West of England • Monday 11, 09:52:19
Championship Section:
Test Piece: 'Harmony Music' - Philip Sparke
Sunday 10th March
Adjudicators: Brett Baker and David Thornton
1. Flowers (Paul Holland), 6*
2. Woodfalls (Dr. Robert Childs), 1*
3. Aldbourne (David Johnson), 3
4. Camborne Town (Steve Sykes), 9
5. Mount Charles (Simon Dobson), 10
6. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Major David Barringer), 7
7. Lydbrook (Jonathan Corry), 10
8. St. Dennis (Darren Hawken), 5
9. Sherborne Town (Paul Cosh), 8
10. Brunel Brass (John Winterflood), 4
11. Chalford (Steve Tubb), 2
*Top 2 bands qualify for Finals
West of England • Sunday 10, 18:32:07
Championship Section:
4BR Prediction:
It's all over here in Torquay and we think its going to be a two way fight between Woodfalls and Flowers. Woodfalls may just get the nod on this occasion though.
Sherborne delivered a fine account and deserve to get a mention ahead of Aldbourne with Lydbrook and St Dennis.
It's been an interesting contest with two very good performances at the top and a couple of persuasive ones a little way behind.
1. Woodfalls
2. Flowers
3. Sherborne
4. Aldbourne
5. Lydbrook
6. St Dennis
West of England • Sunday 10, 18:26:22
Championship Section:
11. Mount Charles (Simon Dobson)
A wonderfully lyrical interpretation full of rich musicality and subtle shaping was blemished by a combination of unforced errors and sloppy execution.
There was so much to enjoy in the way this was laid out, but the untidiness of execution robbed the music of its inherent beauty. The Vivaces bubbled with purpose but also with so many scrappy entries, whilst the Ravel interlude was so subtly shaped but tarnished by unforced errors - horn being the exception.
A wonderful ride for home in the reprise was a little too late to undo the damage on a performance that held so much promise, but didn't live up to expectations. A real pity.
West of England • Sunday 10, 18:07:59
Championship Section:
10. Lydbrook (Jonathan Corry)
A performance that recovered after a poor start to end in the credit side of the Harmony Music ledger - although the MD and his players worked hard for it.
The MD laid out a very neutral reading of the score with clear direction and purpose with well paced Vivaces and an artisan Ravel Interlude. The main soloists are delivered well and the ensemble grew in confidence the longer the piece developed.
The final reprise just got a touch tired and forced, but there was more than enough left in the tank to round things off with a bold, thumping climax and close.
Solid, no nonsense and perhaps enough to get a mention off the stage.
West of England • Sunday 10, 17:46:01
Championship Section:
9. Camborne (Steve Sykes)
A pity about the high error count on what was such a well constructed interpretation from the MD. They will surely rue the mistakes.
There was a lovely pulse and drive to the Vivaces and the Ravel interlude was dark but not menacing, but the fine intentions were undone by the annoying unforced and nervous errors. When it did all fall into place there was so much to enjoy.
The final reprise bubbled along with controlled purpose and they finally found a rich vein of consistency in execution - but it was all a little too late, despite a cracking close.
A performance of maybes and what ifs
West of England • Sunday 10, 17:28:54
Championship Section:
8. Sherborne Town
Now this might ruffle a few feathers or two. Not without its problems, but so well put constructed and played with a persuasive musicality too.
The Vivaces had bubble rather than boil, but it the pulse was even. The Ravel was played with subtle shape and musicality too - dark but not pitch black. Soloists had varied days - but delivered with a touch of bravura.
The final reprise was compact and controlled and there was enough in the tank for a bold rather than forceful climax and finish too.
One to watch out for when the top six are announced.
West of England • Sunday 10, 17:13:43
Championship Section:
7. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Major David Barringer)
A bold and at times a touch frantic from Bournemouth - it had plenty of energy, drive and pulse, but also a fair share of harshness and a high minor error count too.
Soloists delivered solidly but the ensemble was pockmarked by a lack of clarity and balance at times, especially in the Vivaces which never sounded quite under control. The Ravel has plenty of dark passion, but really needed a touch more suavity.
The final run for home was played at a fair old lick, but despite the excitement it was tarnished by the minor errors as players push themselves to the limit. Fine close to what was an inconsistent overall performance.
