Section 2
Saturday 16, 14:40:37
James Garlick lifts the Second Section National trophy
The 2017 Champions: Boarshurst Silver
2017 winners Boarshurst
Runner-up: Glossop Old
Third place: Dalkeith & Monktonhall
Fourth place: Delph
Fifth place: Otterbourne
Sixth place: Worsbrough Brass
Best Soloist: Nigel Fielding (Glossop Old): Soprano cornet
Results:
Saturday 16th September
Test Piece: 'Music of a Legacy' — Steven Ponsford
Adjudicators: Tom Davoren and Paul Holland
1. Boarshurst Silver (James Garlick)
2. Glossop Old (Duncan Beckley)
3. Dalkeith & Monktonhall (James Chamberlain)
4. Delph (Philip Goodwin)
5. Otterbourne Brass (Melvin White)
6. Worsbrough (John Hopkinson)
7. Amersham (Paul Fisher)
8. Flixton (Ian Brownbill)
9. Bodmin Town (John Maines)
10. Wakefield Metropolitan (Richard Larder)
11. Foss Dyke (Michael Howley)
12. Helston Town (John Berryman)
13. Grimsdyke (Sarah Broughall)
14. Houghton Brass (Neil Gibson)
15. Arbroath Instrumental (Micahel Robertson)
16. Abergavenny Borough (Sean O'Neill)
17. Penclawdd (Tony Small BEM)
18. Ashington Colliery (David Kendall)
Best Instrumentalist: Nigel Fielding (soprano): Glossop Old
Section 2
Saturday 16, 14:27:13
Pre-results entertainment...
World-renowned tuba soloist and entertainer, Steve Sykes
We are enjoying the great Steve Sykes giving a wonderful, witty recital. The stories as well as the playing are brilliant.
After he has done his bit we get the results.....
Section 2
Saturday 16, 14:16:45
Malcolm Wood's final thoughts and prediction:
What a very enjoyable contest this has been with a piece that has certainly been within the capabilities of all of the competing bands. Congratulations to the Music Panel for its selection.
Close at the top — very close indeed, with an argument to be made for the top three or four to win it. Some super performances on show all day today. It's one that's really up for grabs.
4BR Prediction:
1. Boarshurst Silver
2. Glossop Old
3. Flixton
4. Dalkeith & Monktonhall
5. Delph
6. Otterbourne
Dark Horse: Amersham
Section 2
Saturday 16, 13:51:15
18. Bodmin Town (John Maines)
(West of England)
Bodmin closes the contest with a neat, compact rendition that almost came off in all aspects today.
The MD laid out his intentions from the start and he brought the music to life with great purpose. Nothing was overdone but wasn't undercooked either. The tempi and dynamics worked well together and it was a real team effort, despite the occasional little slips.
There was tiredness in the ranks towards the end though which could keep it out of the main challengers today.
Overall:
A performance with lots to appreciate but tiredness and a few too many little errors may just cost.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 13:36:09
Here's looking at you. The 15 year old Nuta twins take to the stage
17. Flixton (Ian Brownbill)
(North West)
Flixton delivers a very well constructed account.
Well shaped with forensic detail to tempi and dynamics. The MD brought lots of quality playing from within the ensemble and the hymnal lines were delivered with real belief and purpose.
The MD makes sure nothing is overdone dynamically, and that the performance slots together as he intended. Small clips may cost, but the confidence from the opening bars was still there at the very end.
Overall:
A fine show from Flixton that puts them right into the mix, but where? Up there we think.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 13:20:46
16. Abergavenny Borough (Sean O'Neill)
(Wales)
Abergavenny delivers an account that certainly offered potential, but needed a little bit more to really make an impression today you felt.
Well constructed from the off, the quality of the sound was so effective, but they just needed greater solidity in the ensemble and solo lines to really make it come off. So much to enjoy, but those niggling errors may cost.
Overall:
One that had plenty of potential but never quite gelled the technical challenges with the fine musical intentions.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 13:07:35
Welsh smiles from two Penclawdd stalwarts....
15. Penclawdd (Tony Small BEM)
(Wales)
The Welsh dragon flies for the first time this weekend with a well judged, if not error free rendition from Penclawdd.
The lyrical hymnal elements of the score were beautifully done (as you'd expect from those within the Principality) and there was some fine contributions from the solo lines.
Unfortunately though, there was more than a few glitches along the way that could prove costly today.
Overall:
One that had the obvious musical potential but it didn't quite come off. Close though.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 12:53:20
Youthful intent with Worsbrough with 11 year old Harry Mawson
14. Worsbrough Brass (John Hopkinson)
(Yorkshire)
Worsbrough delivers an account that was just a touch inconsistent today. The piece wasn't beyond them by any means, but not everything clicked into place as they would have hoped.
