Sections 1 to 4 will perform at
Cheltenham Racecourse on
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September
2nd Section – Sunday 18th September - Ghosts, Goblins, Witches and Wizards (DARROL BARRY)
Adjudicators - Brett Baker, Gary Davies, Chris King
Result of the 2nd section
1. Campbeltown Brass (Stephanie Kennedy)
2. Pemberton Old Wigan DW B (Jay Hall)
3. Beaumaris (Bari Gwilliam)
4. Meltham & Meltham Mills (Tom Haslam)
5. Helston Town (John Berryman)
6. Harborough (Brad Turnbull)
For me the top spot is between the following (remember I didn’t hear the opening 2 bands)
Campbeltown
City of Norwich
Pemberton
Tewit
Meltham
With Campbeltown taking the top spot
Band Number 18 – Helston Town
A good opening, good sounds and balance, a couple of little slips, the move in tempo and the band meet the challenge well, some big moments and we get good clarity across the band, some lovely full sounds. Lovely controlled opening to the 2nd movement and contrast in volume is excellent. We are off to a good start in movement 3, moments where the lines cross, but not for long, it is a well measured tempo that the band have under control, a good end to the movement. The 4th movement doesn’t feel quite so in control to open, it settles and has a nice feel to it, we have lost the clarity in this movement, big ending.
Band Number 17 – Harborough
Controlled and frantic all in one to open, a good start to the 1st movement, some detail is being lost as the band increase the tempo, good ending. Nice contrast between the band and basses to open, tempo is not holding back, this is moving along a good pace. A mixed start to movement 3, big sounds but lost clarity and untidy moments, it comes back together but then loses detail again. The 4th movement starts with promise and the band sound a little more comfortable, good contrast in dynamics, the tempo is pushing along and a big finish.
Band Number 16 – Campbeltown
A solid start, it has control and dynamics. Good solo sections that sound confident, the move in tempo is well controlled and the detail remains. Movement 2 is also well handled, good contrasts and good detail. We have a well-balanced start to the 3rd movement and we continue to get the detail, this is going well, some great playing. The 4th movement doesn’t disappoint either, good dynamics and the detail is coming out well. I didn’t hear much wrong with this performance, I think the adjudicators are going to like that.
Band Number 15 – Mid Rhondda
Good opening allows all areas to be heard, when the tempo increases some of that detail is lost, the end of the 1st movement didn’t work, not sure what happened. The opening to the 2nd movement is measured and works well, good contrasts and tidy phrases come across. Good solos and good interruptions. The 3rd movement loses some of the clarity, balance is lost and not all parts are being heard. We get a nice lilt to the piece and some good dynamics, later in the movement. In the 4th movement we get a mix of good phrases and some that get lost and become untidy. Nice big ending.
Band Number 14 – Gosport Solent
Steady to open and the band settle in well, we get a few slips and the flow is lost, some good balance helps the sound of the band. Good opening to movement 2 and we start to feel some confidence coming back into the piece, good solo sections and band interruptions. Good drive from the start of the 3rd movement, lots of good detail in here and it’s all being heard. The measured and a little frantic opening to the 4th movement is being well played, lot’s of good detail being heard again, good dynamics to go with it, very good.
Band Number 13 – Pemberton Old Wigan DW B
Another well measured performance, some frantic moments, but controlled. Some well-shaped phrases and good solo passages. Some great dynamics, the contrast is excellent. The MD is giving the band everything they need from the front and they are responding very well. The 3rd movement is controlled and comes across well, into the 4th movement and the tempo is set and the band respond, it gets a bit untidy in places, but pulls back together.
Band Number 12 – Meltham and Meltham Mills
Very lyrical opening to the 1st movement, this is all very well placed and played, good dynamics and great care being taken to end phrases together which makes it come across well. Good contrasts through each movement, the tempo feels a little slow in the 3rd movement, pulling back and not driving on. Into the 4th movement and the tempo is good, the style is good and there is a real drive about the playing. Big push to the end and it comes across well.
Band Number 11 – Stamford
A good opening movement, good style and dynamics, the changes in tempo are well played and the solo sections come across well. Frantic start to the 2nd movement, band keep it tight and cope well, too quick? the adjudicators will decide. The 3rd movement has some big sounds and well-balanced moments, some control lost in places, but it sounds good in the louder sections. The 4th movement moves well and has a nice flow, good ending.
Band Number 10 – Tyldesley
Steady opening movement, some good dynamics and style, we get to hear it all and it comes across well. The 2nd movement opens well, we get a clash in some phrases, but the shape is good and it has a good feel about it. A nice start to the 3rd movement, good contrasts, played together well and all the parts are being heard, this is going well. A little untidy to start the final movement, but recovery is made and the band settle. This has been a steady performance.
