Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 19:20:18
4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with a delighted Friary Guildford MD Chris King and Contest Secretary Alex Stephens after their victory in the Senior Trophy.
Results: Senior Trophy
Test Piece: Les Francs Juges (Hector Berlioz, arr. Frank Wright)
Spanish Hall
Split draws: 10.15am & 1.30pm
Commence: 11.15am
Adjudicators: David Horsfield & Mike Kilroy
1. Friary Guildford (Chris King)*
2. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Gareth Ritter)*
3. Drighlington (Jim Davies)*
4. St Dennis (Darren Hawken)*
5. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
6. Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)
7. Lochgelly (Martyn Ramsay)
8. Unison Kinneil (Craig Anderson)
9. Spal Automotive Sovereign Brass (David Maplestone)
10. Rainford (Gareth Brindle)
11. Medway (Melvin White)
12. Longridge (Mark Peacock)
13. Hatfield Colliery (Stan Lippeatt)
14. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (John Ward)
15. Kidlington Concert Brass (Duncan Wilson)
16. Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Charles Keenan)
17. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Major David Barringer)
18. Freckleton (Paul Dalton)
19. Easington Colliery (Stuart Gray)
20. Regent Brass (Paul Archibald)
Best Instrumentalist: Kevin Moxon - Soprano (City of Cardiff)
*Promoted to Senior Cup
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 17:51:35
Prediction
It's been a difficult piece for the bands today and some simply didn't get near. Some did, although not one was error free.
One deciding factor could be sheer volume today. The hall simply can't take too much and some bands really pushed it to its limits. Another thing to consider is tempo. Some simply launched into the allegro and were left rueing their decision after a couple of bars.
All things considered, there have been some great readings. The best for us was saved till last.
As for a top 6, we'd say:
1. Friary Guildford
2. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith)
3. Kidlington Concert Brass
4. Spal Automotive Sovereign Brass
5. Rainford
6. Unison Kinneil
Dark Horse - Longridge
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 17:34:42
20. Friary Guildford (Chris King)
Another safe opening but it takes the error count down. The melodic lines are flowing nicely. The band sound is right on the edge but safe for now.
The allegro is well managed and the musical intent is showing nicely. The effects are being brought forward well.
The soloists are all doing well and the ensemble is staying well out of their way. A few calculated risks being taken but they are well calculated.
It's all going very nicely so far, can they keep it clean until the finish?
The balance within the ensemble is so good. The sound is strong, just starting to edge a little over the safe line. Will they get away with it?
The tricky lines are being so well taken care of. It's clean, it's in tune. There are a couple of splats starting to creep in though.
It's all quickly back on track. The band sound is so stylish. The run to the finish is so I well directed.
Overall:
Quite a performance this. Great reading, great playing. Looks like it's stolen the prize at the last minute.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 17:20:39
19. Longridge (Mark Peacock)
The opening is a little too loud. There's playing more securely then there's playing too loud and that was the latter. The melodic lines are passing around nicely though. The band sound is big, perhaps another victim of being slightly OTT though?
The allegro is soon up and running well. There's a lot of detail being worked on here, the lower brass may just be detracting with their over-exuberance.
The ensemble work is very good and the soloists are doing their part nicely.
The return of the quaver passages is not quite as successful but it's quickly under control. It flows nicely again for a while before some slightly ragged playing just starts to detract again.
The effects and intent are impressive and the build to the finish is full of energy.
Overall:
Some great moments just spoiled by some minor errors but could well figure. The reading was very good, just a few lower dynamics would have taken this up another notch.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 17:10:21
18. Freckleton (Paul Dalton)
The opening was reasonably safe, what followed wasn't. The solo lines are taking multiple hits. The band sound is good but doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
The allegro, much like the opening, isn't too bad. The same happens again though and the melodies are unsettled. The tuning is creeping out slightly.
The dialogue is happening but lacks direction.
The closing section brings a change in atmosphere. Suddenly, there's some life and the ensemble responds well and drives home to a good finish buts it's all too little too late.
Overall:
Not really hit the mark today. There wasn't anything about it until it was too late to make a difference.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 16:46:33
17. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (John Ward)
Another raised dynamic opening reduces the error count. There are still a couple, but it feels far more secure. The opening then takes care of itself and flows very nicely.
The allegro brings it all crashing back down to earth though. Very untidy for several bars. Shame that, the opening had set out a good stall but there is still time to get it back.
The MD has some great ideas which the band are generally delivering on. The energy is good and the dynamics are well under control.
There's plenty of great stuff going on here and it's well within itself in terms of dynamics. The solo lines are well managed
The run to the finish is perhaps a little untidy but it's been a good performance.
