The 8th Holme Valley Solo & Ensemble Competition took place at the weekend in the impressive surroundings of the Hade Edge bandroom.

Whilst numbers were slightly down on previous years, adjudicator Jonathan Bates had plenty of quality playing to enjoy, alongside an audience which was appreciatively larger than in the past.

Experience

With 25 performances from players representing 12 different bands, he stressed that whilst there were prizes on offer, it was the experience of playing in such events which was far more important in the long run.

Players of all ages and experience revelled in the friendly and encouraging atmosphere, with many commenting on the helpful written remarks received at the end (as well as the home-made cakes!)

Show stealer

Ultimately though, the show was stolen by 13 year old Lucy Heeley.

She took the award for 'Musical Performance of the Day', with her rendition of 'Down the Vale' in the 14 & under category before showing her all-round prowess with a superb performance of 'Weber's Last Waltz' in the Technical/Air-Varie Open Section. With a host of other awards in the bag, she left with her proud family contemplating a rather large engraving bill.

Champion of Champions

It was also the same for the experienced Patricia Woodings who produced sublime performances throughout the day.

Her combined scores in the Open Slow Melody and Technical Sections earned her the new 'Champion of Champions' trophy amongst others.

Proceedings were rounded off with a couple of delightful quartets, with the Colne Valley Quartet ultimately taking the prize with a cracking rendition of Vinter's 'Fancy's Knell'.

Inspired

Organiser, Graham Bates, was delighted with the day's proceedings: "To see so many new players of all ages playing at the event for the first time today was so rewarding," he told 4BR.

"It seems that everyone has been inspired and wants to have another go next year.

We've been canvassing opinions about moving the event to November and will be contacting those who couldn't make it this year before making a decision. Whether it's June or November 2019, we'll certainly be back to enjoy seeing how these young players have progressed."

Ultimately though, the show was stolen by 13 year old Lucy Heeley. She took the award for 'Musical Performance of the Day', with her rendition of 'Down the Vale' in the 14 & under category4BR

Results:

11 & Under Slow Melody:

1. Rhys Stokes (Strata)
2. Anna Mooney (Dobcross Youth)
3. Claudia Bowen (Thurlstone)

14 & Under Slow Melody:

1. Lucy Heeley (Chapeltown)
2. Eleanor Bowen (Thurlstone)
3. Joe Mooney (Dobcross Youth)

18 & Under Slow Melody:

1. Lucy Heeley (Chapeltown)
2. Ellie Warren (Ashton under Lyne)
3. Matthew Sykes (Hade Edge)

Open Slow Melody:

1. Patricia Woodings (Newhall)
2. Nick Stokes (Strata)
3. Simon Liles (Boarshurst)

Veterans Slow Melody:

1. Particia Woodings (Newhall)
2. Debbie Bates (Thurlstone)
3. John Sheard (Clifton & Lightcliffe)

Open Technical/Air Varie:

1. Lucy Heeley (Chapeltown)
2. Patricia Woodings (Newhall)
3. Nick Stokes (Strata)

Ensemble:

1. Colne Valley Quartet
2. Wakefield Girls High School Cornet Quartet

Special Awards:

Best Cornet of the Day: Lucy Heeley
Best Horn of the Day: Patricia Woodings
Best Euphonium of the Day: Matthew Sykes
Best Trombone of the Day: Nick Stokes

Highest Placed Technical/Air-Varie (18 & under): Lucy Heeley
Highest Placed Ensemble (18 & under): Wakefield Girls' High School

Outstanding Musical Performance of the Day: Lucy Heeley (14 & under)
Champion of Champions: Patricia Woodings