North Skelton continued their rich vein of recent contest form by winning the Second Section Area title. It will be the third occasion that their name will be inscribed on the trophy as they secured a return to the National Final for the first time since 2014.

Excellent performance

As the last of eight evenly matched bands to play in an engaging contest, their excellent performance of 'Ex Terra Lucem' under MD Daniel Brooks impressed judges Howard Evans and John Roberts with its flowing movements of transition and classy solo work, especially from Chris Coupland, who deservedly took the 'Best Euphonium' prize.

He was not alone, as equally telling contributions also came from Andrew Champion on flugel and principal cornet Katie Mackay that added a level of elegance and jazz inflection to the solid foundation built by their 'Best Basses' team — one that enabled the conductor to fashion a title winning performance of rich merit.

The Elland Silver Band MD later told 4BR: "The band has some great players around the stand and a fantastic attitude. It's been a pleasure to conduct them and to share in this deserved success."

Texture and energy

Joining them in Cheltenham will be another band that has made a great deal of progress over the last couple of years as J36 Brass led by Andrew Warriner claimed second place with a well crafted account full of colour, texture and energy that just let the door open for their rivals to nip through at the death.

It was also little indiscretions and small intonation issues that separated the qualifiers from the rest of the field, with Ferryhill's richly characterised performance under Gareth Sykes just missing out by what must have been the narrowest of margins.

Although they may have left the Gala Theatre in Durham disappointed, the level of their performance will surely hold them in good stead for future contest battles to come.

Well-directed

With each of the bands bringing out the dance-like nature of the opening section, the lyrical reflectiveness of the central 'St Elyn's Chapel' and the growing tension of the finale, there was a great deal to consider for the judges in the well-directed performances of Cockerton Silver, NASUWT Concert Brass and Durham Miners Association that filled the remaining top-six places.

And whilst there should be no complaints from East Riding of Yorkshire or Bearpark & Esh, on another day just a little bit more security in some lead lines and a more cohesive ensemble sound would have seen them challenging for a potential podium spot.

For North Skelton and J36 Brass though, there is a real opportunity to make a significant mark in Cheltenham as the North of England sends two qualifiers that are in form and building solidly in the right contest direction.

The band has some great players around the stand and a fantastic attitude. It's been a pleasure to conduct them and to share in this deserved successMD, Daniel Brooks

Result:

Second Section:

Test Piece: Ex Terra Lucem (Jonathan Bates)
Adjudicators: Howard Evans & John Roberts

1. North Skelton (Daniel Brooks)*
2. J36 Brass (Andrew Warriner)*
3. Ferryhill Town (Gareth Sykes)
4. Cockerton (Peter Elcoat)
5. NASUWT Concert Brass (Andrew Hall)
6. Durham Miners Association (Stuart Gray)
7. East Riding of Yorkshire (Gary Hallas)
8. Bearpark & Esh Colliery (Phillip Tait)

*Qualify for National Final

Best Euphonium: Chris Coupland (North Skelton)
Best Basses: North Skelton
Best Soprano: J36