Major Peter Parkes has told 4BR of his delight at conducting Sovereign Brass to victory at Pontins last Sunday, where the test piece in the Harry and Margaret Mortimer Championship Section was one of his favourites, John McCabe's 'Cloudcatcher Fells'.

Finest piece

The test piece was first used at the National Championship Finals in 1985 when Black Dyke Mills, conducted by Major Parkes, claimed victory, completing a 'Grand Slam' of titles that year.

In conversation with 4BR about the piece, Major Parkes said:"In my opinion, Cloudcatcher Fells is the finest of all test pieces. I've conducted it on numerous occasions and been fortunate to have success with the bands I've been leading". He added: "There are no hidden tricks as its all in the music."

First victory

With a conducting record such as the Major's, it takes some believing that he had never conducted a winning band at Pontins. "While I’ve adjudicated at the contest in the past, I have only conducted on a few occasions and I’m delighted with the victory. The band was superb and has been excellent to work with."

In my opinion, Cloudcatcher Fells is the finest of all test pieces. I've conducted it on numerous occasions and been fortunate to have success with the bands I've been leadingMajor Peter Parkes

Chairman's accolade

Sovereign Brass's Chairman, Phil Green, explained why the band had opted to invite the Major to conduct them at Pontins and the impact he has had on the band.

Phil told 4BR: "When Cloudcatcher was announced as the test piece this year there was only one choice for me to take the band. Who knows Cloudcatcher Fells better then the Major? This is the third time that he has worked with us — and each time the band have lapped up his sheer musicality and understanding of the pieces he's conducted. He's got performances out of us that we didn't know we had in us!"

First at the bandroom

Phil also talked about Major Parkes' continued hunger and revealed that his desire is as big as it ever was. "We've had 8 rehearsals in 8 days and at each one the Major has been first at the bandroom — despite a 200 mile round trip. Last Tuesday night, when the M6 was closed it took him 7 hours to get home but he was still first in the queue to get back in the bandroom on Wednesday."

Put the work in

If you engage the Major to conduct you'll put the work in as Phil pointed out: "Anyone who thinks that getting the Major to conduct will get the band a trophy is only half right. We worked extremely hard as a band — full rehearsals all week including 6 hours on the Sunday prior to the contest with sectionals and extra, shorter sessions for some players with the Major one to one.

"With a mind, tongue and wit as sharp as a rapier there have been plenty of 'exciting' moments — just ask the horns and back row cornets!

"We're proud of our achievement. Three years ago we were down to 8 full-time players and the Major, along with Trevor Jones and David Maplestone, have been integral in us still being around today. We're also proud that the Major's most recent 'Major' was with us."