Band Number 9 – Tilbury
A steady opening and well played, soloists do well, there is some good detail in here and the 1st movement comes across well. Good start to the 2nd movement, tempo is good and the lower dynamic allows parts to be heard, solo sections come across well again and everything is well controlled. Movement 3 has a steady tempo which allows everything to be played and heard, but feels a bit laboured. Into the 4th movement and steady is the order of the day, no tempo pushed, a controlled tempo and everything has space, not without it’s untidy moments, but less frantic than some that have gone before.
Band Number 8 – Poulton-Le-Fylde
A steadier tempo than those before, feels a little laboured. Some lovely solo sections, into the quicker tempo and this has a good feel to it. The 2nd and 3rd movements are very considered in both tempo and dynamics, there are some good moments. The 4th movement has more momentum but it loses clarity in places. It was a good performance, just lacking the story telling element for me.
Band Number 7 – Beaumaris
Opening movement is well managed, some good moments and some strong dynamics, all controlled and well presented. In the 2nd movement we hear a different interpretation of some of the solo sections, the volume is controlled and tempo feels comfortable. Into the 3rd movement and a plenty of shaping and a good tempo to allow everything to be heard.
Band Number 6 – City of Norwich
We are getting a very strong performance from the City of Norwich, great control but still has that edge of excitement about it. The control remains into the 2nd movement, balance is also good and allows all parts of the band to be heard. Some good contrast in the dynamics also helps to tell the story and give the piece some life. This is a very enjoyable listen, nothing rushed, everything in its place, of those I have heard this is the one I have enjoyed most. Well done
Band Number 5 – Bearpark and Esh Colliery
Solid 1st movement, a couple of slips, but in the main a good tempo and good dynamics and it came across well. The 2nd movement is very much the same, good tempo and dynamics but a couple of slips. Some detail lost in the 3rd movement, tempo is going some and is well played, but we lose odd moments. The 4th movement is more of the same, a good end to the piece.
Band Number 4 – Tewit Silver
Good opening section, well played solo sections, good dynamics. Dynamic contrast is a big part of this piece and the range is very good. Good control with the quicker tempo as well, the piece is moving at a good rate but still feels controlled. Some big dynamics, some big tempi and in the main it all worked well.
Band Number 3 - Tullis Russell Mills
I heard most of this performance, some lovely big sounds and great dynamics, not without it’s slips. Some very lyrical moments and some lovely solo passages. Errors creep in across the piece which is a shame, good finish.
2nd Section - Bands 1 and 2 - Wantage Concert and BD1 Brass
I was playing in band 1 and didn't hear much of band 2, what I did hear sounded good.
Here is the draw for the 2nd Section
1. Wantage Concert Brass (Neil Brownless)
2. BD1 Brass (Jonathan Bates)
3. Tullis Russell Mills (Ray Maundy)
4. Tewit Silver (Martin Hall)
5. Bearpark & Esh Colliery (Philip Tait)
6. City of Norwich (Mark Ager)
7. Beaumaris (Bari Gwilliam)
8. Poulton le Fylde (Alexander Webb)
9. Tilbury (Melvin White)
10. Tyldesley (Robert Taylor)
11. Stamford Brass (Julian Bright)
12. Meltham & Meltham Mills (Tom Haslam)
13. Pemberton Old Wigan DW B (Jay Hall)
14. Gosport Solent Brass (Phillip Littlemore)
15. Mid Rhondda (Alan Gibbs)
16. Campbeltown Brass (Stephanie Kennedy)
17. Harborough (Brad Turnbull)
18. Helston Town (John Berryman)
Section 2 final starts at approx. 15:00
BD1 Brass
Bearpark & Esh Colliery
Beaumaris
Campbeltown Brass
City of Norwich
Gosport Solent Brass
Harborough
Helston Town
Meltham & Meltham Mills
Pemberton Old Wigan B
Stamford Brass
Tewit Silver
Mid Rhondda (Thomas Coaches)
Tilbury
Tullis Russell
Tyldesley
Wantage Concert Brass
4th Section - Sunday 18th September - New Beginnings (FREDERIK SCHJELDERUP)
Adjudicators - David W. Ashworth, John Maines, Roger Webster
That is it for the 4th Section, I didn’t get to hear all the bands, so from the bands I did hear, I have
Morecombe
Amington
Bideford
Of those, Morecombe by a short head
Band Number 16 – Crosskeys Silver
Good opening, controlled and very effective, good dynamics. Some clarity is lost and things get a little untidy, balance is regained and the band sound good, this is settling down into a good performance. Big sounds in the louder sections and well balanced at the quieter dynamic. Good shape to the phrases and some really good drive, we lose some detail again at the faster tempo but when it settles the detail is back. This lost detail I feel is going to stop the band getting a place, but happy to be proved wrong. A strong finish with some lovely sounds.
