It has been an enjoyable Championship Section in Bedworth with full credit to the bands for their commitment on what is an immensely challenging test piece.
In the end it should be the anticipated might of GUS and Desford that rise to the top but in what order? GUS was the cleanest performance of the day but Desford brimmed with excitement and despite a few slips, delivered a reading of unbridled virtuosity. As always, it will be down to the preference of the guys in the box.
Behind that, Ratby should be close with a small group of performances behind that all of which displayed musical merit, whilst lacking that last ounce of consistency and precision.
Hucknall and Linby M.C. could hardly be making its Championship Section debut on a more challenging test piece, but to the band’s immense credit it has approached the first movement with a spirit of having nothing to lose. It’s rhythmically ragged at times but drives on nonetheless.
Unfortunately there is no hiding in the slow movement and it’s here that the real cracks are exposed. The musical intent is there but the exposed nature of the cadenzas and the sheer control required to draw the full gamut of emotions from the music are simply too challenging.
Well done cornets in the opening bars and despite the lack of dynamic range, the band again throws everything at the finale as they give a creditable account of themselves in what must have felt like something of baptism of fire.
MidlandsSunday 8, 19:29:00
Championship Section:
10. Enderby (Ryan Richards)
Ryan Richards directs with clarity although it is not always reflected in the band’s execution which is inconsistent at times. Yet there is also a clear musical intent here that ensures the band maintains a cohesive musical picture despite the slips and flaws.
Again there is a strong sense of musicality about the slow movement and there is also emotion evident that is very much to the band’s credit in what is an immensely challenging test piece. Soloists are not entirely even in the cadenzas and the risks taken with dynamics do not always come off but this is again creditable playing.
The opening of the final movement lacks focus and there is a sense of the headlong rather than the measured as it hurtles onward in somewhat erratic fashion. The spirit remains however and this has been a performance that although unable to reach the levels of precision required has nonetheless bristled with energy.
MidlandsSunday 8, 19:01:22
Championship Section:
9. Jaguar Landrover (Nigel Seaman)
There’s a bloom to the opening that sits well amongst the restless rhythmic figurations of the cornets and the dynamics are utilised to good effect. As it progresses it has a muscularity to the playing at times but it’s thoughtfully combined with a musical approach. Just a slight loss of rhythmic focus in the latter stages…concentration maybe…but this is an opening with much to commend.
There’s an emotional warmth to the opening of the slow movement. This flows beautifully and solo euphonium sings with expression but with the slightest of slips along the way. Baritone gets by and solo horn solid if a little too much so in tone. Tuning wavers but the close is one of peace and tranquility.
The opening of the final movement is untidy but it finds its way into a rhythmic groove. There are little clips and incidents along the way, none of which are major, but it just loses its focus again in the latter stages. Excellent trombones in the final paragraphs and good use of the dynamics once again leading to a good final flourish.
MidlandsSunday 8, 18:38:10
Championship Section:
8. Ratby Co-operative (Mareika Gray)
Ratby’s opening movement is a model of what Mareika Gray does so well. It’s not marked by musical fireworks or histrionics but it’s put together with discipline, attention to the detail of the score and musical common sense. And they are attributes that allow the band to focus on the key elements, of which the solidity of the opening movement is an example.
The slow movement is not without issues of tuning on occasions but the soloists, whilst not absolutely blemish free, give the cadenzas space and context within the music. There’s a thoughtful approach to dynamics evident that sees the band really get down well to lower levels and although is possibly one of the slowest central movements we have heard today, it’s also one that plays to the emotions.
A neatly executed start to the final movement and the excitement levels are well built to the final flourish capping a solid and workmanlike account that should hold its own very well today come the results.
MidlandsSunday 8, 18:05:07
Championship Section:
7. Blidworth Welfare (Simon Gresswell)
A creditable opening movement from Blidworth and one that was bound together well by the MD despite not being able to provide the levels of detail rhythmic precision that have marked out the front runners today.
The treacherous slow movement once again exposes cracks, as it has done with most of the bands so far. Initially it’s issues of tuning that impair the musical picture but subsequently nerves take hold in the cadenzas, albeit with credit to the principal cornet player for an admirably secure contribution. Tuning issues once again become prevalent in the latter stages of the movement however.
The opening of the final movement is right on the edge and for a few bars it all feels very precarious until the first tutti when it settles to some degree. It’s a struggle to hear the inner detail once again though and the pulse wavers as a result with the ending proving to be something of a scramble rather than a flourish
MidlandsSunday 8, 17:59:11
2020 Champion: Amington
Result:
Fourth Section:
Test Piece: Neverland (Christopher Bond)
Kenilworth School, Kenilworth
Sunday 8th March
Adjudicators: James Holt and Christopher Wormald
There’s an immediate focus to the opening bars which crackle with chattering detail and finely balanced layers of sound that allow crystal clarity throughout the band. This sounds so easy when we all know that it isn’t. The contrasts of dynamic are impressive indeed and what is striking about this, beyond the level of precision evident, is the effortless momentum and inner energy with which the music is propelled onward. The emotional waves of sound that are heard part way through are so well done ahead of a fine closing flourish.
