2013 London & Southern Counties Regional Championhips — As it happened

All the action from the 2013 London & Southern Counties Regional Championhips — as it happened.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 19:46:25

Thank you to all those that have followed us on 4barsrest this weekend from Stevenage.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 19:43:01

Result:
Championship Section:
Sunday 17th March

Gordon Craig Theatre
Test Piece: 'Harmony Music' - Philip Sparke
Draw: 2pm
Commence: At the conclusion of Section 4
Adjudicator: John Berryman

1. Regent Brass (Alan Duguid), 10*
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

London and SC • Sunday 17, 19:16:56

Championship Section - Band No.12 Friary Guildford
Good confident playing - opening and fanfares. Full but bright sound and warm sensitive playing and good muted passage. Fine playing from Euph. Good detail throughout from well directed band. Nice solo cornet and likewise soprano and cornet section before cornet cadenza which is played with richness of tone. Horn likewise plays well and then as a fine horn section. Again rich tone from solo cornet and tight controlled playing follows. Fine lead into final section of the piece and the band moves on to a grand finale! Well done band and MD!

London and SC • Sunday 17, 18:59:07

Championship Section - Band No.11 Regent Brass
Confident but perhaps an untuneful opening. Euph plays well but not quite perfect. Detail comes through generally. Nice solo cornet and soprano and cornet section before cornet cadenza which again is well and confidently played. Horn takes over with minor blip. Conductor leading the band well to a good close. Good attempt!

London and SC • Sunday 17, 18:38:28

Championship Section - Band No.10 Egham
Good fanfares follow safe opening and music flows with warm sound. Some minor tuning issues and Euph a little unlucky. Music flows along nicely and some nice touches. Good solo cornet in cadenza and likewise horn but both with minor blips. Big rich sound follows from the band but not always quite together and at times perhaps struggling a little. Good attempt and build up to close though.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 18:17:16

Championship Section - Band No.9 East London Brass
Good opening and fanfares ring out. Warm sensitive playing reaches grand climax. Minor slips from Euph. Band moves along well and there is good detail and dynamics. Solo cornet plays cadenza with confidence but just not quite there and likewise horn but recovers well. Again back to fine band sounds but gets perhaps a little ragged but good change into the home straight and closes very well. Popular one again with the audience - time will tell!

London and SC • Sunday 17, 17:58:17

Championship Section - Band No.8 Bedford Town Band
Opening builds well with good fanfares. Full warm sounds from the band but a few minor tuning issues at times. Nicely done Euph! Band not quite together in places but overall good playing and nice lead into the cornet cadenza which is played well and almost perfect. Horn has a few blips on the way but the band moves on and there is some fine warm playing. Perhaps tiring a little towards the end but a good attempt.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 17:36:40

Championship Section - Band No.7 Medway
Good solid start and music flows well under MDs guidance. Dynamics contrasts and detail evident. Euph - a few clips but band moves on with fine ensemble playing. Good solo cornet and section follows suit leading to excellent playing in cornet cadenza. Horns does well too and richness of sound follows from the band. Good, controlled playing to conclude. Well done band and MD!

London and SC • Sunday 17, 17:20:08

Championship Section - Band No.6 Wantage Silver 'A'
Slight blip on opening but good dramatic play from the band and cornets working well in particular. Good dynamics range and sound and detail not lost. Nice Euph and more powerful sounds and detail follow from the band and all flows well. Solo cornet and section working well. Solo cornet handles cadenza well with a minor blip. Horns takes over and again all goes well. Band continues with powerful sound and good playing continues with good detail. Another popular one with the audience and deservedly so!

London and SC • Sunday 17, 16:52:44

Championship Section - Band No.5 Aveley & Newham
Fine opening and sound from the band playing with feeling. Well led from front. Good Euph from someone who is used to sitting on the other side of the band! Good detail throughout the band and nice solo cornet before and in cadenza. Horns cadenza just a few blips but the band is soon back to its rich and powerful sound and building up to a grand finale. A popular one with the audience!