West of England • Sunday 10, 17:09:01
Championship Section:
Halfway opinion and prediction:
An interesting contest this that has featured two fine, but musically diverse performances from the leading contenders in Woodfalls off the number 1 draw and Flowers just before the break.
Its nip and tuck between them, but the extra sense of stylish delivery of Woodfalls may just have got the nod today. It is very close though and could go either way,
Behind them it been OK - nothing more, with some brave performances and some inconsistent ones too, with Aldbourne just getting the nod for a podium slot at the moment.
4BR Prediction:
1. Woodfalls
2. Flowers
3. Aldbourne
West of England • Sunday 10, 16:42:50
Championship Section:
6. Flowers (Paul Holland)
A bold and thoroughly confident defence of their title by Flowers that was enhanced by wonderful solo contributions and a very fine ensemble backing.
There were the occasional moments when it lost focus, but the Vivaces were played with pulse and purpose and the Ravel in particular had a dark suavity, even if the dynamic contrasts at times were sharply pronounced.
There were times when not everything gelled though with some scratchy moments in the reprise and some balance issues too. The final run for home was quality playing and the last furlong and climax was very classy leading to a controlled stamp of authority to close.
West of England • Sunday 10, 16:23:01
Championship Section:
5. St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
A battling performance from St Dennis that tried bravely to get to grips with both the musical and technical elements of a fearsome score.
Not everything came off understandably, but there were solid efforts from the main soloists and the ensemble provided equally robust support. The Vivace sections were scrappy and lacked dynamic contrast, but the Ravel interlude was so well shaped by the MD.
Just lost its focus on the reprise and the desire to try and push the excitement levels up when a little more control would have paid even greater benefits. Bold close was a a nice thumper though.
West of England • Sunday 10, 16:08:38
Championship Section:
4. Brunel Brass (John Winterflood)
A performance that built in musicality and technical security after a fragile start.
The MD drew on his year's of experience here to mould a performance of merit after it appeared to be fatally undermined by nervousness. The players really responded too with fine individual contributions and solid ensemble work from the Ravel interlude onwards.
There was some uncertainty and messy playing in the Vivace sections as stamina waned but it kept its form and quality to a fine end.
West of England • Sunday 10, 15:58:16
Championship Section:
3. Aldbourne (David Johnson)
A rather frenetic performance that had bags of energy and vibrancy but was undermined by far too many messy moments and unforced errors.
The main soloists gave bravura performances themselves , but they were on the edge too. It just needed a little more control both in the fast paced Vivaces and the more emotive Ravel interlude. It was all rather heart on sleeve.
Plenty of energy and drive in the reprise, but it would have benefitted from less harsh volume in places too, despite the thumping final climax and close.
It of a mixed bag it must be said.
West of England • Sunday 10, 15:38:33
Championship Section:
2. Chalford (Steve Tubb)
A brave effort for an inexperienced band at this level - there was plenty of endeavour, enthusiasm and boldness about the playing from start to finish.
The technical problems were just about handled, but some of the solo work sounded nervous at times. There was a nice flowing feel to the Ravel interlude, but the Vivaces were messy and imprecise.
Didn't quite gell in places, but there was enough left in the tank to push for a well managed substantive finish.
West of England • Sunday 10, 15:21:17
Draw:
Championship Section:
Test Piece: 'Harmony Music' - Philip Sparke
Sunday 10th March
The Forum
Draw: 1pm
Commence: 3pm approx
Adjudicators: Brett Baker and David Thornton
Aldbourne (David Johnson), 3
Bournemouth Concert Brass (Major David Barringer), 7
Brunel Brass (John Winterflood), 4
Camborne Town (Steve Sykes), 9
Chalford (Steve Tubb), 2
Flowers (Paul Holland), 6
Lydbrook (Jonathan Corry), 10
Mount Charles (Simon Dobson), 11
Sherborne Town (Paul Cosh), 8
St. Dennis (Darren Hawken), 5
Woodfalls (Dr. Robert Childs), 1
West of England • Sunday 10, 15:17:50
Championship Section:
1. Woodfalls (Dr Robert Childs)
What a fine performance to set a very high marker here in Torquay.
A fine start was topped by a stupendous euph cadenza and other fine solo contributions from the horn and solo cornet in particular.
