Section 2

Saturday 17, 17:25:59

Prize Winners from Section Two

The new Champions

A happy regional secretary

Happiness is!

City of Bristol take second place

Best instrumentalists — The perc. team from City of Bristol

Boarhurst come third

Haydock fourth

Sidmouth claim fifth

Cawston take the sixth prize

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 16:04:46

Champions!

A delighted Stannington Band celebrating their win.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 15:04:03

Results: Second Section

Test Piece: Images for Brass (Stephen Bulla)
Adjudicators: Alan Fernie and Steve Sykes

1. Stannington (Derek Renshaw)
2. City of Bristol (Bryn James)
3. Boarshurst Silver (James Garlick)
4. Haydock (Mark Quinn)
5. Sidmouth Town (Adrian Harvey)
6. Cawston (Leigh Sharpe)
7. Ibstock Brick Brass (Simon Willis)
8. Dunaskin Doon (Chris Bradley)
9. St Sebastian Wokingham (Lee Woodward)
10. Thomas Coaches Mid Rhonnda (Alan Gibbs)
11. Deiniolen (Lois Eifion Jones)
12. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman)
13.Old Silkstone (Sam Fisher)
14. Glossop Old (Les Webb)
15. Cheshire Constabulary (David Wollam)
16. Houghton Brass (Tom Gibson)

Best Instrumentalist: Percussion Section (City of Bristol)

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 14:13:45

Malcolm Wood's final round up and prediction:

What a very enjoyable contest we have had, helped by a terrific test-piece that tested and stretched the bands.

The challenge of linking all of the movements in a consistent and confident manner proved problematic for some, but the cream certainly rose to the top.

It may not be the easiest of contests to judge though for Alan Fernie and Steve Sykes as the majority of bands could certainly play the piece.

It's a tight scrap at the top with City of Bristol, Glossop Old and Sidmouth vying for the title for us, with Boarshurst, Thomas Coaches Mid-Rhonnda and Houghton Brass vying with Stannington for the top-six places.

4BR Prediction:

1. City of Bristol
2. Glossop Old
3. Sidmouth
4. Boarshurst Silver
5. Thomas Coaches Mid-Rhondda
6. Houghton Brass

Dark Horse: Stannington

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 14:11:32

Pre-results interlude

We now have a short concert given by the great John Wallace CBE and The Wallace Collection for about 20 minutes before the announcement of the results.

We will then bring you the results and images of the first 2016 National champions of the weekend.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 13:48:27

16. Stannington

Conductor: Derek Renshaw
Region: Yorkshire

Performance:

Stannington brings the contest to a close with a robust rendition of 'Images for Brass'. There is no stone left unturned and the MD asks nothing of his players that they can't give him.

It needs a touch less on the dynamic at times though (personal taste) but there is lots to appreciate and admire from a reading that could just be a little dark horse today. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
Not flawless, but very impressive and purposeful that pretty much came off from start to finish.

Star player:
Principal cornet Richard Dowling was rock solid — the perfect leader.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 13:33:22

15. Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda

Conductor: Alan Gibbs
Region: Wales

Performance:

A no nonsense approach from the Welsh outfit certainly bodes well from the opening bars. There is a confident and musical purpose about this.

The quality playing continues. There is the odd musical glitch, but its brushed aside without worrying, and all of the lines are vivid and delivered with intent.

More quality on display and a fine controlled close. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
One to ponder and a contender to finish in the mix perhaps?

Star player:
Rob Burnett on euphonium once agin rolled back the years with his playing.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 13:18:46

14. St Sebastian Wokingham

Conductor: Lee Woodward
Region: London & Southern Counties

Performance:

It's a cautious opening that takes rather longer than expected to settle before the musical lines appear with clarity.

The good playing is evident, but there are some blemishes as we progress that take an impact on confidence. Full marks for the commitment on display here — it's vibrant playing.

Again there is unease around the stand which is a real pity, as the piece isn't beyond them. They've just had a few too many lapses today. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
An inconsistent one that just didn't come to fruition. Had its moments good and not so good.

Star player:
The percussion section made an excellent impression and blended in well adding colour texture throughout.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 13:01:40

13. City of Bristol

Conductor: Bryn James
Region: West of England

Performance:

There's confidence and belief within the ranks of the Bristolian outfit who start really positively with clear musical lines and direction.

