Hade Edge Youth conducted by Simon Wood took the spoils in banding’s innovative version of ‘X Factor’ at Holmfirth’s Picturedrome on Friday evening.

Six rivals from Yorkshire took to the stage to provide the packed audience with their 20 minute entertainment sets, which were then assessed in true ‘X Factor’ manner by the experts on the judging panel.

No punches

John Hammond, David Hoyle from BBC Yorkshire Brass, and the former Black Dyke duo of John Gillam and Kevin Wadsworth, played their roles to perfection with their honest, spiky views, and in true Yorkshire style, pulled no punches in their assessments.

With a touch of pantomime villainy thrown in for good measure, there was even the chance for the conductors to have their say in response. It was great knockabout fun.

Audience vote

The judging panel didn’t have the final say however in packing the night’s winner, as the audience were given voting slips to ensure they were made a true part of the interactive atmosphere.

In the end, ‘Joe Public’ opted for the talented youngsters of Hade Edge Juniors ahead of Skelmanthorpe ‘B’ and Slaithwaite.

Virtuso flugel

Simon Wood’s band opened up with ‘March of the Cobblers’ before the MD’s son, Aaron displayed a wonderful flugel tone in ‘Cavantina’ which claimed the young virtuoso the evening’s ‘Best Soloist’ Award.

‘Cherry Blossom and Apple Pie’ showcased the brotherly talents of Matthew and Adam Waterson, before they rounded off their programme in upbeat mode with ‘Mary Ann’ complete with a nimble footed, dancing conductor.

Praise

Twelve months ago the inaugural ‘Brass Factor’ title went to Hade Edge Senior Band and Simon Wood was full of praise for his young band and the concept, which is growing in popularity.

"You’re doing something right if you’ve got a big audience coming to enjoy brass band music making," he told 4BR. "And with the freedom to use other instruments as part of an entertainment contest, it opens up all kinds of possibilities. I think it’s a tremendous idea."

Skelmathorpe take second

Pushing the eventual winners all the way to the tape was Philip Garlick’s Skelmanthorpe ‘B’.

They opened with ‘When the Saints’, before featuring their cornets in the old classic, ‘Trumpets Wild’. Howard Snell’s arrangement of ‘Loves Old Sweet Song’ featured a fine flugel and bass before the band concluded with music from ‘The Lion King’.

...with the freedom to use other instruments as part of an entertainment contest, it opens up all kinds of possibilities. I think it’s a tremendous ideaSimon Wood

Slaithwaite third

It was Tabby Clegg’s Slaithwaite who brought the evening’s music to a close, with a programme that included music with a classical feel.

The band’s featured bass soloist had fun in the popular ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’, whilst there were fine sounds heard in music from the film ‘Ben Hur’, and the closing march, ‘The Thunderer’.

The senior Hade Edge Band, also conducted by the busy Simon Wood commenced the night’s entertainment with a solid programme of music making, whilst Wayne Bostock’s Yorkshire Traction Honley included in their programme a touching item in memory of former player Carlton Mellor, who died earlier this year. Dinnington Colliery, conducted by Jonathon Beatty also produced a well worked programme.

Bray’s delight

Alex Bray, the organiser of Brass Factor was delighted at how the second ‘Brass Factor’ evening had panned out, and revealed that he hoped that he may be able to expand the concept into other areas of the country – with a possibility of a national final as its climax.

"I’m absolutely delighted at how Friday turned out," he said.

"My personal thanks go to the bands who came along on the night and entered into the spirit of the format, the four judges and to the event sponsors. The most important plus point was the audience though, who played their part in full, got involved and enjoyed the night. Without them, there wouldn’t be a Brass Factor."

Expand

Alex is now hoping to expanding into other regions along with holding another event in Yorkshire next year.

"I’d love to take this concept around the UK, even overseas given the opportunity. A Grand Final would be a great event. The feedback from the audience and bands has been fantastic, as they know it’s all about fun and enjoyment – not just the winning."

The date for next year in Yorkshire isn’t confirmed, but 4BR was informed that negotiations for a third event will start very soon. With each of the bands taking home prize money, the age old saying, ‘everyone was a winner’ was proven right.

Find out more

Any bands and sponsors who’d be interested in learning more about Brass Factor can contact Alex on 079719752 or alexbray@gmail.com

Result:
1. Hade Edge Youth (Simon Wood)
2. Skelmanthorpe ‘B’ (Philip Garlick)
3. Slaithwaite (Tabby Clegg)

Best Soloist: Aaron Wood – flugel (Hade Edge)
Youngest Player: Bethany Littlewood (Dinnington)