Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 18:17:13
Results:
Senior Trophy:
Spanish Hall
Test Piece: Salute to Youth (Gilbert Vinter)
Adjudicators: Thomas Hutchinson and Ian Porthouse
1. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)*
2. Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid)*
3. Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)*
4. Hatfield (Stan Lippeatt)*
5. Drighlington (Duncan Beckley)
6. Unison Kinneil (Raymond Tennant)
7. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
8. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Stephen Crooks)
9. SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
10. Roberts Bakery (Mark Wilkinson)
11. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
12. Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)
13. Downshire Brass (Prof Michael Alcorn)
14. BTM (Jeff Hutcherson)
15. Eccles Borough (Mareika Gray)**
16. Medway (Melvin White)**
17. Newstead Brass (John Davis)**
18. Bo'ness & Carriden (Thomas Wyss)**
19. Longridge (Mark Peacock)**
Best Instrumentalist: Rebecca Wilson (cornet) — Dalmellington
*Promoted to Senior Cup
**Must re-qualify
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 17:48:03
Senior Trophy:
Malcolm Wood's final round up and Prediction:
Salute to Youth has proved to be a stern demanding test today, but one not beyond the best bands in the section. As we said earlier, just like Pageantry, bands have had a timely reminder that just because a piece is dated, it does not make it easy by modern day standards.
The way the bands have controlled their performances rhythmically and stylistically could be the thing that gives them the edge today. The bands that finish in the top four could easily finish in any order for ourselves. That is not us sitting on the fence, more of a realistic viewpoint that there is very little to choose between them.
With two of the finest cornet players and CVs that have won the lot, it is only Tom Hutchinson and Ian Porthouse’s view that counts.
Nothing in it than an old 60s fag paper between East London Brass, Roberts Bakery and Lydbrook for us with
4BR Prediction:
1. East London Brass
2. Roberts Bakery
3. Lydbrook
4. Hatfield
5. SPAL Sovereign
6. Dalmellington
DH: Downshire Brass, Aveley & Newham
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 17:14:49
Senior Trophy:
19. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
The Welsh outfit of Tylorstown brings the contest to a close with a robust rendition that pulled no punches right from the opening fanfares.
The full-bloodied approach makes an impression though courtesy of some tight and precise ensemble playing and whilst the tempo's are pushed in the opening section, you don't half admire the quality.
We hear love songs a plenty in the 'Romance'. Two love-sick teenagers declaring their hearts for each other through song and they don't want to be apart. It's so sweet.
'Relaxation' is great fun. The joys of being youthful and not a worry in the world and the chance to have a ball and enjoy yourself.. Tiredness creeps in though at the end.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 16:55:40
Senior Trophy:
18. Unison Kinneil (Raymond Tennant)
Raymond Tennant leads Unison Kinneil through a workman like reading of Vinter's popular work. The opening takes time to settle and when it does there is a lot to appreciate . Unfortunately, the central 'Romance' is a little uneven for us in its delivery and doesn't make as convincing an impression as others have done.
Similarly, the closing 'Relaxation' which stretched the ensemble and it was a touch on the loud side for our taste. Tired lips were in evidence which was a pity. Full marks for endeavours though.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 16:43:15
Senior Trophy
17. Bo'ness & Carriden (Thomas Wyss)
The first of the three Celtic bands to round the contest off, takes to the stage for its Vinter challenge. Not for the first time today though, the piece shows its musical teeth and proves to be a test for the band.
It's more a case of nerves and touches of unease that take the edge of things. The piece was within their grasp but with not everything gelling together as well as it might, unforced errors crept in and the tension even got to the soloists in the exposed parts.
Full marks for the gritted effort though, but not the bands day.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 16:41:59
All Results together
Earlier today, it was mentioned that there was a possibility that the Senior Trophy results could be announced in the Spanish Hall.
With all three contests running to time, the results ceremony for all three sections will take place in the Opera House once the results have been checked in the three contests.
You could have a bit of time to kill once your section is over but chance for a beer or two then...
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 16:15:42
Senior Trophy:
16. Eccles Borough (Mareika Gray)
Mareika Gray with Eccles Borough
Eccles launches into a thoughtful and considered reading of 'Salute to Youth'. It has all the hallmarks of a Mareika Grey performance. Measured from note one, she allows the music to come to the fore and gives it time and space.