Band Number 15 – Hemel Hempstead
Off to a quick start, a little too quick ?, most of the parts come through but some are lost. I feel the tempo is just pushing the band into untidy phrases.
Good dynamics, some lovely sounds coming through, we also get a lovely balance in the lower dynamic. At the slower tempo you get to hear the band in full-flow and it sounds great. Big ending which well played.
Band Number 14 – Dobcross Silver
Solid opening, good tempo and the band have got off to a good start. The quiet dynamic is well-handled and we get good balance. The tempo is maintained and the feeling of drive is good. The detail comes across well and this is a great team effort. Good precision on opening notes of phrases and that helps keep the piece moving and growing. Some lovely moments in this performance.
Band Number 13 – Morecombe
Really looking to make the most of the dynamics and it works well, good balance and good tempo. Everything is well controlled and easy moving, good flow. The exposed sections are being well played, a real feeling of grace about the slower sections, the balance is good, everything is coming through. This is the most complete performance so far in this section (that I have heard), enjoyed this one a lot.
Band Number 12 – Rhyl Silver
An untidy start, takes time to settle, we get some lovely balance and tidy playing and then the bigger volume is strong. Some more untidy sections come through and they are followed by some great sounds, some of the tempi is very slow, the band manage it well and we get some good moments. Balance is good and when we get that balance we get a good band sound. Some moments of insecurity have hampered the performance, we get glimpses of some great sounds.
Band Numbers 9,10 and 11 – sorry I missed your performance as I needed to be at a rehearsal.
Band Number 12 up next
Band Number 8 – Tewkesbury
Good tempo to open, rocks a little but settles and sounding good, the quiet dynamic is well handled, good balance and still driving forward. ‘Childs Anthem’ comes across well, so great attention to detail in this performance, just feels the volume is being held back in places. Not all phrases are starting clean and we get a section that has lost it’s clarity. As we move on the confidence is back and the sound comes with it, a lovely, well-balanced sound. Into the final section, good tempo again, good ending.
Band Number 7 – Stanraer
Strong start, good tempo and feels comfortable for the band. Dynamics are good, drive is good and the band have settled well. Good work in the back row cornets, the louder dynamics are being held back a little, maybe to keep that balance. This performance is coming across well, everything has been well constructed, just that lack of louder dynamic for me that is missing. Good drive to the end and a solid ending.
Band Number 6 – Barnsley
Great to see such a young band, good tempo to start and well maintained, loving the sound from the horns and trombones, well played. Lovely piano section, the volume drops well, good sop, tempo keeps driving forward. Would like a bit more in the louder sections. Good move into the slower tempo, we get some intonation issues at this volume, but things settle and the band make a good sound. A great performance that had a bit of everything, lacked a little strength when needed and became untidy a few times, but that is a performance to be proud of on such a big stage, I was smiling all the way through. Well done to every one of you.
Band Number 5 – Flookburgh
Good tempo to open and the band sound very confident, we get a few slips, but the tempo keeps moving forward and some great work in the back row keeping things moving along. We get some good dynamic contrasts that are controlled and the band manage them well. Good soprano, a real attempt to get to that lower dynamic and the band do well, good movement and flow. The move into the quicker tempo took a few bars to settle, we start to drive to the end and a good feel about this section, a good ending.
Band Number 4 – Oughtibridge
A controlled opening, some entries not quite spot on, nice sound and the band have settled well. Good contrast in dynamics, good drive and pushing to keep the tempo moving, good percussion and band balance, good transition and lovely sop, the slower tempo works well and the band are well balanced. We get some untidy starts to phrases which is a shame. A real mix of some great sounds, some really good moments, but also get some untidy areas. Good ending to the piece.
Band Number 3 – Amington
Lovely quiet opening, good tempo and drive. We are getting some good contrast in dynamic, not everything is clean, but the piece is moving forward well. Percussion a bit too much, it is masking the band. Nice flow at the slower tempo and nice shaping. Balance is lovely, getting to hear all the parts, we move to the quicker tempo and it is a little untidy, but has good drive. We lose some clarity later in the piece which is a shame. Back to the slower tempo and the band sound great, lovely full sound. Good ending.
