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2018 British Open Spring Festival
Senior Trophy - As it happened

All the action from the 2018 Spring Festival Senior Trophy — As it happened

Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 18:41:04

Result:

Test Piece: A Kensington Concerto (Eric Ball)

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1st.Place — Wantage (Paul Holland)

Adjudicators: Paul Andrews & Ryan Breen

1. Wantage (Paul Holland)*
2. Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)*
3. Elland Silver (Daniel Brooks)*
4. Roche Brass (David Johnson)*
5. Vernon Building Society Poynton (Ryan Watkins)
6. Eccles Borough (David Hamilton)
7. Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)
8. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
9. City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)
10. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter)
11.SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
12. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
13. Marsden Silver (Alan Widdop)
14. Drighlington (Tommy Tynan)
15. Bon Accord (Stephen Malcolm)**
16. Roberts Bakery (Paul Lovatt-Cooper)**
17. BTM (Jeff Hutcherson)**
18. Unison Kinneil (Colin McKenzie) **
19. Fishburn (David Hirst)**
20. Mount Charles (John Maines)**

Best Instrumentalist: Stanley Westh (cornet) (Vernon Building Society Poy


*Promoted to the Senior Cup
**Must re-qualify


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 17:27:35

John James' final thoughts and prediction:

It's on occasions such as these that giving a personal order of merit is particularly difficult.

No one or two performances really stood out conclusively from the pack. In fact it was a piece that prduced in the main a very level playing field.

Ordering the bands therefore comes very much down to personal taste, personal interpretation and how forgiving you are!

I tend to forgive clips and splits if I feel the musical picture isn't lost and I feel the interpretation is faithfully captured, so taking that into consideration...

1. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
2. Fishburn (David Hirst)
3. Vernon Building Society Poynton (Ryan Watkins)
4. Wantage (Paul Holland)
5. SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
6. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)

Dark Horse:- City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 17:25:29

20. Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)

Opening to Andante: Starting a touch over the tempo marking but with confidence the music developed cleanly.

Allegro — Grazioso: A sense of urgency is injected into the performance before Grazioso and all continues with a clear direction although quite pacy.

Grazioso — End: Lower band cope rapid figures quite well and the musical picture is painted quite well but for a bit of intonation trouble to the conclusion.

Overall: Really just a question of tempi in this case perhaps. Quicker than most today and not the usual 'Eric Ball'.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 17:04:16

19. Roche Brass (David Johnson)

Opening to Andante: A clean and confident opening unfolds quite well and the music flows quite nicely all across as it develops.

Allegro — Grazioso: A couple of hard entries are noted but the musical picture is nicely shaped and moves tidily along.

Grazioso — End: Well constructed, played and devloped music but not without blemish in some entries. Still very rewarding performance

Overall: The overall shape and deliver of this performance was very good but it just had one or two sticky moments.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 16:48:19

18. Wantage (Paul Holland)

Opening to Andante: After a sticky opening cadenza, ensemble has full round sound and begins to shape the unfolding music very well

Allegro — Grazioso: The musical arguments that unfold, well constructed by the MD, are very persuasive indeed.

Grazioso — End: The music has a quite rich tone and moves toward a most rewarding conclusion.

Overall: Very well played and well directed, just a question of forgiveness hanging over that opening cadenza.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 16:32:23

17. Eccles Borough (David Hamilton)

Opening to Andante: Steady approach taken although not without the odd blemish. Quite a direct style but certainly looking for the inner detail.

Allegro — Grazioso: The music unfolds with a simple logic without taking any risk. Steady and as reserved as she goes.

Grazioso — End: A carefully plotted final set of musical figures concludes a very workmanlike performance.

Overall: Music like an opening batsman just very steady at the crease!


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 16:14:52

16. Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)

Opening to Andante: Steady opening, not totally clean, but well phrased. Quite a relaxed tempo and style continues to dominate the approach.

Allegro — Grazioso: The odd fluffy entry but a genrally well constructed section of music.

Grazioso — End: A bolder approach is adopted as the piece draws to its conclusion with a fairly tight ending.

Overall: Like the lyric says, 'easy like a Sunday morning' reflects well the feeling generated by this performance.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 15:58:44

15. BTM (Jeff Hutcherson)

Opening to Andante: Not without its troubles during the opening passages, the band gradually settle as the ensemble scoring takes shape.

Allegro — Grazioso: Not everything fits or dovetails neatly. Euphonium shapes the music nicely but then the error count does increase.

Grazioso — End: Definately more controlled and less troubled in the final musical figures.

Overall: A solid band sound and a well thought out interpretation but an error count just too much today.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 15:41:51

14. Elland Silver (Daniel Brooks)

Opening to Andante: Steady opening with just the odd scrape in the solo lines.

Allegro — Grazioso: Even at pace quite gentle rhythmic accompaniment, with a very controlled dynamic, is sought by MD.

Grazioso — End: A non-aggresive broad lyrical approach continues all across the final section to a decent, though not toatally clean, conclusion.