London and SC • Sunday 17, 16:48:22

Result:

Section 2:
Sunday 17th March

Main Concert Hall
Test Piece: 'The Plantaganets' - Edward Gregson
Draw: 10.00hrs & Noon
Commence: 11.00hrs
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

London and SC • Sunday 17, 16:34:53

Championship Section - Band No. 4 Clacton-on-Sea
Opening a little hesitant but nice sounds from the cornets and then horn section. Perhaps sound just a little over the top. Some detail not coming through before confident Euph. A lively pace follows and band plays confidently. Solo cornet makes a good attempt but there is some untidy playing with the band. Solo cornet cadenza played well and bold horn follows. Ensemble builds to a rich sound but not all detail evident but leads to a rousing finale. At times the band's performance is not quite together but overall good attempt.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 16:28:07

Championship Section - Band No.3 Staines Brass
Good ensemble playing and cornet fanfares. Rich sound from the band - some detail doesn't quite show though. Moves along a pace and with force. Confident solo cornet but doesn't quite come off - horn too! Sound builds again after a few blips from the horns. Brave attempt but untidy in places. Especially towards the end. Didn't quite come off today.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 15:49:04

Championship Section - Band No.2 Zone One Brass
Another fine sound and opening. Good work from the cornet section. Nice warm sounds and strong ensemble. Well done Euph! Music moves along nicely and detail heard. Fine solo cornet and horn and horn section to follow. Rich ensemble playing and attention to detail. A second quality performance and a difficult task for the man in the box.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 15:30:07

Championship Section - Band No.1 Redbridge
Fine start and vibrant sounds heard. Music flows well and a wealth of sound. Good Euph - just a slight blip. Very tight and well controlled playing and dynamic range. Good confident cornet cadenza and horn follows. Quality playing throughout the band which is well led. A top class performance and a very hard one to follow. What a standard that has been set!

London and SC • Sunday 17, 14:36:01

Result:

Section 4:
Sunday 17th March

Gordon Craig Theatre
Test Piece: 'A Devon Fantasy' - Eric Ball
Draw: 9.00hrs & 11.00hrs
Commence: 10.00hrs
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 (Keith Twyman), 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)

London and SC • Sunday 17, 14:25:10

The draw for the Championship Section is as follows:

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

London and SC • Sunday 17, 14:17:14

Section 4 - Band No.17 Cottenham Brass
Nice opening but not quite together. Good attempt at dynamics and confident solo cornet. Playing at times a little ragged. A brisk arrival at the fair and not always together but good overall sound to the band. Good basses - horns not quite together. Music flows well to end of movement. A few rumblings in the village and not quite together. Some detail lost in the seafarers but good lively attempt.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 14:13:35

Section 4 - Band No.16 Simon Langton Brass
Nice sounds from the start and good change of tempo. Solo cornet plays well and Euph too. Nice ending. Good tight ensemble at the fair and good basses and horns. The fun continues but well controlled playing especially ending. Good solo cornet awakens the quiet village and music flows well. A bishop and cathedral choir this time. Nice dynamics and cornets to close. A good ensemble sails the ship home after a successful voyage. Well done.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 13:43:59

Section 4 - Band No.15 Great Yarmouth Brass
Fine solo cornets follow on from good opening and the playing is bold and confident. More nice sounds from solo cornet and well controlled ending. Good opening and solo cornet leads well to the fair with good ensemble sounds. Basses and horns - winners at the fair and solo cornet leads well to close. Nice quiet opening as the village begins to wake and well sung vicar and choir - flows well with controlled nerves. Sailors dancing the same tune and playing is together with good dynamics. Good overall performance.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 13:31:32

Section 4 - Band No. 14 Woodbridge Excelsior
Playing improves as the piece progresses and good change of tempo and ensemble sound. Safe solo cornet and Euph. Good attempt at dynamics at the fair and confident basses and horn to follow. Not all detail wins though but lively rendition. Nice opening as we enter the village and controlled dynamics. Flowing well. But a few minor blips. Good church service but a few inaccuracies as we step outside. Players enjoying their time at sea and the water is not too rough - nicely controlled. Fine overall performance.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 13:16:15

Section 4 - Band No. 13 Jubilee Brass
Good opening and overall band sound with good ensemble playing and change of tempo and nice ending. Clearly enjoying the fair and the band plays well - rich sound and detail. Well done basses and horns. Playing moves on a pace to a good close. Next movement opens well and minor clips from soloists do not detract from overall performance. A good church service and the band enjoys the quiet before the voyage at sea. Good confident playing and detail from these sailors and a fine finale.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 13:03:07

Section 4 - Band No.12 Letchworth
Nice rich sounding opening and music flows well into change of tempo with good dynamics. Good solo cornet and band closes well. Good ensemble playing and band enjoys itself at the fair. Nice horn, solo cornet and Euph resident in the quiet village. Vicar and choir in good voice. Good bright sound as the ship sets sail and some tight playing throughout to a fine conclusion. Enjoyable performance!