Not all of the detail comes through, but it never impacts on the players or ensemble as they are tiny blemishes. The confidence on stage is maintained though and there is some excellent playing on display here.

There's lots of quality stuff as it closes. Very enjoyable and excellent playing. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
The best performance since the comfort break for us and a new leader?

Star player:
All of them — no individuals, just a fine all round effort to deliver that show. A stamp of quality.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 12:44:46

12. Cheshire Constabulary:

Conductor: David Woollam
Region: North West

Performance:

The ladies and gents of the Police force certainly enjoy their final appearance. Relaxed and sounding at ease, the ensemble certainly means that they give it their all throughout an engaging account.

It was bold, but perhaps needed a little less at times in the dynamics whilst the tempo's stretched them a little bit too. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
One that perhaps disappointed and could have offered more, but didn't quite happen.

Star player:
Sarah Raisbeck on flugel horn added subtle colour and texture when required and also added a confident solo voice.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 12:42:47

Mute droppers

Lots of bands are dropping clangers of the non musical kind today — and it does detract from some fine performances.

Sweaty hands and nerves mean mutes are being fumbled like bars of soap — and the clang they make sounds like an old rusty school bell. Be careful — or you will get a death stare look from the MD for certain!

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 12:31:18

11. Cawston

Conductor: Leigh Sharpe
Region: London & Southern Counties

Performance:

It's the turn of the first London & Southern Counties of the contesting weekend in Cawston. The ensemble starts with positive musical purpose although not everything clicks into place as they would like.

The overall picture being painted and flow of the music isn't bad, but it just needs a lighter touch at times.

The notes certainly go in as we head for home, but it just needs a touch less on the throttle — a classic case of too much contest adrenaline. [Malcom Wood]

Overall:
One that certainly had purpose and potential, but didn't come off for them in the way they would have liked.

Star player:
The tuba team provided a great foundation.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 12:14:02

10. Dunaskin Doon

Conductor: Chris Bradley
Region: Scotland

Performance:

The second Scottish band to take to the stage from North of the border commences their offering with hints of caution and hesitancy and they take a while to settle down.

When the ensemble settles, good musical lines are heard, but there remains caution and uncertainties that impact as the piece moves along.

The frustrations will be there though for the band as they deliver some good playing, blighted with musical gremlins. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
Too inconsistent to be a contender today. Pity, they could play it.

Star player:
A tricky one but we'll go with the soprano player Lynn Cochrane — nice to hear a lovely sweet tone and good tuning.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 11:54:30

9. Sidmouth Town:

Conductor: Adrian Harvey
Region: West of England

Performance:

The West of England contender recommences the contest in a very confident manner.

We hear some bold, confident sounds and well judged tempos, although there are some tricky corners to negotiate along the way too.

It's steady and cautious in places and it could do with a little more flow, but there is some good playing on display. All on stage seem more relaxed now and they close so confidently. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
One of those performances that grew in stature as it went along, ending confidentially. May one to consider

Star player:
Fiona Harvey on solo cornet, laid the foundations for her own and her band's performance with every super entry.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 11:44:38

Malcolm Wood's halfway point opinion:

Halfway thoughts

The first thing to say is that 'Images for Brass' is proving to be an excellent choice by the music panel. Stephen Bulla's emotive composition is certainly an enjoyable piece to listen to but its also neatly pitched within the band's capabilities.

Some bands have not quite risen to the task and will perhaps be kicking themselves, but not much in it between Glossop Old, Boarshurst Silver and Houghton Brass. All to play for though with eight to go.

4BR Prediction:

1. Glossop Old
2. Boarshurst Silver
3. Houghton Brass

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 11:25:36

8. Houghton

Conductor: Tom Gibson
Region: North of England

Performance:

The North of England challenger, (and 2015 Third Section National Champion) starts off their bid for back-to-back titles in a confident manner and with some compact and tidy playing.

Not everything flows with freedom as it could do, but there's warmth and passion coming through the musical veins on stage.

Touches of edginess remain but there is plenty of quality on display and they close very well indeed. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
Now then, now then, what a decent show that was. A few tricky bits but very solid stuff

Star player:
Jamie Briggs on euphonium was a lovely point of musical focus. A real touch of understated class that.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 11:09:55

7. Boarshurst Silver

Conductor: James Garlick
Region: North West

Performance:

North West contender Boarshurst opens with confidence, and whilst there is the odd foible there is a lot to appreciate from their performance early on.

