Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 19:24:02
4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Flowers MD Paul Holland and Band Manager Lee Downie after they have just been crowned 2014 Grand Shield champions in Blackpool.
Results: Grand Shield:
Test Piece: On Alderley Edge (Professor Peter Graham)
Opera House
Split draws: 9.30am & 1.00pm
Commence: 10.30am
Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent & David Read MBE
1. Flowers (Paul Holland)*
2. Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)*
3. Whitburn (Ian Porthouse)
4. Reg Vardy (Stephen Roberts)
5. Tongwynlais Temperance (Jeremy Wise)
6. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)
7. Marsden Silver (Glyn Williams)
8. East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison)
9. Thoresby Colliery (Brian Grant)
10. Woodfalls (Dr Nicholas Childs)
11. Northop Silver (Thomas Wyss)
12. Burry Port (Nigel Seaman)
13. Aldbourne (David Johnson)
14. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Stig Maersk)
15. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (David Hirst)
16. Redbridge (Alan Duguid)
17. Newstead Brass (Duncan Beckley)**
18. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Mark Bentham)**
19. Jaguar Land Rover (Dave Lea)**
Withdrawn: Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West (Jef Sparkes)**
Best Instrumentalist: Andrew Smith - Cornet (Flowers)
*Promoted to British Open
**Relegated to Senior Cup
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 17:53:47
Well it's been a fascinating if at times frustrating day in the Opera House. On Alderley Edge might not be the most demanding technical test piece by modern standards but it sure has found a lot of bands and players out in cruelly exposing the soloists along with the band's and MD's ability to make the most of the many opportunities for musical picture painting this most atmospheric of test pieces provides.
No bands have emerged totally unscathed but it is those that have managed to find the greatest levels of consistency that will rise through the ranks today.
Chris Thomas is going for a top six of:
1. Flowers
2. Rothwell Temperance
3. Whitburn
4. Tongwynlais Temperance
5. Burry Town Town
6. Reg Vardy
Dark Horse Marsden Silver Prize
Results at about 18.15
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 17:43:14
19. Rothwell Temperance
The MD conjures up a magical atmosphere to open although solo horn has a nasty slip to open off stage solo. It settles though and as we head into The Armada Beacon we hear both detail and excitement in equal measure.
The Golden Stone is so well shaped and solo cornet excels. This really feels as if the band is growing in confidence now.
Engine Vein Mine crackles with mechanistic energy aided by a well chosen tempo and this is impressive stuff. Fine trombones play a crucial part in the musical picture.
The Holy Well has such a refined sense of repose, imbued with a heartfelt sincerity and with such finely graded dynamics. What a serene euphonium solo. So secure but played with such sensitivity.
Stormy Point builds up a huge head of steam and the Epilogue is beautifully done before a final flourish of majestic affirmation.
Overall A performance of emotional power that painted the pictures of the score with such conviction and grew in confidence as it progressed. The audience love it!!
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 17:26:24
18. Tongwynlais Temperance (Jeremy Wise)
Good atmosphere to open and the dynamics are so well observed. One or two fragile moments but this is promising.
The Armada Beacon is delivered with persuasive power and we hear the inner detail well even though there are one or two shaky moments.
The transition into The Holy Well is nicely done and the section initially unfolds so well until the solo cornet has a nasty moment with so many bands unable to deliver consistently evenly today in what has at times been a very frustrating contest.
Solo euph does well although doesn't take risks with the dynamic whilst we hear good inner detail in Stormy Point which builds with genuine power to a finely shaped Epilogue and a spirited Vivace and concluding peroration.
Overall Excellent playing at times in difficult circumstances for Tongwynlais but yet again the overall effect of a convincing approach was undermined by frustrating slips.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 17:12:01
17. Whitburn (Ian Porthouse)
The opening is musically persuasive but not without fragility as entries don't quite convince in the trombones and elsewhere.
There is a big bold band sound on display in The Armada Beacon and here the band comes into its own with excellent detail evident, especially from the cornet section. Solo cornet is expressive in The Golden Stone but again there is hesitancy in some of the entries that holds the overall effect back.
Engine Vein Mine is bang on the tempo and this bristles with energy, with the band sound again coming to the fore whilst The Holy Well benefits from further good solo cornet work and a superb solo from the band's guest solo euph player who has earned his travel expenses!
Stormy Point is menacing in its power and leads to a warmly expressive Epilogue and boldly coloured concluding Vivace.
