Section 4

Sunday 18, 11:03:44

Prize Winners from Section Four

The new Champion MD — Luke Jenkins (Phoenix (Goodwick)

Best Instrumentalist: Matthew Jenkins (euphonium) Phoenix (Goodwick)

Taking the National title Phoenix (Goodwick) (Luke Jenkins)

1st. Place Phoenix (Goodwick) (Luke Jenkins)

One Happy Band Phoenix (Goodwick)

Top step of the podium — Phoenix (Goodwick) (Luke Jenkins)

2nd Place. Cleobury Mortimer Concert (David Maplestone)

3rd Place. Hatherleigh Silver (Matt Green)

4th Place. Thornton Cleveleys (Stephen Craig)

5th Place. Newport Borough (Robin Hackett)

6th Place. Crystal Palace (Michael Gray)

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 21:16:02

That's it for today...

It's been a fine day of brass band contesting here in Cheltenham which has resulted in National titles heading to Yorkshire and Wales.

Stannington in the Second Section was the first band from the White Rose county to win a National title here since 2012, whilst the remarkable Goodwick organisation has won its third with Phoenix (Goodwick) taking the Fourth Section.

Both were memorable victories and both came on highly enjoyable set-works that brought the best out of all the competitors.

That's it for today then — with the promise of more great music making to come tomorrow.

See you there....

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 19:58:18

Results: Section 4

Test Piece: Music from Kantara (Kenneth Downie)
Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs and Gary Davies

Winners — Phoenix (Goodwick) (Luke Jenkins)

1. Phoenix (Goodwick) (Luke Jenkins)
2. Cleobury Mortimer Concert (David Maplestone)
3. Hatherleigh Silver (Matt Green)
4. Thornton Cleveleys (Stephen Craig)
5. Newport Borough (Robin Hackett)
6. Crystal Palace (Michael Gray)
7. Lydney Town (Kevin Ford)
8. Lofthouse 2000 (Andrew Whittaker)
9. Jayess Newbiggin, Andrew Griffiths)
10. Knaresborough Silver (Steve Morland)
11. Moulton '77 (Nicholas Garman)
12. Witney Town (Rhys Owens)
13. Formby (Louise Hough MBE)
14. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Christopher Mansfield)
15. Castleton Brass (Peter Ryan)
16. Cheltenham Silver (Nigel Galliott)
17. Syston (Chris Banks)
18. Rockingham (Adam Whittle)
19. Dunfermline Town (Andy Shaw)

Best Instrumentalist: Matthew Jenkins (euphonium) Phoenix (Goodwick)
Youngest Player: Angus Paton (Brass Band Invercylde) (8 years 2 months)

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 19:56:22

Iwan Fox's final round up opinion and prediction

It's been a fine contest full of character, interest and plenty of fine individual and ensemble, playing — aided by MDs who were not afraid to take the odd risk or two with tempos and style.

One band stood out though and that was Cleobury Mortimer Concert, followed a good length behind as they say in racing parlance by Phoenix (Goodwick), a fine Formby off number 1, Lofthouse 2000, Lydney and Hatherleigh with our dark horses of Brass Band Inverclyde.

1. Cleobury Victoria
2. Phoenix (Goodwick)
3. Formby
4. Lofthouse 2000
5. Lydney
6. Hatherleigh

Dark Horse: Brass Sounds Inverclyde

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 19:37:45

19. Knaresborough

Conductor: Steve Morland
Region: North of England

Performance:

A bold one to to round off a contest of contrasts — and this one took a few risks that came off too. There was control and precision in the other movements and a nice lyrical flow in the central section, although the number of minor clips and blobs just started to take the sheen off at times.

Some lovely solo work was heard and the MD knew what he was doing with this score from start to finish.

Overall:
A good one to close — maybe not quite in the prizes, but more than solid enough to hold its own with something to spare.

Star player:
Lesley Kinder on flugel was that essential tonal bridge and solo features that brought a touch of classy quality to every entry she was involved in.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 19:23:22

18. Jayess Newbiggin

Conductor: Andrew Griffiths
Region: North of England

Performance:

So nicely done this — played with a lightness of touch but still retaining the character of the music and the vibrant colours and textures.

The first movement had style and precision, the middle section was led with mature musicality by the soloists and the third skipped along joyfully. Just needed perhaps a bit more juice in the tank in places but it was compact and coherent. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
That was a well controlled and managed performance (just 2 tubas) that had a great deal of style even if it had its moments of unease.

