ARTICLES

Besson National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain 2004

Retrospective
Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester
Saturday 3rd April, 2004

Managed by BFBB Contests Limited

One thing that has always stayed with me from my school days was an assembly talk in the final year from the Deputy-headmaster to pupils on life after school. ‘It doesn’t matter how well you do in school, never expect anyone to give you praise. You (the pupils) will have to earn any praise or respect in the future, and it won’t come easily. In addition, you’ll discover that people will want to knock you because of your age, your ability, and lack of understanding of the outside world. Right now, you will wonder why I am telling you this, but in time, hopefully you will realise it is good advice’.

Walking away from the assembly, I made a note of the deputy-head’s comments on paper, and pondered how much truth there was in what he said, but he did have a point (and it becomes apparent as you get older). It is certainly true that the youth of today are constantly knocked at every opportunity by the television, radio, the newspapers and their peers. Sometimes, the criticism is justified, but praise and good news on what the modern-day youngster does certainly don’t make news as much as they should.

A case in point was the Besson National Youth Brass Championships held at the RNCM in Manchester. On Saturday hundreds of youngsters descended on the college to provide a musical feast that deserves plenty of coverage away from the banding media. The championships had a festival atmosphere to them with everybody from players, spectators and adjudicators having an enjoyable day. The British Federation for Brass Bands’ organisation was superb, and Gary Walczak and his team deserve nothing but praise for the way the event ran.

The day was all about children and BFFB Chairman Robert Morgan was delighted to announce a partnership with the charity, ChildLine. The well-known charity is eighteen years old this year, and has launched an initiative with various musical organisations called ‘In Tune with ChildLine’, and the BFBB presented a cheque for £200. The idea is to raise money to counsel children, and the audience at the end of each section was told that it costs £32 to counsel a child. A retiring collection or any other fund raising activity can help, and if your band can help in any way, ChildLine would be grateful. Details are available from www.bfbb.co.uk or www.childline.org.uk.

The standard across the five sections was extremely high; four of the five sections having a set test piece to play along with own choice items – for some reason, the Junior Championship’s being the odd one out, but requesting that all bands include at one least original piece of music for brass band in its programme. All of the sections awarded prize money to bands coming one to three, and in addition, awarded certificates of merit - either Gold, Silver or Bronze for the quality of performance.

Not content with that, the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ was chosen in each section and for those who were selected in the Community, County & Premier Championships, they will get the chance to perform a solo at the Kibworth Proms Concert presented by the Lucknow Band of The Prince of Wales’s Division. Outside those championships, the winning soloists from the junior and school sections included £100 bursaries from the Northwest Regional Championships committee – a magnificent gesture. On many occasions, it was cases of ‘find a chair for a player’ as bands walking on stage had over forty players in their ranks. It is a cliché, but everybody involved was a ‘winner on the day’, and nobody let themselves or anyone else down.

The judges for the various contests were singing from the same hymn sheet. Banding being what it is, they had to find winners, but all of them were delighted in what they had seen and heard on the day, and in addition from comments made after the competition, they were constructive rather than critical of what they had seen and heard. The common denominators of balance, tuning, and listening (to people around you) were the key areas as well, ‘keep up the good work’.

BFBB chairman, Robert Morgan summed it up perfectly when he told the masses prior to the results, ‘We lose too many players aged fourteen, fifteen and sixteen – We really need you. Stick with it – you’re the lifeblood of banding’. Two of the most well respected men in banding (who were adjudicating) put it perfectly - ‘Share the enthusiasm, spirit and energy with adult bands’ came from Richard Evans, whilst James Scott added ‘Please take this playing into senior bands’.

Without question on the evidence of the day, and with that advice in mind, the future of banding is secure and every individual who performed on stage can be immensely proud of their achievements - and they do deserve respect and admiration from not just the banding world.