Overall Such a convincing interpretation and a fine band sound but those fragilities could cost.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 16:38:47
16. Jaguar Landrover (Dave Lea)
The mist shrouded opening landscape is initially finely done although the picture is unsettled by a nasty opening to the off stage horn solo.
It settles and The Armada Beacon blazes brightly but not without occasional slips. There is a clear intent about this though and the contrasts of the score are being found and delivered with confidence.
There 's a sense of poise and line about the cornet solo in The Golden Stone and Engine Vein Mine drives forward with both momentum and purpose.
Solo cornet shines in The Holy Well as does solo euph whose solo is delivered with such security and sensitivity. Stormy Point builds menacingly and it's a shame that early blemishes have detracted from a performance that could have been so much stronger.
The Epilogue flows well and it's a spirited Vivace that leads us into a big bold final statement.
Overall A performance that could have been so much more effective were it not for those crucial blemishes.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 16:15:41
15. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (David Hirst)
The opening Prologue is well judged but The Armada Beacon is taken at a cracking tempo with the band struggling to project the detail with clarity. The consequence is that the playing has a somewhat manic feel about it. The Golden Stone is better and solo cornet delivers a well shaped, understated solo.
Engine Vein Mine again lacks precision in the ensemble and more could be made of the dynamic contrasts. Solo,cornet once again plays with style and poise in The Holy Well although there are nasty slips from horn and euphonium that disrupt the flow.
Stormy Point certainly has menace though and repiano does well in the Epilogue. The concluding Vivace is effective leading to a bracing final peroration.
Overall A performance of mixed fortunes that is likely to suffer for its high error count.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 15:54:54
14. East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison)
The band creates a fine opening atmosphere in the Prologue. Finely judged dynamics and just the slightest of clips in the horn solo.
The Armada Beacon is a touch untidy at times although there's an urgency about this that makes an impression. There is a nicely flowing feel to The Golden Stone and solo cornet delivers a mellow, open toned solo that has a lovely sense of line and nuance.
Engine Vein Mine bristles along and solo cornet once again excels in The Holy Well, as does solo euph although tuning just wavers momentarily at top of register. Basses display good dynamics at the opening of Stormy Point which builds well as we head into an Epilogue that just loses its sense of flow a little.
Its a bracing final Vivace though if a little tired sounding on the final chord.
Overall Plenty to enjoy from EYMS. Some very well shaped playing and generally secure soloists.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 15:36:36
13. Thoresby Colliery (Brian Grant)
The mist shrouded opening prologue is laced with mysterious atmosphere and the band captures the lower dynamics to excellent effect.
The MD certainly brings his own sense of style to The Armada Beacon as he almost dances his way through it. It's not always entirely on the button in terms of precision of ensemble but it is certainly stamped with an individuality that we haven't heard from any other band today.
The Golden Stone is sensitively shaped and Engine Vein Mill is marked by excellent trombones, having an excellent sense of motion and mechanistic power.
Solo cornet does well in The Holy Well with just slight blemishes with solo euph serene in the upper reaches of his solo. The contrast of Stormy Point is effective as the MD drives the band on with a fine contribution from solo euph who is serene in the upper reaches of his solo.
The Epilogue is heartfelt and sentimental leading to a spirited conclusion.
Overall A individual and interesting account. Technically solid but perhaps needing just a touch more contrast, light and shade at times.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 15:13:42
12. Marsden Silver Prize (Glyn Williams)
We really sense the landscape in the opening Prologue and although there are one or two fluffed entries, the musical picture is a suitably mysterious one.
The Armada Beacon is boldly coloured and has a vigorous energy about it, allied with wide ranging dynamic contrasts and there is a real sense of repose about The Golden Stone. It's so well shaped by the MD who is knitting the pictorial thread of the music together with aplomb.
Dynamics are kept under control in Engine Vein MIne and it's a neat, tight trombone section. Solo cornet sings The Holy Well with heartfelt sincerity. Well done solo euph. What a sweet upper register and there is a touching sense of emotion about this.
Stormy Point lacks an ounce of tension for us but the Epilogue is nicely done, albeit with bumper up taking the repiano line and leading to a controlled yet finely judged final Vivace and concluding pean.
Overall So much to enjoy here. Emotion, colour and contrast that helped to overcome the odd slips.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 14:55:15
11. Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)
Another of many bands to day that has suffered fragility in the opening bars with clips on cornet and horn that unsettles the atmosphere.
There are some lovely moments in the Golden Stone and although there are further occasional clips, there is a bloom about the sound and atmosphere that is engaging.