The enveloping warmth of the slow movement’s opening wraps around the hall like a comfort blanket, with palpable emotion wrought from solo euphonium, albeit with the slightest of slips in the subsequent cadenza. The baritone and horn cadenzas are set against sonorous blooms of band sound although again, not without little slips that will be noticed in the box. What follows though is again wrought with emotion and there is such class about Nick Hudson’s trombone solo leading us into the final bar.
The drive and energy in the final movement is apparent from the off and there is a motor like propulsion that seems to gain even further energy as it hurtles on its way. Again the dynamic contrasts are startling at times and the cranking up of excitement to the final bars so well measured. A fine performance indeed but not without momentary slips.
MidlandsSunday 8, 17:10:09
Championship Section:
5. Langley (Cliff Parker)
Langley’s opening movement, whilst not entirely consistent in execution, is also despatched with a strong dose of musical common sense as the MD employs a sensible tempo and allows his players to enjoy the occasion. And they do so to their credit, with playing that is laced with ample doses of enthusiasm.
Understandably the slow movement exposes a few cracks with the soloists battling with varying degrees of success to despatch their cadenzas. And full credit to solo cornet here…a relaxed style and blemish free. The ending finds a sense of calm, albeit one that has been hard fought.
The final movement loses it rhythmic pulse at times as the players battle to maintain the tempo. As a result the ensemble tends to be inconsistent and loses it focus and cohesion on occasions but the approach to the conclusion is well handled and succeeds in maintaining its excitement even if lacking in those last ounces of detail.
MidlandsSunday 8, 16:47:56
Final trips to Neverland and a round up and prediction from Kenilworth
Wem Jubilee's first movement is a deal delight, some of the effects might have been a bit over done, but it really does make the music exciting. Second movement was played with such ease, and the 3rd movement sailed home with swagger and style. This could be the one.
Not everything comes off for Brackley & District unfortunately. Some real moments of quality that are just let down by persistent intonation issues and scruffy ensemble.
Overall thoughts and prediction:
It's been an enjoyable, but equally frustrating day today. In my opinion only a very small handful of bands really captured the magical and exciting feel the piece has the potential to have. Other bands really did struggle with the basics of brass playing.
Every band has featured brilliant soloists, most notably the young lad from Dunchurch who played with such maturity for someone so young, as well as the principal cornet from Thrapston Town Band.
This is an extremely hard one to call today, but for me band no. 20, Wem Jubilee have a shot at the title. Full of energy, passion and detail. Something we haven't heard too much of today.
Behind them I have Melton, Trentham Brass, City of Birmingham, Croft Silver and Thrapston Town.
For my dark horse I've gone for band no. 1, Amington, who produced such a stunning marker.. But it is a very long day.
1) Wem Jubilee
2) Melton
3) Trentham Brass
4) City of Birmingham
5) Croft Silver
6) Thrapston Town
DH: Amington
MidlandsSunday 8, 16:42:12
Championship Section:
4. Foresters Brass (Gareth Brindle)
At its best the opening movement is bright, dynamic and bristling with energy although it is also inconsistent at times as the detail comes in and out of focus. There is strain evident, notably in the demanding cornet lines, yet there is also so much commitment displayed and Gareth Brindle and his team punches above its weight.
The opening of the slow movement takes time to settle and there are some uncomfortable moments along the way with tuning not always consistent. The band admirably tries to get down to the quieter dynamics but not without a price to pay as individual voices are sometimes lost.
The opening of the final movement doesn’t quite click and the MD battles to keep a steady hand on the tiller as the tempo wavers. It settles though and there’s good work from soprano cornet as the momentum is recovered. It’s a scrappy ending as the band’s exertions become a little too much in the concluding paragraphs.
MidlandsSunday 8, 16:21:33
More to enjoy with the Neverlanders in Kenilworth
A brave but inconsistent account from Moulton. Some fantastic musical ideas from the MD but unfortunately it doesn't all come off. The band (with depleted numbers) should still be proud of that one though.
Melton started their performance fairly well, although Glock and band need to move together, which it doesn't. Principal cornet plays with such a golden tone. Euph and flugel are the stars in the 3rd movement. Exciting, well balanced and under control. A fine performance indeed.
Dunchurch open well, something that a lot of the bands have struggled with today. First movement is well controlled and well balanced. Horns are beautiful in their tune. Octave G leaps in the euphonium have really caused problems today as well. Well well well, what a little star the principal cornet is, fantastic sound and beautifully phrased. One to look out for in the future.