London and SC • Sunday 17, 12:52:15

Section 4 - Band No.11 Bletchington Silver
Not quite together at opening but good attempt at dynamics. Good ensemble at change in tempo and flows well. Good detail at the fair and continues to flow well with good dynamics. Nice solo cornet and Euph as we enter the village. Good vicar but choir could sing better. Again good Euph and solo cornet. Good bright sound to our trip at sea and playing is tight and in tune. Overall a good performance. Well done!

London and SC • Sunday 17, 12:48:34

The draw in full for Section 2 is as follows:

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

London and SC • Sunday 17, 12:20:02

Section 4 - Band No.10 The Cobham Band
Nice opening from trombones and Euph. Music flows well. Horns enjoyed the fair and some nice ensemble sounds. Good tight playing - some intonation problems. Very sleepy opening to the quiet village and needs to flow more smoothly but improves. Good attempt from below full band and good ending.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 12:05:40

Section 4 - Band No.9 North London Brass
A bit misty at times on the moor but some good ensemble sounds. Not quite together at times and intonation suffers. A lively opening to the fair and good ensemble but a little ragged as progresses. Nice opening but not so quiet or together and detail lost in places. Good sailors evident but not together at times. A lively rendition and good attempt and ending.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 11:59:10

Section 1 - Band No. 8 Witney
Nice opening and ensemble playing. Good change of tempo and attempt at dynamics. Flows nicely. Enjoying the fun at the fair - good horns. Some good tight playing. Good attempt at the quietness of the village but Euph almost unheard in places. Church choir could sing better as well. Forceful opening as the band sets sail and not quite together at times but full of life.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 11:43:52

Section 4 - Band No.7 Tadley Concert Brass
Minor tuning problems in otherwise good opening. Nice change of tempo and music flows well. Good ensemble sound. Steady pace to the fair and good detail heard. Good horns. Quiet village a little sleepy first thing but warms well and nice sounds heard but could flow better. Some good detail whilst at sea and good sailing back to port. A good ending.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 11:40:09

The draw in full for Section 4 is as follows:
Ampthill Town (C.Benger), 1
Bletchington Silver (N.Hall), 11
Charles Church Camberley (R.Cherry), 5
City of Oxford Silver (S.Sizeland), 3
Cobham (R.Langdon), 10
Cottenham (P.Mackley), 17
Great Yarmouth Brass (C.Swaep), 15
Jubilee Brass (Oxford), 13
Letchworth Garden City (T.Welch), 12
Marsh Gibbon Silver (A.Allock), W
North London Brass (C.Bearman), 9
Regent Community Brass (A.Duguid), 6
Royston Band (S.Earley), 4
Simon Langton Brass (D.Cutting), 16
Snowdown Colliery (C.Aberg), 2
Tadley Concert Brass (P.Chapman), 7
Witney Town Band (J.Button), 8
Woodbridge Excelsior (C.Lewis-Garnham), 14

London and SC • Sunday 17, 11:31:00

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London and SC • Sunday 17, 11:23:41

Section 4 - Band No.6 Regent Community Brass
It's misty out there on the moor but as the sun rises detail is evident in the playing. Confident solo cornet. Good start to the fair and music flows freely with some good ensemble playing. The village could be a little quieter but vicar and choir sing well in church. Enjoying life on the ocean wave although some detail is lost - good close. Well led from front.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 11:12:34

Section 4 - Band No. 5 Charles Church Camberley
Good opening. Some details missing from middle of the band. Intonation suffers. Not a very good fair and cornets need to relax and enjoy themselves more! Village not wide awake before church and sleepy afterwards as well. Some of the crew had too much fun at the fair it seems but sailed through the rough waves to a safe haven and good close.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 11:06:59

