Best Instrumentalist: Keith Schroeter (horn) — Thundersley
*Promoted to the Senior Cup
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Senior CupSaturday 13, 18:30:03
Senior Cup:
Dave Lea's prediction:
1. St Dennis 2. Roche Brass 3. Kingdom Brass 4. Fishburn 5. Brass Band of Central England 6. Elland Silver
Grand ShieldSaturday 13, 18:28:41
Grand Shield:
Final Round Up — and prediction
What started somewhat inconspicuously, ultimately developed into a fascinating contest in the Grand Shield. No band disgraced itself. But equally, no band emerged unscathed, making for what could be a fascinating set of results.
The World Rejoicing provided a stern test indeed, but the key to its unlocking is in the brilliance of Edward Gregson's writing which always places the musical element ahead of the competitive. Yet in the process, the demands he places on both players and conductors are such that both technique and musicianship carry equal prominence in pulling off a complete performance.
Robert Childs and David Hirst will have had plenty to think about in the box when assimilating what have been a diverse range of approaches amongst the twenty performances'.some inevitably more musically informed than others.
Dark Horses: Reg Vardy, Oldham (Lees) and Hepworth
Grand ShieldSaturday 13, 18:27:25
Grand Shield
19. Oldham Band (Lees) & 20. Ratby Co-Operative
An effective Prelude from Oldham and the Capriccio was rhythmically incisive, bold in its approach and underpinned by a driving momentum. La Danza 1 followed in a similar vein although the Processional could perhaps have been a little more stately and sonorous in its approach.
Arias and Duets displayed some lovely touches in its solo work, with cornet and euphonium excelling and this flowed with both fluidity and musicality.
The Fuga didn't quite reach the same levels of rhythmic momentum and consistency of ensemble heard in the opening faster variations but a majestic ending capped a performance from Oldham (Lees) with a good deal to commend.
And so Ratby Co-operative brings the Grand Shield to a close with a performance that displayed its customary degree of commitment and attention to technical and musical detail.
So much about this was detailed in its preparation and execution. The Capriccio and Danza variations might not have been as exciting and driven as some, but what it did posses was security and admirable musical focus.
There were some lovely touches in Arias and Duets with highly musical and deft contributions from horn, cornet, soprano and euphonium and the Fuga motored along with admirable propulsion, building to a majestic final peroration.
Chris Thomas
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Senior TrophySaturday 13, 18:07:04
Senior Trophy:
What an enjoyable contest — made more so by a host of MDs who sought the excitement and anxiety of the chase from the music without ever going completely tonto.
The best really captured the character — and the sense of the anxiety and fevered date with Satan's hounds of hell with a musical maturity.
As for a winner — a real close one for us between a top three of Amersham, Thundersley and Longridge followed by Stannington, Ebbw Valley and Blackburn & Darwen with a dark horse of Tongwynlais.
What a strong performance from Roche Brass — right from a carefully balanced opening and a fine set of cadenzas. There was care taken with the tempos and dynamics too — nothing overdone and needless.
Some intonation problems arose in places, but these soon passed and there was a lovely lyrical feel to flow. The final section captured the mood and pace to a tee to end so well.
The contest is rounded off with a solid performance from Boarshurst. Care was certainly taken over the opening and that was also shown throughout — just a touch below tempo and dynamic to emphasise the detail and clarity.
It worked too — aided by super lead lines and subtle perc. The warmth of the band tone was good to hear too — the edge coming just at the right time. Lots in reserve as well for a great finish. Bravo — what a good way to round off a hugely enjoyable contest.
The contest comes to a close with contrasting renditions from Ebbw Valley, Thoresby Colliery and Unison Kinneil — all seeking redemption from Satan's grasp and a qualification place and promotion to the Senior Cup.
Ebbw Valley certainly gave a hugely confident shot — right from the horn call to church to open and all the way via a race against Beelzebub and his little demons to the front door of the Huntsman's house.
Lots of detail and balance in dynamics and pacing — just edging upwards and forwards as the score required. Impressive stuff that — medium rare in the blood and guts stakes over the fences, exciting and colourful and in with a big shout for a promotion spot.
Also a considered approach from Thoresby Colliery — with the MD another who realized that the excitement had to be generated in increments rather than splashed all over like Brut 33.
Just the odd moment when things didn't quite gel, but the aim was achieved with a touch of refinement in the excitement — a rarity today.
The last band of the day also gave the judges plenty to think about — as Unison Kinneil take a swig or two of the water of life before heading into the wilds.
Super reading of the score by the MD and delivered upon too by his players — bold, confident, dark and menacing in the right places. The drive to the end was a real banger — really straining at the leash but still under control. One to think about that for the judges.
iwan Fox
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Grand ShieldSaturday 13, 17:40:26
Grand Shield:
17. Wingates & 18. Reg Vardy
Wingates' opening Prelude was effective with just the slightest of clips before a Capriccio and La Danza 1 that although broadly solid and competent, just needed a little more finesse and lightness of touch to add a final musical patina.
Much of Arias and Duets flowed smoothly and musically although as with every band there were also those frustrating individual slips that threatened to unsettle the musical picture at a handful of key moments.
The Fuga became increasingly untidy as it progressed and needed a touch more dynamic contrast to allow the detail to come through and the excitement levels to increase.
Reg Vardy's Prelude under Russell Gray was not without a couple of early slips with the cornet's tuning not perfect and further clips and slips in the ensuing Capriccio. It's frustrating as stylistically, the shape of the Capriccio and La Danza 1 is so well formed.
The Processional leads into a La Danza 2 that has now settled down and this was wide in its dynamic contrasts, light of touch where it needed to be and with a driving sense of rhythm and momentum.
Errors were once again exposed in Arias and Duets however with solo horn not sounding relaxed to open and a degree of 'tightness' evident in the flow of the music. Excellent solo euphonium but heavy handed soprano and overall, this was a performance that didn't quite settle, despite the obvious musical intent.
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!
April 23 • Applications are invited for a Euphonium player to join our Rugby based band. Bilton Silver (Rugby) band are currently contesting in the Championship section and has a varied programme of events spread throughout the year.
April 23 • We are looking to strengthen our team ready for 2025 and require Bass (Bb or Eb), Bass trombone, Soprano and percussion players. We are a very friendly, progressive 2nd section band who will start next year at the top of their regional rankings table.
