Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 19:22:04
Results: The Senior Cup:
Test Piece: English Heritage (George Lloyd)
Arena Auditorium
Split draws: 9.00am & 12.30pm
Commence: 10.00am
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill & John Doyle
1. Wingates (Paul Andrews)**
2. Kingdom Brass (Eoin Tonner)**
3. Mount Charles (Tom Davoren)**
4. Camborne Town (John Berryman)**
5. Ashton under Lyne (Philip Chalk)
6. NASUWT Riverside Brass (Ray Farr)
7. Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)
8. Bo’ness & Carriden (Bryan Allan)
9. Ratby Co-operative (Michael Fowles)
10. Aveley & Newham (Melvin White)
11. Skelmanthorpe (Martin Hall)
12. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
13. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Ernest Ruddock)
14. Blackburn & Darwen (Huw Thomas)
15. Fishburn (Joseph Cook)
16. Staffordshire (Leigh Baker)
17. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)*
18. Newtongrange (Lee Skipsey)*
19. Felling (Stephen Malcolm)*
20. Wakefield Metropolitan (Michael Howley)*
Best Instrumentalist: Cornet (Kingdom Brass)
**Promoted to Grand Shield
* Relegated to Senior Trophy
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 17:55:13
Post Contest thoughts
It’s been an engrossing seven and a half hours contest on a piece that has been tough to master. In truth, not one band has got away unscathed today, but after only a handful of performances in the first half of the draw, the second has had a trio of outfits who will have given Ian Brownbill & John Doyle, plenty to ponder.
For us, there is not a clear winner and it could be extremely tight for the honours with a couple of bands being in with a serious shout with very little to choose between them.
Camborne, East London, Ashton, Newtongrange, Skelmanthorpe and Kingdom Brass are our six but the order could be like throwing the dice in the air and seeing how they land.
4BR Prediction:
1. Camborne
2. East London Brass
3. Ashton
4. Newtongrange
5. Skelmanthorpe
6. Kingdom Brass
Dark Horse: Staffordshire
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 17:44:04
20. Blackburn & Darwen (Huw Thomas)
Bold and colourful from the Lancastrians to open but it’s not without the odd slip along the way. Huw Thomas has deliberately set his stall out to let his band play. It’s big and bold alright with the dynamics a little over-cooked in the acoustics at times but the playing isn’t half bad.
There is tiredness at the end though which takes the edge off things
Overall:
One that didn’t happen for Blackburn today
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 17:15:44
19. Fishburn (Joseph Cook)
The opening section is well judged tempo wise but the playing is a little edgy in its execution. Joe Cook gives his band the opportunity to play with freedom, but despite some nice ensemble and solo work, there are too many blips which take the shine off things.
Full credit to the band for its perseverance, but tiredness was evident at the end.
Overall:
One that never caught fire from Fishburn today.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 17:06:08
Interesting that since Ashton-under-Lyne, band 16 turned their chairs towards the box, every band has played that way since, presumably thinking that's how they were set out originally.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 16:58:41
18. Aveley & Newham (Melvin White)
Aveley takes time to settle. There is some unease around the stand but the band recovers well and starts to find its feet. The errors are in evidence but what is admirable here is the sheer musical guts and endeavour which sees the band dig extremely deep.
There are moments of quality within the ensemble and solo lines but tiredness is in evidence as well
Overall:
A performance that just didn’t happen today for Aveley
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 16:39:56
Three to go in the Senior Cup and still the opportunity is there to win the contest, let alone get into the top four and the Grand Shield.
It's getting rather tight though and we suspect some well thought out readings will be giving the judges, Ian Brownbill & John Doyle, food for thought.
As a well known now retired football manager from the North West said on many occasions, it's squeaky bum time.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 16:32:44
17. Mount Charles (Tom Davoren)
The Cornish outfit starts confidently with a nice effective opening and good ensemble work. Tom Davoren allows the band to play with style and musicality whilst the dynamics are kept under control.