Kirkby Colliery well opt for a more laid back feel to the first movement. All executed well, but it's in danger of sounding a tad boring, and as band number 19, you really don't want that. Again the solos are played well, but not with the same amount of virtuosic brilliance that we've heard from the better bands today. All in all, a consistent account from the band that potentially could find favour in the box.
MidlandsSunday 8, 16:16:30
Championship Section:
3. Derwent Brass (Jack Capstaff)
The opening could be a little more subtle in its approach and detail but it’s generally secure and progresses well as the tempo quickens. It just tends to lose its rhythmic focus at times and as a result, we lose the clarity of detail that is so difficult to pull off, yet crucial to this opening movement.
The central movement opens well. Soloists are a touch variable in execution with a little more space needed in some of the cadenzas. There’s discomfort evident in the latter stages with solo trombone just struggling in the closing bars as the strain teaks its toll.
The final movement sets off at a blistering pace and has real momentum about it despite perhaps needing a little more by way of dynamic contrast at times. That energy drives it on though and the momentum to the final bars impresses in its sheer dynamism. Not the most subtle of readings perhaps but one that was high on energy and enthusiasm.
MidlandsSunday 8, 15:53:13
Championship Section:
2 Thoresby Colliery (Mike Howley)
The opening just needs a tiny bit more clarity but there’s a sense of purpose as the tempo winds up and despite a few fleeting lapses in ensemble, the MD drives the band on well. There’s just a hint of strain evident in the closing bars but overall there’s an energy and drive about the first movement that has impressed.
The slow movement opens warmly. As it progresses it just needs to flow a little more at times but the soloists do well with just a few hints of uneasy intonation evident once or twice. Carefully observed use of the dynamics at lower levels and the band is prepared to take risks. Solo trombone not 100% comfortable at close but there has been much to enjoy here.
The final movement is kept on a steady leash although the detail is sometimes masked within the textures. It drives on well towards the concluding bars but there’s a sense of it being a tired tale as the demands mount approaching the final bars. A solid account though and one that should hold its own today.
MidlandsSunday 8, 15:25:31
Championship Section:
1. GUS Band (Chris Jeans)
The first movement opens delicately with chattering cornets and some nice little inflections of colour and texture. Broad and warm sounds abound and there’s authority about the playing. Just the slightest blemishes in the detail…but nothing that undermines the progress of the music.
The slow movement unfolds beautifully and there is so much warmth and depth of emotion evident here. Soloists acquit themselves so well with just the slightest of hesitations but we are really nit-picking here…there is so much to enjoy in the atmosphere and sense of stillness created in the closing bars.
The Finale motors from the start and James Fountain is stunning on principal cornet with playing of such effortless delicacy and lightness of touch. Fine trombones as we approach the concluding bars and GUS has set a very high bar here with a highly polished account that has got the contest off to a cracking star
MidlandsSunday 8, 15:06:47
Never mind not Neverland in Kenilworth?
Ilkeston get the second half under with a real wowee performance after quite an abrupt start. Flugel is the star of the band, although a number of insecurities around the stand do detract a bit. 3rd movement seemed steady and well controlled, sop just needs to be careful not to overblow, as occasionally it was a bit much.
A fairly healthy start from Matlock, no real fragilities though, which is good. Bravo to the young girl on percussion who helps create some incredible effects with some fantastic cymbal work. Soprano sits on the top wonderfully, with basses providing a nice layer for the rest of the band to sit on. Overall another solid performance, one of the best from today, but again, not perfect.
Croft Silver again opt for a healthy start, then one bar 11 hits, it really gets going, exciting stuff. Unfortunately it does lose focus in the second movement, and the final movement isn't 'piratey' enough for me. Fat bass trombone noise is appreciated though.
Uni of Warwick suffer from a number of intonation issues and some loose ensemble. The solo's were all there or there or there abouts, but maybe lacking the finesse that other bands soloists had.
Unfortunately for a lot of bands today, it's a case of "Nevermind" rather than "Neverland".
MidlandsSunday 8, 15:01:51
Draw:
Championship Section:
Test Piece: A Tale as Yet Untold (Philip Sparke)
Civic Hall
Sunday 8th March
Adjudicators: Steve Sykes & Alan Morrison
Draw: 12.30pm
Test Piece: Neverland (Christopher Bond)
Kenilworth School, Kenilworth
Sunday 8th March
Adjudicators: James Holt and Christopher Wormald
Split Draws: 10.00am and 12 noon
Commence: 11.00am
Test Piece: The Golden Sabre — Tales of the Hussar-Poet, Denis Davydov (Kit Turnbull)
Civic Hall
Sunday 8th March
Adjudicators: Brian Rostron and Mark Wilkinson
There are so many opportunities to explore the colourful narrative of Kit Turnbull’s The Golden Sabre and it was certainly the few bands that did so consistently and with suitable character and heroism of spirit that have risen to the top of the field in Bedworth today.
