There was a reassertion of banding supremacy in Belgium on the weekend, as Noord-Limburgse retained their National title thanks to a brace of outstanding performances under the baton of Ivan Meylemans.

High class

The Championship Section at the Lemmensinstituut, Leuven provided a thrilling climax to an enjoyable contest weekend, with the reigning champion beating off the high class heavyweight challenge of former winners Brass Band Buizingen and Brass Band Willebroek, by a clear four point margin.

The band will now represent Belgium at the European Brass Band Championships in Rotterdam in 2012, confident of improving on last year’s impressive fifth place finish.

Delighted

Band Treasurer Steven Fransen told 4BR: "The musicians of the Noord — Limburgse Brassband are delighted with the victory, resulting from two highly musical interpretations from their Musical Director Ivan Meylemans. We produced two outstanding performances with a balance of excellent ensemble playing and superb soloists."

Steven also revealed that the band also overcame the loss of principal cornet player Pieter Houben just two weeks before the contest due to a fractured shoulder, although they were able to utilise the talents of assistant principal and former British Open Solo Champion Jef Vermeiren, who took over the end chair to lead the band to victory.

"Jef took over and displayed his craftsmanship leading the cornet section with such brilliance and bravura," Steven added.

English judges

Eight bands lined up to impress the all English adjudication team of Ian Brownbill, Simon Dobson and Dr Peter Meechan – all three of who placed Noord – Limburgse clear in both the set work and own choice disciplines to give a 98% average percentage points total.

The contest reverted back to the European format this year, and it was Noord – Limburgse’s outstanding performance of Philip Wilby’s ‘Masquerade’ that set them on the road to their second successive success, followed by Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen’s ‘Old Licks Bluesed Up’ as their own choice selection.

Quality winners

The judges had no doubt about the quality of the winners.

"They produced two sensational performances," Dr Peter Meechan told 4BR. "It’s hard to recall playing of this quality anywhere in the banding world of late. This was music making of the highest class."

Ian Brownbill agreed. "The sense of musicianship that was inspired by the conductor permeated through the band on both performances. The Wilby was so lyrical and the Aagaard-Nilsen was breathtaking."

Simon Dobson was equally enthused by what he heard too. "I’ve only ever heard a couple of bands perform to this level. The musicianship on show was spectacular."

It’s hard to recall playing of this quality anywhere in the banding world of late. This was music making of the highest classDr Peter Meechan

Difficult decision

With high class performances from runner up Brass Band Buizingen and Brass Band Willebroek, the judges were left with a difficult decision in deciding on a runner up.

"Both bands produced quality performances," Ian Brownbill added. "There was some wonderful solo playing on show, especially with the young solo cornet player of Willebroek in 'Battle Creek'."

Peter Meechan agreed: "It was a very difficult decision for second place", whilst Simon added: "The two podium bands could have won most contests in the world with the performances of 'Battle Creek' and 'Red Priest'. They were that good too."

Fire in the Sky

There was an equally impressive winner in the First Section, where Brass Band Leieland, conducted by Wouter Loose delivered two exceptional performances of the set work, ‘Fire in the Sky’ by Dr Peter Meechan and their own choice selection, ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’.

"They really brought my music to life," the composer told 4BR. "There was a real understanding of the piece and the own choice selection played with such authority too."

Simon Dobson agreed: "This was a very good band on very good form. They wouldn’t have been out of place in the Championship Section contest."

Second place went to Brassband Bacchus, with Brassband Panta Rhei in third.

Triumphant Gent

There was only the one competitor in the Second Section this year, where Brassband Gent took the honours under the baton of Lieven Dobbelaere.

Their twin performances of the set work, ‘A Bandsman’s Challenge’ by Bertrand Moren and Gareth Wood’s ‘Brass Triumphant’ also impressed Ian Brownbill.

"Although it was difficult to assess in comparison to other competitors, it was good, solid brass band playing on both works."

Third Section:

Simon Dobson’s atmospheric ‘Penlee’ provided a stern test for the bands in the Third Section, although the composer was impressed by the overall standard.

"There were two very fine performances of my work," Simon told 4BR "And the own choices performances from all the bands were well chosen. It was a good overall standard."

Conducted by Geert Verschaeve Braz’Art retained the title they won last year closely followed by Brassband Scaldis and Brassband ‘de Grensbewoners’.

Results:

Championship Section:
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill, Simon Dobson, Dr Pete Meechan
Set Piece: Masquerade (Philip Wilby)
Set Piece (300)/ Own Choice (300) = Total(%)

1. Noord-Limburgse Brassband (Ivan Meylemans): 294/294 = 98
2. Brassband Buizingen (Luc Vertommen): 285/279 = 94*
3. Brassband Willebroek (Frans Violet): 276/288 = 94*
4. Festival Brassband (Manu Mellaerts): 279/276 = 92.5
5. Brassband Heist (Bert Van Thienen): 270/ 282 = 92
6. Kortrijk Brassband (Lieven Maertens): 267/264 = 88.5*
7. Brassband Zele (Bart Van der Strieckt): 264/267 = 88.5*
8. Metropole Brassband (Guy Audenaert): 261 — 270 — 88.5*

*set piece marks take precedent

First Section:
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill, Simon Dobson, Dr Pete Meechan
Set Work: Fire in the Sky (Dr Peter Meechan)

1. Brass Band Leieland: 273/282 = 92.50
2. Brassband Bacchus: 252/267 = 86.50
3. Brassband Panta Rhei: 246/252 = 83.00

Second Section:
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill, Simon Dobson, Dr Pete Meechan
Set Work: Bandsman's Challenge (Bertrand Moren)

1. Brassband Gent: 255/255 = 85.00

Third Section:
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill, Simon Dobson, Dr Pete Meechan
Set Work: Penlee (Simon Dobson)

1. Braz'Art: 264/258 = 87.00
2. Brassband Scaldis: 270/243 = 85.50
3. Brassband 'de Grensbewoners': 258/246 = 84.00
4. Brass a Musica: 248 255 = 83.83
5. Brass Band Euterpe: 243/240 = 80.50