There was an excellent turn-out at the third Skelmanthorpe Band Annual Slow Melody and Ensemble Competition at the weekend.

A fantastic 56 performances were heard from members of 12 different bands during the eight sections.

Great response

Organiser, Graham Bates, told 4BR: "We were delighted with the response to this year’s event, especially to the new initiatives of changing the quartet section to an ensemble, and introducing a ‘random’ section where entrants draw an instrument out of a hat (anything other than their own) and play a verse of any National Anthem – sometimes with hilarious results."

The Senior Ensemble Section also provided anything from tradition quartet music, through to a Trombone Trio Tribute to ABBA, and even the theme to the ASDA advertsorganisers

ABBA to Asda

The Senior Ensemble Section also provided much amusement with anything from tradition quartet music, through to a Trombone Trio Tribute to ABBA, and even the theme to the ASDA adverts appearing along the way.

Future

The organisation is home to three bands with the two senior ensembles having just competed in the National Finals, and whilst the results were being collated, a brief concert was given by the Training Band (known as “The Nippers”) – the future of the band – under their MD Alan Coe.

Graham added: "Slow Melody Competitions are regarded as an excellent opportunity, especially for young brass instrumentalists, to gain experience and confidence, and we hope we can repeat this success next year.

"Next year’s event will be held on Saturday 7th November 2009, when it is hoped even more entries will be received, especially in the 11 & under and Junior Ensemble Sections."

Special thanks went to Kevin Wadsworth for adjudicating throughout the day.

Results:

11 years & under (2 entries):
1. Harriet Minor (Skelmanthorpe Training)
2. Alexander Robertson (Skelmanthorpe Training)

14 years & under (10 entries):
1. Nick Walker (Clifton & Lightcliffe)
2. Jonathan Bates (Skelmanthorpe B)
3. Lewis Bettles (Thurlstone)

16 years & under (11 entries):
1. Mark Crisp (Clifton & Lightcliffe)
2. Charlotte Heaven (Oldham (Lees))
3. Jonathan Bates (Skelmanthorpe B)

Junior Ensemble (1 entry):
1. Clifton & Lightcliffe Juniors

Open (9 entries):
1. Mark Crisp (Clifton & Lightcliffe)
2. Jonathan Bates (Skelmanthorpe B)
3. Jim Tew (VBS Poynton)

Veterans (6 entries):
1. Jim Tew (VBS Poynton)
2. Ian Gill (YBS Concert)
3. Paula Fisher (Skelmanthorpe B)

Senior Ensemble (5 entries):
1. Clifton & Lightcliffe Octet
2. The Three Tenors (Thurlstone)
3. Clifton & Lightcliffe Quartet

Random (12 entries):
1. Nick Stokes (Stocksbridge)
2. Paul Thewlis (Skelmanthorpe)
3. Graham Bates (for the audacity to turn up!)