The ensemble was was bold, neat, precise and very exciting - even at top end tempis. Just the occasional moment or two of discomfort, but this was high class playing from start to finish with those classy interventions from the main soloists.
The Ravel flowed and the Vivaces were played with a throbbing pulse and climaxed with a thumping close.
No wonder the players and the MD left the stage wreathed in smiles.
West of England • Sunday 10, 15:08:09
The West of England Championship Section is about to get under way with Woodfalls taking to the stage as first band on, conducted by Dr Robert Childs with a certain David Childs on euphonium.
That has certainly set the tongues wagging in the hall!
West of England • Sunday 10, 15:06:36
Section 3: Celebrations for Wooton under Edge as they claim the Third Section Area title in style in Torquay.
Bodmin will join them at Cheltenham after they produced a fine performance, with Demeand third, followed by Andover, Heyl and New Forest.
West of England • Sunday 10, 14:08:03
Section 3: New Forest Brass is the last band to play in what has been an enjoyable contest today.
No real poor performance and plenty with lots of style. Some of the solo laying has been excellent, and the percussn has been great. MDs have done a fine job.
Bodmin seem to have this one in the bag for us, but who will join them at Cheltenham is open to closer debate.
Gillingham may just edge out Wooton under Edge, with Andover, Denmead and Heyl making up our top six.
4BR Prediction:
1. Bodmin
2. Gillingham Imperial
3. Wooton under Edge
4. Andover
5. Denmead
6. Heyl Town
West of England • Sunday 10, 13:35:19
Section 3: Gillingham Imperial may just have booked their ticket to Cheltenham after delivering a very classy account under the baton of Paul Williams - resplendent in the best white jacket since Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever.
It's been a highly enjoyable contest, but it may just be panning out now for the prizes, with Bodmin, Gillingham, Andover and Denmead filling the top four spots for us.
More to come though before the golden envelopes are opened....
West of England • Sunday 10, 13:08:56
Section 3: We are getting to the tail end of things here in the Third Section with Bodmin a clear distance on the lead for us.
At the moment Andover looking best placed to perhaps in them at Cheltenham with just four bands left to play. Denmead may just squeeze in too.
It's still up for grabs.
West of England • Sunday 10, 12:57:14
Section 3: More enjoyable music making down here in Torquay where all the bands are getting into the swing of things with Hollywood.
Lots of enthusiasm, vibrancy, colourful and effect - and some great solo playing too.
Bodmin still leads the way for us, but behind them it could be anyone's chance to claim a Cheltenham place.
The audience has been enjoying it too - some more than others too. The bar must have opened early?
It's been a great atmosphere though
West of England • Sunday 10, 12:02:45
Section 3: Bodmin has really set the marker for the contest here.
Theirs was a very confident, boldly coloured rendition of Hollywood - tinted by seriousness. The main soloists were excellent and ensemble very secure too. It may take a bit of shifting.
Bristol East & Kingswood to round off the first half before the break in what has been a very enjoyable battle for the Cheltenham Oscars.
West of England • Sunday 10, 11:26:01
Section 3: Now this is something to enjoy!
Launceston Town take to the stage with some players wearing bowler hats - or is it derby hats in the USA. they are certainly in the mood for this then! They also have a trio of great young players on perc.
Everyone in the hall has a smile on their faces
West of England • Sunday 10, 11:11:50
Section 3: There have been a fine quartet of performances to enjoy on Hollywood in Torquay already this morning - with the promise of more to come we a sure.
The MDs have kep the music flowing and as light as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers in their prime and the quality of main solo lines on Flugel, cornet and the percussion has been very good.
This could well come down to a question of which style appeals in the box.
West of England • Sunday 10, 10:51:07
There is a decent crowd in the main hall at Torquay as we make our way up Hollywood Boulevard for the third time with Midsomer Norton and Radstock in a stylish account under Joanne Sykes.
There is plenty of energy and some vibrant playing for an early Sunday morning on show here.
West of England • Sunday 10, 10:06:46
We are off on. A trip to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood down here in Torquay this morning, and that should lift the gloomy weather outside the hall.
It promises to be a cracking first reel intro for the main blockbuster this afternoon within the Championship Section.
