Amid screams of delight and quite a few tears of joy, Elland Youth Band has become the 2010 Action Research Youth Entertainment Champion, at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
Carmen
Conducted by Samantha Harrison, their choreographed programme based on Bizet’s 'Carmen' opera saw them take the title for the first time in their history – gaining the highest marks for both music and entertainment.
In addition to taking the prestigious title, the band’s solo trombone player Daniel Eddison took the 'Best Soloist' Award, whilst the band also picked up the award given for 'Best Basses' too. The band also received an invitation to participate at the Brass in Concert weekend this November.
Elland secured a five point winning margin over reigning champion Youth Brass 20004BR
Winning margin
Elland secured a five point winning margin over reigning champion Youth Brass 2000, who bravely defended their title with their performance of Peter Graham’s ‘Cat’s Tales’, whilst Poynton Youth secured third place with their American inspired programme.
In a field of only eight competing bands, Stockport Schools withdrew in advance of the contest.
If only...
During the presenation ceremony, the Mayor of Blackpool reminded the players that you can look back on life and say 'if only' whilst Alan Morrison issued the rallying cry from the stage for those involved not to give up and look back in 30 years time and say '...if only I'd carried on playing when I was younger and kept playing'.
Seniors should watch
The chairman of ABBA, Stan Lippeatt who was judging the entertainment category told the audience: '...some of the ideas have been absolutely fabulous, and some of our senior bands should have come along to this event and see how you did it!!'
I'll pay
In his judging summary Alan talked warmly about his day in the box and he declared that not only was it a 'wonderful contest', but if he was free next year, 'he would pay to come and listen.'
Opera move
This year's contest took place in the Opera House instead of the traditional venue of the Winter Garden Ballroom, after organiser Gary Walczak was informed on Tuesday that there was a problem with the roof.
Positive feedback
Despite the last minute change of venue, Gary informed 4BR that he'd received positive feedback from the bands about the change of venue. Together with the overall reaction of the audience, it was not beyond the realms of possibility that the contest would be staged again in the Opera House.
Back to 14
Gary also said that the provisional date for next year would be Sunday 13th February, when he hoped to have a full compliment of entries, especially after bands who were not in Blackpool this year admitted that the economic climate was a key factor for their non-attendance.
4BR will look back at the contest in the next few days.
Full Results:
Music + Entertainment = Total
1. Elland Silver Youth (Samantha Harrison) (188/85) = 273
2. Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans) (186/82) = 268
3. Poynton Youth Brass (Andy Hirst) (184/83) = 267
4. Enderby Youth (Trevor Hounsome) (181/84) = 265
5. Rochdale Borough Youth (Eric Landon) (180/81) = 261
6. Wardle High School (Lee Rigg) (180/78) = 258*
7. Sellers International Youth (Alex Kerwin) (178/79) = 257
8. Houghton Area Youth (Brian Adams) (177/78) = 255
w, Stockport Schools, Phil Pavey
*Wardle incurred a time penalty
Outstanding Soloist: Daniel Eddison (trombone) Elland Youth
Most Entertaining Item: Elland Youth (The Bullfight)
Best March: Wardle Youth (The Middy)
Best Soprano: Enderby Youth
Best Basses: Elland Youth
Best Euphonium Section: Youth Brass 2000
Best Stage Deportment: Wardle High
Band with Most Potential: Wardle High
Winning Conductor: Samantha Harrison