Engine Vein Mine bristles with energy even though it occasionally loses its rhythmic propulsion. It's exiting stuff though and the transition into The Holy Well is well handled. Fine solo cornet and there is a nicely pliable tempo set by the MD although solo euph has a nasty moment into his solo and the tempo is now in danger of wallowing.
Stormy Point is suitably menacing and the heart on sleeve approach to the epilogue takes us to a spirited final Vivace.
Overall Some enjoyable moments here and the MD certainly tried to stamp his mark on the performance. Not without fragility though.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 14:19:02
Half Way Analysis
Flowers in performance
Well now. What an interesting first half it's been in the Grand Shield. Most of the bands have overcome the technical hurdles of On Alderley Edge but very few have done so in unblemished fashion whilst finding the myriad contrasts of mood, texture and colour within Peter Graham's engaging, vividly descriptive music. For us Flowers lead the way with atop four of:
1. Flowers
2. Burry Port Silver
3. Reg Vardy
4. Woodfalls
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 14:10:31
10. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Stig Mearsk)
The opening of the Prologue shows promise but a couple of nasty slips then interrupt progress.
The Armada Beacon burns boldly for Pemberton, perhaps a little too much so, but its vivid stuff if perhaps lacking in contrast at times.
Solo cornet emerges from The Golden Stone intact but we just need to hear a little more contrast in texture and colours whilst Engine Vein Mine doesn't quite exhibit the kind of of mechanistic rigidity that the score calls for.
The MD really tries to paint the picture in The Holy Well and we can sense the band trying its hardest to work with him even though the execution isn't always spot on. Stormy Point is better and it's an emotionally wrought Epilogue leading into a well judged final flourish.
Overall A committed reading from Stig Maersk and the band but one that needed a little more contrast and colour.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 14:07:44
Paul Holland on stage with Flowers
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 13:52:26
The Grand Shield:
Test Piece: On Alderley Edge (Professor Peter Graham)
Opera House
Draw - Complete
Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent & David Read MBE
1. Northop Silver (Thomas Wyss)
2. Woodfalls (Dr Nicholas Childs)
3. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Mark Bentham)
4. Reg Vardy (Stephen Roberts)
5. Aldbourne (David Johnson)
6. Newstead Brass (Duncan Beckley)
7. Flowers (Paul Holland)
8. Burry Port (Nigel Seaman)
9. Redbridge (Alan Duguid)
10. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Stig Maersk)
11. Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)
12. Marsden Silver (Glyn Williams)
13. Thoresby Colliery (Brian Grant)
14. East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison)
15. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (David Hirst)
16. Jaguar Land Rover (Dave Lea)
17. Whitburn (Ian Porthouse)
18. Tongwynlais Temperance (Jeremy Wise)
19. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)
Withdrawn: Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West (Jef Sparkes)**
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 13:49:17
9. Redbridge (Alan Duguid)
An effective Prologue. Well balanced and with sensitively judged dynamics.
Fine solo cornet in The Golden Stone, so sensitively phrased and with both time and space. It's a little sentimental perhaps but so is the music!
Trombones don't quite hit it off in Engine Vein Mine and the performance just loses its sense of purpose here as a result. A shame as there is so much to commend along the way.
The Holy Well just needs to flow a little more for our taste. It's in danger of becoming overly cloying in its sentimentality but it's certainly high on emotion from solo cornet and euphonium, whilst the contrast of Stormy Point is sharply emphasised.
Repiano shapes the solo line well in the Epilogue although the final Vivace is concluding pean is a touch underwhelming.
Overall A performance of initial promise that just lost it's way at times but was marked by quality soloists.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 13:26:33
8. Burry Port Town (Nigel Seaman)
The atmosphere is nicely judged to open and the muted euphonium emerges through the mists effectively.
There is a sense of purpose and tension about The Armada Beacon that impresses and urges the music on, whilst the moods are well defined and the MD shapes the music so well. The Golden Stone is marked by telling contributions from the soloists, notably solo cornet who exhibits such a fine sense of line allied with an open, true cornet sound.
Engine Vein mine could perhaps do with a little more mechanistic urgency but the ensemble is taut and The Holy Well is again heart on sleeve stuff. Bass tuning into the Andante espressivo wavers but the soloists again do well.
Stormy Point isn't quite rhythmically secure at times but the atmosphere is well found and although it's a slightly tired sounding conclusion, this was a performance of solid interpretative insight and execution.