Band Number 2 – Hangleton
Good tempo, not all together but sounds bright and moving along well, good troms, tempo remains and the band have settled. Into ‘Childs Anthem’ I would like to hear more of the tune, percussion and band not quite together in places, good dynamic contrast, intonation issues on the quiet passages, nice Soprano. Good balance, horns and troms working well together. Lovely full sound at the louder dynamic. Good tempo as we get to the end of the piece and the fuller sound at the louder tempo suits the band, some good underneath parts coming through well. Some bars are a little untidy later in the piece, ending sounds good and works well.
4th Section – Band Number 1 – Bideford
Good tempo and dynamic to start, horns come through well, tempo drops off slightly, but still a good feel of drive, bravo back row cornets. Homage to Toto ‘Childs Anthem’ comes across well, nice dynamics, percussion over shadows band a little. Good move into the slower tempo, losing some opening notes of the phrase and a few intonation issues, good into U, troms a little untidy, but moving along nicely. BB could be bigger to start, good balance. Into DD the tempo is good, would like to hear more of the accent, good end. Nice one
4th Section Draw
1. Bideford Town (Mark Durham)
2. Hangleton (Richard Baker)
3. Amington (Alan Gifford)
4. Oughtibridge (Gavin Somerset)
5. Flookburgh Silver (John Iveson)
6. Barnsley Metropolitan (Alex Francis)
7. Stranraer Brass (Angela Miller)
8. Tewkesbury (Robert Nicholson)
9. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Joshua Parkhill)
10. North Lakes Brass (Gary Williams)
11. Trentham Brass (Shaun Farrington)
12. Rhyl Silver (Jamie Duncan)
13. Morecambe (Andrew Porter)
14. Dobcross Silver (Jason Smith)
15. Hemel Hempstead (Paul Fothergill)
16. Crosskeys Silver (Sion Jones)
Section 4 final starts at 09:30
Amington
Barnsley Metropolitan
Bideford Town Band
Brass Sounds Inverclyde
Crosskeys Silver
Dobcross Silver
Flookburgh Silver Band
Hangleton
Hemel Hempstead
Morecambe
North Lakes Brass
Oughtibridge
Rhyl Silver
Stranraer Brass
Tewkesbury Town
Trentham Brass
Adjudicators - Gary Davies, Ian Porthouse, Roger Webster
Result of the 1st Section
1. Stannington (Sam Fisher)
2. Marsden Silver Prize (Andrew Lofthouse)
3. Staffordshire (Craig Williams)
4. Sandhurst Silver (David Johnson)
5. Accler8 (Jef Sparkes)
6. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter)
7. Ashton under Lyne (Martyn Evans)
8. Bo'ness & Carriden (Charlie Farren)
9. Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins)
10. Hyde (Nigel Seaman)
11. Dalkeith & Monktonhall (James Chamberlain)
12. Kirkbymoorside Town (Sarah Woodward)
13. Gresley Colliery (Craig Stevens)
14. East of England Co-op (Nigel Cooper)
15. Houghton Brass (Michael Franey)
16. Bodmin Town (Simon Badge)
Best Instrumentalist: flugel of Ashton under Lyne
1st Section
For me the places will be between
Stannington
Staffordshire
Ashton
Kirkby Moorside
Marsden
Sandhurst
With Stannington taking it by a whisker
Band Number 16 – Sandhurst Silver
Good opening, control is good, solid sound and well balanced, good contrasts and lovely shape to the phrases. Some lovely control in the quieter sections and a lovely flow to the solo sections. The balance in the quiet sections are a delight, we get a few lose bars which is a shame. The drive to the Senza Misura is well handled and pushes through to a great ending. Another one in contention, we have had a good selection of potential winning performances. Over to the adjudicators to sort it all.
Band Number 15 – Stannington
We get another strong opening and theme, this continues through and we get some lovely balance and dynamic contrast, some lovely solo work which keeps the piece flowing. Great sounds across the band, everything is coming through, everything is heard, even with the volume turned up. Great drive and good exposed sections into the Senza Misura, it continues to drive into a big ending. Now the adjudicators have some work to do, we have a few good performances in the mix now.
Band Number 14 – Staffordshire
Nice opening and good confidence around the stands even at the quietest of dynamics, some good solo sections and all of them are allowed to be heard, nothing hidden by the band. Lovely Flugel, the band are producing a nice sound, so well balanced and a big sound when the volume is turned up. A very tidy performance that had great balance and power. Another one for the adjudicators to consider for a podium place I think.
