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2017 Wales and London & Southern Counties Regional Championships
First Section previews

4BR looks forward to the antipodean inspired battles for Cheltenham qualification places in Swansea and Stevenage on Philip Sparke's fine test-piece.

Philip Sparke
The man behind the music: Composer Philip Sparke

Philip Sparke’s ‘The Land of the Long White Cloud’ has already provided a telling barometer reading on the realistic state of First Section banding the length and breadth of the country.  

Any musical meteorologist worth their salt has been able to stick their finger in the regional air to find which way the prevailing wind has been blowing - and it hasn’t been set fair. That has had nothing to do with a wonderful test-piece, which has more than done its job. It’s simply because the bands (and in many cases their MDs) haven’t had the skill sets to perform it well enough. 

Bridging work?

What should have been an almost perfect ‘bridging’ work for ambitious bands with Championship aspirations has highlighted the obvious technical and musical shortcomings at this level: Technically it seems to be within everyone’s grasp, but the more you delve into it the more traps are revealed. It’s an ensemble work that asks soloistic demands on just about every player around the stand. 

What will those in Swansea and Stevenage make of it then?


City of Cardiff
2016 Champion: City of Cardiff (Melingriffith)

Wales:

Saturday’s action at the Brangwyn Hall is rounded off by what looks like a keen battle for the First Section honours.

Wales doesn’t often do too well faced by a test of character from New Zealand shores, but on this occasion there may well be the prospect of at least a handful of efforts taming Philip Sparke’s imposing work. 

Of those, Welsh League champion Ebbw Valley may well be the band to beat as they continue to make substantive progress under the baton of Gareth Ritter. They came fifth at the National Finals last year and will be determined to return to add that title to their remarkable CV of achievements.

Who may join them is a tricky pre-contest ask, but Welsh League (Championship Section) champion Tylorstown and last year’s podium finisher Llanrug could run them close, alongside the likes of Markham & District, Pontardulais and BTM. Our dark horse is Parc & Dare.

4BR Prediction:

1. Ebbw Valley
2. Llanrug
3. Tylorstown
4. Markham & District
5. Pontardulais
6. BTM

Dark Horse: Parc & Dare


Aveley
2016 Champion: Aveley & Newham went on to claim a podium finish at the National Finals

London & Southern Counties:

Three bands will qualify from the First Section in Stevenage, where they will have to impress the strong minded duo of Roger Webster and Chris Wormald in the box.

2016 Area winner Aveley & Newham went on to claim a richly deserved podium finish at Cheltenham - the fifth year in a row that at least one qualifier has claimed a top-six finish, so hopes will be high that whoever gets through will be able to maintain that fine record. 

Last year’s runner-up Northfleet has now been promoted to the top flight (apologies for the earlier mistake - Editor) whilst the likes of Kidlington Concert Brass and Bedford Town enjoyed solid returns at Butlins. Hitchin and Jersey Premier Brass could be bands to watch out for once again, alongside Becontree Brass, Cawston and our dark horse of Sandhurst Silver.

4BR Prediction:

1. Kidlington Concert Brass
2. Becontree Brass
3. Hitchin
4. Bedford Town
5. Cawston
6. Jersey Premier

Dark Horse: Sandhurst Silver



Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Boarshurst Silver Band

February 17 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a BBb player, flugel, and front row cornet player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday.


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 13 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables) needs a TENOR HORN for the regional contest in Stevenage on 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our MD Stephen Bucknell.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

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