West of England • Sunday 10, 10:04:48
Draw:
Third Section:
Test Piece: 'Hollywood' - Goff Richards
Sunday 10th March
The Forum
Draw: 8:45am
Commence: 10:00am
Adjudicators: Nick Grace and Stephen Roberts
Andover Town (Steve Large), 9
Bodmin Town (Garry Lannie), 7
Bratton Silver (Simon Carr), 2
Bristol East and Kingswood (Martin Rogers), 8
Denmead Brass (Linda Cole), 4
Gillingham Imperial Silver (Paul Williams), 12
Hatherleigh Silver (Robin Wonnacott), 13
Heyl Town (Jeremy Meddows-Taylor), 10
Launceston Town (Dave Shead), 6
Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver (Joanne Sykes), 3
New Forest Brass (Ian Luxford), 15
Pillowell Silver (Ian Whitburn), 1
St. Stythians (James Burns), 11
Test Valley Brass (Keith Thomasson), 5
Wotton-under-Edge and District (Ian Dickinson), 14
West of England • Saturday 9, 21:39:15
Result:
First Section:
Test Piece: 'Brass Triumphant' - Gareth Wood
Saturday 9th March
The Forum
Draw: 1pm
Commence: 3.30pm approx at the conclusion of Section 2
Adjudicators: Nick Grace and David Thornton
1. Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren), 9
2. Lanner and District Silver (Stuart Chappell), 6
3. Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith), 7
4. St. Austell Town (Richard Evans), 4
5. Helston Town (John Hitchens), 2
6. Michelmersh Silver (Melvin White), 1
7. Hyde (Helen Kinder), 13
8. Yeovil Town (Ian McElligott), 5
9. Forest of Dean Brass (Chris Howley), 3
10. Shrewton Silver (Michael Dunford), 10
11. Lympstone South West Telecoms (Charles Fleming), 8
12. Otterbourne Brass (Gareth Pritchard), 11
13. Poole Borough (David Evans), 12
West of England • Saturday 9, 21:37:19
It's all over here in Torquay and the First Section has been won by a commanding Filton Concert Brass conducted by Tom Davoren.
They will celebrate long into the night as will Lanner & District who will join them at Cheltenham.
West of England • Saturday 9, 20:41:16
It's all over here at Torquay and this could be on that could go in any direction.
Filton's all round quality just gets the nod for us, with St Austell and Lanner just behind, then comes, Hyde, Michelmersh and Otterbourne
4BR Prediction:
1. Filton Concert
2. St Austell
3. Lanner & District
4. Hyde
5. Michelmersh
6. Otterbourne
West of England • Saturday 9, 20:29:07
The last band is now on stage at Torquay and its good to see a conductor with such a clear and precise conducting style.
Quite a few counterparts would do well to copy the technique and purpose. Hyde has a very good conductor in Helen Kinder and the playing proves it too.
West of England • Saturday 9, 19:56:48
With another three bands to go here in Torquay we are looking like a 9.30pm finish and the end to a highly enjoyable day at the Riviera Centre.
The Fourth Section was great, the First has been good, and the Second a show of determination and true West Country grit.
Two bands to go now.
West of England • Saturday 9, 19:18:41
We come to the last four bands in the First Section and it has been an enjoyable one too.
The likes of Lanner, St Austell and now Filton seem to be the three bands in the lips of the audience here who are sitting back and enjoying the contest unfold.
West of England • Saturday 9, 19:05:45
Result:
Fourth Section:
Test Piece: 'A Devon Fantasy' - Eric Ball
Saturday 9th March
The Arena
Draw: 10.30am
Commence: 12 noon
Adjudicators: Brett Baker and Stephen Roberts
1. Camborne Junior Contesting (Alan Pope), 19*
2. Wilton and District (Colin Herbert), 18*
3. Swindon Brass (Francis Cowley), 12*
4. South Molton Town (Gil Taylor), 14
5. Corsham (Colin Hogg), 6
6. Gosport Solent Brass (Steve Dunster), 17
7. Chalford Academy (Steve Tubb), 10
8. Weymouth Concert Brass (Adam Glynn), 1
9. Spinnaker Brass (Mike Pennicote-Henrie), 21
10. Nailsworth Silver (Paul McLaughlin), 16
11. Shanklin Town Brass (Malcolm Lewis), 4
12. Tiverton Town (David Boorer), 7
13. Saltash Town (Marcus Leeverson Alleyne), 11
14. Wincanton Silver (David Bertie), 2
15. Okehampton Excelsior Silver (Richard Beardon), 9
16. Torbay Brass (Lorna Wrycraft), 5
17. Wellington Silver (Gordon Francis), 15
18. Totnes (Mike Faro), 20
19. Pendeen Silver (Darren Jenkin), 13
20. Verwood ‘B’ (Barry Harkcom), 8
21. Lydney Town (Kevin Ford), 3
West of England • Saturday 9, 18:45:12
All attention is now on the First Section in Torquay after the youngsters of Camborne JCB claim the Fourth Section title.