Band Number 13 – Marsden Silver Prize
Good confident opening, good shape and drive, well balanced and good attention to detail. Nice solo sections and well accompanied, lovely sound from the Sop. There are some lovely moments, a few slips creep in, but in the main the band are putting together a good performance. They are driving this forward together into the Senza Misura, then driving on to the end. Another enjoyable performance, I think it will be one of the performances in the mix.
Band Number 12 – Bodmin Town
The opening is well played and the theme also has a lovely flow, we get a few slips as we go through the phrases. We have some great moments with some lovely full sounds, the band are settling into this now, more slips which detract from the flow and as we drive into the Senza Misura the band are starting to build the confidence again for a big finish.
Band Number 11 – Kirkby Moorside
A good opening section and theme, this is maintained as they move through the piece, balance and style are good, the phrases are well shaped and momentum is building well. Good solo sections, all well played and accompanied. Good drive and dynamics into the Senza Misura, strong through to the end, this has been a good performance and should have caught the attention of the adjudicators.
Band Number 10 – Gresley Colliery
Nice opening, big and bold as we have come to expect, the theme is beautifully balanced. The band sound good when in full flow and maintain that when the dynamic drops. This is not without some issues, but the slips we do get are soon forgotten and the band continue to push through with some well managed phrases and good ensemble sounds. Strong ending
Band Number 9 – Bo’ness and Carriden
Good opening and theme, the band are pushing to get something more with dynamics, pushing either end of the volume. Nice full sounds at the louder dynamic, but controlled and a lovely flow and calmness in the quieter sections. Some slips start to creep in which is a shame, we get good movement going into the Senza Misura, real drive and then a well-controlled ending.
Band Number 8 – Acceler8
Solid opening as with many of the previous bands, but this had a bit more presence about it and the theme had an extra layer from somewhere which made it sound full. Good team-work in many of the phrases, tidy and balanced in all sections. Good flow and some lovely solo sections. This is a very tidy performance, very few slips and some great contrast. Well managed and big ending.
Band Number 7 – Pontardulais Town
Solid opening and theme, good dynamics and balance across the band which gives space for the underneath parts to be heard and the well-balanced sounds come across well, beautiful phrases and a lovely flow which helps to bring them through. Nothing is rushed, just well-paced and well played. We get a mix of good and not so good solo passages. Nice drive and balance at Senza Misura and control through to the ending.
Band Number 6 – Ashton-Under-Lyme
The bands are enjoying the opening and this is no exception, moves well into the theme. A strong start and the band keep up the momentum well, the solo passages come across well and a lovely balance so everything gets heard. We get a few issues creeping in but the momentum remains and there are some very well executed passages that come across very well. Controlled ending and another great performance.
Band Number 5 – Houghton Brass
A big opening, well controlled and well balanced, great sound and the theme remains balanced and shows the band is strong at both ends of the dynamic range. A good start, great detail and very tidy articulation are helping the piece move along with purpose. There is control about this and at the same time it got some big dynamics and big moments. This could tick a lot of boxes for the adjudicators, it is certainly ticking a lot of the boxes for me. Enjoyed that.
Band Number 4 – East of England Co-op
A more measured opening and the move into the theme is lovely, everything is measured and balanced, a lovely sound. We are getting what feels to be a very safe performance, great care being taken on every phrase, nothing forced and you get a very well balanced sound. We get some moments when the volume drops and it becomes untidy, but not very often. A nice full sound from the band to finish.
Band Number 3 – Dalkeith and Monktonhall
Make the most of the big opening to the piece and it comes across well, the theme is well played and well balanced, every part being heard. The band sound great when in full flow, intonation is not 100% in some of quieter sections, most are handled well, but not all. A real mix of really good passages and then an untidy moment that slows the momentum of the performance.
Band Number 2 – Hyde
Big opening and then as the volume drops you hear some lovely detail coming through. There are moments of real strength and depth in the ensemble and little solo passages are coming across well in the main, some are not so clear and clean. When the balance is right you hear a lovely full band sound, that balance is sometimes lost and some parts get lost. We lose clarity in some of the quicker sections, some great moments, but just lacking a little for me and a few slips.
Band Number 1 – Ebbw Valley
A strong opening, great contrasts and very tight ensemble. The movement and drive is excellent, lovely solo elements to the performance, balance and dynamics are making this a great listen, a great full sound, we are not getting away without any slips but those that we do get are soon forgotten as the band press on. Real strength and purpose, not without slips, but a good opening performance.
