As had been the case in Blackpool and Huddersfield the previous weekends, Dean Goffin's 'Rhapsody in Brass' provided the competing bands in Durham with the sternest test of their contesting credentials.

And as such, it was little wonder that the adjudicators Leigh Baker and Richard Marshall rewarded those, who in their opinion, had first controlled the basics of their contest performance, with a trip to Cheltenham.

Clear and forthright

Both judges were clear and forthright in their opinions about what they had heard, with Leigh's detailed analysis leaving no-one in doubt to what had separated out the best from the rest on the day.

That had come from the outset — and the very first rendition of the Durham weekend provided by Ashington Colliery directed by David Kendall.

It was certainly was one of two rhythmically controlled performances that according to the men in the box had given them the right tempos, note placements, tuning and balances they felt were the basic requirements on which to build a winning rendition.

And as Leigh pointed out as if to further emphasise his points to the audience: "We heard everything, so there was no hiding place."

Admirable

For Ashington their return to the National Final for the first time since 2010 came courtesy of an admirably 'neutral' reading from MD and ex-Greggs Bakery Band cornet David Kendall.

It was one which ensured those basic building blocks were firmly put in place before anything else 'Rhapsodic' in interpretation was balanced upon them.

With careful control of dynamics and tempo, it was steady, considered and calculated, on a day when some other MDs somewhat neglected the basics in favour rather more malleable interpretations. The excellent contribution of soprano player Dick Stacy, especially in the closing moments of the second movement ensured he deservedly took home the 'Best Soprano' prize.

Third year running

Joining them in Cheltenham will be Houghton Brass — although for them it will be for the third year running.

Following directly on from Ashington, it gave the judges an immediate opportunity to compare and contrast their MDs similar approaches, and it was perhaps only some more noticeable frailties in the middle movement that cost them the title. However, the superb tonality of their tuba team (taking the 'Best Basses' award) and the refined approach to the outer movements saw them through.

Missing out

Just missing out was the emerging J36 Brass under Andrew Warriner, who after three victories and a second place from their first four contests entered, were many people's pre-contest favourites.

Surprisingly however they never quite settled from the outset, and despite a fine personal contribution from 'Best Euphonium' Gary Williams, they had to be content on this occasion, with third place.

Spirited

Behind them, according to the judges, came a series of increasingly inconsistent performances — led by a spirited Durham Miners Association, who just piped the youthful enthusiasm of NASUWT Concert Brass and East Riding of Yorkshire. And whilst both Bearpark & Esh Colliery and Ellington Colliery rather struggled on this occasion, playing such a wonderful piece of music will surely have benefitted their long term development.

As for the top two bands? Two experienced MDs using their musical knowledge and contest-day know-how proved good enough to book their places at Cheltenham thanks to their MDs skills and talents that will surely come in handy if they are faced there by another such demanding set-work.

And as Leigh pointed out as if to further emphasise his points to the audience: "We heard everything, so there was no hiding place"4BR

Results:

Second Section:

Test Piece: 'Rhapsody in Brass' — (Dean Goffin)
Adjudicators: Leigh Baker and Richard Marshall

1. Ashington Colliery (David Kendall)*
2. Houghton Brass (Tom Gibson)*
3. J36 Brass (Andrew Warriner)
4. Durham Miners Association (Stuart Gray)
5. NASUWT Concert Brass (John Bell)
6. East Riding of Yorkshire Band (Gary Hallas)
7. Bearpark & Esh Colliery (Peter Elcoat)
8. Ellington Colliery (Jonathon Fenwick)

Awards:
Best Euphonium: Gary Williams (J36)
Best Soprano: Dick Stacey (Ashington)
Best Basses: Houghton Brass

*Top two bands qualify for National Final at Cheltenham