The band’s that did so successfully have stood out proudly from the crowd with many bands finding the balance and contrasts between the changing moods of the music tricky to negotiate with a combination of nerves, tuning and rhythmic instability being the main problems encountered along the way.
Chris Thomas goes for a top four of:
1 City of Coventry
2 Gresley Colliery
3 Market Rasen
4 Glossop Old
Dark horses Ibstock and Leicestershire Co-op
MidlandsSunday 8, 14:06:54
More challenges in Bedworth
Five bands to go in a field of thirteen in Bedworth and there are still only a select group of bands that have really got fully to grips with a piece that needs to be delivered with the vivid storyline outlined in the score clearly in mind.
Avonbank (Evesham) have displayed a clear cut approach to the score with fine contrasts of colour and texture but also fragilities that undermined the musical picture along the way.
A slight lack of coordination with the percussion section just marred the opening of the account of Wellington (Telford) under Stephen Rhodes, with the tempo also having a tendency to pull back at times in the faster sections. At it’s best this was enjoyable stuff but those inconsistencies of execution will figure in the final analysis we suspect.
Many young players around the stands in Shirland Welfare and this was a brave, committed effort under Lynden Cooper who rightly draws his young stars to their feet come the ending. Any nerves were understandable here yet the band also drew plenty of spirit and colour from the score.
After a secure opening Market Rasen delivered an account that blazed to a conclusion. It wasn’t perhaps the most consistent, but this was laced with excitement, heroism and drama and all the more effective for it.
Tintwistle takes to the stage as the last band of the day and the slow tempo adopted after the initial fanfare immediately holds the music back. it recovers in the faster music that follows but just needed a touch more rhythmic cohesion and solidity of ensemble at times.
MidlandsSunday 8, 13:45:05
Fantastic morning in Kenilworth
Yet again we have another very uncomfortable opening, this time from Skegness. It really is the basics, (starting together, moving together, finishing notes together) that are letting a lot of bands down today. These things shouldn't be that hard to fix. If they improve these skills then their performance levels would easily go up a few notches. Positives from this performance would include a very fine principal cornet player.
Malvern benefits from an absolutely wonderful principal cornet player. A young player with such a great understanding of the music. The phrasing was wonderful, and a sound which grew in intensity, just when it needs it. Bravo!
Trentham Brass start the first movement in great style, with fantastic effects on show, and brilliant detail from the back row. The Solo cornet really catches my attention with a lovely shaped cornet solo.
Half way round up and prediction:
What a fantastic morning we've had in Kenilworth, hats off to Chris Bond on composing such a wonderful piece of music which is so easy on the ears.
Only a few bands have captured the magical feeling of the piece, with a lot of bands struggling with the basics of brass playing. All bands have featured wonderful soloists from around the stand, which is great to hear.
For me, it's the last band of the first half that is leading for me. Not perfect by all means, but a very commendable effort indeed from Trentham Brass.
Behind them I have the early accounts from City of Birmingham band and Amington.
Thrapston was an interesting one though, everything under control, well balanced and well thought of — but it was a tad samey, so we'll see what the adjudicators think of it.
MidlandsSunday 8, 12:56:16
More good stuff on Neverland in the Midlands
Four more bands have played.
Fairfield struggle to capture the magical feeling that Chris Bond has written. Most of the notes were there, all played at the right time, it was just a bit sluggish in its approach. The band are clearly giving it their all, but sometimes it just comes across unbalanced and overblown. More bass less cornet please!
There is some great detail heard in the first movement from Bretforton Silver, and they're really giving it their all when it comes to the crescendo's/diminuendo (with added body movement!). Principal cornet plays in such a lyrical style with 'old school vib! Back row really helped the band power through to the end of what was a wonderful performance.
Thrapston Silver have a slight stutter to start the piece, with the band not starting entirely together, but once bar 11 hits it does flow nicely. Very nice percussion work. Soloists from all bands so far have all been brilliant, and the soloist from Thrapston are no different, well done! The band sound isn't huge, but it is well balanced, with nothing overblown. A very good performance, with a very low error count, but I just feel they needed something extra to help stand out today.
Unfortunately I'm not feeling the magic with Coventry Festivals performance. From the opening bar it was uneasy. There were some notable individual efforts, but unfortunately the error count around the stand was a bit too high.
MidlandsSunday 8, 12:35:47
A bit mixed in Bedworth
With four bands down in the Midlands Second Section we are already craving a performance that doesn’t lapse at some point during its duration here in Bedworth. It’s been a pretty mixed affair to this point.
Glossop Old has given us the most consistent performance so far, painting strikingly coloured pictures that maintained both the tension and attention throughout. Key to this was the lightness of touch that the band exhibited in the quieter sections of the music, with the experience of MD David Ashworth playing a major part.