The players respond as well. 'Resilience' didn't pull any punches and the 'Romance' section was heart on the sleeve stuff. Two youthful people almost running into each others arms after a week apart.
As they close, more playing that puts a smile on the face and lets the music breathe. It tests them though, not a winner today for us
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 15:58:05
Senior Trophy:
15. Medway (Melvin White)
Melvin White with Medway
Medway's 'Salute to Youth' doesn't quite come off today. The opening was steady and cautious with confidence building as it went along.
The Romance was simply nostalgic and life was relaxed. Sat on the beach, soaking up the sun rays without a care in the world.
'Relaxation' finds the ensemble now in its comfort zone. It's full of vigour, passion and life; Vibrant throughout, the closing element has a lovely pulse and feel about it.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 15:41:26
Senior Trophy:
14. Drighlington (Duncan Beckley)
Waiting to play: Duncan Beckley with Drighlington
Drighlington's Salute to Youth is one that improves as it goes along. The opening is forthright but not without edginess at times and takes time to settle into the groove.
There's Romance a plenty though in the central section. As they say nowadays 'get a room' as the youthful teenagers declare their love for each other.
Relaxation brings a smile to the face though. Cheeky, fun and full of mischief, the ensemble finishes strongly.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 15:23:37
Senior Trophy:
13. Hatfield (Stan Lippeatt)
Stan Lippeatt on stage with Hatfield
On the back of two fine performances before them, the Yorkshire challenger of Hatfield says anything you can do, so can we.
Stan Lippeatt's reading is of the Richard Evans vintage earlier today. A nostalgic trip down memory lane where life was fun and simple, uncomplicated and not one where that long awaited kiss has to wait to answer the mobile phone.
There was good detail and clarity with impressive tempi. Nothing was really pushed out of the comfort zone and the Romance Section was all Mills and Boon. The closing 'Relaxation' was one heck of a roller-coaster; no chance to take breath with some fine solo contributions.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 15:06:29
Senior Trophy:
12. Roberts Bakery (Mark Wilkinson)
On Stage: Mark Wilkinson with Roberts Bakery
The Cheshire based outfit delivers a thoughtful reading of 'Salute to Youth'. Mark Wilkinson's approach is considered and very deliberate. There's a hint of sentimentality throughout as those youthful years were relieved with real fondness.
The playing brings details to the fore. There's the odd little uncomfortable moment, but every teenager in the world has those — and they just get on with it.
We hear great attention to detail in the closing 'Relaxation'. Every note and every beat is clearly indicated by the MD. This is so well thought out and is working for them. What will the judges think of it though?
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 14:51:15
Senior Trophy:
11.Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
In Registration: Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
Lydbrook takes to the stage with distinguished euph Glyn Williams at the helm and certainly doesn't hold back in their approach. Purposeful with attention to dynamics and lyrical lines we hear some confident playing through the opening 'Resilience'.
The young have no worries here as they fall madly in love overlooking the Gloucestershire countryside. They are looking into each others eyes without a care in the world. Proper loved up they are.
'Relaxation' is a hoot; full of fun and musical purpose. The tempo's are brisk, but the MD keeps a firm hand on things even though the adrenaline is pumping. Well done soloists, for fine contributions.
A fine show and a contender today.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 14:35:28
Senior Trophy:
10. Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid)
Aveley recommences the contest and right from the off, makes its intentions perfectly clear. It's bold and forthright right from the opening bars. Alan Duguid is dragging everything out of his ensemble here. It could just do with a touch off the dynamic at times for us.
The 'Romance' is of the type your grandparents will have loved. All about being in each others arms and not worried if its cold and wet. It's about being together. Two people alone and in love.
'Relaxation' doesn't hang around, but the clarity comes through. The lyrical lines are confident and composed (so many have fluffed lines today) and there is plenty to appreciate here although there is the hint of tired lips.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 14:06:47
Senior Trophy:
Malcolm Wood's Halfway Thoughts
Vinter's Salute to Youth has been a stern musical test so far today. Just like Pageantry and The Land of the Long White Cloud a few weeks ago, it is pretty clear that age doesn't make the piece any easier and anyone who has underestimated the piece in any way has well and truly come unstuck today.