Star player:
Dennis Todd on top man was excellent — as he has always been throughout his career.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 19:11:39

17. Witney Town

Conductor: Rhys Owen
Region: London & Southern Counties

Performance:

A neatly portrayed and delivered rendition from Witney — never crass or unrefined, but still with plenty of fizz in the first movement, a lovely sense of phrasing in the second and a neat control in the third.

It had its moments of unease in execution and just needed a touch more fizz you felt in the finale, but this was an admirable sum of its parts. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
Well directed and well played. Nothing overdone or overstated, just sensible playing to their strengths. Should more than hold its own as a result.

Star player:
Owen Deli on trombone added just the right sense of colour and texture to every entry. That was a classy bit of bone work.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 18:52:31

16. Phoenix (Goodwick)

Conductor: Luke Jenkins
Region: Wales

Performance:

What a fine performance — and what a joy to hear a conductor and band taking such a calculated risk with the music making — and making it pay off. It was so well controlled in the first section, whilst the middle movement, meandered beautifully at a slow tempo.

The final section was also so well portrayed — just little clips and blips but a close of such refinement. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
There were the odd moments of insecurity here and there but the sense of musicality prevailed from start to finish. Right in the mix for the title.

Star player:
A certain Matthew Jenkins played his part superbly — never hogging the limelight but always a beacon of such class.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 18:40:17

15. Hatherleigh

Conductor: Matt Green
Region: West of England

Performance:

A nearly one in just about every sense. The MD took some calculated risks and they almost came off, the players responded and they almost came off to a tee and the ensemble played with a verve and sported that almost came off big style too.

Lots to enjoy in each movement, but in the end those very musical risks didn't quite hit the bullseye. Close though. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
An interesting and engaging rendition — but it just needed a little more control to have settled perfectly in the style the MD sought.

Star player:
Rachel Richards on solo euph was splendid — great sound and sense of lyrical style.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 18:28:06

14. Cleobury Mortimer Concert

Conductor: David Maplestone
Region: Midlands

Performance:

What a high class, excellently directed performance. There was detail, control, balance and such a well observed and delivered sense of musicality from start to finish.

A fine first movement bubbled expertly under control and the second movement was so well shaped and phrased — both by soloists and ensemble. The final section was a little gem of controlled vibrancy. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
Super stuff from start to finish — led by the MD who brought all his experience to bear and his players who responded in kind. A clear leader for us.

Star player:
Jack Martin was the pick of some outstanding soloists. All deserve to take a bow though.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 18:14:36

13. Moulton 77

Conductor: Nicholas Garman
Region: Midlands

Performance:

Well you have to say they left nothing in the tank here — giving it everything in the cause set out with such boldness by the MD. It got a little tangled in the attempt to bring every little bit of detail out in places, but the sense of confidence and bravura pushed them on and on.

It's was on the edge at times in terms of dynamic, tempo and balances, but you have to say it made an impression and was full of vitality. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
A little red in tooth and claw but by heck it was one that got you sat up in your seat. Just a little over excited in places but it stated its case with bravura aplomb.

Star player:
Martin Coleman on euph took the lead and played to his MDs musical intentions perfectly.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 18:00:47

12. Rockingham

Conductor: Adam Whittle
Region: Yorkshire

Performance:

Nerves seemed to get the better of the band here — and it was a pity as when they had the individual confidence the music leapt off the page and came to life.

MD kept the music flowing and made the most of the dynamics and tempos and there was a fine sense of musical style to the finale that really bubbled along. Just those nerves and unforced errors will cost though. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
A pity those errors and nerves got in the way because it was a well thought out approach that had dynamic and tempo control.

Star player:
Going to give it to the perc team here — who did their job and didn't put a foot wrong.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 17:47:21

11. Brass Sounds Inverclyde

Conductor: Christopher Mansfield
Region: Scotland

Performance:

Despite the noticeable little cracks and splits there was something about this performances that captured the spirit and style of each of the movements to a tee. It's was also great to hear a fruity go stopper bass trom on fine form too.

The middle section sounded a little nervous but the controlled close was a delight — and had just enough in reserve for a bold, but rounded finish. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
There were mistakes and errors but so much of this was very good indeed — and so stylish. One that could spring a surprise or two?