A decent opening fanfare from Ireland Colliery Chesterfield although as the performance progresses it lacks a touch of rhythmic focus at times with the odd untidy solo entry also interrupting the flow but there was both character and commitment evident here.
As the last band before the judges confront break, City of Coventry has taken the contest to another level in the Cvic Hall. Bold, confident, laced with abundant colour and bravura and above all bristling with confidence. A fine performance that gives us a clear front runner at the half way point of the contest.
Comfort break over and Gresley Colliery give us another rousing, dynamically invigorating account of The Golden Sabre to open the second half of the drawer. Big and bold and with a commitment to the quieter passages that gave the musical story a consistent and powerful narrative, this has completed an excellent quartet of reading.
MidlandsSunday 8, 12:21:43
Draw:
Second Section:
Test Piece: The Golden Sabre — Tales of the Hussar-Poet, Denis Davydov (Kit Turnbull)
Civic Hall
Sunday 8th March
Adjudicators: Brian Rostron and Mark Wilkinson
Split Draws: 9.00am and 10.30am
Commences: 10.00am
With the composer in attendance, there is a little bit more added pressure for today's Midland Contenders, and what a lively start we've had!
Amington get today kicked off under the direction of Alan Gifford, and what a performance that was. All soloists played wonderfully, with only the slightest of intonation issues when the band unleash their full sound. Fantastic marker for the day.
The youngsters of Bilton Silver Evolution give a very brave account of Neverland, but unfortunately not everything comes off. There are some wonderful moments produced by the soloists, but some of the basics are not there. A very credible performance though in which they should be extremely proud of.
Newark Town add another fine performance to the first 3 bands of the day. The magical sense is lost a bit, as the quieter dynamics are a bit healthy. Their final movement is a bit robotic in style, and doesn't have the same flow as band number 1 did. The ending is huge though, aided by some wonderful baritone noises!
Plenty to admire from band number 4, City of Birmingham. The opening struggled a bit from poor intonation throughout the muted cornets, which seems to be a common theme throughout the bands so far today. You really get the sense that these tiny details will be the main difference between the bands at the top and at the bottom, because so far, soloists in each band have been brilliant.
MidlandsSunday 8, 11:25:26
The Golden Sabres rattle in Bedworth...
We’ve heard the first four bands in the Midlands Second Section contest and Kit Turnbull’s colourful 'The Golden Sabre' is drawing some spirited playing from the competing bands so far.
The slower sections are certainly proving to be the achilles heel though, with consistency and the ability to bring the music’s vivid story and heroics to life already proving to be paramount.
After a slightly tentative opening and a few early morning tuning issues, Leicestershire Co-op (Snibston) and Luke Pallister delivered a performance that grew in confidence, marked by bold sounds and a suitably bravura approach. Could be a very good early marker for judges Mark Wilkinson and Brian Rostron.
Cleobury Mortimer Concert opened with a solid fanfare although tuning and a few early nerves unsettled progress for a while. Plenty to enjoy in the ensuing sections though and this was a spirited if slightly uneven account with a blazing conclusion.
Wigston proved to be another band with much to commend in the more livelier sections of the score although the narrative of the story was occasionally lost in the slower sections, where in common with all of the bands so far, confidence and nerves played a part. We already sense that maintaining concentration and a consistent approach through the varying sections of the piece is going to play a key part of the result today.
With the vast experience of Dave Lea at the helm, Ibstock Brick Brass gave us a bold, dramatic style that despite a few occasional tuning issues, found the contrast and between the sections and shifting moods of the music in convincing fashion. There were one or two moments that lacked cohesion and the odd tentative solo entry but overall this was an enjoyable account.
MidlandsSunday 8, 10:41:24
Draw:
Fourth Section:
Test Piece: Neverland (Christopher Bond)
Kenilworth School, Kenilworth
Sunday 8th March
Adjudicators: James Holt and Christopher Wormald
Split Draws: 10.00am and 12 noon
Commence: 11.00am
1. Amington (Alan Gifford)
2. Bilton Silver Evolution (Jack Fisher)
3. Newark Town (Gary Wyatt)
4. City of Birmingham (Saphran Ali)
5. Fairfield (Buxton) (Charles Kitchen)
6. Bretforton Silver (John Wood)
7. Thrapston Town (Nathan Waterman)
8. Coventry Festival (Allan Wheelhouse)
9. Skegness Silver (Steve Walker)
10. Malvern Hills District (Chris License)
11. Trentham Brass (Shaun Farrington)
Three sections today here in Bedworth with Section 2 and 4 kicking off at 10.00am. The Championship Section bands are due to take the stage around 12.30pm.
