There was no mistaking the desire for a ‘non temperance’ celebration in the nearest pub after Tongwynlais claimed their first ever Welsh Regional title under the direction of Steve Sykes.

Dry run

125 years after starting life as a strictly ‘dry’ Temperance band, the latest victory to be added to an increasingly impressive CV of top level achievement over the last two years may well be marked by an asterisk signifying a historic win drenched in celebratory champagne.

The shock waves sent around the banding world may well be just as significant, as Tongwynlais also secured the ticket to represent Wales at the 2014 European Championships in Perth by beating the heavyweight duo of Tredegar and Cory, who have claimed the last 13 Welsh titles between them.

Needle

In fact, the needle certainly went off the banding Richter scale when their name was announced as 2013 champion.

It was a decision by adjudicator Paul Cosh greeted with a mixture of euphoria and surprise in the Brangwyn Hall, as it soon became apparent that reigning champion Cory was out of the prizes – and had in fact came fifth- their lowest finish since 1991.

With Burry Port in fourth, it was Northop who secured their first Albert Hall appearance since 2009 by coming third, with Tredegar securing their return as runner-up. Cory’s only consolation would have come from the fact that they had already pre-qualified for the finals.

Wide smile

Tongwynlais Chairman Jason Bevan wore a smile as wide as Swansea Bay as the significance of the victory finally sank in amid the raucous celebrations.

"We can’t quite believe it," he told 4BR. "We thought we had perhaps missed our chance as we made a few little mistakes, but the playing in the slow movements was just what Steve Sykes wanted, and just what he thought would appeal in the box."

He added: "He was right again, and now we can celebrate a first Welsh Area victory and European appearance in style."

The MD was equally thrilled at the prospect, but modestly diverted the praise to his players on their remarkable achievement. "This has been coming for a while – especially after London last year. The players are so committed and determined to succeed. The soloists today were superb.

I’m so pleased for them – and I believe this is the start of something big for the band. Everyone is determined to build on this success, especially with the Grand Shield and Masters to come."

Considered

Paul Cosh gave a very considered analysis of his thoughts prior to the announcement of the results; emphasising his opinion that he wanted to hear bands reveal the musical beauty and refinement of the ‘Harmony Music’ score, especially in the slower Ravel interlude, as well as showcasing their technical capabilities in the faster sections.

He later told 4BR: "The top two really brought that beauty out. It was very close, but the winner’s had that extra touch of refinement for me."

Although not drawn into remarking specifically about individual performances he did add: "Others played it a bit too safe with the dynamics and over emphasised the tempos and effects. There is much more to the piece than that. The best bands for me didn’t concentrate all their efforts on the technical aspects."

Subtle

With Tongwynlais certainly placing their emphasis on the subtle ensemble textures from the word go, the lyrical interpretation sought by Steve Sykes certainly resonated in the box, whilst Tredegar under Ian Porthouse also brought out the refined shades aided by the outstanding ‘Best Instrumentalist’ contribution of principal cornet Dewi Griffiths.

With Northop delivering a compact rendition under Thomas Wyss to come third and a robust account from Burry Port ending fourth, Cory’s technically impressive, boldly portrayed interpretation under Philip Harper failed to impress Paul Cosh as much as it certainly did in the hall.

In a high quality contest of varied interpretations, the final top six place went to Beaumaris, who set an impressive marker from the number 1 draw.

First Section:

There was also something of a shock result in the First Section, although not with the destination of the title, which went to the highly impressive Tylorstown under the direction of Gary Davies.

Outstanding

They produced an outstanding rendition of ‘Brass Triumphant’ imbued with a clearly defined musical style to claim victory with the exact ‘feel for the music’ that adjudicator Kevin Wadsworth was certainly looking for.

Aided by excellent contributions from all their main soloists, and in particular ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Karen Flecther on horn, they secured their finals place with classy aplomb.

Only band

"They were the only band that really captured the tenderness as well as the drama of the music today," Kevin told 4BR.

"The first movement required rhythmic flow, the second a more menacing atmosphere. The third needed delicacy and tenderness, and the fourth, a sense of controlled style."

Pleased

The winning MD was particularly pleased by the way his band performed.

"I couldn’t have asked for anything more," Gary said. "There was a confidence about the way in which we played today – especially the soloists. It was a pleasure to be able to just about relax on stage during a performance like that."

With Kevin Wadsworth admitting that ‘Brass Triumphant’, ‘screws with your emotions and imaginations’, he found Penclawdd’s robustly coloured interpretation under Tony Small also capturing his thought processes.

It gave the West Walians, who will be celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, their first finals appearance since 2006.

Puzzled looks

It was a result that brought a few puzzled looks in the hall, especially after a lyrically inspired account from Llwydcoed, directed by Nigel Seaman had been announced in third, to complete a trio of prize winners that had produced immensely varied interpretations under their MDs.

