert at Reading Town Hall on the 28th September, here is the link to buy tickets.
Flowers Band | What's On Reading (whatsonreading.com)
Grimethorpe
Michael Bach
Strong opening that works very well, both Percussion and Bass sections give us a confident and well considered opening.
As we get into the more detailed section of the opening bars we have a great interchange across the sections which is very clear. Balance is working well, all being heard without pushing the volume too much a great band sound.
However frantic the music may sound it also has a feeling of control and purpose which is good to hear.
What a lovely sound at the lower dynamic, whisper quiet, but still tidy and controlled.
Great instruction coming from the front, Michael Bach showing everything he wants through his hands and his expression, and the band responds.
The flow is excellent, balanced and controlled and comes across very well in the more legato sections.
We lose some clarity as we progress through the piece, the tempo lifts and with it the precision returns, a great sound with that lift in volume.
The push through to the end is big, great sounds around the band and collectively sound very strong.
Great close to the performance that was a great listen.
Brighouse
Prof David King
A well presented opening that builds well, good balance.
The more detailed playing comes over well, the mix of sounds works well and each can be heard, with the louder dynamic the balance is still there, the Trombones are standing for this one, not sure if they are staying up for the entire piece.
Prof David King is keeping close control and the band are keeping a very close eye on him and responding to his requests for more (or less)
Good detail in the more technical sections with a good drive and what a great sound when the volume is turned up.
Trombones get to sit back down as we move into the lyrical section, Euph and Cornet stand for their duet and it comes across very well, well balanced and moves well together.
The flow is exceptional in the lyrical section, the change up in volume is a great contrast.
The build to the end of the piece is well controlled and what a great sound to close.
Loved it, great work
Hammonds
Morgan Griffiths
Nicely controlled opening and a huge shift in dynamics, really showing a great contrast.
Good detail in the more technical sections, well balanced, this gets a big thumbs up for excitement, not always clean and tidy but great intent.
Percussion team working well together, great lift in the sound from the band and into the quieter section we get a lovely sound and good balance.
Flow and grace, the lyrical sections sound wonderful all led from the front by Morgan Griffiths.
Great work between Solo Cornet and Euph, great balance and style.
Contrasts are very good, the louder dynamic comes over well and then the drop to the lower dynamic is well controlled.
While there were moments of insecurity the overall performance was very good, the build to the end of the piece was controlled and big, a great sound.
Leyland
Daniel Brooks
The opening has great purpose, we drop into the quieter dynamic and lose the balance, it flows well, but comes across very top heavy from where I am sat.
Great drive and excitement as the tempo and volume build, great work from the percussion team.
The band have settled well and we are hearing some great work across the band, balance is good and feels confident.
Great sounds as we move into the lovely Flugel Solo, what a lovely sound. The band has a lovely depth of sound, we lose balance in places and it can sound a little untidy in the tricky sections, but what a great sound when the balance is found.
The build to the end is good and the performance concludes well.
Some great moments mixed with some insecurity.
Tredegar
A lovely opening, great control, everything placed and precise. Good build to the louder dynamic and balance is kept, good detail in the quicker sections and strong trombone sound.
The performance has great presence, feels very solid, very strong. Great work percussion team and great sound from the Trombones. Still keeping the more technical bars under control and together.
We are not error free, slips in the ensemble detract a little from the performance. What a delightful sound from the Flugel, comes across so effortlessly.
Euph and Solo Cornet work well together and the band lift the volume to produce a wonderful sound. I am getting balance issues from my seat with the Sop being very dominant which cuts through the sound from the band.
The build to the end is excellent, well-paced and flows well. The full-on band sound is amazing.
Enjoyed the performance, for my ears it felt a bit strong in the Sop which detracted slightly.