Championship Section:
Test Piece: A Tale as Yet Untold (Philip Sparke)
Civic Hall
Sunday 8th March
Adjudicators: Steve Sykes & Alan Morrison
Draw: 12.30pm
Commences: at the conclusion of Second Section
Test Piece: Neverland (Christopher Bond)
Kenilworth School, Kenilworth
Sunday 8th March
Adjudicators: James Holt and Christopher Wormald
Split Draws: 10.00am and 12 noon
Commence: 11.00am
Amington (Alan Gifford)
Bilton Silver Evolution (Jack Fisher)
Brackley & District (Shaun Humphries)
Bretforton Silver (John Wood)
City of Birmingham (Saphran Ali)
Coventry Festival (Allan Wheelhouse)
Croft Silver (Ian Needham)
Dunchurch (Paul Whitmore)
Fairfield (Buxton) (Charles Kitchen)
Ilkeston (Geoff Hawley)
Kirkby Colliery Welfare (Neville Buxton)
Malvern Hills District (Chris License)
Matlock (Chris Banks)
Melton (Graham Sutton)
Moulton 77 (Kevin Spencer)
Newark Town (Gary Wyatt)
Skegness Silver (Steve Walker)
Thrapston Town (Nathan Waterman)
Trentham Brass (Shaun Farrington)
University of Warwick (Simon Hogg)
Wem Jubilee (Cathy Rutherford)
Whitwell Brass (Adrian Wood)
MidlandsSaturday 7, 16:51:54
Statement from the Midlands Regional Committee:
Due to an error on the adjudicator summary sheets the Third Section results from the Midlands Regional Championships have been given out incorrectly.
Whilst we apologise for this confusion the stewards have corrected the summary sheet.
Unfortunately the error was not noticed until after the results were announced and bands had left with their remarks and their incorrect positions.
Regional Secretary Lesley Bentley
Regional Chairman: John Slater
CORRECT RESULT:
Third Section:
Test Piece: Endurance — narrative variations for brass band (Andrew Baker)
Kenilworth School, Kenilworth
Saturday 7th March
Adjudicators: James Holt and Brian Rostron
Split Draw: 10.00am and 12 noon
Commences: 11.00am
Syston gave a performance that never really came off today. The band sound when released was majestic, but there were just too many errors unfortunately.
Long Eaton Silver Prize rounded off the contest with a wonderful performance. Again, there were moments of unease, including an early entry, but all the soloists did well.
Overall thoughts and prediction:
Well, what a contest we've had here today. We've heard some absolutely brilliant contributions from soloists in all bands, fantastic stuff.
It's very tight at the top, in my opinion the most polished band with the lowest error count was Audley Brass, conducted by Tom Hancock. Although, you could definitely argue that their quiet dynamics were on the healthy side.
Raunds Temperance produced some real moments of quality, but unfortunately there were a few questionable moments.
Stamford Brass produced a quality marker from an early draw, and took some real risks when it came to tempo choices.
Below them I have Daventry, Ratby Mid and Towcester Studio.
It’s been an uneven First Section affair in Bedworth’s Civic Hall at times with no band emerging error free on a piece that tested the conductor’s as much as it did the players.
Basic rhythm and pulse proved to be one of the main obstacles with so many performances faltering in the outer movements, whilst in the tricky exposed slow movement, nerves were the downfall of many a solo cornet and soprano player.
It could be close at the top with a small clutch of performances that got closest to the shifting moods and colours of the music whilst maintaining a vital sense of fluidity in the slow movement and rhythmic security and unswerving purpose in the final march to progress.
Just four bands to go in Bedworth and the First Section door is still open for a clear winner…no band has emerged unscathed today so far.
There was a good deal to enjoy from Foss Dyke and Ian Scott. Warm sounds and a clear affection for the music. At times it just needed a little more movement and fluidity and there are moments in the final movement that don’t hang together. A reasonably safe account but one that also lacked excitement in the closing march.
Hathern opened well under Colonel Stephen Barnwell and although the opening movement just needed a little more tautness in the closing bars, the performance had both shape and depth of feeling. Solo sounds were a touch forced at times in the slow movement and the final march to progress initially lacked a touch of drive ahead of a more purposeful conclusion.
The home team of Bedworth Brass opened well with neat and tidy chattering cornets and warm lower band sounds. Excellent dynamic contrasts too and there was a sense of striving for something that is clearly at one with the score. Solo cornet does well in the slow movement. Full marks for getting down to the quiet dynamics and the swell of sound that followed impressed, capped by a soaring finale that whilst not always 100% precise, caught the style of the music admirably.
It fell to Shirley to cap the First Section contest and it was an account that had a good deal to commend. A telling sense of atmosphere in the first and slow movements and with a swagger and sense of onward motion to the final march that was both engaging and laced with drama and bold musical intent.
MidlandsSaturday 7, 15:33:21
Consistency and inconsistencies...
An odd start from Arrow Valley Brass, but they soon get into the swing of things. Too often are bands not concentrating on the basics and that was shown here. Another inconsistent account. A real shame
They were followed by last year's champion Raunds Temperance with a real peach of a performance. MD drew out so much detail and the band played with passion as well as mystery when required. A few uncertain moments that could cost them perhaps, but that was good.
