Wales kept its vice like grip on its ownership of the Second Section national title at Harrogate on the weekend, when Tylorstown, directed by Gary Davies, took the trophy back to the Principality for an unprecedented fourth year in succession.

Close harmony singing

There was certainly plenty of early afternoon close harmony Welsh choral celebrations in the bar of the International Conference Centre, as the band from the Rhonnda Valley delivered a knock out blow to their rivals hopes of wrestling the title over Offa’s Dyke for the first time since 2006.

Sought after

The winning MD, who is one of the most sought after conducting talents in Wales, (directing Llwydcoed Band to 5th place in the Third Section on the Sunday), was obviously delighted when 4BR caught up with him after the results.

"Fantastic. Over the moon! The band deserved this for all the hard work they have put in over the last few years. They are such dedicated players."

When we got off stage though we went straight for an hour’s rehearsal for the Ammanford contest next weekendMD, Gary Davies

Dedication

Despite an early number 4 draw, Tylorstown certainly made an impression in the box with adjudicators C Brian Buckley and Lynda Nicholson, and Gary believed that the possible secret to their success was that dedication to the cause – something that they showed after they played too.

"I knew we played really well, so the draw didn’t worry me that much, and after working hard on the piece it started to suit us too. When we got off stage though we went straight for an hour’s rehearsal for the Ammanford contest next weekend.

I initially said it as a bit of a joke to fill up time on a long day, but the band was up for it. It shows just how dedicated they are."

Flow

The impression made in the box was clear too, with C Brian Buckley telling 4BR that the winning performance, "...flowed seamlessly from beginning to end. It was a very professionally played."

Challenges

That sense of flow was also a point Brian accentuated when describing the challenges of Philip Wilby's 'Psalms & Alleluias' and why, in both his and Lynda Nicholson’s opinion, the musical and technical challenges on the day were not always overcome.

When asked directly if the competing bands did in fact met those particular challenges successfully, the straight answer came back – "No. Only six or seven of the bands coped..."

Brian also added that many costly problems were found in the defined rhythmic sections as well as the playing of basic octaves and even small solo interludes.

Pushed closest

At the end of the day it was Filton Concert Brass conducted by Bryn James who pushed Tylorstown the closest, with a performance of character and musicality, whilst the final podium place went to South Yorkshire Police under Leigh Baker, who many in the hall felt may have just done enough to claim the title.

Persuasive

Fellow Yorkshire contenders Knottingley Silver delivered a fine rendition under Dr Owen Wedgewood to come fourth (including their side drum player picking up the 'Best Instrumentlaist' award), whilst many people’s pre contest favourites, East London Brass, under Jayne Murrill, could only manage fifth despite a persuasive musical rendition.

The final top six place went to the fancied Rainford directed by Neil Samuel, whilst behind them it was a familiar story of consistency, or the lack of it, that saw many band’s chances of glory end in an eventual midfield placing or below.

National champion

For Tylorstown however, a week of celebrations will be followed by yet another contest appearance — but this time they will take to the stage in their homeland as a National champion. No wonder they were all over the moon.

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Results

Saturday 25th September
Test Piece: 'Psalms and Alleluias' — Philip Wilby
Adjudicators: Lynda Nicholson and C. Brian Buckley

1. Tylorstown, Gary Davies, (Wales), 4
2. Filton Concert Brass, Bryn James, (West of England), 16
3. South Yorkshire Police, Leigh Baker, (Yorkshire), 17
4. Knottingley Silver, Dr Owen Wedgwood, (Yorkshire), 7
5. East London Brass, Jayne Murrill, (London & Southern Counties), 15
6. Rainford, Neil Samuel, (North West), 9
7. Becontree, Adam Cooke, (London & Southern Counties), 10
8. Blidworth Welfare, Martin Heartfield, (Midlands), 3
9. Diggle, James Shepherd, (North West), 8
10. Alder Valley, Roger Burke, (London & Southern Counties), 5
11. Catterick Brass, Stewart Halliday, (North of England), 13
12. Coalburn Silver, Gareth Bowman, (Scotland), 2
13. Dalkeith & Monktonhall Brass, James Chamberlain, (Scotland), 14
14. Tintwistle, Simon Wood, (Midlands), 1
15. Cockerton Prize Silver, George Nicklin, (North of England), 11
16= Deinolen, Gavin Saynor, (Wales), 12
16= Shrewton Silver, Mike Dunford, (West of England), 6

Best Instrumentalist: John Turnbull,Side drum (Knottingley Silver)