Senior Cup:

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Saturday 14th May
Test Piece: 'Prisms' — Peter Graham
Draw: 9.45am
Commence: 10.45am
The Pavillion Theatre

Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent & David Roberts

Comments by Malcolm Wood:

What do we think?

An enjoyable day that has seen the six hours of contesting fly by.

Peter Graham's piece has still proved to be a musical test today.

There has been some fine playing at the top end but also some fairly non-descript accounts as well. There has been some good solo work but tenor horn players will certainly be glad the contest is over.

We think it could be a really good scrap at the top end, not just for the title, but for the four qualification places with Marsden, Friary Guildford, Zone One and Seindorf Beaumaris the pick for promotion and the title.

Ratby and EYMS are pushing for the other podium place with Aveley & Newham our dark horse.

4BR Prediction:

1. Marsden
2. Friary Guildford
3. Zone One
4. Seindorf Beaumaris
5. Ratby
6. EYMS

Dark Horse: Aveley & Newham

Bo'ness and Carriden (Steve Sykes), 20

A good confident start certainly catches the attention and has impact.

There is lots of detail on show and the bold tempo's are certainly ear-catching!

The solo horn doesn't enjoy their finest hour, but there are some notable lyrical contributions from the euphonium and cornet.

The MD's musical approach provides engaging listening ad there is lots to admire here in what was a committed musical performance with plenty of excitement.

Overall: Lots to admire from the Scots and they may not be too far away from a place at the bottom end of the podium prizes.

Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Ernest Ruddock), 19

Big and bold to open. Settles well and its not too bad although they could take the edge off the dynamics.

The horn confirms the solo passage is far from easy and some of the other solo contributor's don't find life too easy.

There is caution around at times which takes the edge of it somewhat and whilst tiredness creeps in at the end, you can't knock the committed intent.

Overall: Laganvale found out Prisms still isn't easy after all this time.

Zone One (Richard Ward), 18

Good musical opening full of purpose and intent.

The music maintains energy and drive and has a nice feel to it with some fine detail in evidence. Solo horn nails their colours to the mast and there are some lyrical contributions from euphonium and cornet.

The detail remains in evidence during the slow sections and there is lots to commend here.

There is a real sense of musical purpose as the tempo's increase and whilst there is a few bits of scrappiness around in the ensemble, there is plenty of drama and excitement as it draws to a close.

Overall: A really good show from Zone One that certainly could find itself in the mix come the results.

Co-operative Funeralcare Band (North West) (Jef Sparkes), 17

Steady and cautious opening that settles down and see's confidence grow.

Solo horn is a shining light in the difficult solo passage and there is some good solo work around the stand in the following solo passages.

The cautious approach is never too far away in the slow passages whilst the upbeat tempo's are engaging listening, but there is some inconsistent playing and tiredness around at the end.

Overall: A bit of a mixed bag of a performance from Crewe today that could find itself with a midfield finish.

Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (David Nesbitt), 16

Purposeful opening and the MD allows the music time and space as the piece evolves.

The music has a nice feel to it and nothing is overdone. The solo horn does well, despite one or two uncertain moments and all of the remaining solo performers play with intent.

The music loses touches of detail, whilst the tempo's draw intrigue and there is a real sense of drama and excitement right to the close.

Overall: Imps produce an exciting account that had lots to admire but clarity of detail at times may detract today.

Seindorf Beaumaris (Gwyn Evans), 15

Energetic and forthright introduction has impact.

The MD allows the music to flow with freedom and there is plenty of detail to be heard. The solo horn makes an impression as does the bass and euphonium, who is on fine form.

The solo cornet is quite at home in his solo and there is a real sense of confidence within the ensemble with some wonderful slow playing.

The energy that comes froms the middle is transmitted to the players who respond in an exciting final section.

Overall: The Welsh outfit certainly produce some musical fireworks in what was an engaging performance from the very start.

Powerfuel Hatfield Colliery (William Rushworth), 14

Steady opening that takes time to settle before the band relaxes and confidence builds.

It's a fully committed show from all involved as everyone digs deep on what is a musical test for all concerned. The closing section see's tiredness creep in — which was a real shame.

Overall: Not the best performance on offer today but but a commendable one full of true Yorkshire grit.

Ratby Co-operative (Michael Fowles), 13

Impressive opening, that has energy and impact. MD allows the music to flow and just lets the players play. The solo work from all around the stand isn't bad at all, whilst the ensemble playing catches the ear. The energetic pulse that the MD has driven throughout the work remains right up until an impressive end.

Overall: Impressive show that could be a contender.

Aveley & Newham (Nigel Taken), 12

Bold opening is full of energy and drive that has impetus. There is no doubting the commitment from the middle and around the stand and there is some nice playing to be heard with effective soloists.

The musical approach is certainly maintained and is paying dividends and concludes in fine style.