They will be joined at Cheltenham by Wilton & District and Swindon Brass, with South Molton Town, Corsham and Gosport Solent just missing out.
The overall standard was described as superb by both judges - and they were not wrong.
The First Section is developing nicely too as we come to the final third.
West of England • Saturday 9, 17:20:28
You have to hand it to Richard Evans - give him a good, solid band that can play a test pice and the old pro can wind back the years like not other.
His hips may just creak a little more than they used to, but by heck he shakes them better than a man half his age. A super reading and a fine performance from St Austell sets the marker here in the First Section.
West of England • Saturday 9, 17:06:37
The focus of attention in the main hall is on Richard Evans and St Austell, but in the other hall the last of the 21 Fourth Section bands are about to play.
It's been a great standard there - full of cracking performances notably from the bands with the youngest players in the ranks.
Results there in about 30 mins then the day is rounded off here in the First Section
West of England • Saturday 9, 16:37:13
Much like Yorkshire last weekend, it seems the First Section bands have got the whip hand on Brass Triumphant.
This could make it difficult for David Thornton and Nick Grace in the box today if it carries on like this. Good solid bands playing a piece that they can do that something extra with.
West of England • Saturday 9, 16:16:22
There is a decent crowd in the main Forum Hall to hear the start of the First Section.
It's packed with solid looking bands and experienced MDs, so it should be interesting to see who comes out on top. David Thornton and Nick Grace have been fed and watered and are ready to face another spell in the box.
They get their monies worth out of the judges in these parts.
West of England • Saturday 9, 16:11:02
First Section:
Test Piece: 'Brass Triumphant' - Gareth Wood
Saturday 9th March
The Forum
Draw: 1pm
Commence: 3.30pm approx at the conclusion of Section 2
Adjudicators: Nick Grace and David Thornton
Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren), 9
Forest of Dean Brass (Chris Howley), 3
Helston Town (John Hitchens), 2
Hyde (Helen Kinder), 13
Lanner and District Silver (Stuart Chappell), 6
Lympstone South West Telecoms (Charles Fleming), 8
Michelmersh Silver (Melvin White), 1
Otterbourne Brass (Gareth Pritchard), 11
Poole Borough (David Evans), 12
Shrewton Silver (Michael Dunford), 10
St. Austell Town (Richard Evans), 4
Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith), 7
Yeovil Town (Ian McElligott), 5
West of England • Saturday 9, 16:01:57
Second Section:
Result:
Saturday 9th March
The Forum
Draw: 8:45am
Commence: 10.00am
Adjudicators: Nick Grace and David Thornton
1. Swindon Pegasus (Graeme Lewis), 13
2. Pendennis Brass Falmouth (Steve Thomas), 2
3. Bugle Silver (Jeremy Willcock), 8
4. St. Keverne (Gareth Churcher), 3
5. St. Pinnock (Chris Spreadbury), 5
6. A.W. Parker (Drybrook) (Joshua Ruck), 9
7. City of Bristol Brass (Ceri Thomas), 12
8. Sidmouth Town (Adrian Harvey), 1
9. Weston Brass (Tony Osborne), 14
10. Bream Silver (Bryn James), 7
11. Ocean Brass (Jonathon Lush-Camps), 16
12. Soundhouse Brass (David Shead), 15
13. Downton (Roland Wright), 10
14. Cinderford (Kevin White), 6
15. Bath Spa (Dave Walker), 11
16. Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne) (David Hatton), 4
West of England • Saturday 9, 15:58:09
It's all over here in the Second Section and Swindon Pegasus players are celebrating with their MD, former Sun Life cornet and sop star Graeme Lewis.
