Regent Brass produced the final shock of the 2013 regional championships by claiming the London & Southern Counties title in Stevenage.

Filtered through

With the news filtering through of eyebrow raising results in Swansea and Darlington, not many people in the packed audience possibly thought that a third top section seismic tremor was about to take place, especially after adjudicator John Berryman revealed what he had been looking for from potential Albert Hall qualifiers.

But with Redbridge Brass announced in third, meaning they had missed out for a second successive year, the warning bells were starting to be rung even before a delighted Friary Guildford under Chris King claimed their first ever Albert Hall appearance as runner-up.

However, it was with the announcement that the title has been won by Regent Brass that the first mixed waves of euphoria and bewilderment washed over a stunned auditorium as their players scrambled onto the stage to raucously celebrate a first Area victory since 1994.

Out of the blue

Speaking to 4BR, MD Alan Duguid was still in a state of shock. "It’s come a little out of the blue, but the band has been building towards this for a while now. We’ve been in very good form over the last few months, especially following our performance at the Scottish Open."

Generously he added: "I knew Redbridge had played very well off number 1. It appears they may have been unlucky, but contesting does go like that at times. We worked so hard on the piece – especially the Ravel section, and even though we had a few slips I think our approach to bringing out the musical textures paid off."

Mirror

That mirrored adjudicator John Berryman, who stated that it was the lyrical sections of ‘Harmony Music’ that were key to his decision making, as he felt most bands could cope with the majority of technical hurdles the faster sections imposed.

Although Regent did make a number of noticeable errors, their desire to create a lyrical atmosphere especially in the Ravel interlude was marked – aided by the prize winning contribution of solo cornet Barbara King, who certainly caught the ear of the Virtuosi GUS conductor in the box.

With the other solo awards going to Friary Guildford and Redbridge, many neutrals still expected Jeremy Wise’s band to come out on top though.

Missed out

However, despite delivering a confident, mature performance to set a high quality marker, enhanced by the superb ‘Best Horn’ contribution of Chloe Mallett, they missed out once again, as Friary Guildford rounded off the contest with a compact, vibrant rendition under Chris King to force their way into second place, also helped by a ‘Best Euphonium’ contribution from Chris Straker.

Regent and Friary can now plan ahead for the Albert Hall, whilst Redbridge must concentrate their immediate efforts on the Grand Shield.

Came together

The winning MD added: "Everything came together for us on the day and we now have the Albert Hall to look forward to. The hard work starts now, although we will enjoy our celebrations for a little while longer."

Medway in fourth continued their good run of Area form by claiming their sixth successive top six finish, with Wantage Silver in fifth. There was disappointment for reigning champions Zone One Brass as they could only manage sixth place in defence of their title.

First Section:

There were plenty of long awaited title winning celebrations for the players and supports of Kidlington Concert Brass, as they enjoyed their first Area title success under the baton of Duncan Wilson.

They produced just the type of stylish performance, full of the neat detail and precision that adjudicator Dr Chris Davis was looking for on ‘Brass Triumphant’ on what proved to be a high quality contest of well managed accounts by the 15 confident competitors.

Final decision

And his final decision to who joined them at Cheltenham only became clear after Alder Valley Brass had followed their rivals onto the Main Concert Hall stage.

They produced a finely worked rendition of the Gareth Wood score under Roger Burke to secure the all important second qualification place.

Great deal

Kidlington Chairman Dave Catling told 4BR, that the victory meant a great deal for the band. "It’s the best thing that has happened to us for some time," he said.

"Duncan has worked so hard over the last few years in taking musical ownership of the band. All that paid off in wonderful style: It was an outstanding performance, as was shown in the written remarks."

Kidlington will now be promoted back to the top section, although Dave believes the time they have spent in the First Section has been hugely beneficial.

"It has enabled us to grow with real stability. We can look forward to the finals with confidence and plan towards making an impact in the top flight next year. These are great times once more for us."