Being able to play with control, rhythm and the right styles has been problematic for a number of ensembles so far.
Our top three is as follows but lots to play for:
4BR Prediction:
1. East London Brass
2. Dalmellington
3. SPAL Sovereign
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 14:05:00
Senior Trophy:
Spanish Hall
Test Piece: Salute to Youth (Gilbert Vinter)
Draws: 10.15am & 1.20pm
Commence: 11.15am
Adjudicators: Thomas Hutchinson & Ian Porthouse
Draw:
1. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
2. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Stephen Crooks)
3. Longridge (Mark Peacock)
4. Newstead Brass (John Davis)
5. SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
6. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
7. Downshire Brass (Prof Michael Alcorn)
8. Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)
9. BTM (Jeff Hutcherson)
10. Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid)
11. Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
12. Roberts Bakery (Mark Wilkinson)
13. Hatfield (Stan Lippeatt)
14. Drighlington (Duncan Beckley)
15. Medway (Melvin White)
16. Eccles Borough (Mareika Gray)
17. Bo'ness & Carriden (Thomas Wyss)
18. Unison Kinneil (Raymond Tennant)
19. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 14:02:42
Senior Trophy:
9. BTM (Jeff Hutcherson)
The Welsh contender takes the judges to their comfort break with a measured reading that whilst having lots to appreciate, wasn’t without its foibles.
‘Resillience’ opens up with intent and fine intent. There are a few wobbles, but the control from the middle allowing the music to flow certainly works for us.
The ‘Romance’ is milked for all it is worth. It’s real heart on the sleeve stuff. Intense, passionate, these two teenagers are having a ball and declaring their feelings for one another.
‘Relaxation’ is anything but of course and is delivered with intent. The MD isn’t holding back here and it’s a tasty little close.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 13:35:14
Senior Trophy:
8. Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)
Vinter's work is given a purposeful opening that has lots of spirit in the opening fanfares. The band captures the style well and there is some good contributions from all around the stand.
The 'Romance' isn't bad at all. A little cautious at times it must be said, but when they finally take the plunge, life is rather cosy and romantic.
As we head to the end, once more lots to admire with good detail on show and tempo's that are manageable but test the band. There are some glitches, but appreciation has to be given as to how they tackled not just the section, but the performance.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 13:10:44
Senior Trophy:
7. Downshire Brass (Prof Michael Alcorn)
The second Irish contender of the contest takes to the stage and starts off with good intent. There is a real purpose about how the MD wants the music to be portrayed but not everything comes through as cleanly as they would like.
The Romance section is nicely done with hints of sentimentality but it needs more clarity and confidence around the stand. The exposed parts show their teeth.
As they close, the quality playing is mixed with blemishes and the hint of tiredness within the ranks. It rounded off a committed and determined account even though not everything went to plan.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 12:53:09
Senior Trophy:
6. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
On Stage: Jayne Murrill with East London Brass
The London contender takes to the stage and starts off confidently. There are some excellent musical sounds coming through and the tiny blemishes that appear don't detract. What a confident opening it is though.
What a joy the 'Romance' is. Two loved up young teenager's delighted mum and dad are out on a Saturday night. The record player has The Beatles in full flight with 'Love Me Do'. Sloppy stuff this.
We hear more quality and clarity in the closing section. There is so much to enjoy here and the band is not out of its comfort zone. We have a new leader and the first 'Salute' since Dalmellington to really show how its done.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 12:33:37
Senior Trophy
5. SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
The musical intent is clear from the opening and there is a lot to appreciate here. Ok, it has some gremlins in the wheels but there is a nice flow about the music and you are transported back to the carefree youthful days.
Romance is alive in the Spanish Hall. This is the life, no worries and all loved up with enough money left at the end of the night for a bag of chips.
The closing 'Relaxation' doesn't hang around and the clarity comes through. The band is really enjoying this and lots to appreciate. What a shame there was an extra bit unwritten right at the end from the percussionist. Good show though.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 12:13:46
Senior Trophy:
4. Newstead Brass (John Davis)
Waiting in Registration: Newstead Brass (John Davis)
Newstead commences with a tricky opening 'Resilience' that never sees the band in full flow but does show how resilient the players are. There are nerves and lots of caution.