Overall: A performance with some very creditable playing just lost a little of its sheen in the final figures.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 15:22:46

13. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)

Opening to Andante: Well judged opening with strong but not over-kill dynamics that continues with strong playing.

Allegro — Grazioso: Musical approach has a lilt and nice style as the musical shapes develop with confidence.

Grazioso — End: Well controlled slantendo and nice trombones carry the music forward towards a well performed final section.

Overall: A clearly defined performance from a good sounding band delivering a lovely musical progression.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 15:05:11

12. SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)

Opening to Andante: Warm sounds open although not blemish free. Quite a lyrical approach is adopted by MD and band follow his lead very well.

Allegro — Grazioso: Very persuasive agitato & grazioso and the music patterns emerge with clear lines of progression.

Grazioso — End: Confident sounds with rich tone give the music real presence.

Overall: A truly persuasive account, not error free by any means, but with enough touches of quality today. Very nicely directed by MD.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 14:48:23

11. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter)

Opening to Andante: Bit nervy at the start with big dynamic. It continues quite very loud and perhaps not as clean as it might be at times.

Allegro — Grazioso: The solid almost aggresive driving interpretation is crystalised throughout this section of music.

Grazioso — End: Clean playing but the big hard-hitting sound picture rarely gives way to the conclusion.

Overall: An interpretation of individual character so far with an aggressive and hard edged approach to the piece.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 14:15:40

John James' Half Way analysis and prediction...

An interesting contest is unfolding without no absolute clear winning show so far.

Fishburn, Poynton and Tylorstown have all given really strong performances whilst Bradford, Marsden and Drighlington, the Yorkshire contingent, were solid and persuasive.

1. Fishburn
2. Poynton
3. Tylorstown
4. Bradford
5. Marsden
6. Drighlington


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 14:05:55

10. Drighlington (Tommy Tynan)

Opening to Andante: MD looks for broad style with opening musical pictures just a couple of twitchy moments along the way.

Allegro — Grazioso: Determined playing carries music forward but not very smooth after Grazioso. Euph takes command and music moves forward with style.

Grazioso — End: The unfolding music is generally well constructed and is helped by some alert solo playing.

Overall: Solid and spacious reading that had some dynamic contrast and quite a lyrical shape.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 13:49:52

Full Draw:

Spanish Hall
Test Piece: 'A Kensington Concerto' (Eric Ball)

Commence: 11.15am
Draws: 10.15am & 1.20pm

Adjudicators: Paul Andrews & Ryan Breen

1. Marsden Silver (Alan Widdop)
2. City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)
3. Bon Accord (Stephen Malcolm)
4. Vernon Building Society Poynton (Ryan Watkins)
5. Fishburn (David Hirst)
6. Unison Kinneil (Colin McKenzie)
7. Mount Charles (John Maines)
8. Roberts Bakery (Paul Lovatt-Cooper)
9. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
10. Drighlington (Tommy Tynan)
11. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter)
12. SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
13. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
14. Elland Silver (Daniel Brooks)
15. BTM (Jef Hutcherson)
16. Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)
17. Eccles Borough (David Hamilton)
18. Wantage (Paul Holland)
19. Roche Brass (David Johnson)
20. Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 13:46:11

9. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)

Opening to Andante: Solid start with confidence and there is much to like in the developing bars.

Allegro — Grazioso: Euphonium plays with confidence and the band keeps the music alive and fresh. Odd blemish here and there but the whole is well described.

Grazioso — End: A warm and rich ensemble convinces as the characterful pictures unfold to a solid conclusion.

Overall: Much to like in the performance from Tylorstown today.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 13:29:16

8. Roberts Bakery (Paul Lovatt-Cooper)

Opening to Andante: Although nicely paced a few clips and splits catch the ear. A quite direct and straighter interpretation from MD than others so far.

Allegro — Grazioso: Quite an aggressive band sound follows the MD lead. The style becomes more lyrical with the Euph solo at the Andante Moderato.

Grazioso — End: Lower band become unbalanced before slentando and it just takes time to settle in ensemble before again being quite rigid in style.

Overall: A much more robust, harder and straighter interpretation in musical line and direction than others today.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 13:15:42

7. Mount Charles (John Maines)

Opening to Andante: Steady opening but it feels a tad hard and pointed in places through the opening development.

Allegro — Grazioso: It just feels a little unsettled and unbalanced which a shame as the MD looks to shape the music.

Grazioso — End: As with the opening interpretaion a more direct and hard attack dominates before pushing towards a confident & direct conclusion.

Overall: Just a few too many difficult moments within the whole perhaps today with this performance.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 12:58:23

6. Unison Kinneil (Colin McKenzie)

Opening to Andante: Steady and cleanly away. Well presented musical picture with a comfortable lilt.

Allegro — Grazioso: Not quite as secure through Grazioso sections in delivering and nailing the tempo and the notation changes.

Grazioso — End: Evocative slentando but again just not quite as well bound at times as the music continued.

Overall: We think a Scotch performance that was more a good blend than an award winning Single Malt today.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 12:39:45

5. Fishburn (David Hirst)

Opening to Andante: Opens with nice solo and a rounded ensemble style. Controlled dymanics with nice forte before the poco forte.