Section 4 - Band No.4 Royston Town
A few minor blips but good ensemble sound. Intonation problems to close. Not quite together at the opening of the fair but settles well and good sounds are heard as band pulls together. A peaceful village and cornet section ends well. A hardy lot of seafarers here to bring the ship home to port. In general ensemble played well but more exposed parts suffered.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 11:02:03

The draw for Section 2 is as follows:
BAE Systems (G.Chambers)
Battle Town (J.Penton)
Chalgrove (T.Brotherhood), 3
Chiltern Hills Brass (G.Davies), 7
Colchester Band (D.Maddocks)
Epping Forest (D.Desmond), 10
Epsom & Ewell (J.Smith), 9
Fairlop Brass (K.Jordan), 6
Fulham Brass (R.Richardson), 1
Grimsdyke Brass (S.Quinlan)
Hitchin Town (C.Patterson)
Hungerford (T.Crouter)
Northfleet Brass (M.White), 2
St Albans City (P.Littlemore), 5
St. Sebastian Wokingham (L.Woodward)
Tilbury (A.Austin), 8
Ware Brass (P.Littlemore), 4
Welwyn Garden City (J.Campbell)

London and SC • Sunday 17, 10:42:38

Section 4 - Band No. 3 City of Oxford
Fine opening from trombone and it's up tempo to cross the moor to get to that fair. Good attempt at dynamics. Enjoying time at fair but well controlled playing and well led from the front. A few enjoyed themselves too much at the fair but as the village awakes playing improves but some minor intonation problems. Good ships crew sets sail and good detail and dynamics with a rousing finale. Overall a fine performance.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 10:29:41

Section 4 - Band No.2 Snowdown Colliery
Good opening from trombones and Euph flows freely at change of tempo. Good dynamics range and ensemble sound. Nice solo cornet and Euph. Crossed the moor and now enjoying the fair - music flows well and some tight playing and good ending. The village awakens well and sing well in church. The ships crew are led by a good captain at the helm. But the sea is a little rough in places. Good rousing ending.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 10:24:41

Section 4 - Band No. 1 Ampthill Town
Nice opening from interesting trombone section. Good change of tempo and good ensemble sound. Some tuning issues. Not together in opening of second movement but settles. Intonation problems in the Village. Nice Euph. Vicar singing well in church and congregation responds. Good start as the band sets sail and good attempt at dynamics. Best movement and fine ending.

London and SC • Sunday 17, 09:41:58

The draw for Section 4 is as follows:
Ampthill Town (C.Benger), 1
Bletchington Silver (N.Hall), 11
Charles Church Camberley (R.Cherry), 5
City of Oxford Silver (S.Sizeland), 3
Cobham (R.Langdon), 10
Cottenham (P.Mackley), 17
Great Yarmouth Brass (C.Swaep), 15
Jubilee Brass (Oxford), 13
Letchworth Garden City (T.Welch), 12
Marsh Gibbon Silver (A.Allock), W
North London Brass (C.Bearman), 9
Regent Community Brass (A.Duguid), 6
Royston Band (S.Earley), 4
Simon Langton Brass (D.Cutting), 16
Snowdown Colliery (C.Aberg), 2
Tadley Concert Brass (P.Chapman), 7
Witney Town Band (J.Button), 8
Woodbridge Excelsior (C.Lewis-Garnham), 14

London and SC • Saturday 16, 23:06:54

That's it from Stevenage today. We hope you have enjoyed our coverage and will join us again tomorrow.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 23:06:09

Result:
Section 1:
Saturday 16th March

Main Concert Hall
Test Piece: 'Brass Triumphant' - Gareth Wood
Draw: 1.30pm
Commence: At the conclusion of Section 3
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

London and SC • Saturday 16, 20:49:27

Section 1 - Alder Valley
Good confident opening and good dynamics. Trombones play well and overall bold playing and good sound. Movement two follows again with good trombones in rich ensemble sound. Well controlled dynamics and fine playing throughout. Movement three sees the best horn of the day and solo cornet supports well. Euph sings sweetly and nice Flugel work. Fine bass trombones and solo trombone and soloists all perform well to close. Movement four, a good start and tight playing. Well controlled with good dynamics. A wealth of sound to bring the piece to a close. A classy performance to round off the day! Well done!

