There was a great turnout of playing talent at the inaugural Marsden Solo, Duet & Quartet competition on the weekend.

Over 60 musicians from as far afield as Nottingham took the opportunity to showcase their skills with adjudicator Glyn Williams enjoying a host of excellent performances from players in all sections.

Fine rendition

That was certainly the case in the 12 & Under Slow Melody category as the honours went to horn player Hannah Schofield-Lea from Huddersfield Youth, who gave a fine rendition of 'On My Own'. Second place went to Ellie Warren from Rochdale Youth, with Ainslee Farrar of Elland Silver Youth in third.

There were also awards for the Youngest Player, which went to 9-year old Holly Baker from Hammonds Mighty Oaks, and an Adjudicator's Award which was won by Zach Schofield-Lea on Eb Bass.

Tuba impression

Glyn was particularly impressed by Zach’s playing and sound, and Zach later also took the Les Neish ‘Best Bass’ award of the day too.

There was plenty of fine playing on show in the 16 & Under Section, where Gemma Riley from Wigan Youth claimed the honours with her account of Handel's 'Where'er You Walk', picking up the ‘Best Trombone’ award along the way.

Second place and the ‘Best Cornet’ award went to James Atkins of Diggle playing 'Share My Yoke', with Bethan Brown of Foresters Brass 2000 in third.

Pushing

In the 16 & Under Duets, the title went to Ainslee & Edwin Farrar from Elland Training Band, with Lewis & Evie from Marsden Juniors pushing them all the way in second. In the 16 & Under Quartets, it was Pemberton Sticky Valves who emerged victorious.

After a fine lunch provided by the Mobile Cafe, hosted by Marsden member Kathleen Coton and KC Classic Catering, the closely fought Open Slow Melody Section saw Fairey Band’s Sarah Lenton eventually claimed the first prize.

Outstanding

Her outstanding performance of John Golland’s 'Ballade', also gained her the 'Outstanding Performance of the Day' and Glyn Williams ‘Best Euphonium/Baritone’ Award.

Ian McCormick of Thoresby Colliery was a fine runner-up with his rendition of 'The Swan' to also claim the ‘Highest Placed Outsider’ award. Patricia Woodings from Newhall playing ‘Softly Awakes My Heart’ was third, taking the ‘Best Horn of the Day’ award.

Three trophies

However, in the Veterans Section, Patricia, who took home three trophies for her fine efforts, claimed top honours with Ian Gill from Lindley close behind.

In the Duet category, Sarah Lenton and Leanne Stamp from the RNCM took first prize with their rendition of 'The Prayer', arranged by Luc Vertommen.

There was keen competition on show in the Quartets, with 4Corners Brass euphonium quartet from the RNCM performing four pieces from ‘A Folk Suite’’, arranged by Sean Peterson. Diggle Basses were second thanks to their performance of Eric Ball's ‘Quartet for Tubas’.

There were also awards for the Youngest Player, which went to 9-year old Holly Baker from Hammonds Mighty Oaks, and an Adjudicator's Award which was won by Zach Schofield-Lea on Eb Bass4BR

Results:

12 & Under Slow Melody:
1. Hannah Schofield-Lea
2. Ellie Warren
3. Ainslee Farrar

Youngest Player: Holly Baker (age 9)
Adjudicator's Award: Zach Schofield-Lea

16 & Under Slow Melody:
1. Gemma Riley
2. James Atkins
3. Bethan Brown

16 & Under Duet:
1. Edwin & Ainslee Farrar
2. Lewis & Evie

16 & Under Quartet:
1. Pemberton Sticky Valves

Open Slow Melody:
1. Sarah Lenton
2. Ian McCormick
3. Patricia Woodings
4. Luke Dempsey

Veterans Slow Melody:
1. Patricia Woodings
2. Ian Gill

Open Duet:
1. Sarah Lenton & Leanne Stamp

Open Quartet:
1. 4Corners Brass
2. Diggle Basses

Special Awards:
Cornet: James Atkins
Horn: Patricia Woodings
Trombone: Gemma Riley
Euphonium/Baritone: Sarah Lenton
Bass: Zach Schofield-Lea

Highest Placed Outsider: Ian McCormick
Outstanding Performance of the Day: Sarah Lenton

Thanks to Tommy Tynan