Former Brighouse man James Garlick is getting his ensemble to pull out the stops here. The music has a nice flow to it and the dynamic contrasts are well judged.

We hear more fine controlled playing from the ensemble and soloists. This is good stuff. The odd gremlin still gets in the musical spokes but it doesn't put them off at all. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
Bravo, another really good show and one that could well stick in the minds of Alan Fernie & Steve Sykes

Star player:
The classy duo of Neil Booth on cornet and Richard Wooding on euph were so neat and compact throughout.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 11:02:52

Basic image work is proving a test

There is a fine balance between the technical and musical here with Stephen Bulla's test-piece — deceptively so in places.

The simple hymn tune 'Melita' asks for nothing more than the appreciation of line and shape — but what a little test it is. So much to enjoy here — and the bands are all giving it a go. On a different note we like the little unintended motif from 'Jurassic Park' and the hints of Bernstein's 'West Side Story'.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 10:55:40

6. Glossop Old

Conductor: Les Webb
Region: North West

Performance:

The Midland contender from the Derbyshire hills starts out their challenge with real musical authority. Good stuff — a very good start indeed. Confident and well managed from the middle by ex Fairey's man, Les Webb.

We are hearing more quality playing from around the stand. The MD is allowing his players to play with musical freedom and its coming off for them.

Bulla's 'Images' is sounding totally different from anything we have heard so far today. Very impressive playing, clean, slick and precise. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
A very fine show indeed and a contender for sure.

Star player:
All of them — a great all round solid team effort that.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 10:34:00

5. Coalburn

Conductor: Gareth Bowman
Region: Scotland

Performance:

There is a determined approach to how the music should flow from the middle, but it doesn't always gel together as tightly as it could do.

It's a well constructed 'Images' from the middle, but there are those frustrating little niggles getting in the way that are taking the polish off.

This is more like it, confident composed and articulate. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
The Scottish outfit gave it their all, but it just had too many flaws within it today.

Star player:
Gordon Miller on baritone was a real trooper there — great blended playing throughout. Classy.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 10:18:35

4. Deiniolen

Conductor: Lois Efion
Region: Wales

Performance:

Not the most comfortable of starts from the North Walians and it does take time to settle — which is a real pity. There are just a few too many inconsistencies within the ensemble to really make a big impression here. It's a shame because the piece is within their musical grasp.

Confidence has grown within the ensemble as they've gone along, but there are still too many gremlins in the music to make a real impact. The final section is well paced and judged though. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
One that just didn't come off for the band today, too many blemishes took the sheen off.

Star player:
Dylan Williams on solo cornet was determined from the off — and was a cracking leader.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 10:13:16

Powerful musical Images make their mark

Stephen Bulla's test-piece is a compact but powerful piece of musical imagery — from the opening Prologue and apprehensive Approach by Sea to the Chorale Prayer and final, climactic Engagement.

It is a fine test of both basics and interpretative skills at this level

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 10:01:15

3. Haydock

Conductor: Mark Quinn
Region: North West

Performance:

The North West contender commences confidently with excellent details and sounds. Bulla's piece is being portrayed in a thoughtful musical way and there is plenty to appreciate. Nothing is being overdone dynamically at all.

The ensemble players and soloists blend in together very well. The musical intentions of the MD are being responded to by the players.

It's not without flaws but once more there's no shortage of confidence on display to close. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
That was so effectively delivered by Haydock.. Perhaps the marker the judges want?

Star player:
Karen Unsworth on euphonium really made her presence felt throughout with such a classy contribution.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 09:48:47

2. Old Silkstone

Conductor: Sam Fisher
Region: Yorkshire

Performance:

The Yorkshire outfit starts its bid for the National title in a very committed and passionate manner. The detail and style can be heard and there is a good flow and overall feel to the musical picture being portrayed.

The confident start continues. This is a performance that whilst not bang on the button has a lot to admire and appreciate. The detail within the score can be heard and whilst there are a few moments of unease this is a very confident reading from the middle, with the players responding to the MDs direction.

As throughout the performance, the levels of confidence that have been in evidence from the start remain right to the end. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
A very confident reading that had lots to appreciate and admire. Full of Yorkshire grit and determination.