1st Section Draw
1. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter)
2. Hyde (Nigel Seaman)
3. Dalkeith & Monktonhall (James Chamberlain)
4. East of England Co-op (Nigel Cooper)
5. Houghton Brass (Michael Franey)
6. Ashton under Lyne (Martyn Evans)
7. Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins)
8. Accler8 (Jef Sparkes)
9. Bo'ness & Carriden (Charlie Farren)
10. Gresley Colliery (Craig Stevens)
11. Kirkbymoorside Town (Sarah Woodward)
12. Bodmin Town (Simon Badge)
13. Marsden Silver Prize (Andrew Lofthouse)
14. Staffordshire (Craig Williams)
15. Stannington (Sam Fisher)
16. Sandhurst Silver (David Johnson)
Section 1 final starts at approx. 15:30
Acceler8
Ashton-under-Lyne
Bodmin Town
Bo'ness & Carriden
Dalkeith & Monktonhall
East of England Co-op
Ebbw Valley
Gresley Colliery
Houghton Brass
Hyde
Kirkbymoorside Town
Marsden Silver
Pontardulais Town
Sandhurst Silver
Staffordshire
Stannington Brass
3rd Section – Saturday 17th September - Sinfonietta (JOSEPH HOROVITZ)
Adjudicators - John Maines, Brian Rostron, Sandy Smith
3rd Section Result
6th Place - Ratby
5th Place - Lofthouse 2000
4th Place - Ellington Colliery
3rd Place - Formby
2nd Place - Jayess Newbiggin
1st Place - Skelmersdale Prize
Best instrumentalist - Solo Horn with Skelmersdale Prize
Some great performances across all bands in the section, some coped better with the slower movement and some got stuck into the 3rd movement, but very few did both.
For me the top spots will come from
Skelmersdale
Ratby
Jayess
City of Birmingham
Ocean
Skelmersdale taking the top spot in my opinion, but I am not the adjudicator, just an opnion.
Band Number 17 – Skelmersdale Prize
A solid opening, very tidy. Well balanced sounds and feels very comfortable. Some great detail in this movement. A well constructed 2nd movement with each player contributing well to the lovely sound, the dynamic is handled well and is well controlled. That control is kept in the 3rd movement with everything in its place and being heard, the band sound confident and comes across very well. Have we left the best until last, I think we might have.
Band Number 16 – Crwbin
Strong start, very assured and great style, the little solo sections come across well. Great dynamics and balance, this has got off to a great start, we get a few intonation issues, but this sounds a very confident opening, good start. Another assured start, this time it’s the 2nd movement, we get a few slips in here, but the calm opening is well played and sounds good. A well-managed movement but a few slips with the band trying to keep the dynamics under control.
The opening to the 3rd movement doesn’t sound convincing, once the opening section has been negotiated the band settle and it sound a lot better, a lot more together. A good finish.
Band Number 15 – Olney
A mixed opening, some good sounds but also some slips, when the band are balanced the sound is good. Would like a bit more from the dynamics and as soon as I write that we get a lovely full sound from the band at the louder dynamic.
A steady 2nd movement that has a good feel about it, all parts being heard and some good solo sections, some clipped notes as the band try to stick to the quiet dynamic, horn part comes across well when the balance is right.
Some good detail in the 3rd movement and a good feel about the tempo and style, this was a well handled movement with another good ending to the piece.
Band Number 14 – Kilmarnock Concert
We are off to a quick start, feels a little above the marking, but the band play it well and keep it under control, good dynamic contrast and strong band sound when everyone is playing. Nice opening to the 2nd movement, good tempo and dynamic and a lovely sound from the band. Well controlled ending to the movement which was well handled by the band and came across very well. The 3rd movement causes some issues to start, the band recover well, it does feel a bit too quick and detail is being lost. A strong ending.
Band Number 13 – Ellington Colliery
A very assured opening, great care in sticking to the parts, balance is good and good use of the dynamics. It does feel a little laboured in places, some good solo sections come across well. The 2nd movement has some lovely moments, there are times when the balance is lost and we also get some intonation issues creeping in, but the band are trying so hard to stick to the dynamic marking. We get a good attempt at the opening to the 3rd movement, those semi-quavers again, once the band are passed those then things settle and we get some lovely moments. The details comes and goes, when it is there it sounds great. Good ending to the piece.
Band Number 12 – Bradwell Silver
The opening feels a bit strong for an mf, it settles well and grows in confidence, really comes across well now everything and everybody has calmed down. A lovely opening to the 2nd movement, there are moments where the balance goes astray, but when it is right the sound is wonderful. We get a couple of slips which is a real shame, the movement had great shape and a nice warm sound. As with many before the semi quavers at the start of the 3rd movement are not clean, we get some untidy moments in what is a very tricky movement, when the band settle we get to hear them at their best, but keeping things neat is proving a challenge. Nice big sound to finish.