Premier Championships
Test Piece: Partita (Postcards from Home), Dr Philip Wilby & Own Choice Selection
Adjudicators: Richard Evans and James Scott

It is perhaps a little unfair to suggest that the winners of this competition would come from the bands drawn one and two, West Lothian Schools Brass and St Helens Youth. For many though, the winners were likely to come from these two bands, and what fantastic ambassadors for youth banding they are. Come results time, it was West Lothian that got the nod, but quite honestly, it was extremely difficult to split the two, and only the bands themselves would have considered the final placings to have been in different.

Prior to announcing the results, Richard Evans spoke warmly about performances ‘at the top end of the playing’ and with Nigel Boddice and Lynda Nicholson in mind, praise for ‘the direction which couldn’t have been better’. Immediately, those who had heard the band performances knew who was in the frame. For those outside the prizewinners, Richard Evans made a point to conductors about keeping control – ‘loss of control led to bands playing too loud and too fast’. Richard’s judging partner, James Scott made the point that debate is rife about wahat adjudicators are looking for nowadays. ‘It’s simple… its in the score”. In addition, James Scott also applauded the bands for their efforts and singled out some great musical playing from the top two or three bands.

West Lothian took the stage first and performed Wilby’s ‘Partita’ with great maturity that it was hard to believe that they (and other competing bands) were a youth band. Wilby’s music is a difficult test, but it was well within this bands’ capabilities. Composed for the Rotherham Youth Band, MD Nigel Boddice and the band were at home with the music. The overall sound of the band was superb with some terrific solo playing around the stands. The second movement features the popular ‘Lord of the Dance’ as its theme, and this was simply excellent. The music was allowed to breath and flow, and some of the ensemble playing was unbelievable. On occasions though, the melody line was lost in the acoustic of the hall, but it didn’t detract from a great show.

To follow that, West Lothian chose Peter Graham’s ‘Shine as the Light’ for its second piece. Once again, the sound of the band was terrific; balanced, a great sound that was controlled, and again, ensemble playing that was just something else. This was the band that would be the benchmark for everybody else to follow. Caroline Munro on Solo Cornet player had a great day and was awarded the best instrumentalist of the competition.

A case of take-two when St Helens Youth Band and Lynda Nicholson took to the stage. Apart from the set test piece, St Helens also chose to play Shine as the Light. Overall, St Helens had a touch more clarity of sound for us in its overall performance. Some great playing, with the MD bringing the best out of her troops. Once again, the second movement from Partita, stood out, (the best of the day). When it came to ‘Shine as the Light’, it was a case of ‘anything West Lothian can do, St Helens will match’. The detail coming out of the music from Lynda Nicholson was superb, and above anything else, the smile on her face came across to the players. Lynda’s energy certainly worked, and when runners-up and winners were announced, if West Lothian had come out second and St Helens first, only the two bands would have grumbled about the result. Elsewhere, it was nick-picking of the smallest details and the preference of Richard Evans and James Scott.

You almost felt sorry for Rochdale Youth and Eric Landon when they took to the stage. This is a great ensemble, and they are another band of huge acclaim, having won numerous entertainment contests, but they had to follow two outstanding bands, which had just played at the top of their game. In isolation, the quality of music on offer in both Partita and in the band's own choice, ‘Sword, Jewell & Mirror’ by Philip Harper was once again superb. The problem was it was a competition, and Richard Evans and James Scott had to find a top three and on the day other bands put in performances that merited being placed above them, but they can be proud of their performance here.

Hampshire County Youth were another band who had travelled a fair distance to compete in this competition. Once again, this was another group who demonstrated that banding is in good hands in its county, and that can compete with anybody. For its own choice, the band chose Music for a Festival by Philip Sparke, and certainly the band excelled with this piece more than the set work. The band was one of three awarded a Silver Certificate of Merit for their efforts.

Newport Music Centre under A F Williams had the largest group of players on show with sixty-six. The quality of performance overall was the nearest thing that would remove West Lothian or St Helens from the top two positions. For their own choice, the band chose ‘Vivat Regina’ and it was absorbing stuff from start to finish. The overall sound didn’t suffer from such numbers on stage and credit most go the MD for this. Summarising at the close, Richard Evans said that both he and James Scott had had a ‘wonderful treat’ with performances of ‘great maturity’ and this was another band that made a huge impression on those in attendance. Overall they came third and deserved the Gold Certificate of Merit. On the day, they demonstrated that banding in the Welsh Valleys is thriving.