Overall:
A good one from Jackfield. The musical ideas were well realised and they didn't overblow. Perhaps a contender?
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 16:27:42
16. St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
Untidy start, both phrases take time to settle. Melodic lines are reasonably well negotiated. The bass sound is big and round, not too in your face.
The allegro is reasonably clean, just a couple of minor scuppers. The melodic lines are being passed around well. Tuning within the ensemble is starting to become an issue now though.
The dynamics are being well attempted, most working well. Tuning seems to be settling. There's just nothing bringing this to life though.
The final sections just bring a couple of untidy passages but it's a reasonable.
Overall:
Fairly consistent one from St Dennis. Just lacked a bit of sparkle to bring it off the page.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 16:10:17
15. Spal Automotive Sovereign Brass (David Maplestone)
Clippy opening leads to a somewhat different attempt at the effects in the opening.
Yet again, an untidy start to the allegro. The melodic lines are clear though. The bass sound is lead by the trombones and is again pushing the limits of what this hall can take.
A few noticeable slips in the interplay detract but the musical intent is good. The ensemble are being very sympathetic with their dynamic contributions.
There are some nice solo contributions, particularly solo cornet. The ensemble does it's best to copy and does a reasonable job.
This trombone section really has got some power. It's a good sound, will the adjudicators allow for the volume in this case?
A cracking run to the finish ends a good performance.
Overall:
A great performance this. The band really got hold of this and gave it their all. The trombones may have done their band many favours there, or equally could have done the damage.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 15:50:12
14. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Major David Barringer)
A reasonable opening leads to some good melodic lines appearing in the build up to the bigger band sounds. The band sound is just too heavy and brash though.
The allegro is a touch scrappy but there are a lot of effects being worked on here. Tuning Is a little ugly in places and the quieter dynamics have still got a fair thump.
The solo lines are well handled and the style is showing. Tuning and volume are still a little in your face though.
There are some great effects being attempted here and most are paying off.
A few blemishes start to appear before the dash to the finish. The finish itself is impressive, if a little loud.
Overall:
Really not bad. A little safe but some good musical ideas are on show. Just went a little off track towards the close.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 15:35:14
Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
Richard Evans, a man who exudes confidence, sculpts a good opening. There's a great sense of drama with a weighty bass sound. Again, it may just be too much in this acoustic. There's a real story developing here.
Allegro brings just a couple of scrappy moments but the drama is very much still there. Some neat interplay between sop and euph. The odd moment of tuning creeps in but there are a lot of effects being brought out.
You fear all this hard work could come undone if the adjudicators think the volume is just too much.
The solo lines are well managed and the music is moving nicely. Some blips around the ensemble are just starting to creep in. Have the band overdone themselves in the opening section?
The ending is big but the section leading into it was scrappy and rather spoils.
Overall:
It started out so well but seemed to cause its own downfall. The story was developing nicely but then it all got untidy and rather stumbled across the line.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 15:17:39
12. Kidlington Concert Brass (Duncan Wilson)
Just a couple of niggles in the opening bars but it soon settles. The bass sound is interesting, well rounded for the style but the tuning is causing some discomfort.
The allegro is just a little panicked but the melodic section brings some neat interplay. There are a lot effects being attempted here and most are coming off well. Some strong dynamic contrasts are bringing it to life.
Some stylish solo playing continues into the ensemble with just the odd glitch here and there. The ensemble is a little overpowering in places but it's not spoiling too much.
A solid finish rounds off a good performance.
Overall:
Another strong one. Some great moments with just a few minor blips. Should do very well.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 15:00:46
11. Medway (Melvin White)
A slight raise in dynamic brings a higher security level and it's a decent opening passage from Medway. Some big bass sounds here but they're fairly well rounded and cause little unrest. The whole opening comes with an increased dynamic but this just allows the music to flow a little easier.
The allegro is a little scrappy to begin and the melody brings some uncomfortable moments.
It's taken a short while to regain control but it's just about there now and the solo cornet puts in a good shift. The ensemble responds and there are some nice musical moments starting to occur. The quicker passages see a return of the scrappy moments but the overall sound and balance are very good.
Solid finish. No real risks taken in terms of lower dynamics but a very impressive rendition.
Overall:
One to watch out for today. The band sound was good and the musical ideas were well realised by the band.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 14:23:25
Gareth Ritter with City of Cardiff (Melingriffith)
Senior Trophy - Half way comments
Judges of the Secret Court is proving difficult in here today. Some bands are simply trying to go too fast whilst others are trying to lift the roof off.
City of Cardiff in the lead with Kinneil and Rainford not far behind. Oldham pushed hard and may just see a reward for their efforts.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 14:17:09
10. Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)
Another opening bar victim but it's quickly recovered. The musical shaping is working well but dynamics are pushing the upper limit again.
