The West Midlands Brass Band Association Contest took place in Leamington Spa on the weekend, where the Langley Band under the direction of MD Cliff Parker were crowned victors in the First Section.

Clear winner

With a performance of 'Tallis Variations' by Phillip Sparke, described by adjudicator John Berryman as a "clear winner" the band signalled a return to winning ways, whilst principal euphonium Saphran Ali, who studies at the Birmingham Conservatoire, was awarded the Philip Cooper Memorial Trophy as 'Best Instrumentalist'

Cherry on the cake

Band Chairman Robert Simmonds told 4BR: "This is the cherry on the cake to round off a very good year at Langley. The whole band has worked with real commitment fulfilling a busy concert and contest schedule and this will set us up nicely to make further progress in 2010 as we prepare for both Butlins and the area contest."

Results:
First Section:
Adjudicator: John Berryman

1. Langley (C. Parker) — 186
2. Bedworth Brass (G. Bennett) — 184
3. Wigston (G. Sleath) — 183
4. Shirley (D. Lea) — 182
5= Egham (G. Green) — 181
5= Hathern (W. Ritchie) — 181

Best Instrumentalist: Saphran Ali (Euphonium) — Langley

Second Section:
Adjudicator: John Berryman

1. Oddfellows (R. Boulter) — 186
2. Verwood Concert (D. Johnson) — 182
3. Strata Brass (D. Hirst) — 181
4. Stantonbury Brass (A. Jenkin) — 180
5. Matlock (G. Hawley) — 179
6. Cinderford (C. Lewis) — 178
7. Arrow Valley Brass (D. Stanley) — 177

Best Instrumentalist: Brian Morris (Cornet) — Oddfellows

Third Section:
Adjudicator: Alan Bourne

1. Cubbington Silver (G. Smallwood) — 91
2. Amington (W. Kendrick) — 89
3. Rushden Windmill (J. Fletcher) — 88
4. Bream Silver (H. Cole) — 87
5. City of Birmingham (W. Belshaw) — 86
6. University of Warwick (P. McGrath) — 85
7. Avonbank (Evesham) (A. Davidson) — 84

Best Instrumentalist: Neil Kelsaw (Euphonium) — Cubbington

Fourth Section:
Adjudicator: Alan Bourne

1. Newhall (K. Holdgate) — 84
2. Ireland Colliery Chesterfield (I. Knapton) — 83
3. Shipston (H. Gibbs) — 82
4. Wantage Silver B (D. Dullforce) — 81
5. Melton (G. Sutton) — 80
6. Croft Silver (I. Needham) — 79
7. Dunchurch (M. Dutton) — 78
8. Coleshill Youth Brass (S. Fagg) — 77

Best Instrumentalist: Jon Clare (Euphonium) — Melton