Behind them came engaging accounts from Llanrug, Abergavenny and Markham to fill the top six places in a contest that was won in considerable style by a deserved champion.

Second Section:

The youthful Goodwick produced a performance of remarkable maturity on ‘The Plantagenets’ to win the Second Section title in a contest that once again saw many contenders unable to meet the challenges imposed by the Music Panel’s choice of Edward Gregson’s test piece.

Paul Cosh gave a clear analysis that sympathetically recognised the limitations of the eight brave contenders and the struggles encountered in trying to bring a sense of musical drama to the score due to the severe tests placed on collective technique.

Lightness

"It is a piece that requires a lighter dynamic and free flowing tempo to really come to life," he said.

"Without those elements it tends to lose its youthful vigour and the sense of brioso against the legato elements that gives the music its contradictory drama."

However, he did add the caveat: "I know that this has been a very difficult test, and I congratulate all the bands. The winners certainly brought the music to life, but after them I had to give things a great deal more thought before making my final decision."

Appreciated

His remarks were certainly appreciated by an audience who also recognised the problems encountered by the contenders, as Goodwick deservedly claimed a fourth consecutive Welsh title under Matthew Jenkins with a rendition rich in detail, boldness and security.

He later told 4BR that his band had worked harder than ever before to secure victory. "It was such a hard piece that we started on it before Christmas – and haven’t stopped since. All the effort the band has put in paid off today. It was a performance I was very proud of."

Pride

There was certainly a great deal of pride on show from their rivals too, with the equally youthful City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) 2 capturing a deserved second place under Dewi Griffiths, with a rendition that captured the free flowing vigour Paul Cosh was looking for.

The welcome return of Parc & Dare saw one of Welsh banding’s famous names come an encouraging third, with soprano player Paul Eddy taking the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ award. There was also much to commend in performances from bands that had certainly given their all in trying to master a piece that stretched their abilities to the full.

The remaining top six places went to Blaenavon Town, Royal Buckley and Newtown.

Third Section:

There was plenty of Hollywood glitz in the Third Section as nine bands produced an enjoyable contest – although the end result came as a bit of a shock to many armchair film and music critics in the audience.

Eyebrow

Kevin Wadsworth’s witty, if rather obscure pre-results analysis seemed to raise an eyebrow or two — a response that was reinforced somewhat by the surprise announcement of Severn Tunnel as winners.

"This is a very stylish piece – with so many rises and falls, dynamic contrasts, colours and musical shapes," he said.

"It needs to be laid back with the MDs taking care of balance and dynamics. The winners did this, but others were too heavy and went hell for leather.2

That went some way to explaining why he felt last year’s Fourth Section champion made it a ‘double’ under young conductor Christopher Bond, after they delivered the right balance of style and substance he was looking for in the score — aided by ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Owen Williams on trombone.

Pinpointed

It was something the young Cornish MD also pinpointed: "It was the style I felt was most important," he told 4BR.

"I’ve been at the band for the past four months and we have worked on that element ever since. I’ve learnt a great deal from being taught by Alan Pope, who always brought the music out of the score – and that is what I tried to do today."

Confident

With Owen Farr leading reigning champion Pontypool back to Cheltenham for a second successive year thanks to their confident performance, it was last year’s runner up, Ogmore Valley that just missed out on a return ticket under Alice Jones.

The main talking point however was the fifth place finish of Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda, who despite providing for many the most accomplished rendition of the contest, found their approach did not find as much favour in the box as it did in the hall.

The remaining top six places went to Briton Ferry and RAF St Athan.

Fourth Section:

There were encouraging signs that the foundation level of Welsh banding is starting to grow in solidity, as 11 bands provided an excellent contest as an aperitif to the later Championship Section battle.

Ebbw Valley Brass claimed their first Welsh title with a cohesive account under Andrew Jones that was full of excellent individual and ensemble contributions which brought Eric Ball’s engaging ‘A Devon Fantasy’ fully to life off the number 1 draw.

Excellent

They will be joined in Cheltenham by Ammanford, who, after returning to the contest fold last year secured their first finals appearance since 2001 under Glyn Davies. Their excellent euphonium player Jeff Thomas took the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award.

The new champion was only formed in 2011 after the Ebbw Vale and Cwm Bands joined forces, whilst Andrew Jones stepped in to take them to the contest as regular MD, Gareth Ritter was conducting City of Cardiff in the top section.

Delighted

"I was delighted to be asked," Andrew said. "They are a great bunch, and so determined to succeed. It was real pleasure to conduct them, and I’m sure they will do very well at Cheltenham."

That was a point emphasised by Kevin Wadsworth after he stated that he was impressed by the overall standard.