The ensemble sound was good, as were the solo contributions, but edgy elements and dynamics that were pushed at times took the sheen off things.
Overall:
A rendition that had the potential but didn't quite come off.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 12:36:52
Weighing in at.... Glossop Old's Nigel Fielding (the scales were fixed!!)
13. Glossop Old (Duncan Beckley)
(Midlands)
Glossop certainly relished their appearance today. With Nigel Fielding adding quality to both the soprano part and overall ensemble sound, there was plenty to appreciate in the overall delivery.
The band sound was more refined than many today, whilst the interpretation was so well styled and shaped throughout. The finally balanced hymnal lines were only part of a performance that never diminished in its intent from the first note.
Overall:
It's a fine show from Glossop. Right much in the mix today.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 12:23:36
Scots away... A trio of tartan determination
12. Dalkeith & Monktonhall (James Chamberlain)
(Scotland)
A rendition from the Scottish contender that certainly left no musical stone unturned today. Full of confidence and desire from the opening notes, the music portrayed never lost its purpose or intent.
The religious hymn fragments were all tastefully done and there were some excellent solo contributions who each played their part to the full.
The musical belief is maintained right up until the end and they close very well indeed.
Overall:
A very good show from the Scots and a real contender? Who knows, but in the mix for us for sure.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 12:10:13
11. Houghton Brass (Tom Gibson)
(North of England)
The North East band's appearance doesn't go un-noticed — with plenty of knee high youngsters giving it their all. Great to see and hear. Whilst not every note cemented itself in place as it could have done, it was a rendition that wasn't lacking in purpose or intent.
A fine musical pulse kept the music flowing whilst the hymnal elements came through. Just towards the end tiredness crept in around the ensemble.
Overall:
A performance that had real musical intent but tiredness just robbed that last quarter.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 11:56:02
Amersham get ready for their National title assault...
10. Amersham (Paul Fisher)
(London & Southern Counties)
The contest resumes with Amersham very quickly into their stride. The music flows freely with bright confident sounds and it has a nice warmth to it.
There is the odd tricky moment, but nothing that troubles the ensemble too much and the belief in their ability in delivering the music really shines through. The tricky moments could count against them today though.
Overall:
A fine sounding ensemble that certainly gave it their all. Just a few tricky moments detracted though.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 11:47:43
It's the halfway point in the race for these trophies
Malcolm Wood's half way thoughts
It's been an interesting and enjoyable contest so far with Ponsford's piece proving to be an astute choice. Some bands are fairing better than others with the challenge of finding the right style and dynamic levels catching ensembles out, but overall it's been good stuff.
The early performances of the Saddleworth pairing of Boarshurst and Delph are their interpretations form their MDs that stand out for us so far.
4BR Prediction:
1. Boarshurst Silver
2. Delph
3. Otterbourne
Section 2
Saturday 16, 11:22:56
9. Foss Dyke (Michael Howley)
(Midlands)
We head to the first comfort break of the weekend with a rendition from Foss Dyke that was never short on belief or musical intent.
Right from the off there is clarity of sound, balanced with dynamics and tempos. The hymnal lines are full of warmth, whilst there is some fine solo contributions on display. Just the odd moments of unease but it never spoils.
Confidence never wavers around the stand and the intent from the first note remains right up until the end.
Overall:
A good solid reading that will give the judges something to ponder as they take their comfort break.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 11:07:52
Badge of honour for Wakefield with their Coat of Arms
8. Wakefield Metropolitan (Richard Larder)
(Yorkshire)
The performance commences with excellent musical intent that engages right from the off. The firm control that the MD has from the middle is impressive, ensuring that tempo's and dynamics are not pushed beyond where they need to be. It's a shame some untidiness and nerves creep in at times.
The warm lyrical hymnal sounds transport you to Salvation Army Citadel on a Sunday morning and the feel good factor within the music remains right until the close.
Overall:
A rendition that wasn't without clarity or belief but it it had some untidiness that just robbed the picture too.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 10:54:09
7. Ashington Colliery (David Kendall)
(North of England)
It's not the tidiest or most convincing of openings from the North of England challenger. The religious hymn references don't always come through as clear as they could, but there is no doubting that this is getting there now.
It's a shame that not everything links into place, as this isn't beyond the ensemble. Tiredness is in evidence at the end though.
Overall:
A rendition that never came off for the North Eastern outfit today. Some great stuff, plenty OK but inconsistencies too.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 10:40:37
Grimsdyke ready for action at Cheltenham...
6. Grimsdyke (Sharon Broughall)
(London & Southern Counties)
The opening section is a little cautious but recovers well. There is a lovely warm feel as the hymn tune appears for the first time. The odd blemish creeps in but it doesn't stop the ensemble enjoying its performance on stage.