Band Number 11 – Ratby Co-Operative Mid
Steady opening, good detail coming through, good balance allowing all the parts to be heard, lovely flow, a good opening movement. A lovely start to the 2nd movement, it is the balance across the band that is making this, everything has it’s place and it is all being heard. Real care being taken at the start and ends of phrases which allows it to flow so well. The semi quavers at the start of movement 3 are well handled and the band are full of confidence as they play through the final movement, more good detail and well observed dynamics. This is a strong performance and for me the best of the bands I have heard so far.
Band Number 10 – Redruth Town
The opening movement is solid, good ensemble sound and good detail coming through. It felt a little laboured for the opening few bars but as the band grew in confidence and the detail started to come through the movement came to life. Good Sop.
Good balance to open the 2nd movement and lovely sounds come across well. The flow through the whole movement is well managed, really well played.
Into movement 3 and we lose some detail in the semi-quavers, not for the first time today. We get a good feeling of movement and the band do well to keep below the solo sections, a good tempo and a good detail brings the piece to a strong conclusion.
Band Number 9 – Jayess Newbiggin
Good opening, lift and flow from the off. Well balanced and the band are playing together well. Great start to the piece, very confident.
Nice start to movement 2, control is the order of the day and this is so well controlled, everything has it’s place and apart from a few minor slips this had a great feel to it.
Good tempo for movement 3 and clean articulation from the band helps the piece flow without feeling hurried. This has been a well-constructed performance that rounds off the first half as we head into a comfort break.
Band Number 8 – Lofthouse 2000
The opening feels a little laboured, it pulls together as the band settle and we get some lovely moments of balance and solo sections are well played. The band sound much more confident in the louder sections and produce a good sound.
Good opening from the start of the 2nd movement, lovely sound from the Euph. Moments of insecurity, but the balance is good and lovely Sop. Good end to this movement.
Tidy start to movement 3 and everyone trying hard to keep to the dynamics. It has a good feeling of movement and a good sound from the band when the volume is turned up. Good detail coming through and a solid ending.
Band Number 7 – Cwmtawe
Good start and stays on track with some very solid playing and good attention to the detail, lyrical and balanced, a great start.
A different opening to the 2nd movement, I think it worked well but I’m not in the box. This is a well thought out movement, great detail. Balance is key and you can hear everything.
Solid start to movement 3, some detail lost in the semi-quavers, but they are trying to stick to the markings and doing well. Some slips creep in which is a shame, it is well controlled and a good ending. Some areas for the adjudicators to decide if they liked, this could go either way, for me it was the best of the bands so far.
Band Number 6 – City of Birmingham
A mixed opening, some moments of insecurity and also some moments of great ensemble playing. Intonation is an issue in places, but overall a good sound.
A good effort in the 2nd movement to do what the score is asking for, some moments where it doesn’t quite work, but overall this is a well-played movement.
Good tempo to movement 3, controlled well by the band and good detail. The final movement is good, some good moments and a good end.
Band Number 5 – Chichester City
A lovely opening, solid and confident. This is a well-paced and well-considered opening movement, some lovely ensemble playing, we have some slips, but they don’t stop the band from producing some lovely sounds.
The 2nd movement is well controlled, some lovely solo sections and flowing so well. Lovely sound from the Principal Cornet and the band keep the volume under control.
The opening to movement 3 is also good, a little untidy in the semi quavers, but we get some good sounds and the band get together and move well later in the movement. Some untidy moments, a good ending.
Band Number 4 – Ocean
The opening feels a little slow, you hear the detail which is good, just needs a few more bpm for me. Some clean playing and good balance, feels very safe which is never a bad thing.
Lovely opening to movement 2, lovely Flugel sound, we get intonation issues creeping in, but the overall balance is good and good care taken on the phrase endings which is nice.
A clean opening to the 3rd movement, the tempo is about right, but it feels a little laboured, some slips which is a shame. This doesn’t feel so confident, it has settled down and coming across well and really picks up as we push through to the end, good Sop. Enjoyed that, well done.
Band Number 3 – Dysart Colliery
A good start, balance comes and goes, when the volume increases the confidence comes with it and we get a good full sound. Good solo sections and the movement improves as the band settle.
Nice opening to movement 2, making a real effort to keep the balance, not easy at a quiet volume. Some moments of delight, some intonation issues, never easy at the lower volume. Lovely sounding Sop and Cornet. Well done, this is a tricky movement and you played it well.
The 3rd movement took a while to settle, some good sections and the overall band sound is good, a well-balanced sound. Some moments where the band are not quite together and it feels like it is holding back a bit and then the change of tempo and the ending sounds good.