London and SC • Saturday 16, 20:44:47

Section 1 - Kidlington
Off to a good start and trombones play well. Good balanced ensemble and dynamics. Movement two is played nice and is under control. Good dynamics, rich sound. Horns plays well as does solo cornet in movement three. Euph plays warmly but band perhaps could be a little quieter. Horns takes over well and rich ensemble playing follows. Nice trombone and Flugel. Nicely controlled playing throughout this movement. Fourth movement opens with good playing from horns and throughout band. Dynamics played well. Playing reaches a grand finale and a fine performance overall.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 20:40:34

Section 1 -City of Cambridge
Solid opening and building. Good trombones. Good dynamics and rhythm. Second movement moves on quickly. Conductor working on detail and dynamics and there is a good ensemble sound. Movement three opens well with horn but some untidy playing follows from around the band. Recovers with Euph entry and improves overall. Good rich sound and dramatic effects. Fourth movement opens well and horns feature well. Not quite together in places but good overall sound and rousing finish.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 20:36:30

Section 1 - Thundersley
Good positive playing on opening and dynamics and detail follow. A wealth of sound. Confident playing continues in movement two. Somewhat ragged trombones and basses however. Some nice detail from around the band and trombones now playing well. Good ensemble. Horns recovers well in movement three and there is rich warm sound from the band now controlled in support of a fine Euph. Big band sound and well controlled. Soloists cornet plays well. A few nervous moments around the band though. Movement four and the horns rise above good ensemble sound. Dynamics and detail hand in hand. Heading to a rousing finale. Well done. A good rendition.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 19:08:43

Section 1 - Yiewsley & West Drayton
Somewhat subdued sound on opening but growing as the piece progresses. Movement two sees the band's confidence grow. But individual detail missing at times. Conductor leading well but band not always responsive. Movement three and the band plays well albeit a little heavy for the Euph. Large ensemble sound but not always balanced with some intonation problems around the band and on closing. A much better start to movement four and flows well. Horns come through well and some good trombone playing. Best movement. A great deal of effort here. Especially from conductor.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 19:03:04

Section 1 - Horsham
Controlled dynamics from the start and all detail heard and good sounding ensemble. All the detail comes through in movement two. Good dynamics and trombone. Nice detail from cornets. Good solo cornet joins the horn in movement three. The playing is well controlled and supports Euph. Again well played solo cornet. Fine ensemble and warm sounds. Nice ending to movement. Some good sectional work throughout movement four. Not as big a sound as other bands today but dynamically well played and fine close.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 18:20:52

Section 1 - Cawston
A fine flowing opening with great ensemble sound. Interesting band formation. Movement two is purposeful with good muted cornet work. Not quite together trombones and basses. Some good dynamics and sounds but not quite together at times and some detail lost. Movement three sees the horn open from the back row cornet section and plays well. Euph 'sings' his solo. Trombones lead into good ensemble sound. Good attempt at dynamics in movement four but some detail lost and not quite together again. Sound building towards the end for a good finish.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 17:57:20

Section 1 - Littleport
Perhaps a more restrained opening than others but detail is there and sound grows. Trombones not quite together with basses in movement two but better second time around. Lose of detail with larger sound. Nice horn and solo cornet to open movement three. Well controlled ensemble allows Euph to shine. Some good playing from solo cornet as well. Ensemble builds well and there is a rich full sound. A few minor mishaps around the band to close. The detail in movement four is heard throughout the band with good ensemble playing. Perhaps beginning to tire but ends well together.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 17:35:02

Section 1 - Becontree
Good, well controlled opening, trombones feature. Dynamics good and detail evident. There is some more reserved playing in movement two than there was to open. Trombones again feature and detail throughout the band is heard with good dynamics. Nice horn to open movement three - mysterious sounds. Euph plays well but band could be quieter. Confident horn takes over and then grand ensemble sound. Good trombones, horn and soprano bring the movement to an end. Movement four sees a good tight opening - horns shine through. Conductor directs well controlled ensemble and triumphant brass to close.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 17:19:13

Section 1 - Sandhurst
Good opening and well controlled dynamics. Well done trombones. Good overall sound to band. Confident playing in movement two from 'together' basses and trombones and indeed the whole band. Some quality playing and good dynamic range. Detail evident. Warm sounds in movement three from horn and Euph to follow but just a little overpowered by the band at times. Nice trombone and Flugel to follow and close with. Well directed opening to movement four. Horns and then Flugel feature well. Overall - a top class performance, well led from the front. Well done!