Not all of the lines flow as effectively as they could do, and there is the hint of tiredness as the ensemble heads for the close, but there was a real coherent musical feel to this.
Overall:
A performance that certainly had its moments, although not everything gelled into place at times.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 10:29:11
5. Arbroath Instrumental (Michael Robertson)
(Scotland)
The first Scottish outfit of the weekend makes an impression right from the off. The music is restrained without being pushed dynamically with composed musical sounds from around the stands.
There is belief from the soloists with some fine contributions (excellent trom) and they are responding to what the conductor is requesting. Just a few little clips and blips detract.
The various hymn tunes remain prominent right up until the end to find things off with warmth.
Overall:
Not a bad show from the Scots, but it wasn't blemish free today.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 10:14:12
The runners and riders are coming in their droves today
4. Boarshurst Silver (James Garlick)
(North West)
Boarshurst's restrained opening bolds well for their performance. The musical lines really shine through and the MD is ensuring that every note matters. The ensemble responds to his direction and there are some excellent individual and sectional contributions on display here.
As they head for the close, there is the odd hint of contest adrenaline kicking in (its quick) but it's a confident close.
Overall:
A well organised performance although a touch quicker than others so far today. What will the judges think of it?
Section 2
Saturday 16, 09:58:02
3. Otterbourne Brass (Melvin White)
(West of England)
Otterbourne's account opens with purpose and intent. There is a nice clarity of sound with the hymnal lines given intricate attention to detail.
The musical foundations built by the MD allow the band to play with confidence and belief. There are the odd tricky moment as things move along but the fragments remain prominent and very well emphasised.
The piece maintains the musical beliefs set out from the beginning — right until the end with a good confident close.
Overall:
A solidly portrayed show, that never lacked belief, but some of the challenges within the score tested them today. The third good one in a row though.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 09:42:13
Who will add their name to this gallery later today?
2. Delph (Philip Goodwin)
(North West)
The ensemble from Whit Friday country very quickly finds its musical feet. The experienced Phil Goodwin ensures that nothing is pushed dynamically and that all parts can be heard. There is a nice flow to the music and the various religious fragments are clear to the ear.
Delph continues to enjoy this. It's not a piece that is beyond their capabilities by any means. The young soprano player is delivering a really sweet sound and blending in superbly.
The music comes through all the way time and works so well.
Overall:
A very fine performance from Delph that had so much music in it from first note till last
Section 2
Saturday 16, 09:41:35
1. Helston Town (John Berryman)
(West of England)
Helston hits the ground running with warm, well balanced ensemble sounds before we hear the first fragment of the hymn tune.
John Berryman is coercing some fine musical sounds from the ensemble. It's all nicely paced with confident musical lines being delivered. Just the occasional tuning issue detracts.
The confident, lyrical playing remains with everything delivered with real intent and the pulse doesn't drop at all right to a bold close.
Overall:
A good marker this. Definitely a hint of nothing to lose and all to gain, but very well thought out and directed.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 09:18:25
Draw:
Saturday 16th September
Test Piece: Music of a Legacy (Steven Ponsford)
Draw: 8.15am
Commence: 9.30am
Adjudicators: Tom Davoren and Paul Holland
1. Helston Town (John Berryman)
2. Delph (Philip Goodwin)
3. Otterbourne Brass (Melvin White)
4. Boarshurst Silver (James Garlick)
5. Arbroath Instrumental (Michael Robertson)
6. Grimsdyke (Sharon Broughall)
7. Ashington Colliery (David Kendall)
8. Wakefield Metropolitan (Richard Larder)
9. Foss Dyke (Michael Howley)
10. Amersham (Paul Fisher)
11. Houghton Brass (Tom Gibson)
12. Dalkeith & Monktonhall (James Chamberlain)
13. Glossop Old (Duncan Beckley)
14. Worsbrough (John Hopkinon)
15. Penclawdd (Tony Small BEM)
16. Abergavenny Borough (Sean O'Neill)
17. Flixton (Ian Brownbill)
18. Bodmin Town (John Maines)
Section 2
Saturday 16, 06:51:01
One weekend. Four titles.
After the excitement of the British Open last weekend, the contest focus is firmly on Cheltenham this weekend as 74 representatives from the eight contesting regions of the country make their away to the famous racecourse to compete at the 2017 National Finals.
There will be plenty of great music making on show as the four Section National titles are decided with 4BR to cover the action as it unfolds.
Join us for our opinions and views with our live coverage — starting this morning at 9.30am with the Second Section, followed later in the day by the Fourth Section.
On Sunday it's the Third and First Sections.
Section 2
Saturday 16, 06:03:12
Second Section preview & prediction
A stern test awaits the Second Section bands in Cheltenham — although hopefully none of the bands will need any spiritual intervention to lead them to National success.
http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2017/1674a.asp