Northampton County Youth were awarded a Silver Certificate of Merit. Along with Partita, the band performed music from Peter Graham’s ‘Windows of the World’ for its challenge, and individually it was another commendable performance, with some neat playing from the soloists and some rounded ensemble sounds.

Stockport Schools were drawn fourth in the competition on the day, and went away with a Bronze Certificate. The band won the ‘Community Section’ in 2003 and they found the step up in grade, although a large one, a step they managed well. Not quite the maturity of sound of the others on the day, but that will come in the next 12 months for sure.

Test Piece: A Cambrian Suite, Michael Ball and Own Choice Selection
Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent & Barry Thompson

Chris Wormald had a fantastic day on Saturday. Not only did Smithills Brass take the Community Championships in grand style, but his beloved Manchester United had beaten at Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final at lunchtime. The pre-draw meant the band wouldn’t play before 5.30pm, so a chance to watch the game, and then a rehearsal before going on to the RNCM. Whilst Chris (and every other Manchester United fan) must have had few less fingernails come full time, he needn’t have worried about his band, who produced a performance that would have graced the Premier Championships without any problems.

The band top-and-tailed its programme with Hymn to the Fallen and Mahler’s Chorale from Symphony Number 3. The ‘meat in the sandwich’ though was the test piece, A Cambrian Suite, and what a superb sound throughout - it really was in a class of its own. A number of Smithills School Band also play with Bolton Youth and so no disruption was created within Smithills Brass as Chris enlisted the help of some of his young players at Hoover Band in Bolton. The one thing that always comes across when you see Chris Wormald and Smithills together is enjoyment. In March the band completed a ten-hour sponsored-rehearsal to raise money and a CD is planned later in the year, to acknowledge that the band has won a National title every year since 1994.

JAG Mount Charles Youth rounded off a great week for the band. Following the senior band’s success at Torquay, seven days earlier, the youth band did themselves proud by coming second, and picking up a Gold Certificate of Merit. The band were hopeful of being featured on Carlton TV to acknowledge the band’s achievement, and they really did put on a good show with music from Carmina Burana, the march, New Colonial, and as well as the test piece, finished off with ‘The Gael’.

Lions Youth were the last band to play in the section and they were the third band to be awarded a Gold Certificate in honour of their third place.

Apologies for not being able to report on the other bands in this section as we were unable to be in two places at the same time.

County Championships

Test Piece: A English Suite, Michael Ball and Own Choice Selection
Adjudicators: Dennis Masters and Goff Richards.

Prior to the Premier Championships taking place, five bands did battle in the County Championships, and West Glamorgan Youth were head and shoulders above their competitors on the day, taking home the only ‘Gold Certificate of Merit’ awarded in the section. The band’s winning programme was ‘Fanfare & Flourishes’ (James Curnow), ‘Autumn Leaves’ that featured trombone soloist, Paul Jenkins, who plays for BAYV Cory and who picked up the best instrumentalist prize, and music from ‘Batman the Movie’, and the set work, ‘A English Suite’ by Michael Ball. The quality of the bands overall performance was excellent with no fear of the music and a good overall sound, whilst Mr Jenkins is a name to look out for in the future.

Carmarthenshire Senior Band & Oldham Music Centre were announced as second and third respectively, and both awarded a Silver Certificate of Merit. Carmarthenshire reinforced the point again that the future of banding in Wales is strong with a good all round show and Martyn Evans directed an enjoyable programme from Oldham, with the test piece in particular standing out as being very classy.

In his comments at the end of the competition, Goff Richards commented that he and Dennis Masters were in complete agreement about the winners with the best being ‘very good’, but with some variable playing throughout many of the others on the day. Goff mentioned ‘balance’ and ‘listening’ as pointers for the future, but they were impressed as were those in attendance in the hall at what they had heard.

