Results: 2011 English National Championships

Black Dyke return to winning ways as they claim English National title under the direction of Dr Nicholas Childs.

You could almost taste the intense feeling of collective celebration from the players and supporters of Black Dyke as they joyously congratulated each other on the stage of Preston’s Guild Hall on Saturday evening.

Forensic analysis

After months of forensic analysis into their recent contesting record under the baton of Dr Nicholas Childs, the Queensbury band silenced their most ardent critics with two outstanding performances to take the English National title and book their place at the European Championships in Rotterdam in 2012.

Very best

In a contest that brought the very best out of all nine competitors, Black Dyke’s performances of 'Elgar Variations' and 'Vienna Nights' saw them take first place in both musical disciplines to claim the £6,000 first prize package from Foden’s, with Brighouse & Rastrick in third.

You could also sense the feeling of satisfaction that came directly from the winning MD, as he joined his players to hold the English National trophy aloft for the second time in the event’s short history.

Awful lot of talk

He touched on the 'awful lot of talk', as he called it, surrounding the band’s recent contesting form, but also revealed that he had been greatly encouraged by the support offered to him from long standing family and banding friends.

He also felt that the decision not to compete at the recent Whit Friday contests was fully justified, given the amount of work the band had put in to claim victory.

Collectivism

The MD did draw attention to the individual contributions of solo euphonium Gary Curtin and ‘Best Instrumentalist’ winner, Richard Marshall, but that sense of collectivism was further enhanced by his remark that — "I’m pleased for us all" as he took time to hug each of his victorious players in turn.

Nicholas Childs interview: http://vimeo.com/25605850
Richard Marshall interview: http://vimeo.com/25606965

You could also sense the feeling of satisfaction that came directly from the winning MD, as he joined his players to hold the English National trophy aloft for the second time in the event’s short history4BR

Clarity of victory

The clarity of the band’s victory was underlined by the comments of the two sets of adjudicators.

Steve Sykes talked about the high standard both he and Andrew Duncan enjoyed on the set work in the morning.

"Time flew," he said. "There was some real music making for us to enjoy. We expected a tough competition and that’s what we got on this great test piece. No band came through completely unscathed, but none were anything less than very good."

"Two bands walked away though," he added. "They had exceptional musicality with the winner just having that added bit of excitement."

Telling point

Meanwhile, Derek Broadbent also spoke of the high level of playing he and Ian Brownbill enjoyed, although he made the telling point that although there were no 'unwise' selections of own choice works, "...not all delivered the works extremely wisely".

"It’s not often we get to adjudicate own choice selections at such a high level," he said. "However, some percussion was over exuberant in some pieces and hid the real inner detail."

Solo praise

Derek was full of praise for the level of solo playing.

"Thankfully we didn’t have to give a prize as we could have given at least 10 or more. There was some stunning playing on show today – playing of the highest possible level."

Top two

As with the set work, two bands seemed to set themselves apart: "A couple of performances had the edge, with one running them close," he added.

Prizes

With Black Dyke claiming first places in both disciplines, the destination of the title was clearly marked out, although there was certainly plenty of post contest debate with other results.

Two stunning performances from Foden’s under Allan Withington saw the Sandbach band claim the £3,000 prize as runner-up, although an eyebrow or two would have been raised by them securing it on the back of 2nd place on the set work, but only 4th on a scorching 'Vienna Nights'.

Fevered debate

Meanwhile, there was certainly plenty of fevered debate in post contest bars with the announcement of National Champion Brighouse & Rastrick in third overall.

They delivered a highly stylish set work under David King to come 4th in the morning, although a more contentious, error strewn, 'Concerto Grosso' in the afternoon saw them end in 3rd.

Disappointment

That result meant there was disappointment for reigning champion Fairey (Geneva).

They almost repeated their recent European Championship experience by coming 5th on the set work, before rounding off the contesting day with a highly impressive rendition of Simon Dobson’s 'Symphony of Colours' to come 2nd.

It wasn’t enough however, as their Yorkshire rivals pipped them to the £2,000 podium finish thanks to their higher set work placing.

Delight and disappointment

Behind the closely matched battle for the rostrum prizes, there as delight for a rejuvenated Hepworth. A varied mix of 3rd & 7th under Ian Porthouse’s solid direction gave them fifth place overall, ahead of Leyland in sixth conducted by Richard Evans.

There was disappointment however for supporters of Rothwell Temperance, who impressed many with their solid performances, but failed to make a real impression in both boxes to end in seventh.

Mixed feelings

Reg Vardy will also have left for home with mixed feelings after coming 9th on the set work, but delivering a top class performance of 'Titan’s Progress' to end in eighth overall.

Despite coming last, the fast emerging contesting force of Pemberton Old Wigan DW will surely be pleased that under Mark Bentham’s intelligent direction they were in no way out of their depth against an exceptionally strong field of contesting rivals.

Presentation

Before the announcement of the results, and on what was a highly encouraging day for the contest organisers, there was a wonderful presentation made to Dr Roy Newsome and his wife Muriel for their unprecedented ‘Lifetime Service’ to the banding movement.

Further 4BR coverage:

Video interviews:

Dr Roy & Muriel Newsome:
http://vimeo.com/25607553

4BR Final round up:
http://vimeo.com/25607983

Pre results – opinions:
http://vimeo.com/25604617

Half time opinion:
http://vimeo.com/25592192

Interview with Frode Rydland:
http://vimeo.com/25583474

Meet the Norwegians:
http://vimeo.com/25576207

Introduction to Preston:
http://vimeo.com/25566445

Full retrospectives, pictures and further analysis of the event will be provided by 4BR in the next couple of days.

Results:

Test piece: Elgar Variations — Dr Martin Ellerby