London and SC • Saturday 16, 17:13:52

Section 1 - Haverhill
Good confident opening which follows through into the second movement with trombones and basses together. Some good mutes cornet work. Loudest ensemble playing so far - as bold as brass! Then good dynamic range to end the movement. Tenor horn opens the third movement perhaps just a little too boldly. Good attempt from Euph but band perhaps too loud. Big warm sound in ensemble but soloists sometimes straining to be heard. A good start to movement four and bold sounds again but sometimes at the expense of detail. Large sound to close.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 16:37:56

Section 1 - Jersey
Good trombones and well controlled opening. But not quite the triumphal sound. There is a nice feel to movement two. However trombones and basses not quite together. Good trombones continue throughout good attempt at dynamics to close. Movement three opens well with horn and solo cornet too. Good Euph takes over - beautiful sounds. But accompaniment perhaps too heavy at times. Ensemble sounds are good. Euph shone through. Movement four flows freely and good minded cornet work. Gears up to a well executed finish.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 16:31:41

Section 1 - Milton Keynes
Good confident opening and good dynamics. Nice ensemble sounds throughout - well done! Confident playing continues into second movement. Well together especially basses and trombone. Good dynamics and well led from front. Movement three sees good cornet to compliment the horn. Few slips from Euph but good ensemble. Trombones working well together and good solo trombone features. Nice solo cornet to close. Well played horns and good purposeful playing throughout. Good muted cornet and ensemble leading to a triumphal close.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 16:08:29

Section 1 - Ipswich & Norwich Co-op (I.Johnson)
Another good start by band number 2. Same issues as previous band. But overall a musical performance. Soloists compliment each other well. Slight tuning issues arise at times but quickly resolved. Euph - nicely played.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 16:00:32

Section 1 - Soham Comrades (K.Schroeter)
Overall a good solid performance. Perhaps safe at times. Good effort at dynamic range and contrast. A wrong entry in the opening of the second movement did not detract from the band's performance. A lack of togetherness at times between trombones and tuba. Well done soloists the occasionally blemish but well done especially solo horn. A confident opening to the third movement. A tiring finish but controlled throughout. Well done.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 14:31:57

Result:
Section 3:
Saturday 16th March

Main Concert Hall
Test Piece: 'Hollywood' - Goff Richards
Draw: 9.00hrs
Commence: 10.00hrs
Adjudicator: Paul Holland

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

* Top 2 bands qualify for the Finals

Withdrawn: Brighton and Hove City Brass (Matthew Hackett)

London and SC • Saturday 16, 14:18:27

Section 3: 14. Cold Ash Brass (J.Evans)
So the last budding stars are on stage and the cameras start to roll! Some fast slapstick here and brightness to the playing. After a change in mood we're back in the saddle but nearly fall out of it with next change in tempo. Well done solo cornet best of the day! A few slips but boldly played throughout and perhaps got the best Hollywood 'feel' to it.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 14:11:36

Section 3: 13. Waterbeach Brass (D.Michin)
Nice opening sound. Lively pace, well played and controlled. Good changes of tempo and dynamics. Perhaps no real stars but overall a good cast and an 'A' film result.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 14:05:44

Section 1:
Main Concert Hall
Test Piece: 'Brass Triumphant' - Gareth Wood
Commence: At conclusion of Section 3
Adjudicator: Dr. Chris Davis OBE

The draw for Section 1 is as follows:
Alder Valley Brass (R.Burke), 15
Becontree Brass (A.Cooke), 7
Cawston (L.Sharpe), 9
Chichester City (T.Howard), W
City of Cambridge (P.Bassano), 13
Haverhill Silver (M.Ager), 5
Horsham Borough (A.Kershaw), 10
Ipswich & Norwich Co-op (I.Johnson), 2
Jersey Premier Brass (T.Pritchard), 4
Kidlington Concert Brass (D.Wilson), 14
Littleport Brass (N.Bramley), 8
Milton Keynes Brass (C.Patterson), 3
Sandhurst Silver (I.McElligot), 6
Soham Comrades (K.Schroeter), 1
Thundersley Brass (J.Ward), 12
Yiewsley & West Drayton (C.Cole), 11