The allegro is generally well handled and the dialogue is showing well. This could be a cracker if it keeps going like this.
There's a certain poise about this that is really hitting the spot, still not error free, but heading in the right direction.
Dynamics are once again being pushed but it's not ruining the performance. The detail is being brought out very well and the band drives to a great finish.
Overall:
Another classy performance here with lots to commend. Should be in with a shout come the results.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 13:57:51
9. Lochgelly (Martyn Ramsay)
The scrappy openings return and it takes a while to find its feet. Tuning is a little suspect. The melodic lines are just getting a little fragmented.
The allegro claims another victim and the danger is not gone yet. The solo lines flow, not without error, but there's some consistency starting to form. The musical ideas seem good but the scrappiness continues.
Some tidy bits of playing starting to appear but it's all a bit tentative in style and then it stumbles again.
Lochgelly just seem to be stumbling at every fence and by the time they regain their step it's just too late.
Tuning in the bass tune is uneasy and the run to the finish it simply untidy.
Overall:
Not a good day at the office for Lochgelly today. It was all just a bit too much for them. Some good intent was starting to form but not quite soon enough,
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 13:57:11
Drighlington (Jim Davies)
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 13:51:23
The Senior Trophy:
Test Piece: Les Francs Juges (Hector Berlioz, arr. Frank Wright)
Spanish Hall
Draw - Complete
Adjudicators: David Horsfield & Mike Kilroy
1. Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Charles Keenan)
2. Drighlington (Jim Davies)
3. Rainford (Gareth Brindle)
4. Unison Kinneil (Craig Anderson)
5. Regent Brass (Paul Archibald)
6. Easington Colliery (Chris Bentham)
7. Hatfield Colliery (Stan Lippeatt)
8. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Gareth Ritter)
9. Lochgelly (Martyn Ramsay)
10. Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)
11. Medway (Melvin White)
12. Kidlington Concert Brass (Duncan Wilson)
13. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
14. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Major David Barringer)
15. Spal Automotive Sovereign Brass (David Maplestone)
16. St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
17. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (John Ward)
19. Longridge (Mark Peacock)
20. Friary Guildford (Chris King)
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 13:38:03
8. City of Cardiff (Mellingriffith) (Gareth Ritter)
A classy opening. Control and tuning well managed. The dynamic is just starting to peak a little but the contrasts are good. Some nice little risks being taken here and they are paying off so far.
The allegro is quick but generally well executed. The style is oozing in the solos and the ensemble is allowing them to lead without having to work hard.
The MD has clearly put some serious work into this and there's a lot to show for it. The dynamic is peaking once again but you feel they will get away with It on the basis that their dynamic contrasts have been huge.
The effects continue to thrill to the finish. The dynamics push the limits once again and you just hope it doesn't detract too much in the box.
Overall:
Quite a performance this. The details and effects were abundant and the MD appears pleased with his band, rightly so.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 13:22:22
7. Hatfield Colliery (Stan Lippeat)
The opening dynamic is raised but with it comes the best opening so far today as far as execution is concerned. The band sound is heavy and bass led but just goes a little overboard at times. The band are really going for it here though. What will the allegro bring?
The answer is a little bit of scrappiness initially but it soon settles. The dialogue between sop and euph sounds easy. The band follow suit and there are no major dramas. You may question the weight of the band sound though, this acoustic isn't it's best suitor.
There are a couple of moment sneaking in where all is not right. It needs to get back on track quickly after a good opening.
The tempo is being held quite responsibly but crikey it's loud!
The romp to the finish is exactly as it sounds, just a little ragged.
Overall:
A bit of an odd one all things considered. It started out well but just seemed to get a little out of control as it went on and the volume was simply too much in this acoustic.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 13:02:34
6. Easington Colliery (Chris Bentham)
A reasonable opening couple of bars but then there are some stray voices as it builds. The tempo is perhaps a little keen and the tuning needs attention.
The allegro brings uncertainty before settling into some good solo work. The detail is generally ok but tuning keeps showing it's ugly face.
The dialogue is just a little inconsistent and tuning is once again a factor.
The ideas all seem to be heading in the right direction but once again the execution simply doesn't do it justice.
Overall:
Another performance that didn't quite add up. Tuning would have given it new life but hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 12:41:42
5. Regent Brass (Paul Archibald)
Another opening that trips over itself. The interplay is going nicely but then the bigger sounds bring some crunching tuning.
The tempo is somewhat withheld but the detail isn't exactly benefitting here. Some of the effects are working but the overall performance is muddy.
The dialogue seems to be taking place in two separate rooms as the MD battles to get his band on the same page.