Strong pairing

With Alder Valley making up a strong qualification pairing, there was also a great deal of evidence on show of the depth of quality in the region, with a fine performance from Sandhurst Silver under Ian McElligott ending third.

The remaining top six places were filled by well delivered renditions from promoted Thundersley Brass, Horsham Borough and the consistent City of Cambridge.

Second Section:

Flowers MD, Paul Holland certainly earned his adjudication spurs in the Second Section, where he was faced with 18 performances of ‘The Plantagenets’.

He also ensured that no one left the Main Concert Hall auditorium without knowing just what he felt of the piece and the standard of playing that it had elicited, as he realistically laid bare the evidence of the struggles faced by committed competitors.

Appreciated

It did make for uncomfortable listening at times, but his remarks were very much appreciated as he carefully acknowledged that on this particular occasion the test piece was simply too hard for the vast majority of bands.

One exception was certainly Hitchin, as the 2012 Third Section National Champion showed that they had made the step up in class by claiming their third major title in a row under the baton of inspirational MD, Craig Patterson.

Prize winning

Their boldly portrayed, confident approach as the penultimate contender etched with clarity and vibrant pulse, was enhanced by the prize winning contribution of their excellent trombone section.

It gave the band a deserved victory and another opportunity to claim a National title in Cheltenham later in the year, where they will be joined by Epsom & Ewell Silver, directed by Jack Smith and Ware Brass conducted by Philip Littlemore.

Both podium qualifiers produced hard working, well led accounts, with Ware’s ‘Best Basses’ adding depth to their solidly delivered rendition.

Three titles

Hitchin Secretary Tracy Gales still couldn’t quite believe that in the space of just a year, the band had claimed three of the most important prizes in their history.

"It’s an amazing time for us," she said. "We are playing so well at the moment under Craig, who is just tremendous. It was another solid performance on a test piece we had worked so hard on.

We were confident, but as this was only our first appearance in the Second Section, we were realistic too. Now we have Cheltenham to look forward to once again."

Credit

Understandably there were many bands that struggled to meet the severe demands placed upon them by such an imposing test piece, but Paul stated that all emerged with a great deal of credit for their efforts.

Promoted Battle Town certainly lived up to their name as they ended in fourth, with Tilbury showing encouraging progress by coming fifth and Northfleet Brass benefiting from the experience of Melvin White in sixth.

Behind them came a host of bands who gave of their very best in trying to overcome a fearsome and rather unfair test.

Third Section:

As has been the case all around the country, the Third Section proved to be an enjoyable delight, as 14 bands certainly delivered Goff Richards’, ‘Hollywood’ with zestful enthusiasm and bags of well directed playing.

In the end it was another reigning champion who emerged victorious, as last year’s Fourth Section winner Amersham, claimed their second successive title conducted by Paul Fisher.

Delight

There was also delight for LGB Brass conducted by Ian Stewart, as after narrowly missing out on qualification last year they claimed the second qualification place with a vibrant performance under the direction of Ian Stewart.

With a host of bands capturing the breezy style of the test piece, thanks to MDs choosing sensible tempos backed by excellent percussion and solid lead lines, Paul Holland was given the type of difficult adjudication task that was in stark contrast to what he had to judge the following day in the Second Section.

Odd praise

Oddly, the winning MD Paul Fisher at first heaped praise on Craig Patterson, the MD of Hitchin.

"I’m delighted for Craig as he is a great friend, so to win another Area title with Amersham is such a bonus. We seem to be competing against each other for victories!"

Paul also revealed that the success on ‘Hollywood’ was perhaps made easier for his band as he plays that type of music just about every day as a professional trombonist in West End shows.

"I really enjoyed the piece – and it was second nature to me to be able to explain just how it should sound, what the balances should be like and what style it should be played in.

The players certainly enjoyed it too, and I think it showed they actually listen to me now and again!"