Daventry played solidly with healthy dynamics and although the second movement didn't start together, there was s a lot of detail to be heard and all soloists dis well. A lot of quality, some slips but nothing too costly.
MidlandsSaturday 7, 14:45:17
Everything to play for on Legacy...
With Alan Morrison and Chris Wormald safely back in the box, the second half of the First section contest in Bedworth has kicked off with a strong opening show.
With Jim Davies on the mend from his recent illness (and we wish him all the very best) Newstead Brass turns to Mareika Gray to spearhead it’s performance and it was a reading marked by her characteristic traits of thorough preparation, a workmanlike approach and neat and tidy detail. Indeed, this has been one of the most consistent performances of the contest so far and crucially, with one of the lowest significant error counts.
Warm sounds permeated the opening movement from Harborough, but it just lost a degree of focus at times and those solo nerves played out at several key moments, notably in the exposed passages of the slow movement. There was some solid playing in the closing stages but also with continued slips hampering the flow.
In common with so many bands today and after a decent first movement, Shirebrook immediately fell prey to the exposed nature of the second movement with nerves and tuning issues prominent. Full marks for dynamics though as Jim Henson really sought to get down to the quieter markings, although the final movement proved to be something of a turgid struggle at times.
The account of Rolls Royce (Derby) under Graham Cardwell was often laboured and although succeeding in keeping individual slips to a minimum, just needed to engage a little more with the music.
There are four bands to go and still everything to play for here in Bedworth.
MidlandsSaturday 7, 14:44:09
Third Section endurance tests...
Newhall kicked off the second half of what has been an enjoyable contest so far with a solid attempt. They've played it quite safe with the dynamics but made a lovely dark lower band noise although unfortunately some untidiness in the upper band detracted.
Bakewell Silver followed but unfortunately not everything came off at times. When the band released their full sound, it was titanic, with a very talented bass section providing a lovely layer for the rest of the band to sit on. What a super cornet player too in a performacne that was full great individual bits, but just didn't gel as a whole.
Ratby Coop Mid was teh last of the trio and also gave a performance of wonderful moments and elements A very well spaced out Euph solo and another fantastic cornet solo was so well done. What a pity it was just a bit uneven.
MidlandsSaturday 7, 14:02:17
Draw:
First Section:
Test Piece: Legacy (Tom Davoren)
Civic Hall
Saturday 7th March
Adjudicators: Alan Morrison and Christopher Wormald
Split Draws: 10.00am and 12 noon
Commences: 11.00am
Test Piece: Endurance — narrative variations for brass band (Andrew Baker)
Kenilworth School, Kenilworth
Saturday 7th March
Adjudicators: James Holt and Brian Rostron
Split Draw: 10.00am and 12 noon
Commences: 11.00am
Stourport on Severn was the latest band to emphasis the character of the music here — drawing up great bits from the score. It may done with a little more elegance to help grasp the mysterious feel, but overall just a few uncomfortable moments in the solo lines. Some great effects from percussion help the band come to a wonderful climax. The MD seemes happy with that one, and rightly so.
The same feeling for Towcester Studio with a wonderfully emotive performance. Even if it did have intonation issues and one or two fragile moments from solo lines the MD was in control here in a performance that grew nicely with that bubbling passion.
Half way point round up
What a treat we've had in the first half here — from Audley Brass with their tight ensemble playing and huge sound, to the wonderful principal cornet of Shipston Town.
All eight bands so far have had a fantastic ending, as you would expect! Its the basics that have caught bands out at times but that has been offset with some brilliant solos throughout all the bands, so bravo for that!!
Audley are leading the pack as we come to the break for us, followed by Stamford Brass and Towcester Studio.
MidlandsSaturday 7, 13:14:05
Slight dip in the Legacy provisions
There’s been a slight dip in quality as we head toward the comfort break in Bedworth with a handful of performances that have been dogged by inconsistency to some degree. Other than nerves, most of those inconsistencies have been rhythmic in nature, with the MD’s struggling to maintain discipline in the more complex passages of the score.
For Brendan Caddy and Kibworth, it was a combination of moments of unease and a lack of rhythmic focus that occasionally undermined warm sounds and a passionate approach to the music.
Burbage (Buxton) under Steve Critchlow was another band that feel prey to the many traps that lurk within the score, with a performance that although having full marks for commitment, lacked the cohesion and solidity of execution needed to give the band a fighting chance amongst a strong and substantial field.
The experience of David Stowell certainly brought a good deal to bear on the performance of Bilton Silver (Rugby) but there were also a handful of insecure moments amongst the soloists despite playing of dynamic energy and an exciting conclusion.
The opening movement from Staffordshire was one of the best we have heard today. So delicate and with deft little flecks of colour and texture. Cracks appeared in the second movement as nerves and individual slips mounted up but the vigour and commitment of the closing paragraphs was so enjoyable.
