Grimethorpe Colliery reasserted its claim to be the UKs leading purveyor of brass band entertainment at The Sage in Gateshead on Sunday, as they reclaimed the Brass in Concert title for the first time since 2005.

Record

Led by Allan Withington, and rumoured to have been bolstered by a clutch of borrowed players and new signings prior to the event, posted victory for a record 15th time to pocket the £4,000 first prize, and round off what until now, had been a disappointing 2010 season in fine style.

For an emotional Band Manager Terry Webster it was a win built on the traditional Grimethorpe values of hard work and musical inspiration.

"We really dug deep for this," he said. "It’s the big contest of the year for Grimethorpe, as people regard us as the leading entertainment band in the world. Allan brought over his usual selection of great music and resident conductor Brian Grant and the boys worked so hard on it in preparation.”

Triumph

The result was also a personal triumph for Terry, as he retires from the Band Manager post at the end of the year. "It’s a great way to go out. I love this contest and to win it again makes 14 great years at Grimethorpe all worth while."

It’s the big contest of the year for Grimethorpe, as people regard us as the leading entertainment band in the worldBand Manager, Terry Webster

Quality of performance

Grimethorpe’s eclectic mix and match musical approach won the overall prize for ‘Quality of Performance’ and saw them segue from Monterverdi, Verdi and Vivaldi to Bert Bacharach and Ennio Morricone all with an enhanced sense of style and a clever touch of ironic Grimey ‘player revolt’ humour.

In addition to their victory, Allan Withington picked up the Peter Hartley Memorial Trophy for the first time as the winning conductor at the contest, whilst the outstanding Kevin Crockford retained the ‘Best Soprano’ award.

Second again

On a day of high class individual performances, if not truly memorable ensemble sets, Fairey (Geneva) ended their remarkable season by narrowly missing out on a major title for the third time following runner up places at the British Open and National Finals.

They were helped to second place and £2,000 to boost their post bandroom fire disaster fund by the playing of newly appointed principal euphonium, Matthew White.

His scorching performance of ‘Bravura’ secured the BBC Young Brass Musician of the Year the honour of being the first name on the newly constituted Geoffrey Whitham ‘Best Soloist’ award

High class Foden's

Reigning champion Foden’s couldn’t quite hold onto their title despite producing a high class musical package under conductor John Wallace, to come third, with Glyn Williams picking up the individual ‘Best Euphonium’ prize for a record fourth time.

Spark

Meanwhile, pre contest favourites Brighouse & Rastrick had to be content with fourth place, despite the efforts of their prize winning percussion section.

Under the baton of Richard Evans, the National Champion had given their programme a run out at the Scottish Open Gala Concert in Perth the previous evening, but failed to really spark 24 hours later at The Sage.

Good from

Leyland continued on their recent run of good form to come fifth, with John Doyle picking up the ‘Best Principal Cornet' prize to go with the band also claiming prizes for ‘Best March’ and ‘Best Horn/Baritone’, which went to Kristy Rowe.

Entertainment element

The final top six award went to British Open champion Tredegar.

They headed the new format that decided the best entertainment/presentation element of the contest from adjudicators Stan Lippeatt and Brian Hilson, whilst their talented duo of Stephen Sykes and Matt Hall took the individual trombone and original composition awards – the latter for ‘Legends of Cyfartha’.

Rothwell Temperance claimed 7th place and the award for ‘Best Basses’ – all six of them on the day, whilst Carlton Main were 8th with Sam Fisher taking the ‘Best Flugel horn’ award.

Results:

The results from the 2010 Brass in Concert Championships held at The Sage in Gateshead.

Music* + Entertainment** = Total
*Music is marked out of 200 points
** Placement marks are awarded for entertainment 11 — 1 (most entertaining gaining the highest mark)

1. Grimethorpe Colliery (Allan Withington) — 196/7 = 203
2. Fairey (Geneva) (Steve Sykes) — 192/10 = 202
3. Fodens, (John Wallace) — 194/5 = 199
4. Brighouse & Rastrick (Richard Evans) — 190/8 = 198
5. Leyland (Philip Harper) — 187/9 = 196
6. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse) — 184/11 = 195
7. Carlton Main Frickley (Philip McCann)- 179/6 = 185
8. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts) — 182/2 = 184
9. Redbridge (Jeremy Wise) — 176/3 = 179
10. Reg Vardy (Ray Farr) — 174/1 = 175
11. Flowers (Garry Cutt) — 170/4 = 174

Individual Awards:
Don Lusher Trombone Award: Stephen Sykes (Tredegar)
Harry Mortimer Award for Best Principal Cornet: John Doyle (Leyland)
The Fesa Trophy for Best Flugel: Sam Fisher (Carlton Main)
The Shaw Trophy for Best Soprano: Kevin Crockford (Grimethorpe)
Best Euphonium: Glyn Williams (Fodens)
Best Baritone/Horn: Kristy Rowe (Leyland)
John Fletcher Best Basses Award: Rothwell Temperance
Best Percussion: Brighouse & Rastrick
Best Entertainment Performance: Tredegar
Own Choice March: The Wizard (Leyland)
Best Soloist: Matthew White — Fairey (Geneva)
New Composition/Arrangement: Legends of Cyfarthfa (Matt Hall) — Tredegar
Quality of performance: Grimethorpe Colliery
Winning MD: Allan Withington
Youngest Player: Keiron Johnson — Reg Vardy (aged 13)