The St Dennis Band recently hosted a number of brass related events, including their popular annual Solo & Quartet competition.
The event was adjudicated by tenor horn star Owen Farr, who enjoyed plenty of great playing, especially from new Learner Class entrants.
Workshops
Owen also led a Brass Workshop for young players thanks to an award from the China Clay Area Community Fund. The workshop was arranged by Youth Band Leader Bianca Davies and was a brilliant success, with 19 musicians ranging from 6 to 18 years of age and of mixed abilities, who attended the 4 hour interactive event.
On Sunday evening the busy weekend was brought to a close with the St Dennis Senior with Owen Farr as the guest soloist.
Solo premiere
The band performed a variety of music which included a performance of 'Tallis Variations', whilst Owen performed four solo items, including the UK Premiere of his own lively arrangement of 'Dance of the Goblins', all of which left many members of the band and audience utterly gob smacked!
Results:
Learner Class:
1. Lia Teague (St Dennis) – 92
2. Jacob Andres (St Dennis) – 91
3. Shannon Dale (St Dennis) – 90
Class 1: 9 years and under
1. Grace Thomas (St Dennis) – 88
2. Sarah Wilton (Indian Queens) – 87
3. Holly Whale (Launceston) — 86
Class 2: 12 years and under
1. Rebecca Whitford (St Dennis) – 92
2. Chloe George (Indian Queens) – 90
3. Josie Whale (Launceston) – 89
Class 3: 15 years and under
1. Chloe George (Indian Queens) – 94
2. George Stratford (Forest of Dean) – 93
3. Andrew Hammett (St Dennis) – 92
Class 4: 18 years and under
1. Ben Stratford (Flowers) – 98
2. Megan Thomas (St Dennis) – 95
3. Chloe George (Indian Queens) – 93
Class 5: Air Varie – 16 years and under
1= George Stratford (Forest of Dean)
1= Josie Whale (Launceston)
Class 6: Junior Duet – 16 years and under
1. Grace Denford & Sammantha Baker (Launceston) — 90
2. Holly & Josie Whale (Launceston) – 87
3. Rebecca Whitford & Suzanne Yates(St Dennis) – 86
Class 7: Ensemble
1. St Dennis Ensemble
Class 8: Open Slow Melody
1. Bianca Davies (St Dennis) – 96
2. Ben Stratford (Flowers) — 95
3. Andrew Julian (St Dennis) – 94
Class 9: Open Air Varie
1. Ben Stratford (Flowers) – 96
2. Bianca Davies (St Dennis) – 95
Class 10: Open Duet
1. Andrew & James Hammett (St Dennis) – 98
2. Bianca Davies & James Hammett (St Dennis) – 96
3. Danny Hancock & James Hammett (St Dennis) – 94
Special Awards:
Best Cornet/Soprano: Bianca Davies (St Dennis)
Best Euphonium/Baritone: Ben Stratford (Flowers)
Best Horn/Flugel: Rebecca Whitford (St Dennis)
Best Bass: George Stratford (Forest of Dean)
Best Trombone: Megan Thomas (St Dennis)
Most Promising Player ( Class 1 to 5): Chloe George (Indian Queens)
Youngest Player: Oliver Williams (Indian Queens)
Most Entertaining Performance: James & Andrew Hammett
Most Outstanding Performance: Ben Stratford