MidlandsSaturday 7, 12:54:50
Hard working trio...
We have had a trio of hard working well led performances here at Kenilworth with Audley Brass delivering some lovely sounds with the flugel and fantastic sop!
The cornet solo was so expressive and phrased beautifully. Could improve on quieter dynamics, but my word, what a sound and so fantastically led.
Corby Silver sounded a little nervous to follow but it was a performance that grew in confidence and quality the longer it went on . The ending was huge though, although maybe a bit unbalanced.
The trio was rounded off by Shipston Town with another slightly nervous opening. The flugel and baritone play nicely though, but we heard a lot of loose ensemble around the band. What a sound the principal cornet made though — so classy. Another fantastic ending, just a shame that the first half of the piece wasn't at the same level.
MidlandsSaturday 7, 12:18:03
First Section Legacy emotion
We’ve been treated to a fine opening to the First Section contest in Bedworth’s Civic Hall with a quartet of performances that have all succeeded in drawing varying degrees of emotion from Tom Davoren’s evocative Legacy.
Perhaps most pleasing has been the fact that all four bands so far have not been drawn into the trap of allowing the louder dynamics to overshadow the more contemplative passages of what is an engaging and appealing piece of music.
Spal Sovereign Brass and Neil Samuel opened proceedings with warm, resonant sounds that really lent the music deep-seated pathos albeit, not without a lapses of tuning and the odd nervy moment. Oddfellows and Dave Holling found impressive contrasts of light and shade in the subtly shifting moods and colours of the score with Carlton Brass under Geoff Wood opening well with some deft touches but also a few untidy moments along the way.
The experienced David Maplestone and Jackfield gave us a reading that found clear favour in the hall, again not without slips but with abundant emotional warmth and an invigorating dynamism that held the attention through to the end.
MidlandsSaturday 7, 12:04:46
Third Section enjoyable Endurance...
1. Cubbington Silver:
Soloists all pretty solid at the beginning. Not too many intonation issues within the muted cornets. Dynamics are all a bit samey (anything F below is the same). Loose ensemble in cornets (muted). Good section playing by troms accompanying cornet solo. Overall: pretty consistent to start with. Not too many uncomfortable moments. Definitely could've been more brave with quieter dynamics.
2. Pleasley Colliery Welfare:
Slight blip in the muted cornets to start. Detail is heard well in the first variation. Dynamic contrast is already better than the previous band. Fantastic trombone solo. Fantastic band sound, just needs to be careful as they don't always move together. Classy cornet solo. Overall: great performance, all solos executed well. Probably not a winner, but pretty decent.
3. Stamford Brass:
Muted cornets do well at the beginning, aided by wonderful contributions from flugel and baritone, a real mysterious feel, some detail is lost though. Band again not always together, basics!! (common theme with all bands so far). Quickest variation 3 so far. Well controlled too. Flugel trom duet is also not entirely together. Lovely lyrical playing from solo cornet. Overall: another decent performance, MD took a few risks with some tempos, but all under control.
General point for first 3 bands. All soloist have done well to be fair. The bands just need to be careful that the ensemble is together, quite a lot of loose band playing. Standard has been fine though.
MidlandsSaturday 7, 11:03:17
Draw:
First Section:
Test Piece: Legacy (Tom Davoren)
Civic Hall
Saturday 7th March
Adjudicators: Alan Morrison and Christopher Wormald
Split Draws: 10.00am and 12 noon
Commences: 11.00am
Test Piece: Endurance — narrative variations for brass band (Andrew Baker)
Kenilworth School, Kenilworth
Saturday 7th March
Adjudicators: James Holt and Brian Rostron
Split Draw: 10.00am and 12 noon
Commences: 11.00am
Just the two sections in Bedworth today with the Section 3 in Kenilworth School and Section 1 in the Civic Hall. Both sections kick off at 11am.
First Section:
Test Piece: Legacy (Tom Davoren)
Civic Hall
Saturday 7th March
Adjudicators: Alan Morrison and Christopher Wormald
Split Draws: 10.00am and 12 noon
Commences: 11.00am
Competitions at two venues to cover today, so plenty to keep us busy. Always a great welcome and lots of bands to listen out for...
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April 24 • Exciting opertunity for a principal cornet player to lead our friendly band. We also would be excited to hear from percussionists with experience in tuned percussion and kit. We are currently in the Championship section and have a busy schedule in 2024.
April 24 • We have lots of cornets and horns but a little thin in the bottom end. Our players are happy to move around to help new players join the band, if you play baritone, euph or bass please give us a try. We rehearse every Sunday and Thursday at 7.30pm
April 23 • MERESIDE BRASS (Rudheath,Northwich) are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET & a 2nd EUPH to complete our line up. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and band social events and enjoy occasional contests. Come and give us a try!