It was a thoroughly deserved victory and they will be joined at Cheltenham by a delighted Pendennis Brass (Falmouth)
Just missing out was Bugle Silver in third, with St Keverne in fourth, St Pinnock in fifth and AW Parker Drybrook in sixth.
Full result will be posted ASAP.
West of England • Saturday 9, 14:47:24
It's all over here in the Second Section in a contest that featured plenty of commitment, enthusiasm, good intelligent conducting, a number of excellent soloists and bags and bags of bravery.
All that was not enough though to get the better of this test piece, which once agin showed it was patently the wrong choice for this section.
Bravo to all the competing bands and the players especially, but you feel they are glad that The Plantagenets are long gone...
As for a winner?
Swindon Pegasus for us from Bream and St Keverne, City of Bristol, Bugle and Drybrook.
4BR Prediction:
1. Swindon Pegasus
2. Bream
3. St Keverne
4. City of Bristol
5. Bugle
6. Drybrook
West of England • Saturday 9, 14:35:44
Last band to take to the stage here in Torquay in the Second Section, with the contest still to hear a performance that really mastered The Plantagenets.
Ocean Brass are the last to give it go under the exotically named Jonathan Lush- Camps.
Still, Swindon, Bream, St Keverne and City of Bristol and perhaps Bugle in the mix for Cheltenham so far for us.
West of England • Saturday 9, 14:05:54
We are coming to the tail end of the Second Section here in Torquay and it has been a difficult contest.
There have been a host of brave efforts but the three that look battling it out so far for Cheltenham appear to be Swindon Pegasus, Bream and St Keverne, with City of Bristol on their tails.
After that and it much more difficult.
In the Fourth Section there appears to be a great scrap - with each of the band so far producing performances of real merit. Brett Baker and Stephen Roberts may have their work cut out on this one.
West of England • Saturday 9, 13:46:11
There has been some excellent solo work on display here today, despite the ensemble difficulties in trying to master this difficult test piece.
Most euphs have done well on the their cadenza, solo cornets have been brave if a little strained, but it is the horns who have really starred. Latest in a long line comes with Swindon Pegasus - bold and classy.
West of England • Saturday 9, 13:10:37
More people have come to listen now in the Second Section and are being rewarded for their patience with some hard working performances in the second half of the contest.
Reports from the Fourth Section suggest that the bands are making a real good go of Devon Fantasy.
The rain is purging down here now though and you can hear it tinkling on the metal roof of the main hall. Any hailstorm and it could be like a God given drum roll.
West of England • Saturday 9, 12:52:46
The Fourth Section has started in the boomy old acoustic of The Forum here in Torquay.
The first few bands have made a real good fist of Eric Ball's test piece and are not overblowing. The MDs are allowing the music to flow and there is a nice elegant feel to the style as well.
Not so good in the Second Section it must be said - despite the fine efforts of hard working players and MDs. This is battle old Richard III may actual win unless a band quickly cuts him down to size.
West of England • Saturday 9, 12:36:22
We have had a comfort break here in the Second Section and time for a recap on what we have heard so far.
Eight brave performances that have understandably varied in quality.
None has mastered such a difficult set work but the players and the MDs must take a great deal of credit for their efforts - despite the obvious problems.
Bream and St Kerverne lead the way here but we may have some notable challengers to come starting with Drybrook under Josh Ruck
West of England • Saturday 9, 12:33:08
Fourth Section:
Test Piece: 'A Devon Fantasy' - Eric Ball
Saturday 9th March
The Arena
Draw: 10.30am
Commence: 12 noon
Adjudicators: Brett Baker and Stephen Roberts
Camborne Junior Contesting (Alan Pope), 19
Chalford Academy (Steve Tubb), 10
Corsham (Colin Hogg), 6
Gosport Solent Brass (Steve Dunster), 17
Lydney Town (Kevin Ford), 3
Nailsworth Silver (Paul McLaughlin), 16
Okehampton Excelsior Silver (Richard Beardon), 9
Pendeen Silver (Darren Jenkin), 13
Saltash Town (Marcus Leeverson Alleyne), 11
Shanklin Town Brass (Malcolm Lewis), 4
South Molton Town (Gil Taylor), 14
Spinnaker Brass (Mike Pennicote-Henrie), 21
Swindon Brass (Francis Cowley), 12
Tiverton Town (David Boorer), 7
Torbay Brass (Lorna Wrycraft), 5
Totnes (Mike Faro), 20
Verwood ‘B’ (Barry Harkcom), 8
Wellington Silver (Gordon Francis), 15
Weymouth Concert Brass (Adam Glynn), 1
Wilton and District (Colin Herbert), 18
Wincanton Silver (David Bertie), 2
West of England • Saturday 9, 12:07:22
We are starting to get to know just what the pitfalls are today for the bands here.
