There was a lovely touch of musical irony to Barton Community's excellent victory in the Third Section on 'Napoleon on the Alps' as they overcame Philip Harper's enjoyable test-piece with free-flowing warmth and joyfulness, despite the weather outside Durham's Gala Theatre turning bone-chillingly snowy and cold throughout the contest.
It was an excellent defence of the trophy they won in 2017, as under Garry Oglesby they produced a performance that the old General himself would have been proud off; full of spirit, verve and ambition that bounded up the slopes of the score with an ebb and flow that brought the rich character of the music to life.
Tremendous
The only pity was that the band's diminutive leader wasn't on hand to enjoy the moment of victory — although by all accounts you could hear the cheer from the rehearsal room of the EYMS Band where he was preparing to play in the Championship Section later in the day. Both he and the band were tremendous.
Gathered in the midst of a growing blizzard outside, all eight competitors produced performances of credit in fact — although even the most flint hearted rivals spared a thought for the unfortunate Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes.
Whilst they gathered together at six in the morning, a phone call was received from their bus company cancelling their trip to Durham because of the conditions. Sadly, they had to withdraw, despite the wonderful gesture from EYMS Band to offer to share their bus.
Three way battle
The contest was a keen three-way battle for the honours, with Knaresborough Silver eventually gaining the nod from adjudicators John Roberts and Mareika Gray to pip rivals Ellington Colliery and book their third Cheltenham appearance in the last four years.
Just behind them came a series of well thought out renditions, with the top-six places going to Jayess Newbiggin (who took the 'Best Percussion' and 'Best Cornet' award — to the peerless Denis Todd), Murton Colliery and Swindon & District Excelsior.
All the bands emerged with a great deal of credit however, with Knaresborough under debutant conductor Nick Garrett certainly making a fine mark off the number 1 draw that very nearly held the lead all the way to the finishing line.
The former Harrogate front man cajoled and coaxed a performance (with an 'exceptional' opening according to the judges) that featured a lovely balance to the ensemble sound and detailed solo constructions. No wonder Nick was hoisted aloft by some of his players at the results.
Sorry
And whilst Ellington Colliery will have been disappointed that their fine account (John Roberts saying that the judges felt "sorry"as it would have perhaps "qualified in any other Area") didn't quite have just enough about it to snatch the second qualification place, debutant MD Claire Winter should be more than proud of her charges for producing a performance rich in musical and technical merit. They are a combination to watch out for in future.
As should be Backworth Colliery under Colin Harris, who only had 18 brass players, but who played with such spirit and determination (led splendidly by 13 year old Matthew Murdoch on principal cornet) that they should hopefully flourish over the next few years.
The winners though were excellent — and their triumph here could well herald further success come Cheltenham.
It was an excellent defence of the trophy they won in 2017, as under Garry Oglesby they produced a performance that the old General himself would have been proud off4BR
Result:
Third Section:
Test Piece: Napoleon on the Alps (Philip Harper)
Adjudicators: Mareika Gray & John Roberts
1. Barton Community (Gary Oglesby)*
2. Knaresborough Silver (Nick Garrett)*
3. Ellington Colliery (Claire Winter)
4. Jayess Newbiggin (Andrew Griffiths)
5. Murton Colliery (David Conway)
6. Swinton & District Excelsior (Robin Rutter)
7. Billingham Silver (Vaughan Evans)
8. Backworth Colliery (Colin Harris)
Withdrawn: Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes (Brian Harper)
*Qualify for National Final
Best Percussion: Ellington Colliery
Best Cornet: Ellington Colliery