The blemishes are brushed aside and not worried about whilst energy within the ensemble is maintained right through to the end in a controlled manner.
Overall:
Lots to appreciate and another account that will give the judges food for thought
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 16:14:29
16. Ashton under Lyne (Philip Chalk)
MD, Phil Chalk sets the Lancastrians stall out straight away as the band alters the angle of the chairs to play directly to the box.
The opening is colourful and confident and there is a good band sound. The former Fairey MD keeps a tight reign on the dynamics and this proves to be effective along with confident ensemble and solo work.
Everything is measured without being overstretched and whilst there are blemishes, the ensemble and band sound has lots of positives within it.
Overall:
Something a little to think about in the box for sure, lots to admire from Ashton
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 15:50:29
15. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
A nice opening that has lots to admire with a tempo that the band is comfortable with. It’s all very steady, but that allows Jayne Murrill to keep a tight reign on things which she does very well. The ensemble and solo lines are full of musical endeavour and full credit to the band for what they are producing here.
Jayne Murrill’s sensible approach to the tempo’s and dynamics continues to pay dividends as they very effectively
Overall:
Well now, that was a little different, not a bigger sound as some today but very impressive throughout.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 15:26:35
14. Newtongrange (Lee Skipsey)
Lee Skipsey sets his stall out with an opening section that is full of energy and detail. The ensemble playing has a really nice feel to it and there are some lovely dynamic contrasts.
The MD lets the music flow and this is so effective. There is a firm hand on the dynamics but there is some excellent playing around the stand and a well judged finish
Overall:
An intriguing account that will give the judges lots to ponder that’s for sure.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 15:11:24
A very intriguing contest is developing in the Arena. With seven bands left to go, there is plenty of opportunity for bands to get into the podium places never mind the top four.
It will be interesting to hear what the judges say later as no band has got away unscathed so far on what has proved to be a difficult piece to conquer.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 15:04:51
13. Staffordshire (Leigh Baker)
Staffordshire gets off to a purposeful and musical start with lots of detail in evidence, but also some untidiness. There is a real vibrancy and energetic pulse that is effective and that is matched by ensemble and solo contributions.
The music brings a nice warm glow and the dynamic contrasts have been tailored to the hall—there is a lot to appreciate here
Overall:
Interesting, very interesting. A well judged reading that had lots to admire but it had an uncertain opening that could prove costly today.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 14:41:59
12. Wingates (Paul Andrews)
It’s not a bad opening with vibrancy and energy on display. There is warmth to the music and the approach from the middle is effective. As with other bands today, there is the odd tricky moment along the way, but Paul Andrews is giving his ensemble every chance to play the piece and they are responding.
The energy and vibrancy remains until the end and once again there is plenty admire
Overall:
An interesting one from Wingates with the MD bringing out details that other bands have missed today.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 14:23:19
11. Bo’ness & Carriden (Bryan Allan)
It’s not a bad opening, just a few blemishes along the way, but the Scots show plenty of promise. There is a nice flow and feel to the Lloyd work, very regal and elegant at times. Not everything clicks into gear as well as it could do though which is a shame as the inconsistencies occur and the remain until the end
Overall:
One that had plenty of promise but it was wasn’t fulfilled today
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 14:01:15
Ratby Co-operative (Michael Fowles)
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 13:59:48
Half way thoughts
John Berryman with Camborne Town
It’s been an interesting contest so far and that’s without even mentioning the dance fever close by. George Lloyd’s ‘English Heritage’ has proved to be a tough test so far today. There is very little to choose for us between Camborne & Skelmanthorpe with NASUWT Riverside & Kingdom not far behind.
All to play for though.