The youth bands from Bolton and Worcester will have both gained experience from the event. Despite being awarded Bronze Certificates, neither band let themselves down with a number of fine players scatted through the ranks. They both seemed to be younger bands than their rivals – although it is hard to tell with many kids nowadays, so the future looks bright in both areas.

Junior Championships

Own Choice Test Piece and inclusion of at least original work for Brass Band
Adjudicators: Richard Evans & James Scott

Nine bands battle early on Saturday morning with five Gold Certificates of Merit being awarded. That alone gives you an idea of the standard of playing on offer, and once again, Richard Evans was full of praise with the top two bands being ‘an absolute knockout’. Those two bands were Cambourne Youth under Alan Pope and Valley Youth Haydock (David Chadwick). In addition, Richard Evans commented that the winners ‘Did all the basics right’ and he took the trouble to explain the importance of ‘not moving onto the next phrase till you’ve finished the current one’. James Scott made the point that by ‘listening to one another, can cure ensemble faults’ as well as speaking of his enjoyment of the overall standard of the competition.

Cambourne’s long journey was certainly well worth it with an enjoyable and entertaining programme. The opening movement of Lydian Pictures, Elegy from the RAF March was matched by film music from Backdraught and Mamba Samba.

Valley Youth Haydock preceded Cambourne on stage and once again showed what a good band they are. They competed at the area in Blackpool and were unfortunate to have finished eighth from a large number of entries. The band used the ‘Intrada’ from the regional test, Partita, as well as Share My Yoke, David of the White Rock, the Alan Morrison composition, Buster Strikes Back and The Battle. Second place tasted even sweeter with the news that euphonium player, Danny Weldon had been named the best instrumentalist in the section.

Dobcross Youth were drawn number one and the Saddleworth-based band put on a great show, and will consider themselves unfortunate to have come third overall. The regional test piece, ‘Partita’ was in evidence along with the march, ‘Sure and Steady’

In addition to its Gold Certificate, Sellers International Youth Band led by Seller’s Principal Euphonium player, Mark Bouise, took home the John Iles Cup for the ‘Most Promising Band in the Section’’. Without doubt, this young band was impressive throughout with a programme that included ‘The Battle’, the march, ‘Castel Coch’, Evelyn Glennie’s ‘Little Prayer’ and concluded with ‘Adventures in Brass’.

The final Gold Certificate went to Wardle High School and Jonathan Peacock for an entertaining programme that included ‘The Irish Blessing’, ‘Music for Greenwich’ by Edward Gregson and the march ‘Star Lake’.

The Silver Awards went to Fulbourn & Trevorsham RBL and Stockport Schools Intermediate, whilst Ratby Co-op Youth & Worcester City Brass picked up Bronze Certificates.

Schools Championships

Test Piece: Haslemere Suite (Movements 1, 3 & 4), Peter Graham & Own Choice Selection
Adjudicators: Dr Roy Newsome & Geoffrey Whitham

Five bands got the day’s contesting up and running with Wardle High Youth and Stuart Marshall taking the £350 first prize. Whilst Egglescliffe Schools Brass & Abraham Darby Brass were placed second and third respectively (and both taking Gold Certificates), it was Wardle who were the clear winners in this section.

As they walked on stage, the players just kept coming and coming, and as with other competitors on the day, ‘strength in depth’ paid dividends. The winning programme included ‘St Louis Blues’, ‘Cartoon Classics ’ and the hymn tune ‘How Great Thou Art’. Here, the audience was treated to the sound of Principal Cornet player, Nick Jackson, who was worthy of the best instrumentalist prize. The Haslemere Suite by Peter Graham was certainly to the bands liking with a nice clarity of sound throughout.

In his post-competition comments, Dr Roy Newsome was the first judge to say how well himself (and Geoffrey Whitham) had been entertained, but mentioned the importance of ‘listening’ as well as the problem that is ‘always with us’ – ‘tuning and intonation’. The comments were relevant to all five bands, but Dr Newsome’s comments on ‘balance and the accompaniment being restrained’ was certainly pertinent to Townley High & Glossopdale Community College, both of whom were the other competing bands in this section.

Malcolm Wood
Copyright 4BR

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