Star player:
Got to give it the bass trom player — as fruity as a fruit gum eating fruit bat. That was joyful stuff matey.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 17:37:02

10. Cheltenham

Conductor: Nigel Galliott
Region: West of England

Performance:

Well they said it was a challenge — and it was, but it was one that they met head on and gave it good go.

Never quite settled, but the MD had a lovely feel for the style of each movement and his players gave their all in delivering his intentions. Bravo to the main soloists and the perc team that added colour and texture.

Overall:
A bit of a difficult one but they never got caught out and the MDs sense of musicality and the player's fine commitment so it end up in the credit side of the contest ledger. [Iwan Fox]

Star player:
Special mention to the perc team who kept the colour, drive and texture in each movement.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 17:22:05

Iwan Fox's halfway point opinion and prediction

It's been a very enjoyable contest so far with the promise of much more to come you suspect.

All the bands and their MDs have tried to bring style, contrast and substance to the three movements — and whilst some have fared better than others, all have come out in credit — some very much in the black.

Of those we really liked Formby off number 1 and Lofthouse 2000 — both of whom were excellently led, whilst Lydney are not that far behind either. The rest are just a length or two back — but still in the hunt.

1. Formby
2. Lofthouse 2000
3. Lydney

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 17:05:14

9. Crystal Palace

Conductor: Michael Gray
Region: London & Southern Counties

Performance:

Such a great sense of drive and energy about this one. Not everything came off and some of the more exposed moments did struggle, but the MD kept the music flowing and was rewarded with some fine laying in return.

Just those odd clips and unforced errors, but a compact, well drilled one this that stated its case with clarity. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
Perhao not the most sparkling rendition we have heard today, but plenty of plus marks from start to finish as a result. Solid and no nonsense playing.

Star player:
Going to give the tuba team the mention here — a well balanced unit of musical Trojans.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 16:51:49

8. Lydney Town

Conductor: Kevin Ford
Region: West of England

Performance:

A bold one — and that boldness paid off in the opening movement which was bang on the money in terms of style. MD had this by the scruff of the neck but didn't strangle it.

The middle section also meandered nicely with string lead lines, but the finale seemed to lose a little focus and sense of style — just sounding a little tired just when it could have done with an extra bit of 'Red Bull' energy. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
Lots to enjoy and admire about this one — and just that loss of focus and energy in the finale may cost it. Bravo MD for the style though — caught it like a leaping Salmon.

Star player:
Chris Taylor on euph had bags of style and a great mix of the tender and the bravura.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 16:38:51

7. Syston

Conductor: Chris Banks
Region: Midlands

Performance:

A bit of a puzzle this one for us. Lots to enjoy in the bright and breezy approach in the outer movements, but the gems seems to catch the ensemble out and it never quite gelled together.

A pit that as the middle section was tender and melancholic but the final was a case of catch me if you can at times. MD took some risks here — a brave choice, but it didn't quite come off. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
If it had more consistency in the tempos and more cohesion in the ensemble, this could have worked so well. A good idea didn't quite come off.

Star player:
Sue Rea on flugel was a lovely bridge between the corners and horns and also a tasteful solo voice when required.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 16:25:32

6. Newport Borough

Conductor: Robin Hackett
Region: Wales

Performance:

Another performance rich in style and contrast, with some lovely moments of ensemble and solo work, but also just scratched on the surface by some poor intonation and little untidiness.

The opening was bold and bubbly and the second was led by a top class solo cornet and a sense of tender shaping. The finale just lacked a little oomph and fell away, but it was all there or thereabouts. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
Lots of style and contrast, but just needed touch more security to have really got the piece by the scruff of the neck today. A nearly one.

Star player:
Seamus Gallagher on solo cornet showed his old Cory class — a fine player in total control.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 16:12:06

5. Lofthouse 2000

Conductor: Andrew Whitaker
Region: Yorkshire

Performance:

What a well thought out, controlled and musical rendition that was. The first movement was bright, breezy and full of bright but not garish colours, whilst the middle section was led with confidence as well as musical nuance.

Just a few little untidy corners were heard and it got a little tired to close, but so much to enjoy. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
This was such a gem of a rendition. Just got a little tired to close, but the sense of style and contrast, dynamic balances and tempos was so well drawn together.

Star player
Adam Bell on euphonium was bang on the money from start to finish. Take a well deserved bow sir.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 15:54:08

4. Thornton Cleveleys

Conductor: Stephen Craig
Region: North West

Performance:

This was a well thought out and delivered rendition. Not everything came off, but the two outer movements were played with a spirit and verve that was perfect for the music.