Band Number 2 – Formby
A solid opening and good balance, we get a few slips, but the style is good. A few intonation issues at the lower volume, a good sound in the louder sections. Good ending to the movement.
Lovely start to movement 2, good control, not without slips, but the balance is good, feels a little slow, but this is managed well.
Not a very clear opening to the 3rd movement, but a good tempo and a good feel, moving along nicely, lacking a little in the dynamic contrast. Style good and good drive.
Band Number 1 - Huddersfield and Ripponden
Not a very assured opening, a few slips and lost momentum as the band settle into the piece.
We get some lovely moments of balance and some lovely solo sections, but mixed with intonation issues and slips. The end of the 1st movement we get a fuller sound which is nice.
Good opening to the 2nd movement, trying so hard to keep the volume and balance and making a good job of it, some moments are lost but in the main this movement comes across well.
The 3rd movement works well, again some lovely moments. A good opening performance of the weekend.
The Draw
1. Huddersfield & Ripponden (Adam Bell)
2. Formby (Louise Hough MBE)
3. Dysart Colliery (Kenneth Letham)
4. Ocean Brass (Andy Wareham)
5. Chichester City (Alfie Hughes)
6. City of Birmingham (Saphran Ali)
7. Cwmtawe (Wayne Pedrick)
8. Lofthouse 2000 (Lee Whitworth)
9. Jayess Newbiggin (Duncan Beckley)
10. Redruth Town (David Nicholson)
11. Ratby Co-operative Mid (Gary Perrin)
12. Bradwell Silver (Brian Keech)
13. Ellington Colliery (Calum Hartwell)
14. Kilmarnock Concert (Scott Walker)
15. Olney Brass (Philip Devine)
16. Crwbin (Alex McGee)
17. Skelmersdale (Benjamin Coulson)
Section 3 final starts at 09:30
Arbroath
Bradwell Silver
Chichester City
City of Birmingham
Crwbin
Cwmtawe
Formby
Huddersfield & Ripponden
Jayess Newbiggin Band
Kilmarnock Concert
Lofthouse 2000
Ellington Colliery Band
Ocean Brass
Olney Brass
Ratby Co-operative Mid
Redruth Town
Skelmersdale
1st Section – Saturday 17th September - Trittico (JAMES CURNOW)
Adjudicators - Paul Holland, Ian Porthouse, Roger Webster
Section 1 final starts at approx. 15:30
Acceler8
Ashton-under-Lyne
Bodmin Town
Bo'ness & Carriden
Dalkeith & Monktonhall
East of England Co-op
Ebbw Valley
Gresley Colliery
Houghton Brass
Hyde
Kirkbymoorside Town
Marsden Silver
Pontardulais Town
Sandhurst Silver
Staffordshire
Stannington Brass
2nd Section – Sunday 18th September - Ghosts, Goblins, Witches and Wizards (DARROL BARRY)
Adjudicators - Brett Baker, Gary Davies, Chris King
Section 2 final starts at approx. 15:00
BD1 Brass
Bearpark & Esh Colliery
Beaumaris
Campbeltown Brass
City of Norwich
Gosport Solent Brass
Harborough
Helston Town
Meltham & Meltham Mills
Pemberton Old Wigan B
Stamford Brass
Tewit Silver
Mid Rhondda (Thomas Coaches)
Tilbury
Tullis Russell
Tyldesley
Wantage Concert Brass
3rd Section – Saturday 17th September - Sinfonietta (JOSEPH HOROVITZ)
Adjudicators - John Maines, Brian Rostron, Sandy Smith
Section 3 final starts at 09:30
Arbroath
Bradwell Silver
Chichester City
City of Birmingham
Crwbin
Cwmtawe
Formby
Huddersfield & Ripponden
Jayess Newbiggin Band
Kilmarnock Concert
Lofthouse 2000
Ellington Colliery Band
Ocean Brass
Olney Brass
Ratby Co-operative Mid
Redruth Town
Skelmersdale
4th Section - Sunday 18th September - New Beginnings (FREDERIK SCHJELDERUP)
Adjudicators - David W. Ashworth, Paul Holland, Roger Webster
Section 4 final starts at 09:30
Amington
Barnsley Metropolitan
Bideford Town Band
Brass Sounds Inverclyde
Crosskeys Silver
Dobcross Silver
Flookburgh Silver Band
Hangleton
Hemel Hempstead
Morecambe
North Lakes Brass
Oughtibridge
Rhyl Silver
Stranraer Brass
Tewkesbury Town
Trentham Brass