Allegro — Grazioso: MD keeps a lid on the whole and it pays off. Tempo gives room for solo lines to express. Momentary creak in bass semis

Grazioso — End: It builds so well and the musical mood is well evoked in the latter patterns.

Overall: Well constructed and effectively delivered without becoming hard or abrasive.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 12:20:13

4. Vernon Building Society Poynton (Ryan Watkins)

Opening to Andante: Lovely clean, lyrical opening. Lower band just crackle but the music continues with such confidence.

Allegro — Grazioso: The unfolding musical pictures are well described as the MD creates a pleasing musical palette of sound.

Grazioso — End: Not quite as secure though moderato but regains the quality to conclude.

Overall: Much to admire in this account with some well captured music.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 12:06:15

3. Bon Accord (Stephen Malcolm)

Opening to Andante: Steady opening that builds nicely and MD keeps tight reign on the unfolding musical picture.

Allegro — Grazioso: Band work hard and deliver a well worked section of music, however not quite as warm and rounded it moves into Andante.

Grazioso — End: Band takes just a little time to re-establish truly a balanced sound but moves to end with confidence and a forthright interpretation.

Overall: Some really nice playing throughout a well constructed performance by MD. Solo lines were clean & solid but 'breathy' on occasions.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 11:47:59

2. City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)

Opening to Andante: Opening crackles but all recovers well. Broad sound with warmth sought but again strong dynamics.

Allegro — Grazioso: Great lower band so fullsome with some nice solo counter melody work too.

Grazioso — End: Band work hard and stay controlled. Euphonium oozes quality and the band respond in kind to a really confident conclusion.

Overall: A performance that grew in stature as it progressed. Good work from end chairs.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 11:31:22

1. Marsden Silver (Alan Widdop)

Opening to Andante: Confident but strong dynamic

Allegro — Grazioso: Jagged and pointed approach that just wavers in tempo in running quavers.

Grazioso — End: Again strong dynamically at solo cornet entry but good bass triplets. Odd filigree and solo entries just tend to wobble. Fairly solid to conclusion.

Overall: A controlled and unhurried account. Quite strong dynamically. Decent marker from Marsden Silver.


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 11:04:44

The Senior Trophy:

Spanish Hall
Test Piece: 'A Kensington Concerto' (Eric Ball)

Commence: 11.15am
Draws: 10.15am & 1.20pm

Adjudicators: Paul Andrews & Ryan Breen

1. Marsden Silver (Alan Widdop)
2. City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)
3. Bon Accord (Stephen Malcolm)
4. Vernon Building Society Poynton (Ryan Watkins)
5. Fishburn (David Hirst)
6. Unison Kinneil (Colin McKenzie)
7. Mount Charles (John Maines)
8. Roberts Bakery (Paul Lovatt-Cooper)
9. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
10. Drighlington (Tommy Tynan)

Other competing bands

Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)
East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter)
Eccles Borough (David Hamilton)
Elland Silver (Daniel Brooks)
Roche Brass (David Johnson)
Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)
SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
Vernon Building Society Poynton (Ryan Watkins)
Wantage (Paul Holland)


Senior Trophy

Saturday 12, 09:27:51

The Senior Trophy:

Spanish Hall
Test Piece: 'A Kensington Concerto' (Eric Ball)

Commence: 11.15am
Draws: 10.15am & 1.20pm

Adjudicators: Paul Andrews & Ryan Breen

BTM (Jeff Hutcherson)
Bon Accord (Stephen Malcolm)
City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)
Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)
Drighlington (Tommy Tynan)
East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter)
Eccles Borough (David Hamilton)
Elland Silver (Daniel Brooks)
Fishburn (David Hirst)
Mardsen Silver (Alan Widdop)
Mount Charleas (John Maines)
Roberts Bakery (Paul Lovatt-Cooper)
Roche Brass (David Johnson)
Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)
SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
Unison Kinneil (Colin McKenzie)
Vernon Building Society Poynton (Ryan Watkins)
Wantage (Paul Holland)



Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


Enderby Band - Broughton Astley Rock Choir

Friday 13 December • Thomas Estley Community College. 2 Station Road. Broughton Astley. Leicestershire LE9 6PT


Bedford Town Band - Bedford Town Band Brass Academy

Saturday 14 December • Putnoe Heights Church MK418EB


Newstead Brass - Christmas Showcase 2024

Saturday 14 December • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby in Ashfield NG17 8LA


Besses o'th' Barn Band

December 12 • Due to a change of circumstances. The band now require one front row cornet and two back row cornets to complete our line up for the North West Area Contest in Blackpool..


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

December 10 • Solo Baritone and Percussion required to add to the band building towards the NEMBBA and area contests. Under the Direction of Duncan Beckley, the band is keen to fill the few remaining seats to add to the continually improving ensemble.


Barnsley Brass

December 10 • Barnsley Brass requires an Eb bass player. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge on the A61 just south of Barnsley. Rehearsals are Monday and Thursday evenings at 8pm in our purpose built bandroom.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

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