The middle movement wasn't as comfortable though — but it just abo.ut held its focus and came off. The rousing finale was a cracker though.

Overall:
Two thirds a very good one, and one third that took the edge off somewhat. The majority of playing though was so enjoyable that it could get reward.

Star player:
Nicola Holland on solo horn — added colour and texture when required but then shone when asked.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 15:46:03

3. Dunfermline

Conductor: Andy Shaw
Region: Scotland

Performance:

A performance that had bags of style and energy but lacked the precision required to really make the music come to life.

Lots to enjoy in each of the three sections, but the inconsistencies in the execution just took the gloss off a well thought out, vibrantly coloured account. The last movement was the best — it was a pity that it took until to really gel. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
A bit of a hit and miss one — the hit being the great style and energy in each movement, but the misses were obvious too.

Star player
Robbie Strong certainly lived up to his surname — giving a fine account of himself from start to finish.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 15:30:12

2. Castleton

Conductor: Peter Ryan
Region: London & Southern Counties

Performance:

A bouncy, bubbling performance that had contrast and colour, but perhaps just needed a little more accuracy to have captured the essence of the music.

Some lovely moments — with great solo lines, and the MD did a grand job in keeping the music flowing. Just got a little scratchy in places and lost a touch of focus, but it was well maintained in style right to the end. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
A performance that had bags of style and vivacity, but perhaps just a few too many little niggles to keep it right of track. Very enjoybale though.

Star player:
Ruth Ryan on euphonium was a solid and classy lead — especially when called into the spotlight.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 15:23:06

1. Formby

Conductor: Louise Hough MBE
Region: North West

Performance:

What a well structured and confident performance that was. MD kept a lovely sense of balance and control about the dynamics and tempos in each of the movements and was rewarded by plenty of neat, compact playing in return.

Lots to enjoy with some lovely little solo interventions (especially in the second movement) and a bubbly sense of vibrancy to close. [Iwan Fox]

Overall:
Well that was a good marker to set down in anyone's book. Bravo one and all there — bravo indeed.

Star Player:
Lots to choose from but Joan Hughes on solo cornet was a musical peach.

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Section 4

Saturday 17, 14:05:04

Draw:

Test Piece: Music from Kantara (Kenneth Downie)
Commence: Conclusion of Section 2
Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs & Gary Davies

1. Formby (Louise Hough MBE)
2. Castleton Brass (Peter Ryan)
3. Dunfermline Town (Andy Shaw)
4. Thornton Cleveleys (Stephen Craig)
5. Lofthouse 2000 (Andrew Whittaker)
6. Newport Borough (Robin Hackett)
7. Syston (Chris Banks)
8. Lydney Town (Kevin Ford)
9. Crystal Palace (Michael Gray)
10. Cheltenham Silver (Nigel Galliott)
11. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Christopher Mansfield)
12. Rockingham (Adam Whittle)
13. Moulton '77 (Nicholas Garman)
14. Cleobury Mortimer Concert (David Maplestone)
15. Hatherleigh Silver (Matt Green)
16. Phoenix (Goodwick) (Luke Jenkins)
17. Witney Town (Rhys Owens)
18. Jayess Newbiggin (Andrew Griffiths)
19. Knaresborough Silver (Steve Morland)

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Section 4

Friday 16, 02:10:01

Contest details

Saturday 8th September

Draw: 1.00pm
Start: 3.00pm

Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs and Gary Davies
Set Work: Music from Kantara (Kenneth Downie)

Bands

Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Christopher Mansfield)
Castleton (Peter Ryan)
Cheltenham (Nigel Galliott)
Cleobury Mortimer Concert (David Maplestone)
Crystal Palace (Michael Gray)
Dunfermline Town (Andy Shaw)
Formby (Louise Hough MBE)
Hatherleigh (Matt Green)
Jayess Newbiggin (Andrew Griffiths)
Knaresborough (Steve Morland)
Lofthouse 2000 (Andrew Whitaker)
Lydney Town (Kevin Ford)
Moulton 77 (Nicholas Garman)
Newport Borough (Robin Hackett)
Phoenix (Goodwick) (Luke Jenkins)
Rockingham (Adam Whittle)
Syston (Chris Banks)
Thornton Cleveleys (Stephen Craig)
Witney Town (Rhys Owens)

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