Overall A good show from Burry Port. Thoughtfully put together and with a real awareness of the moods of the score.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 13:03:19
7. Flowers (Paul Holland)
A beautifully balanced opening chord and there is both mystery and menace in the musical imagery of the Prologue with a Ravel like quality to the music as the mists swirl and shift.
The Armada Beacon positively screams with alarm and there is so much purpose about the performance allied with crisp ensemble and a vivid grasp of the pictures painted within the score.
Fine solo cornet in The golden Stone. It simply flows so well and the atmosphere remains intact throughout. Engine Vein Mine rattles along at precisely crochet equals 144 and the detail at low dynamic levels is so impressive. What fine soprano playing. One of only two so far that have shown real awareness of staying within the textural context of the music.
Solo cornet shines once again in The Holy Well. There is no licence taken with this. It is simply played with unfettered clarity and David Childs is serene as we head towards the stormy skies.
There is both security and menace heard in Stormy Night and there is a feeling of ever growing menace as we head into the Devil's Grave before the Epilogue is sung with melting yet never cloying emotion, largely down to the fact that the MD doesn't allow the tempo to sag.
A brilliant final flourish brings a magnificent performance to a rousing conclusion. Bravo!
Overall Playing of majestic grandeur from Flowers. This was vivid musical imagery of the very highest quality.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 12:44:46
It's an interesting contest that is developing in the Grand Shield. On Alderley Edge is really finding the bands out with the soloists needing nerves of steel and the MD's needing to find the many changing moods of Peter Graham's multi-faceted and highly evocative score.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 12:39:12
6. Newstead (Duncan Beckley)
Excellent opening dynamics in the Prologue but there are also several very noticeable slips. The Armada Beacon is mixed in its execution. There are passages when it is impressively taut but then loses its shape only to recover again.
The band's young principal cornet player has a lovely open sound in The Golden Stone and although it's not flawless, it has a fine sense of flow.
Engine Vein Mine needs a little more rythmic rigidity to find the mechanistic nature of the composer's intentions and we would like to hear a touch more open emotion in The Holy Well although solo euphonium does such a fine job and is so secure in upper register.
Stormy Night is not always in sync rhythmically and for a moment it all gets a touch precarious. Duncan beckley pulls it back together though and a well judged Epilogue leads into a slightly tired sounding concluding Vivace.
Overall Not without moments of quality but it was tired sounding band at the conclusion.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 12:31:11
Thomas Wyss conducting Northop Silver
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 12:16:35
5. Aldbourne (David Johnson)
Aldbourne has a legend within its ranks in the form of Lyndon Baglin on 2nd euphonium.
Well judged opening to the Prologue although solo euph is momentarily uncomfortable in the third bar.
The Armada Beacon is bold and underpinned by impressive dramatic intent although the ensemble isn't always 100% in its unanimity.
Nicely phrased and nuanced solo cornet in The Golden Stone and Engine Vein Mine benefits from excellent dynamic contrasts with the mechanical marking of the score being heard with clarity.
The atmosphere in the The Holy Well is so well created and there is a sense of the impending abyss as Stormy Night propels us towards the Devil's Grave leading to an effective Epilogue and final Vivace.
Overall A compelling reading from Aldbourne. Certainly not error free but this was all about the atmospheres and many contrasts of the score.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 11:56:11
4. Reg Vardy (Stephen Roberts)
A highly effective Prologue. There's a real sense of mystery and mist shrouded landscape here and the music unfolds so well.
The Armada Beacon has a sense of drama about it and there is a confidence about the playing that we haven't heard from any other band so far today. Excellent soprano and the detail is heard with clarity in a balanced musical picture.
One or two slips are noted in The Golden Stone but the style and motion of the music is well captured. Excellent trombones in Engine Vein Mine and although the tempo is quick there is a real sense of drive and mechanical propulsion as a result.
Lovely solo cornet sound in The Holy Well although not without a few clips. One or two unsettling little errors elsewhere start to creep in here too. A real shame as the approach is so musical and the atmospheres are carefully created.
Excellent dynamics in Stormy Point and the tension builds inexorably. The transition into the Epilogue is so well handled but again frustrating clips in the solo lines get in the way. It's a fine close though and a spirited concluding flourish.
Overall . This was so close to a very fine performance indeed and was marked by a clear understanding of the composer's intentions. This crucial slips could cost though.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 11:35:51
3. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel ( Mark Bentham)
The opening of the Prologue is surely a touch heavy for ppp and solo horn falters initially before recovering.
