Youth Brass 2000 under the direction of Chris Jeans became the Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Champions of Great Britain for a fifth time in Blackpool on Sunday.

Miller magic

Performing a programme paying musical homage to the great American big band leader Glen Miller, the reigning Butlins Youth Champion claimed their second major national title of the year – although on this occasion only by the narrowest of margins over rivals Enderby Youth conducted by Trevor Hounsome, with reigning champion Elland Silver under the baton of Samantha Harrison in third.

Sage invitation

Youth Brass 2000 will now receive an invitation to perform at the Brass in Concert Championship at The Sage Gateshead in November.

Adjudicators Andrew Berryman and Robin Dewhurst really were split between the musical and entertainment merits of two outstanding performances – with Andrew awarding Youth Brass 2000 first place for their musical contest with Enderby as runner-up, whilst Robin opted for the opposite result for the entertainment factor.

Music precedence

With the aggregate total of points being equal the title went to Youth Brass 2000 as the music award took overall precedence.

Not surprisingly, twenty years after their first triumph here in 1993, it sent the latest crop of talented Youth Brass 2000 youngsters into joyous delirium as conductor Chris Jeans accepted the Championship Cup and the Finderman Conductors Award.

Cloud Nine

Unsurprisingly, the MD was also on cloud nine when speaking to 4BR, as he reflected on another title for his remarkable young band.

"I'm over the moon and its brilliant news," he said. "I’m so pleased for every member of the band who has worked so hard over the past 6 weeks."

Team

Chris also took the time to pay tribute to everybody who has worked so hard in recent weeks to contribute to the success: "I've been MD of the band since its formation 23 years ago and it's a huge honour to be part of a fantastic team.

I am literally over the moon, especially as the players claimed a host of individual awards as well."

Those included the ‘Outstanding Soloist’ Award to principal cornet Thomas Fountain, the ‘Best March’, ‘Best Soprano’, ‘Best Basses’ and ‘Best Trombone Section.’

Delight

Despite just missing out on the title, there was so much for Enderby Youth and MD, Trevor Hounsome to be proud of as their excellent American Blues programme ran the eventually champions to a photo finish.

Mystery

Defending champion, Elland Silver Youth could only claim third place overall.

Samantha Harrison chose an inventive musical ‘Murder Mystery’ theme, which just couldn’t quite stab their rivals in the back to claim the title yet again.

Rubbish

Music adjudicator Andrew Berryman wittily highlighted the point that he wished he'd had the opportunity to have been sat in the open to enjoy the music making on offer because as he could tell everyone else was having such fun, sitting in a box looking at a red curtain was 'rubbish'!

His well aimed wit didn’t cover over his concerns however over tuning and stylistic issues, which he felt had robbed quite a few bans of their chances of making more of a musical impact.

High standard

With such a high overall standard, Rochdale Borough Youth came fourth overall under the baton of Eric Landon, taking home with them the award for producing the most entertaining item of the day with their rendition of ‘Bring Me Sunshine’.

The young players of Sellers International Youth claimed the award as the band showing most potential, whilst the stage deportment prize went to the immaculate Houghton Area Youth.

Enjoy

Meanwhile, entertainment judge Robin Dewhurst also praised the bands for the dedication and commitment on the day, and for the way in which they produced such inventive programmes.

Once again the contest was recorded and bands will be able to buy copies of their performance that will include highlights of the day itself.

Costing just £5 per DVD, further details are available at www.action.org.uk/youth_brass_band

Next year's contest will take place on Sunday 9th February.

A retrospective of the contest will appear on 4BR later this week

Malcolm Wood

I've been MD of the band since its formation 23 years ago and it's a huge honour to be part of a fantastic teamChris Jeans

Results:

Music/Entertainment=Total

1. Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans): 1+2=3
2. Enderby Youth (Trevor Hounsome): 2+1=3
3. Elland Silver Youth Band (Samantha Harrison): 5+4=9
4. Rochdale Borough Youth (Eric Landon): 8+3=11
5. Wardle High School (Lee Rigg): 4+8=12
6. Macclesfield Youth Band (Louise Renshaw): 7+5=12
7. Wardle Juniors (Gwen Smith): 6+7=13
8. St Keverne Youth (Gareth Churcher): 3+11=14
9. Houghton Area Youth (Brian Lamb): 11+6=17
10. Sellers International Youth (Alex Kerwin): 9+10=19
11. St Helen's Youth (Anna Hughes-Williams): 10+9=19

Withdrawn: Seindorf Beaumaris (Gwyn Evans)

Outstanding Soloist: Thomas Fountain (cornet) — Youth Brass 2000
Most Entertaining Item: Bring Me Sunshine, (Rochdale Borough Youth)
Best March: Youth Brass 2000
Best Soprano: Youth Brass 2000
Best Trombone Section: Youth Brass 2000
Best Basses: Youth Brass 2000
Best Stage Deportment: Houghton Area Youth
Band with Most Potential: Sellers International
Winning Conductor: Chris Jeans

A report will appear here in the next 24 hours