4BR Prediction:
1. Camborne
2. Skelmanthorpe
3. NASUWT Riverside
4. Kingdom
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 13:51:55
The Senior Cup:
Test Piece: English Heritage (George Lloyd)
Arena Auditorium
Draw - Complete
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill & John Doyle
1. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Ernest Ruddock)
2. Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)
3. Ratby Co-operative (Michael Fowles)
4. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
5. Kingdom Brass (Eoin Tonner)
6. NASUWT Riverside Brass (Ray Farr)
7. Camborne Town (John Berryman)
8. Skelmanthorpe (Martin Hall)
9. Felling (Stephen Malcolm)
10. Wakefield Metropolitan (Michael Howley)
11. Bo’ness & Carriden (Bryan Allan)
12. Wingates (Paul Andrews)
13. Staffordshire (Leigh Baker)
14. Newtongrange (Lee Skipsey)
15. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
16. Ashton under Lyne (Philip Chalk)
17. Mount Charles (Tom Davoren)
18. Aveley & Newham (Melvin White)
19. Fishburn (Joseph Cook)
20. Blackburn & Darwen (Huw Thomas)
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 13:40:42
10. Wakefield Metropolitan (Michael Howley)
It’s a bold colourful start with Michael Howley setting out his musical intentions from the start. The ensemble playing isn’t bad and there is a nice flow, but there are unforeseen errors creeping in at times.
Those little blemishes remain unfortunately as the piece moves on and there is the hinr of tiredness at the end.
Overall
One that never happened for Wakefield today
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 13:18:41
9. Felling (Stephen Malcolm)
It’s a slightly uncertain opening, but it does settle down well and has promise. The vibrancy and energy is on display, but it’s not without its slips at times that takes the sheen off things. The inconsistencies remain but so does the perseverance—huge credit to Stephen Malcolm for his approach—it has been tough going at times and tiredness in evidence at end
Overall:
One that showed promise but wasn’t materialised
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 12:56:07
8. Skelmanthorpe (Martin Hall)
A good opening that bodes well with a nice style. It’s not without the odd blemish though, but there is a well thought out approach from the middle.
Ensemble & solo work isn’t bad and its nicely controlled although not everything comes off. The dynamics are controlled but occasionally go a touch above what is required in the hall. Nice close
Overall:
An account that certainly had plenty to admire although not everything linked together.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 12:33:43
7. Camborne Town (John Berryman)
A real tasty opening that just breathes musicality—lovely stuff. The vibrancy and energetic pulse works so well. The ensemble playing has a lovely feel to it and its tight too.
Some lovely warmth in the ensemble and the dynamics sit well—John Berryman will be enjoying this for sure, his band has responded to what he has asked of them and the maestro has used all his experience in keeping a very tight reign on things in a very lively acoustic.
The closing section just flows with Cornish passion and musicality through the veins.
Overall:
A real Cornish cracker from Camborne. Some great soloists, ensemble and an MD who loved every single second.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 12:24:47
Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Ernest Ruddock)
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 12:14:41
6. NASUWT Riverside Brass (Ray Farr)
It’s a confident start with the music having a nice feel and flow to it, vibrant and energetic but not rushed and detail is heard. Ray Farr is taking a thoughtful approach with nothing being overdone and effective dynamics.
The ensemble and solo work isn’t bad and the percussion blends in nicely, but the dynamic contrasts work so well and there’s a nice feel to the close.
Overall:
Some excellent and ensemble work on display from the North Eastern outfit
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 11:53:12
5. Kingdom Brass (Eoin Tonner)
It settles well with the music coming through. It’s a little uneasy at times but very workmanlike. The detail isn’t bad and the Scots are one of the first bands to pull things back dynamically which proves to be effective. Not everything gels together, but the approach works throughout and closes well.
Overall:
Not bad at all, nice approach, and one that may tickle the judges fancy
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 11:31:28
4. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
Firm, controlled opening, lots of energy & drive on display and everything has a purpose. But it doesn’t hold back dynamically. There is such a nice style to the music but it is a touch loud and there a few gremlins get in the way from time to time.
The vibrancy and energy is all ablaze in the closing section but again it’s a little top heavy dynamically.