"Wales is certainly producing some very good bands at this level," he said.

"This was an excellent contest. There was a clear winner and a second placed band that was very good too. Both will present a strong challenge at the finals and everyone who took part has a great deal to be proud about today. I was very impressed by all the bands."

Battle

With such a close battle for second place it was the youngsters of Upper Rhondda who just missed out under the direction of Nigel Seaman, with the top six places filled by Usk, Rhyl and Oakdale.

Further excellence

The weekend also saw further recognition of excellence as the prestigious WS Gwyn Williams Award for Amateur Music Making in Wales went to the Abergavenny Band, whilst Iowerth Gowing was presented with a Roll of Honour for his remarkable contribution to the banding community of Wales.

The final news of a well run weekend was that the 2014 event will have a new home in Llandudno as the Brangwyn Hall undergoes refurbishment.

Iwan Fox

This has been coming for a while – especially after London last year. The players are so committed and determined to succeed. The soloists today were superbSteve Sykes

Championship Section:
Sunday 17th March
Test Piece: 'Harmony Music' — Philip Sparke
Adjudicator: Paul Cosh

1. Tongwynlais Temperance (Steve Sykes), 7***
2. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse), 9*
3. Northop (Thomas Wyss), 5*
4. Burry Port (Nigel Seaman), 4
5. Cory (Philip Harper), 3**
6. Beaumaris (Gwyn Evans), 1
7. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Gareth Ritter), 4
8. BTM (David Maplestone), 6
9. Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins), 2

Best Instrumentalist: Dewi Griffiths (cornet) — Tredegar

* 2 bands qualify for the National Finals
** Pre-qualified for National Finals
*** Pre-qualified for National Finals and 2014 European Championships

Section 1:
Saturday 16th March
Test Piece: 'Brass Triumphant' — Gareth Wood
Adjudicator: Kevin Wadsworth

1. Tylorstown, (Gary Davies), 4*
2. Penclawdd, (Tony Small) 3*
3. Llwydcoed, (Nigel Seaman) 6
4. Llanrug, (Paul Hughes) 9
5. Abergavenny Borough, (Craig Roberts) 5
6. Markham, (Gareth Pritchard) 1
7. Deiniolen, (Gavin Saynor) 8
8. Lewis Merthyr, (Gareth Pritchard) 2
9. Rogerstone, (Adrian Morton) 7

Best Instrumentalist: Karen Fletcher (horn) — Tylorstown

*Top 2 bands qualify for National Finals

Section 2:
Saturday 16th March
Test Piece: 'The Plantagenets' — Edward Gregson
Adjudicator: Paul Cosh

1. Goodwick (Matthew Jenkins), 6*
2. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) 2 (Dewi Griffiths), 8*
3. Parc & Dare (Andrew Jones), 3
4. Blaenavon Town (Andrew Protherough-Jones), 5
5. Royal Buckley (Scott Lloyd), 1
6. Newtown (Steve Edwards), 2
7. Crwbin (Colin Hogg), 7
8. Gwaun Cae Gurwen (Malcolm Reed), 4

Best Instrumentalist: Paul Eddy (soprano) — Parc & Dare

*Top 2 Qualify for National Finals

Section 3:
Saturday 16th March
Test Piece: 'Hollywood' — Goff Richards
Adjudicator: Kevin Wadsworth

1. Severn Tunnel (Christopher Bond), 6*
2. Pontypool (Owen Farr), 8*
3. Ogmore Valley (Ms Alice Jones), 5
4. Briton Ferry (Michael Pilley), 9
5. Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda (Alan Gibbs), 4
6. RAF St Athan (Alan Bourne), 7
7. Ynyshir (Gary Davies), 3
8. Cross Keys (Keri Bowden), 2
9. Newport Borough (Robin Hackett), 1

* Top 2 bands qualify for the Finals

Best Instrumentalist: Owen Williams (trombone) — Severn Tunnel

Section 4:
Sunday 17th March
Test Piece: 'A Devon Fantasy' — Eric Ball
Adjudicator: Kevin Wadsworth

1. Ebbw Valley (Andrew Jones), 1*
2. Ammanford (Glyn Davies), 2*
3. Upper Rhondda (Nigel Seaman), 3
4. Usk (Jeff Jones), 6
5. Rhyl (Keith Jones), 9
6. Oakdale (Adrian Browning), 4
7. Oakeley (John Jones), 7
8. Abertillery Youth (Huw Cole), 5
9. Holywell (Glyn Williams), 11
10. Cwmtawe Youth (Wayne Pedrick), 10
11. Ystradgynlais (Alex Parker), 8

*Top 2 qualify for National Finals

Best Instrumentalist: Jeff Thomas (euphonium) — Ammanford
Youngest Player: Eleri Kinsey (Ammanford)