Listening

They will certainly be listening once again when it comes to Cheltenham, as Paul now hopes to emulate Craig by winning the National title. "Now wouldn’t that be something," he laughed.

With such good quality performances to enjoy, it was Wantage Silver B who just missed out in third, despite delivering a fine rendition under Danny Dullforce, whilst the remaining top six places were claimed by well structured accounts from Cold Ash Brass, Waterbeach Brass and Hangleton.

Fourth Section:

There will be a brand new name engraved on the Fourth Section trophy after Simon Langton Brass claimed their first ever Area success under the baton of the experienced David Cutting.

The Canterbury based band was only formed in August 2011, and is closely linked to the Simon Langton Grammar School, which kindly allows them to use its premises for rehearsals and lends its minibus to help with transport needs.

Well delivered

Their well delivered performance of ‘A Devon Fantasy’ as the penultimate contender of an enjoyable contest caught the ear of adjudicator Dr Chris Davis.

He placed it just ahead of rivals Great Yarmouth Brass, conducted by Colin Swaep, who played immediately before them.

The trio of well directed qualifiers was made up of City of Oxford Silver, who had set an impressive early marker under Steve Sizeland that was only beaten by two very good rivals.

Thank you

The winning MD’s son, Chris Cutting, told 4BR that the victory was something of a musical thank you to the school that offered the band a home.

"My father started the band when he wanted to come back to the area, and as he is so well respected in the banding community he had no trouble attracting young and old players to come to play once a week."

He added: "The school has been a wonderful supporter, and we have a number of pupils as members of the band. This win is something of a musical repayment for their generosity in continuing to support us."

Love it

With an age range from 12 to ‘well over retirement age’ the future looks bright as Dave added: "We all love it – none more so than my father. To get to Cheltenham really is a dream come true for us all."

With a number of bands all managing to capture the simple beauty of Eric Ball’s score effectively, it was a close run thing for the top six places, which were eventually claimed by Regent Community Brass, Royston Town and Tadley Concert.

The contest was a wonderful grass roots footnote to what was a very well run event by Dave Hobbs and his excellent team.

Matthew Ruel

It’s come a little out of the blue, but the band has been building towards this for a while now. We’ve been in very good form over the last few months, especially following our performance at the Scottish OpenRegent Brass MD, Alan Duguid.

Championship Section:
Sunday 17th March
Gordon Craig Theatre
Test Piece: 'Harmony Music' — Philip Sparke
Adjudicator: John Berryman

1. Regent Brass (Alan Duguid), 11*
2. Friary Guildford (Chris King), 12*
3. Redbridge Brass (Jeremy Wise), 1
4. Medway (Melvin White), 7
5. Wantage Silver ‘A’ (Philip Bailey), 6
6. Zone One Brass (Richard Ward), 2
7. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill), 9
8. Aveley and Newham (Melvin White), 5
9. Egham (Gareth Green), 10
10. Clacton-on-Sea Co-operative (Mark Ager), 4
11. Staines Brass (Melvin White), 3
12. Bedford Town (Andy Kershaw), 8

* Top 2 bands qualify for National Finals

Best Cornet — Regent Brass
Best Euphonium — Friary Guildford
Best Tenor Horn — Redbridge Brass

Section 1:
Saturday 16th March
Main Concert Hall
Test Piece: 'Brass Triumphant' — Gareth Wood
Adjudicator: Dr Chris Davis OBE

1. Kidlington Concert Brass (Duncan Wilson),14*
2. Alder Valley Brass (Roger Burke),15*
3. Sandhurst Silver (Ian McElligott),6
4. Thundersley Brass (John Ward),12
5. Horsham Borough (Andy Kershaw), 10
6. City of Cambridge (Peter Bassano), 13
7. Ipswich and Norwich Co-op (Ian Johnson),2
8. Haverhill Silver (Mark Ager), 5
9. Yiewsley and West Drayton (Chris Cole),11
10. Milton Keynes Brass (Craig Patterson),3
11. Becontree Brass (Adam Cooke), 7
12. Jersey Premier Brass (Tim Pritchard),4
13. Littleport (Nigel Bramley),8
14. Soham Comrades (Keith Schroeter),1
15. Cawston (Leigh Sharpe), 9