London and SC • Saturday 16, 13:46:41

Section 3: 12. Chinnor Silver (D.Pegram)
Another solid start and getting better bar by bar. A couple of players perhaps not helping and a few tuning problems. Good solo cornet. Some filming can be quite tiring but good attempt.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 13:43:13

Section 3: 11. Watford (I.Graves)
Well controlled opening and good supporting cast to Flugel star. Minor tuning problems in more exposed passages and some imbalances. Not quite the blockbuster today but good solid performance.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 13:40:23

Section 3: 10. Bradwell Silver (B.Keech)
Confident playing from solo trombone. Could be more together in places. Standard of playing varies throughout but very good at times. Perhaps a couple of players missing from the cast didn't help - but overall good effort.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 13:37:32

Section 3: 9. Amersham (P.Fisher)
Off to another fine start and good overall sound. A few nerves evident in places though. Worked up to good ending and an overall fine performance.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 13:34:37

Section 3: 8. Hangleton (R.Baker)
Band number 8 gets us off after the intermission. Another overall fine performance with good Flugel and solo cornet exposed passages played well. Some minor tuning problems. Conductor appears happy with performance.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 12:29:41

Section 3: 7. Wantage 'B' (D.Dullforce)
Some of the youngest players of the day so far take to the stage. Nice sound to the band. Lots of Shirley Temple. Well done Flugel and solo cornet handles those exposed passages the best so far. Definitely stars of the future if not today. An enjoyable performance.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 12:25:31

Section 3: 6. Harwich R.B.L. (A.Sanders)
It's all there and with a different film director in the chair there is a different overall style. Well done to the cornet. Good solid performance from the band and well done conductor.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 12:22:45

Section 3: 5. L.G.B. Brass (I.Stewart)
Band 5 on set and off to a good start. Good trombones and Flugel follow on. Well led from the front. Good detail from cornets. Certainly deserves an Oscar nomination if not then a badge on the walk of fame.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 12:19:14

Section 3: 4. Hemel Hempstead (Philip Fisher)
Good opening section from cornets and good attempt from Flugel. Not quite together at times but fair overall performance.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 12:15:22

Section 3: 3. Olney Brass (P.Fensom)
Good bright sound and change of style / mood. Good solo trombone and horn. John Wayne at the head of the band heading for an Oscar perhaps. Best so far.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 12:11:26

Section 3: Crystal Palace Band (M.Gray)
Some tuning issues. Another solid performance with good attempt at dynamic range. But heavy dust clouds make it difficult for the stars to shine.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 12:04:46

Section 3: Norfolk Wherry (A.Craze)
Good opener. Overall clear sound within hall. Flugel solos shone in start and opener.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 10:02:00

Hollywood - the stars are shining brightly at Stevenage today.

London and SC • Saturday 16, 09:54:39

Section 3:
Main Concert Hall
Test Piece: 'Hollywood' - Goff Richards
Commence: c.10.00hrs
Adjudicator: Paul Holland

The draw for Section 3 is as follows:
Amersham (P.Fisher), 9
Bradwell Silver (B.Keech), 10
Brighton & Hove City Brass (M.Hackett), W
Chinnor Silver (D.Pegram), 12
Cold Ash Brass (J.Evans), 14
Crystal Palace Band (M.Gray), 2
Hangleton (R.Baker), 8
Harwich R.B.L. (A.Sanders), 6
Hemel Hempstead (Philip Fisher), 4
L.G.B. Brass (I.Stewart), 5
Norfolk Wherry (A.Craze), 1
Olney Brass (P.Fensom), 3
Wantage 'B' (D.Dullforce), 7
Waterbeach Brass (D.Michin), 13
Watford (I.Graves), 11

London and SC • Saturday 16, 07:53:43

4BR will be at Stevenage for the London & Southern Counties Regional Championship this weekend to bring you a taste of the action as it unfolds in all sections both on the 4BR and on Twitter.

The Championship Section will of course be brought to you live, so keep you eyes peeled to see what we think.

London and SC • Friday 15, 17:57:49

4barsrest will be at Stevenage on the weekend.

London and SC • Friday 15, 11:02:23

Championship Section:
Sunday 17th March