A proud Englishman led the delighted Scots of Newtongrange to the Senior Trophy title in Blackpool on the weekend, as Eric Ball’s ‘Journey into Freedom’ provided a fine test of musicianship in the colourful surroundings of the Spanish Hall.

Less exotic virtues

However, it was the less exotic virtues of secure technique, well chosen tempos, balanced dynamics and an appreciation of purpose rather than forceful aggression that saw the Scottish First Section champion claim victory under the direction of MD, Lee Skipsey.

In the process it also sent them one step closer on their personal contesting journey towards the British Open.

Step closer

They will be joined in the Senior Cup in 2014 by Northern Ireland’s Laganvale (Metal Technology), and the English duo of Camborne and East London Brass.

The in-form pairing of Drighlington and Sovereign Brass just missed out on promotion in coming fifth and sixth respectively, whilst the remaining top 10 places in an entertaining contest were filled by Friary Guildford, St Dennis, Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) and Oldham (Lees).

At the other end of the results table, Hade Edge, Meltham & Meltham Mills, Wantage Silver A, Pontardulais, Hatfield Colliery and City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) will wait to see if they gain an invitation back next year.

High standard

Adjudicator’s Lynda Nicholson and Simone Rebello stated they were impressed by the ‘high standard’ of the 20 bands that tackled Eric Ball’s iconic work.

However, Lynda told the audience before the announcement of the results that despite its age, ‘Journey into Freedom’ was still a ‘real test’, with many bands struggling to find coherent tempos, correct dynamics and internal ensemble balances.

She also noted that a number of MDs failed to appreciate the rather lively acoustic of the Spanish Hall, with the result that some interpretations bordered on being far too aggressive.

Control

That certainly wasn’t the case with the winners, as Lee Skipsey deliberately emphasised controlled dynamic and tempo contrasts to lead Newtongrange to victory.

"It’s such a wonderful piece to work on," he later told 4BR.

"I felt we just had to take the edge off the louder dynamics and the quicker tempos to show the clarity in the score. That enabled me to bring out the darker qualities of the music and the contrasting styles of each of the sections without losing the detail."

No U turn

His respect for the music and the composer also meant that for once he didn’t round off his band’s performance with his trademark 180 degree turn to face the applauding audience.

"I think there is a time and place for that," he laughed, "...and perhaps the end of ‘Journey into Freedom’ isn’t one of them, as it’s such wonderful, engrossing music."

The conductor also took time to thank Newtongrange for taking him on in the newly appointed role of professional Musical Director.

"It’s a great way to start what I hope will be a successful partnership,” he added. “They are such a great bunch to work with and we now have the First Section National Finals in Cheltenham to look forward to."

Northern Irish smiles

The long return journey homes was certainly made more enjoyable for Laganvale (Metal Technology) after conductor Trevor Carter as he got his hands on the North West Counties BBA Trophy after leading the Northern Irish band into second place.

It also meant that they came within a whisker of repeating their 1954 victory at this contest, thanks in no small part to the contribution of their outstanding principal cornet Dessie Neill who claimed the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ award.

Long trip

Meanwhile, the equally long trip home down the M6 was also made less arduous for Camborne, as John Berryman used all his years of experience both playing and conducting Eric Ball’s music to lead the Cornish band into third place.

There was also delight for East London Brass who continued to show plenty of evidence of their top flight development by claiming the final promotion sport under the direction of Jayne Murrill.

I felt we just had to take the edge off the louder dynamics and the quicker tempos to show the clarity in the scoreNewtongrange MD, Lee Skipsey

Results:

Senior Trophy:

Test Piece: Journey into Freedom (Eric Ball)
Spanish Hall

Adjudicators: Lynda Nicholson & Simone Rebello

1. Newtongrange (Lee Skipsey)*
2. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Trevor Carter)*
3. Camborne (John Berryman)*
4. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)*
5. Drighlington (Jim Davies)
6. Sovereign Brass (David Maplestone)
7. Friary Guildford (Chris King)
8. St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
9. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (John Ward)
10. Oldham Lees (Russell Gray)
11. Dalmellington (Archie Hutchison)
12. Unison Kinneil (Craig Anderson)
13. Easington Colliery (Chris Bentham)
14. Longridge (Mark Peacock)
15. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Gareth Ritter)
16. Hatfield Colliery (Stan Lippeatt)
17. Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins)
18. Wantage Silver A (Phillip Bailey)
19. Meltham & Meltham Mills (Norman Law)
20. Hade Edge (Simon Wood)

Best instrumentalist: Dessie Neill (cornet) — Laganvale (Metal Technology)

*Promoted to Senior Cup