Withdrawn: Chichester City (Ted Howard)

*Top 2 qualify for National Finals

Section 2:
Sunday 17th March
Main Concert Hall
Test Piece: 'The Plantagenets' — Edward Gregson
Adjudicator: Paul Holland

1. Hitchin (Craig Patterson), 17*
2. Epsom and Ewell Silver (Jack Smith),9*
3. Ware Brass (Philip Littlemore),4*
4. Battle Town (Jon Penton), 18
5. Tilbury (Andrew Austin),8
6. Northfleet Brass (Melvin White),2
7. Fulham Brass (Robert Richardson),1
8. Welwyn Garden City (John Campbell), 10
9. Colchester (David Maddocks), 14
10. Chiltern Hills Brass (Gary Davies),7
11. St. Sebastian Wokingham (Lee Woodward), 11
12. Epping Forest (Denis Desmond),10
13. Hungerford Town (Tim Crouter), 15
14. Chalgrove (Terry Brotherhood),3
15. Fairlop Brass (Kevin Jordan),6
16. St. Albans City (Philip Littlemore),5
17. Grimsdyke Brass (Stuart Quinlan), 12
18. BAE Systems (Keith Woodger), 13

* Top 3 bands qualify for Finals

Best Basses — Ware Brass
Best Trombones — Hitchin
Best Conductor — Hitchin

Section 3:
Saturday 16th March
Main Concert Hall
Test Piece: 'Hollywood' — Goff Richards
Adjudicator: Paul Holland

1. Amersham (Paul Fisher)* 9
2. L.G.B. Brass (Ian Stewart)* 5
3. Wantage Silver B (Danny Dullforce)7
4. Cold Ash Brass (Jemma Evans) 14
5. Waterbeach Brass (David Minchin) 13
6. Hangleton (Richard Baker) 8
7. Olney Brass (Paul Fensom)3
8. Norfolk Wherry Brass (Andy Craze) 1
9. Harwich R.B.L. (Antony Sanders) 6
10. Chinnor Silver (David Pegram) 12
11. Crystal Palace (Mike Gray) 2
12. Hemel Hempstead (Philip Fisher) 4
13. Watford (Ian Graves) 11
14. Bradwell Silver (Brian Keech)10

Section 4:
Sunday 17th March
Gordon Craig Theatre
Test Piece: 'A Devon Fantasy' — Eric Ball
Adjudicator: Dr Chris Davis OBE

1. Simon Langton Brass (David Cutting), 16*
2. Great Yarmouth Brass (Colin Swaep), 15*
3. City of Oxford Silver (Steve Sizeland), 3*
4. Regent Community Brass (Alan Duguid), 6
5. Royston Town (Steve Earley), 4
6. Tadley Concert Brass (Paul Chapman), 7
7. Witney Town (John Button), 8
8. Letchworth Garden City (Tim Welch), 12
9. Jubilee Brass (Oxford) (Cliff Sadler), 13
10. Cottenham Brass (Peter Mackley), 17
11. Woodbridge Excelsior (Chris Lewis-Garnham), 14
12. Charles Church Camberley (Robert Cherry), 5
13. Snowdown Colliery Welfare (Christer Aberg), 2
14. Bletchington Silver (Nigel Hall), 11
15. Ampthill Town (Chris Benger), 1
16. North London Brass (Vicky Boyle), 9
17. Cobham (Robin Langdon), 10

* Top 3 bands qualify for Finals

Withdrawn: Marsh Gibbon Silver (Andy Allcock)