For a band that was once sponsored by a brewery itself many years ago, it may not have come as a surprise that the players and MD of Friary Guildford found National title winning inspiration on George Lloyd’s, 'Variations on a Bass Theme' at Harrogate on Saturday.

Mastered technique and music

Conducted by Chris King, the London & Southern Counties Area winners became the first band from the region to carry off the First Section crown since its inception in 1992, with a performance that adjudicator Kevin Wadsworth later told 4BR, '…mastered technique and music.'

When 4BR asked Kevin (Wadsworth) what stood out with the winners from the rest of the 18 band field — 'Music' came back the simple and direct reply4BR

Stark appraisal

In fact there was quite a stark appraisal of the ultimate winning quality of the Londoners on the day, on a work that was commissioned by the Bass brewery firm.

When 4BR asked Kevin what stood out with the winners from the rest of the 18 band field — 'Music' came back the simple and direct reply.

Commitment and dedication

For the delighted winning conductor, who was joined by his equally delighted young family when interviewed by 4BR after the results, it was also a question of dedication and commitment too.

"I’m delighted for me, the band and London," Chris commented. "I’ve been away quite a lot of the time of late so credit goes to people like John Hammond who has done so much work, whilst we also sought advice from a ‘decent’ conductor in Frank Renton!"

That advice and hard work certainly paid off for a band that Chris describes as, 'dedicated, friendly and committed', as they took the title in a keenly fought contest ahead of the fancied North West contenders of Freckleton, led by Paul Dalton.

Magnifying glass

Kevin Wadsworth pointed out that both he and fellow adjudicator David Lancaster were generally impressed by the overall level of performances from the bands on the day – '...they more or less all played it' he said – although he noted that George Lloyd’s piece certainly put the conductors, ‘...under the magnifying glass'.

Detailed scrutiny

One band that certainly emerged from their detailed scrutiny delighted with their outcome was Wrexham Brass (Glyndwr) who nearly made it three Welsh wins in a row at the contest by claiming the final podium spot under conductor Wayne Ruston.

With very nearly all the contenders delivering performances of note, the prizes were shared out geographically, with fourth place going to the Scots of Bo’ness & Carriden under Steve Sykes, who provided a strong contender thanks in no small part to the performance of 'Best Instrumentalist' winner, soprano player Richard Tobin.

Strong performance

A strong performance from Midlanders Derwent Brass under Keith Leonard found favour in the hall, but not so much in the box to come fifth, whilst the final top six place went to the West of England, with Bournemouth Concert under Dave Barringer.

Too loudly

Behind the top six the general standard was more variable on a day when George Lloyd’s work found out the basic weaknesses in many bands ability to play with rhythmic structure and dynamic control: '...too many bands started to loudly...you could hear the agony in the solo cornets at the end', Kevin sagely added.

No agony, only ecstasy for Friary Guildford though — and plenty of their own ‘London Pride’ was undoubtedly drunk in celebration on the long journey back home.

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Results:

Saturday 25th September
Test Piece: 'Diversions on a Bass Theme' — George Lloyd
Adjudicators: David Lancaster and Kevin Wadsworth

1. Friary Guildford, Chris King, (London & Southern Counties), 6
2. Freckleton, Paul Dalton, (North West), 2
3. Wrexham Brass (Glyndwr), Wayne Rushton, (Wales), 18
4. Bo'ness & Carriden, Steve Sykes, (Scotland), 14
5. Derwent Brass, Keith Leonard, (Midlands), 13
6. Bournemouth Concert, Captain Dave Barringer, (West of England), 12
7. Barton Town, Richard Evans, (North of England), 10
8. Portishead Town, Ian Dickinson, (West of England), 15
9. Wansbeck Ashington Colliey, Stephen Malcolm, (North of England), 16
10. Lochgelly, Paul Drury, (Scotland), 5
11. Oddfellows Brass, Robert Boulter, (Midlands), 7
12. Langley, Cliff Parker, (Midlands), 3
13. Regent Brass, Alan Duguid, (London & Southern Counties), 11
14. Silk Brass, David Holling, (North West), 17
15. Egham, Gareth Green, (London and Southern Counties), 8
16. Pontardulais Town (Burns Pet Nutrition), Paul Jenkins, (Wales), 9
17. Hebden Bridge, Roy Curran, (Yorkshire), 1
18. Meltham & Meltham Mills, Robin Morgan, (Yorkshire), 4

Best Instrumentalist: Richard Tobin (soprano) — Bo'ness & Carriden