The technical problems are clear - the piece is just too hard for the majority of players, but the MDs are showing a great deal of good common sense and are not tying to mask the deficiencies with misplaced volume or effect.
The solo work has veered between excellent and unfortunate - but all players have given it a good crack.
Bream just have the due for us over St Keverne, but we are hearing a a bold account from Bugle at the moment that has plenty of promise.
West of England • Saturday 9, 11:54:27
The experienced Bryn James is showing his experience here - with the score opened on his stand which is tucked into the space where the the fourth solo cornet sits .
He's right in the heart of his band and it is allowing him to move and inject confidence into each section of the band. Slightly odd looking but it does work.
West of England • Saturday 9, 11:45:16
It's starting to fill up here at the Riviera Centre although the atmosphere in the hall is muted.
The players and audience seem to realise that this is going to be a difficult contest to enjoy. The applause does have a tinge of sympathy in its timbre....
West of England • Saturday 9, 11:34:28
We have had five performances here in the Second Section, with brave bands and hard working MDs trying their very best to get to grips with The Plantagenets.
There have been some very good individual efforts but overall the performances have come up short so far. The Music Panel should hang their heads in shame on this one - good, committed players are being beaten by this.
West of England • Saturday 9, 11:05:56
Second Section draw:
Test Piece: 'The Plantaganets' - Edward Gregson
The Forum
Draw: 8:45am
Commence: 10.00am
Adjudicators: Nick Grace and David Thornton
A.W. Parker (Drybrook) (Joshua Ruck), 9
Bath Spa (Dave Walker), 11
Bream Silver (Bryn James), 7
Bugle Silver (Jeremy Willcock), 8
Cinderford (Kevin White), 6
City of Bristol Brass (Ceri Thomas), 12
Downton (Roland Wright), 10
Ocean Brass (Jonathon Lush-Camps), 16
Pendennis Brass Falmouth (Steve Thomas), 2
Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne) (David Hatton), 4
Sidmouth Town (Adrian Harvey), 1
Soundhouse Brass (David Shead), 15
St. Keverne (Gareth Churcher), 3
St. Pinnock (Chris Spreadbury), 5
Swindon Pegasus (Graeme Lewis), 13
Weston Brass (Tony Osborne), 14
West of England • Saturday 9, 10:43:59
The first couple of bands here in the West have already found the Gregson test piece a hard ask, but have battled right through to the end.
Encouragingly though there have been some excellent soloists on show with St Keverne's solo cornet player producing a top class effort - very classy and controlled.
West of England • Saturday 9, 10:23:52
We have just kicked off in Torquay on what is a pretty miserable damp contesting day.
No Riviera sunshine yet but plenty of good music making to look forward to here in the main auditorium with bands battling with Edward Gregson's 'The Plantagenets'.
West of England • Friday 8, 11:06:20
Sunday
Championship Section:
Test Piece: 'Harmony Music' - Philip Sparke
Sunday 10th March
The Forum
Draw: 1pm
Commence: 3pm approx
Adjudicators: Brett Baker and David THornton
Third Section:
Test Piece: 'Hollywood' - Goff Richards
The Forum
Draw: 8:45am
Commence: 10:00am
Adjudicators: Nick Grace and Stephen Roberts
Saturday
First Section:
Test Piece: 'Brass Triumphant' - Gareth Wood
The Forum
Draw: 1pm
Commence: 3.30pm approx at the conclusion of Section 2
Adjudicators: Nick Grace and David Thornton
Second Section:
Test Piece: 'The Plantaganets' - Edward Gregson
The Forum
Draw: 8:45am
Commence: 10.00am
Adjudicators: Nick Grace and David Thornton
Fourth Section:
Test Piece: 'A Devon Fantasy' - Eric Ball
The Arena
Draw: 10.30am
Commence: 12 noon
Adjudicators: Brett Baker and Stephen Roberts