Now that the tuning has settled the bass sound is big and rounded. The accel to the finish was a neat touch.
Overall:
A bit of a swing and a miss. Some great ideas from the MD were just not executed by the players.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 12:28:04
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 12:23:28
4. Unison Kinneil (Craig Anderson)
Another sticky opening with a couple of tuning issues. Nice solo work follows with some big sounds.
The allegro is just held a tad and the detail benefits. The dialogue is being well captured but the tempo just seems to be starting to push.
The tempo has indeed pushed and the detail has suffered the same fate as other bands so far today. The MD is trying to regain the composure and does a good job to get it back under control before it really comes unstuck. Little clips just detracting from the interplay but generally this is another good musical performance.
The big finish is well controlled.
Overall:
Another good one in terms of musicality here. Again, not without error, but it should hold its own today.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 12:05:13
3. Rainford (Gareth Brindle)
The opening is a little clippy but the dialogue soon builds over and it is very tasteful. There's a big bass led sound which is nicely rounded. Some tuning is questionable.
The Allegro goes at a reasonable tempo, generally well detailed. The music is being brought to life well here and the solo lines are flowing nicely. Back into the quicker music and it's going some but is being well played and the detail remains.
The dynamic contrasts are being well brought out and the dash to the finish is big and bold.
Overall:
A musical one this, some great sounds. Not without error, particularly some niggling tuning, but a really good performance.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 11:51:03
2. Drighlington (Jim Davies)
Another slightly uncomfortable opening but there are soon some big sounds coming through, perhaps a little on the edge for this style of piece.
The Allegro takes off and it's just a notch too quick for the real clarity. The interplay is again just a little scrappy.
Solid solo work leads to another rushing ensemble which just can't get the detail out.
The ending has a little more poise and the detail level is lifted but the sounds are maybe just too brash.
Overall:
Another good effort that just tried to take off when it would actually have benefitted from holding steady.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 11:36:25
1. Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Charles Keenan)
Just takes a minute to find its feet but once found there are some good sounds coming through. The dialogue is flowing with just the odd clip.
Into the allegro and it's a clean start from the horns and the tempo seems to suit. Some neat interplay is just blighted by minor errors and the odd bit of tuning going astray.
Neat work from the solo cornet before the ensemble just seems to push the tempo a little to a slightly uncomfortable tempo and there are some scrappy moments appearing.
The dash to the finish is all just a little untidy and rounds off a performance that didn't quite click today.
Overall:
Not quite today, just tried to run before it could walk which was a shame as there were some nice moments.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 26, 10:53:54
The stage set in the Spanish-Hall
The Senior Trophy:
Test Piece: Les Francs Juges (Hector Berlioz, arr. Frank Wright)
Spanish Hall
Split draws: 10.15am & 1.30pm
Commence: 11.15am
Adjudicators: David Horsfield & Mike Kilroy
1. Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Charles Keenan)
2. Drighlington (Jim Davies)
3. Rainford (Gareth Brindle)
4. Unison Kinneil (Craig Anderson)
5. Regent Brass (Paul Archibald)
6. Easington Colliery (Chris Bentham)
7. Hatfield Colliery (Stan Lippeatt)
8. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Gareth Ritter)
9. Lochgelly (Martyn Ramsay)
10. Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)
Bands in second segment of the draw
Bournemouth Concert Brass (Major David Barringer)
Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
Freckleton (Paul Dalton)
Friary Guildford (Chris King)
Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (John Ward)
Kidlington Concert Brass (Duncan Wilson)
Longridge (Mark Peacock)
Medway (Melvin White)
Spal Automotive Sovereign Brass (David Maplestone)
St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
Senior Trophy • Friday 25, 11:40:54
The Senior Trophy:
Test Piece: Les Francs Juges (Hector Berlioz, arr. Frank Wright)
Spanish Hall
Split draws: 10.15am & 1.30pm
Commence: 11.15am
Adjudicators: David Horsfield & Mike Kilroy
Bournemouth Concert Brass (Major David Barringer)
City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Gareth Ritter)
Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
Drighlington (Jim Davies)
Easington Colliery (Chris Bentham)
Freckleton (Paul Dalton)
Friary Guildford (Chris King)
Hatfield Colliery (Stan Lippeatt)
Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (John Ward)
Kidlington Concert Brass (Duncan Wilson)
Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Charles Keenan)
Lochgelly (Martyn Ramsay)
Longridge (Mark Peacock)
Medway (Melvin White)
Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)
Rainford (Gareth Brindle)
Regent Brass (Paul Archibald)
Spal Automotive Sovereign Brass (David Maplestone)
St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
Unison Kinneil (Craig Anderson)