The Armada Beacon starts well but the detail isn't audible in the basses and it loses its way momentarily. The Golden Stone doesn't quite flow. We need to hear more floridity and atmosphere here. Good trombones in Engine Vein Mine and there is a sense of purpose about the playing here.
Uncomfortable soprano disturbs the atmosphere at the opening of The Holy Well and although it settles we'd like to hear more heart on the sleeve emotion here. It's all a touch academic until suddenly there is a genuine pp heard at the Meno Mosso. Again soprano struggles though and we get another frustrating atmospheric hiatus.
The MD's intent is clearly heard throughout but we reach the Epilogue and final Vivace execution again let's the band down.
Overall An inconsistent account that was prone to fragility.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 11:13:45
2. Woodfalls (Dr. Nicholas Childs )
A finely judged opening with only the slightest of slips unsettling the otherwise well defined atmosphere.
There's a bold drama about The Armada Beacon and the changing moods of the music are effective. There's a feeling of time and space about the cornet solo in The Golden Stone and the phrasing is well nuanced.
Well judged tempo in Engine Vein Mine although we need a touch more underlying drive about this. Paul Duffy rises to his feet for soprano solo which isn't entirely comfortable. Again solo cornet shines in The Holy Well. There's palpable emotion in the playing here and solo euphonium also sings with security and style. Stormy Point doesn't quite click rhythmically but the Epilogue is imbued with warmth leading to a final Vivace of spirit and life affirming vitality.
Overall A polished show from Woodfalls. Excellent soloists and the playing found the changing moods of the music with élan.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 10:51:50
1. Northop Silver (Thomas Wyss)
A slightly unsettled opening and we need a little more mist shrouded magic here. Good cornet work heard in the Armada Beacon although perhaps the tension needs to build a little more. Bass detail is a touch muddied.
Slow cornet does well in The Golden Stone. Just a little more space needed perhaps but there's a nice sense of mystery about this. Engine Vein Mine could be more motor like but the transition into The Holy Well is initially well handled until one or two slips detract. The Andante espressivo has a suitably florid feel and solo cornet does well although euphonium strains in upper register.
Stormy Point has a gathering sense of foreboding before a warmly affectionate Epilogue and lively final flourish.
Overall Some quality moments here but the performance didn't always fully capture the atmosphere of what is a highly descriptive score.
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 10:35:56
The Grand Shield:
Test Piece: On Alderley Edge (Professor Peter Graham)
Opera House
Split draws: 9.30am & 1.00pm
Commence: 10.30am
Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent & David Read MBE
1. Northop Silver (Thomas Wyss)
2. Woodfalls (Dr Nicholas Childs)
3. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Mark Bentham)
4. Reg Vardy (Stephen Roberts)
5. Aldbourne (David Johnson)
6. Newstead Brass (Duncan Beckley)
7. Flowers (Paul Holland)
8. Burry Port (Nigel Seaman)
9. Redbridge (Alan Duguid)
10. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Stig Maersk)
Bands in second segment of the draw
East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison)
Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)
Jaguar Land Rover (Dave Lea)
Marsden Silver (Glyn Williams)
Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)
Thoresby Colliery (Brian Grant)
Tongwynlais Temperance (Jeremy Wise)
Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (David Hirst)
Whitburn (Ian Porthouse)
Withdrawn: Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West (Jef Sparkes)**
Grand Shield • Saturday 26, 08:53:40
We think that today is David Read MBE's last judging assignment. bringing down a judging career of over 40 years - we wish him well in the box with his great friend and colleague Derek Broadbent
Grand Shield • Friday 25, 11:40:16
The Grand Shield:
Test Piece: On Alderley Edge (Professor Peter Graham)
Opera House
Split draws: 9.30am & 1.00pm
Commence: 10.30am
Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent & David Read MBE
Aldbourne (David Johnson)
Burry Port (Nigel Seaman)
East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison)
Flowers (Paul Holland)
Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)
Jaguar Land Rover (Dave Lea)
Marsden Silver (Glyn Williams)
Newstead Brass (Duncan Beckley)
Northop Silver (Thomas Wyss)
Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Stig Maersk)
Redbridge (Alan Duguid)
Reg Vardy (Stephen Roberts)
Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)
Thoresby Colliery (Brian Grant)
Tongwynlais Temperance (Jeremy Wise)
Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (David Hirst)
Whitburn (Ian Porthouse)
Woodfalls (Dr Nicholas Childs)
Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Mark Bentham)