There's more nervousness in the Romance, especially at the opening. It's gently tipping the toe in the water and seeing how it goes. Confidence grows and there is a nice close to the section.
As they head for the end, Relaxation is rather tense and edgy. The notes are there but it just needs a touch more clarity and belief to really come off.
It's a tough nut to crack, this Vinter piece, and full marks for endeavour there. They never gave in.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 11:58:24
Senior Trophy:
3. Longridge (Mark Peacock)
The local contender from the outskirts of Preston starts off with vibrancy and purpose. There is good band sounds that are tidily put in place. There is the odd blemish but it doesn't put anybody off.
What a delightful 'Romance' section has been portrayed here. It really does pull at the heart strings and they young couple don't want the night to end. It's sealed with that loving kiss. They're in love alright.
The concluding 'Relaxation' is at a tempo they can cope with.. It's brisk as opposed to frantic and taking the edge of the tempi a little certainly benefits with the clarity. There are some tricky moments though which is a real pity in the exposed parts, but it rounds off a measured and considered reading.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 11:44:39
Senior Trophy:
2. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Stephen Crooks)
Laganvale commences with a nervous moments, but it soon settles down. There is some nice ensemble sounds but it needs a little more flow for us.
The 'Romance' is cautious. Do they take the plunge or don't they? You can see them having a romantic dance though to some 60s music — the ensemble has found its feet here.
Relaxation moves swiftly, no time to relax though, this is a full head of steam on show here and the musical veins are pumping. There are some tired lips as they reach the end, but it was a rendition that had lots to appreciate, despite the caution at times within the performance.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 11:18:23
Senior Trophy:
1. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
On Stage: Richard Evans with Dalmellington
The Scots start in bold, confident mood. We hear lots of good detail and its nicely styled. Maestro Evans is thriving upon getting his ensemble to play this classic. It's so well put together.
The Romance is tender and so affectionate. You can almost see the brave teenager plucking up the courage to give his young love that kiss as the sun goes down. And she takes it on the lips with glee.
The concluding 'Relaxation' is quick, but it's not beyond the ensemble. Tasty tempo's and impressive detail. This is an old school reading that has so much quality about it. What an exciting close
Richard Evans delivered the goods on this piece in '85 at The Open with Leyland where they came fourth. His band has certainly laid down the gauntlet today for everybody else.
Senior Trophy
Saturday 13, 10:54:20
Senior Trophy:
Spanish Hall
Test Piece: Salute to Youth (Gilbert Vinter)
Draws: 10.15am & 1.20pm
Commence: 11.15am
Adjudicators: Thomas Hutchinson & Ian Porthouse
Draw:
1. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
2. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Stephen Crooks)
3. Longridge (Mark Peacock)
4. Newstead Brass (John Davis)
5. SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
6. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
7. Downshire Brass (Prof Michael Alcorn)
8. Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)
9. BTM (Jeff Hutcherson)
Other competing bands
Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid)
Bo'ness & Carriden (Thomas Wyss)
Drighlington (Duncan Beckley)
Eccles Borough (Mareika Gray)
Hatfield (Stan Lippeatt)
Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
Medway (Melvin White)
Roberts Bakery (Mark Wilkinson)
Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
Unison Kinneil (Raymond Tennant)
Senior Trophy
Friday 12, 14:04:06
Senior Trophy: Competing bands
Spanish Hall
Test Piece: Salute to Youth (Gilbert Vinter)
Draws: 10.15am & 1.20pm
Commence: 11.15am
Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid)
BTM (Jeff Hutcherson)
Bo'ness & Carriden (Thomas Wyss)
Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
Downshire Brass (Prof Michael Alcorn)
Drighlington (Duncan Beckley)
East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
Eccles Borough (Mareika Gray)
Hatfield (Stan Lippeatt)
Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Stephen Crooks)
Longridge (Mark Peacock)
Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
Medway (Melvin White)
Newstead Brass (John Davis)
Roberts Bakery (Mark Wilkinson)
Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)
SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
Unison Kinneil (Raymond Tennant)