Overall:
Not a bad one from Tylorstown, but perhaps bit heavy dynamically at times.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 11:05:39
3. Ratby Co-operative (Michael Fowles)
Bold and confident opening that works well. There’s lots of drive and energy on display that makes for effective playing. Mike Fowles ensures the good work continues with a thoughtful approach to an engaging slow section. Once again, the approach and attention to detail has plenty to admire and it’s a fine close.
Overall:
A typical Mike Fowles reading, full of passion and detail, with the band responding today.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 10:51:38
Two bands in and we've already been reminded what a fine piece of music English Heritage is, but also what a stern test it is going to be today. It may be four years on since the piece was used at the Regionals as the Championship Section set test, but it hasn't got any easier.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 10:45:18
2. Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)
Confident opening, that sits nicely, and there is some effective ensemble work. The tempo’s are steady with nothing being overstretched. There’s a nice style & purpose to Keith Leonard’s reading although not everything works as it should. The little bits of untidiness detract but it’s certainly not without musical endeavour but it closes well.
Overall:
The Midlanders deliver an account that had a really nice style & approach to it.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 10:19:43
1. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Ernest Ruddock)
It’s not a bad start although there is some uncertainty around the stand. There is a nice sense of warmth and vibrancy in the ensemble despite not everything gelling together. The inconsistencies continue; at times some nice ensemble and solo playing, but then errors creep in, which is a real shame, as its full of commitment and passion.
Overall:
The Irish deliver a committed account that wasn’t without its errors though.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 10:12:58
The adjudicators John Doyle & Ian Brownbill make their way to the box
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 10:10:15
The stage set in the Arena Auditorium
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 10:02:11
Here we go then in the Senior Cup with Laganvale on stage. Good crowd in as well. Good luck to everyone in the contest.
Senior Cup • Saturday 26, 09:50:53
The Senior Cup:
Test Piece: English Heritage (George Lloyd)
Arena Auditorium
Split draws: 9.00am & 12.30pm
Commence: 10.00am
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill & John Doyle
Draw
1. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Ernest Ruddock)
2. Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)
3. Ratby Co-operative (Michael Fowles)
4. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
5. Kingdom Brass (Eoin Tonner)
6. NASUWT Riverside Brass (Ray Farr)
7. Camborne Town (John Berryman)
8. Skelmanthorpe (Martin Hall)
9. Felling (Stephen Malcolm)
10. Wakefield Metropolitan (Michael Howley)
Bands in second segment of the draw
Ashton under Lyne (Philip Chalk)
Aveley & Newham (Melvin White)
Blackburn & Darwen (Huw Thomas)
Bo’ness & Carriden (Bryan Allan)
East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
Fishburn (Joseph Cook)
Mount Charles (Tom Davoren
Newtongrange (Lee Skipsey)
Staffordshire (Leigh Baker)
Wingates (Paul Andrews)
Senior Cup • Friday 25, 11:40:37
The Senior Cup:
Test Piece: English Heritage (George Lloyd)
Arena Auditorium
Split draws: 9.00am & 12.30pm
Commence: 10.00am
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill & John Doyle
Ashton under Lyne (Philip Chalk)
Aveley & Newham (Melvin White)
Blackburn & Darwen (Huw Thomas)
Bo’ness & Carriden (Bryan Allan)
Camborne Town (John Berryman)
Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)
East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
Felling (Stephen Malcolm)
Fishburn (Joseph Cook)
Kingdom Brass (Eoin Tonner)
Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Ernest Ruddock)
Mount Charles (Tom Davoren)
NASUWT Riverside Brass (Ray Farr)
Newtongrange (Lee Skipsey)
Ratby Co-operative (Michael Fowles)
Skelmanthorpe (Martin Hall)
Staffordshire (Leigh Baker)
Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
Wakefield Metropolitan (Michael Howley)
Wingates (Paul Andrews)