Overall: A performance that certainly had some fine playing with lots to admire from around the stand.

Fishburn (John Ward), 11

Very steady opening with hint of caution. The cautious approach remains and the music doesn't quite flow as freely as it could do.

The solo performers do a sterling job although the ensemble doesn't gel together as effectively and it needs more energy. There is some inconsitent playing around the stand as the performance draws to a close.

Overall: One that never really got into its stride.

Half way prediction:

It's been a surprising contest so far — age hasn't wearied the test piece today and far too many bands have under estimated the challenge.

That said, there have been some fine performances that could well have already booked their promotion places.

Top for us is Marsden followed by Friary Guildford and EYMS, but there is still a long way to go.

4BR prediction:
1. Marsden Silver
2. Friary Guildford
3. EYMS

Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard), 10

Big bold opening statements certainly has impact!

It's an edge-of-the-seat approach with heavy dynamics that doesn't allow the detail to shine through. The MD lets the music flow but it unfortunately suffers from some inconsistent playing around the stand to make a serious impact today.

Overall: A performance that was certainly loud on the ear at times and was inconsistent in its execution.

Ashton-under-Lyne (Martyn Evans), 9

Opening takes time to settle and the approach is cautious — touches of intonation are noticeable.

The cautious approach remains in evidence although there are some sterling performances on show with the soloists digging deep. It never really catches fire and tiredness is in evidence at the end.

Overall: Graham's work proved to be a tough ask today for the Lancastrians.

Marsden Silver (Glyn Williams), 8

Persuasive opening that works and has impact, energy and drive. The music flows with ease and everything has a nice feel to it.

Solo horn delivers a tasty bit of solo work and that is matched by bass, euphonium and cornet.

The good playing is maintained throughout and there is real confidence around the stand from what is a very fine interpretation which is brought to a very exciting conclusion.

Overall: Mr Williams and his Yorkshire charges deliver a cracking account that is right up there for us.

Friary Guildford Brass (Chris King), 7

Purposeful opening that has impact with some good confident playing.

The confidence remains and the detail shines through. Solo Horn survives the rigours of the solo passage, whilst other solo lines do well.

The MD lets the music flow and breathe in an effective manner and there is a lot to admire from around the around the stand in what was an edge-of-the-seat, exciting account.

Overall: A fully committed performance full of good strong musical values that was very well directed. One to not be forgotten come the end of the contest.

Unison Kinneil (Paul Drury), 6

Not a bad opening, bold and forthright and the approach continues throughout. The solo lines are not bad at all and there are moments of good playing, but it just lacks a little more consistency throughout.

Overall: One that promised and had potential but lacked consistency to make a serious challenge for us today.

Burry Port (Michael Thorne), 5

Very cautious opening and clips are noticeable. The cautious approach remains in place although all of the solo lines are a real credit and full of confidence.

There are errors around which detract and the closing section is certainly on the quick side.

Overall: A cautious performance that never really caught fire but contained some fine soloists.

East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison), 4

Not a bad opening. Detail is good and some effective playing. Horn survives the solo test, and other solo lines work well.

There is lots to admire from around the stand and with the interpretation. The good playing remains in evidence and they close well.

Overall: Best so far thanks to an intelligent reading and some good playing. The early contender.

Blackburn & Darwen (Nick Sheppard), 3

Confident opening, has energy and drive. Horn is effective and bass has impact. Euph does ok, despite the odd moment. The ensemble and style isn't bad at all. Cornet is effective and the tempo's work.

Everything builds well to a good close.

Overall: An interesting one with some good playing, but there were clips which could stop it making a real impression.

NASUWT Riverside (Ian Robinson), 2

Big and bold to open. Settles well and its not too bad. A few tiny moments, but plenty of confidence within the ranks.

Horn does well as does bass and euph. Cornet sings nicely and there is some confident ensemble playing on show even though its a touch loud dynamically. There is an effective closing section.

Overall: A performance that certainly made you sit up and listen — big, bold and not too bad at all.

Sovereign Brass (Jason Glynn), 1

Not a bad opening. Steady approach with detail in evidence. Ensemble is effective and solo horn does well as does euph does and cornet.

There are hints of caution mixed with plenty of good playing but the closing section does have a hint of tiredness.

Overall: Not a bad marker, but not a performance that hit you between the eyes with the wow factor.

Ashton-under-Lyne (Martyn Evans), 9
Aveley & Newham (Nigel Taken), 12
Beaumaris (Gwyn Evans), 15
Bo'ness and Carriden (Steve Sykes), 20
Co-operative Funeralcare Band (North West) (Jef Sparkes), 17
Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard), 10
Fishburn (John Ward), 11
Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Ernest Ruddock), 19
Powerfuel Hatfield Colliery (William Rushworth), 14
Ratby Co-operative (Michael Fowles), 13
Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (David Nesbitt), 16
Zone One (Richard Ward), 18