Star player:
Leisa Mallalieu-Ingman on solo cornet was such a high quality lead — both in ensemble and as a soloist.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 09:45:37

Flags of our Fathers

The raising of the flag on Iwo Jima marked the beginning of the end of the terrible conflict — and inspired Steven Bulla's fine test piece

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 09:33:08

1. Ibstock Brick Brass

Conductor: Simon Willis
Region: Midlands

Performance:

It's a nice composed opening although there is just a hint of nervous caution — but settles well. There is some fine playing going on around the stand here. This is now confident, bold stuff from number one.

MD, Simon Willis is bringing out some effective ensemble sounds and we hear the hymn 'O God our help in ages past' being played effectively.

More assertive, confident playing from the Midland contender as we head for the close. Lots of drama and drive, effective percussion and tempos that don't stretch them beyond their musical limitations. [Malcolm Wood]

Overall:
Not a bad marker off number one at all. It did have a feel of nothing to lose, everything to gain about it.

Star player:
Leeanne Wilkins on solo cornet was such an excellent focal point of warmth and lyricism.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 09:33:03

Audience

The audience begin to take their seats ready for the first performance

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 09:24:37

Under starters orders

Who will weigh in a winner today?

There is a sprinkling of punters making their way into the hall as we prepare for the start. There will be some preliminaries and then we are off!

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 09:13:47

Silverware

Section 2 silverware up for grabs

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 08:51:25

Ibstock lead off the field

The honour of giving the first performance of the National Finals goes to Ibstock Brick Brass from the Midlands who will hopefully give a rousing rendition of 'The Queen' followed by an equally impressive performance of the test-piece.

Good luck to all the bands — the starting stalls will be opening on the stroke of 9.30am.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 08:43:50

Draw

Comments today by Malcolm Wood

Test Piece: 'Images for Brass' — Stephen Bulla
Commence: 9.30am
Adjudicators: Alan Fernie and Steve Sykes

1. Ibstock Brick Brass (Simon Willis)
2. Old Silkstone (Sam Fisher)
3. Haydock (Mark Quinn)
4. Deiniolen (Lois Eifion Jones)
5. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman)
6. Glossop Old (Les Webb)
7. Boarshurst Silver (James Garlick)
8. Houghton Brass (Tom Gibson)
9. Sidmouth Town (Adrian Harvey)
10. Dunaskin Doon (Chris Bradley)
11. Cawston (Leigh Sharpe)
12. Cheshire Constabulary (David Wollam)
13. City of Bristol (Bryn James)
14. St Sebastian Wokingham (Lee Woodward)
15. Thomas Coaches Mid Rhonnda (Alan Gibbs)
16. Stannington (Derek Renshaw)

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 08:28:37

Arrived...

All in readiness in the auditorium (can you spot the press corps?)

We have made our way to the hall and have got ourselves perched in our normal position — high, wide and handsome at the back of the hall.

We are looking forward to a fine day of contesting, with a brace of excellent test-pieces and plenty of ambitious bands taking to the stage.

The draw for the Second Section is taking place at the moment and we will post it on the site when the judges are in the box.

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Section 2

Saturday 17, 07:06:58

Good morning

What a pleasant morning it is here in Cheltenham. A very long day ahead of us. Live comments of all performances starting with Section 2 at 9.30am.

Sixteen bands battling it out on Stephen Bulla's Images for Brass — all trying to impress the 2 men in the box, Alan Fernie and Stephen Sykes.

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Section 2

Friday 16, 02:09:52

Contest details

Saturday 8th September

Draw: 8.15am
Start: 9.30am

Adjudicators: Alan Fernie and Stephen Sykes
Set Work: Images for Brass (Stephen Bulla)

Bands

Boarshurst Silver (James Garlick)
Cawston (Leigh Sharpe)
Cheshire Constabulary (David Woollam)
City of Bristol Brass (Bryn James)
Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman)
Deiniolen (Lois Eifion)
Dunaskin Doon (Chris Bradley)
Glossop Old (Les Webb)
Haydock (Mark Quinn)
Houghton Brass (Tom Gibson)
Ibstock Brick Brass (Simon Willis)
Old Silkstone (Sam Fisher)
Sidmouth Town (Adrian Harvey)
Stannington (Derek Renshaw)
St Sebastian Wokingham (Nigel Howard)
Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda (Alan Gibbs)

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