The Friendly Band Slow Melody Contest took place on 16th May.

Although entries were slightly down on the previous year Friendly Band were delighted with the success of the day.

High quality playing

The adjudicator, J Stuart Fawcett said how pleased he was to be able to adjudicate this event and to listen to such high quality playing that was performed in the two junior sections.

Their performances were played with such maturity that it was hard to believe that they were all under the age of 13.

Help

He went on to say that Slow Melody Contests like these help players, especially the younger ones, build up confidence in their playing ability, hopefully leading to solo playing with their own bands.

He hoped that these types of contests would run for many years to come.

Results:
11 years and under:
1. John James Vernon (Lion's Youth Brass)
2. Bethany Moore (Bare Trees Community Brass)
3. Alexander Smith (Clifton & Lightcliffe)

Best cornet: John James Vernon
Youngest player: Alexander Smith

13 years and under:
1. Gemma Riley (Wigan Youth Band)
2. Bethany Moore (Bare Trees Community Brass)
3. John James Vernon (Lion's Youth Brass)

16 years and under:
1. Alex Crisp (Clifton & Lightcliffe)
2. Bethany Moore (Bare Trees Community Brass)
3. John James Vernon (Lion's Youth Brass)

Best cornet: Bethany Moore

Veterans:
1. Jim Tew (Vernon Building Society (Poynton))
2. Carol Caton (Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge))
3. Craig Lawrance (Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge))

Veteran of the day: Jim Tew

Open Age Section:
1. Alex Crisp (Clifton & Lightcliffe)
2. Jim Tew (Vernon Building Society (Poynton))
3. Carol Caton (Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge))

Quartets:
1. Just Brass Four
2. Friendly Four

Special Instrumental Awards:
Best Euphonium: Carol Caton
Best Bass: Jim Tew
Best Trombone: Gemma Riley
Highest marks of Friendly Band player: Carol Caton
Best Cornet: Bethany Moore
Best Horn: Alex Crisp
Adjudicators award: Jim Tew