The Reg Vardy Band rounded off the first half of their 2010 contesting season by taking the honours at the inaugural Doctor Martin Trust Entertainment Contest at the Gala Theatre in Durham on the weekend.

Prize pot

Although there was disappointment that the contest, which benefits from a £300,000 legacy from a local GP, could only attract four competitors in its first year, the organizers hope that the event will grow in significance with its appealing £7,000 plus prize pot.

Busy weekend

With bands facing stiff economic times, the chance to pick up the substantial £4,000 first prize saw Reg Vardy conducted by Ray Farr, round off a busy weekend of music making by taking the title and the fine Wainstones Cup by a clear two point margin from Pemberton Old Wigan DW, Wire Brass and Fishburn.

The contest format saw each band perform a march, solo item and own choice test piece, in a programme set that did not exceed the 30 minute time limit.

Impressive

Reg Vardy opened with an impressive rendition of 'The President', which saw them pick up the £250 'Best March' prize, followed by Tina Mortimer giving a finely phrased performance of Rachmaninov’s 'Adagio' arranged by Ray Farr. The band rounded off their programme with Edward Gregson’s 'Rococo Variations'.

Bravura

Second place and £2,000 went to Pemberton Old Wigan DW conducted by Mark Bentham. Their half hour programme included the own choice test piece, 'Music of the Spheres', whilst euphonium star, Matthew White picked up the £250 'Best Soloist' Award for his performance of 'Bravura' by Peter Graham.

Third placed Wire Brass also chose 'Rococo Variations', whilst Fishburn performed 'Year of the Dragon'.

Very busy weekend

Reg Vardy spokesperson Laura Jackson felt the victory was a great way to round off a very busy weekend: "We gave a concert on Friday night, rehearsed again on Saturday and then played at the contest."

Laura added: "It’s been a busy time for the band and although the contest does come at an awkward time with holidays, we made sure we left nothing to chance."

The performances here and at the English Nationals in Preston have set us up for the rest of the season and we are really looking forward to the National Finals and Brass in ConcertLaura Jackson, Reg Vardy Band

Quality

With adjudicator Colin Hardy impressed by the bands quality of musicality and technical proficiency, Reg Vardy will now look ahead to the challenges of the second half of the contesting year.

"Although we didn’t qualify for the British Open, we have been showing really good form of late," Laura added.

"The performances here and at the English Nationals in Preston have set us up for the rest of the season and we are really looking forward to the National Finals and Brass in Concert."

Not quite finished

Reg Vardy’s work wasn’t quite finished either as they provided the audience with short 30 minute concert before the announcement of the results before they finally had the chance to celebrate a hard, but highly successful weekend’s banding work.

Results:

1. Reg Vardy (Ray Farr) — 193
2. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Mark Bentham) – 191
2. Wire Brass (Paul Andrews) – 186
4. Fishburn

Adjudicator: Colin Hardy