Seven out of seven title wins for Tewit Silver. And more surely to come...
The remarkable young band from the North of England now enjoys an unbeaten run that is exactly the same duration in length as Jurgen Klopp's all conquering Liverpool football team.
Current run
Their current run started on 12th January 2019 with a win at Brighton. By a strange quirk of fate, Martin Hall's team started theirs on exactly the same day at Skegness when they won the Fourth Section title.
12 months on the Reds are heading for what increasingly looks like a long awaited Premiership crown. On this type of form Tewit are just as odds-on with the bookies to also add another National title to their name before their season comes to a close.
The comparisons do not end there either. Admiration for their achievement is also backed by the way in which they perform; free-flowing, vibrant and exciting — the MD always with an encouraging smile on his face, the enjoyment and pride heard in the music making as effective as it is enthralling.
Exceeded expectations
"I don't know what to say,"Martin told 4BR as he joined his delighted players in celebrating with yet another trophy on the Saturday evening.
"I was determined to capture the imagination and enthusiasm of these players when I first set out with them a few years ago now, but everything they've done has exceeded my expectations."
He added: "I can't tell you just how proud I am of them all — the older players helping the younger ones, the youngsters inspiring them back in return. This is what makes banding great for me.
To win another contest is great, but to see just how much everyone enjoys playing in our band is the thing that makes it special."
Impressed
And special it was too as they impressed two very experienced men in the box. Dave Lea (who was joined by Leigh Baker) later told 4BR that it was a pleasure to hear a winning performance that brought the mood pictures of Alan Fernie's colourful 'Gothic Dances' so readily to life.
Behind them he added, came the fine accounts from prize-winners Emley, Whitworth Vale & Healy and Towcester Studio, but not even these well directed efforts provided the same level of contrast, stylish endeavour and lyrical reflection that seeped through the three movements of the winners.
They did however show that a careful appreciation of pace and dynamic (all three led with considerable musical nous) paid Gothic dividends. The trio will head to their Area Championships boosted by the quality of performance they showed here.
It would be great to hear another battle between these top four bands in Cheltenham for sure.
Packed audience
It was so encouraging to hear — and appreciated by a packed audience in the Crazy Horse venue (standing room only most of the time).
As always further down the results table consistency of execution was the key — the eternal bugbear of contest performances at this level and one that just tarnished well worked efforts from the other competitors. And whilst style considerations also played their part, no-one came a cropper.
No such worries for Tewit however. They have style and substance in abundance (even the MD can get away with wearing a Peaky Blinders cap) — and a year long competitive record that Jurgen Klopp would be proud to call his own
Taylor Wilson
To win another contest is great, but to see just how much everyone enjoys playing in our band is the thing that makes it specialMD, Martin Hall
Result:
Test Pieces: Gothic Dances (Alan Fernie)
Adjudicators: Dave Lea & Sam Fisher
1. Tewit Silver (Martin Hall)
2. Emley Brass (Gary Hallas)
3. Whitworth Vale & Healey (Christopher Binns)
4. Towcester Studio (Peter Wain)
5. Raunds Temperance (Jonathan Pippen)
6. Hoover (Bolton) (Craig Mann)
7. Stamford Brass (Julian Bright)
8. Tadley Concert Band (Paul Chapman)
9. Pleasley Colliery Welfare (Geof Benson)
10. Sale Brass (Matthew Hindle)
11. Great Yarmouth Brass (Colin Swaep)
12. Crystal Palace (Michael Gray)
13. Syston (Colin Jones)
Highest Placed Mining Band: Emley Brass
Withdrawn: Cubbington Silver
