Something of a new chapter in brass band contesting was opened in Milton Keynes last weekend with a new competition organised by former Redbridge Musical Director Jeremy Wise.

Using the excellent facilities provided by the Stantonbury Theatre, the relaxed approach to traditional registration rules and a welcome Corinthian spirit of competitiveness from the bands taking part gave rise to an enjoyable contesting day.

Rare sight

It was one that even saw the rare sight of players taking a break from their usual post performance bar-room hideaway to go into the auditorium and listen to rivals perform.

The more informal approach did not dilute the quality of the playing on show for the judges though, with a number of quality programme sets on show in both sections.

Redbridge victory

It was Redbridge Brass that led the way in the Open Section event, notching up their first contest victory since 2011.

Directed by Alan Duguid, they produced a well structured performance of the march, ‘The Australasian’, followed by the excellently delivered euphonium solo ‘Valflikans Dans’, played by Lisa Brill, and their own choice test piece selection of Edward Gregson’s ‘Of Men and Mountains’.

With an innovative points scoring allowing judges Chris Thomas and Helen Williams the opportunity to give more percentage weight to the major own choice work, it enabled the former Bultins Champions to repel the keen challenge of runner-up Co-operative Funeralcare North West, with old local foes Aveley & Newham in third.

Impressive standard

“The overall standard was impressive,” Chris Thomas later told 4BR. “The system enabled us to ensure that it was the test piece selection that held the importance in the overall result, without ignoring the playing of the other chosen pieces.”

Chris also added that it was also good to hear bands choose own choice selections that were within their overall capabilities. “There were a couple of exceptions,” he added. “But the choices of the top three in particular were well made by their MDs. That was good to hear.”

He added: “It was Redbridge’s overall quality that gave them the edge on the day, but there was much to enjoy and commend about Co-op’s ‘St Magnus’ and Aveley’s ‘English Heritage’ alongside their opening and solo items.”

Redbridge pleased

No wonder them that Redbridge felt that their participation in a new contest had been well worthwhile, despite not winning a penny in prize money.

“It was an excellent event, well run and organised,” Redbridge Secretary Don Logie told 4BR.

“It was also good to see that bands entered into the ethos of Jeremy’s idea and that there was no unwarranted ‘deps’ pulled in to boost chances. I hope he decides to carry on with it again.”

He added: “It proved to be a great contest for us. We have waited quite a while now for a top flight victory, but after a period of rebuilding we seem to be getting back to where we believe we belong.

This wins gives us a great boost ahead of a busy Christmas period and an important early 2015 season.”

Favourite Things

With Co-operative Funeralcare North West producing an up tempo opening with ‘Valero’ and a ‘Best Soloist’ contribution of ‘My Favourite Things’ by euphonium soloist, Emily Braverman, it proved to be a close battle for first place, whilst Aveley & Newham’s choice of the march ‘Able’ and the finale of the Strauss Horn Concerto also impressed.

Just behind them came solid accounts Enderby, Foresters and Spal Automotive Sovereign Brass to fill the top six places.

Much to enjoy in Section B

In the Section B event there was also much for the judges, John Ward and Nicholas Garmen to enjoy, with an ‘outstanding’ winning performance of ‘Dimensions’ from Olney Brass leading the way.

“It was excellent,” John Ward told 4BR. “They really produced a performance of controlled quality from start to finish. It was outstanding, well directed and dynamically coherent.”

Solid efforts

It gave the band their first victory under recently appointed MD Guy Bennett, in what was only their second contest appearance of the year.

Solidly produced efforts from Epping Forest with ‘The Bandsmen’s Challenge’ and Melton Band with ‘Variations on Laudate Dominum’ filled the podium places, but there were also fine performances to note all the way down the results list.

Encouraging

Despite the hard work organising the event, Jeremy Wise was delighted by the outcome of a day where the friendly atmosphere of competition was especially encouraging.

“I’m tired but pleased,” he confessed. “It has taken a huge amount of organising, but thanks to a great deal of help I think it worked out well.

I’m grateful for the sponsors such as The Clinical Trial Company who helped with the awards, to my wife for her expertise and to the bands who entered into the spirit of the contest.

We had 25 bands apply and 20 took to the stage, very little duplication of music and a great atmosphere. Players were given free tickets, the MDs ensured that their bands entered into the ethos of the contest, the day ended just 2 minutes over time — and we managed to cover all our costs.

It shows that working together a contest such as this has a great future — although I need to enjoy a serious rest before thinking about it again for next year.”

It was Redbridge’s overall quality that gave them the edge on the day, but there was much to enjoy and commend about Co-op’s ‘St Magnus’ and Aveley’s ‘English Heritage’ alongside their opening and solo itemsChris Thomas

Results:

Section A:
Adjudicators: Helen Williams & Christopher Thomas

1. Redbridge Brass (Alan Duguid)
2. Co-operative Funeralcare North West (Jef Sparkes)
3. Aveley & Newham (John Ward)
4. Enderby (Simon Jones)
5. Foresters (Peter Collins)
6. Spal Automotive Sovereign Brass (David Maplestone)
7. Staines Brass (Jonathan Pippen)
8. Medway (Melvin White)
9. Ipswich & Norwich Co-op (Robin Norman)
10. Bedford Town (Steve Phillips)
11. Regent Brass (Paul Archibald)
12. MK Brass (Craig Patterson)

Bes Soloist: Emily Braverman (Co-operative Funeralcare North West)

Section B:
Adjudicators: John Ward & Nicholas Garman

1. Olney Brass (Guy Bennett)
2. Epping Forest Band (Keith Schroeter)
3. Melton Band (Graham Sutton)
4. Dronfield Genquip Band (David Holling)
5. Burbage Silver (Christopher Small)
6. Coventry Festival (Chris Banks)
7. Towcester Studio (Shaun Humphries)
8. Royston Town Band (Steve Earley)