Elland Silver Youth under the direction of Samantha Harrison became the Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Champions of Great Britain on Sunday for a second time.

American

Performing an American-themed programme, judges Garry Cutt and Paul Norley had no hesitation in awarding the West Yorkshire outfit first place in both the music and entertainment categories.

Not surprisingly it sent the young band members into wild celebrations on stage when the result was announced.

Gobsmacked

Victory came with a clear 4 point winning margin, and the MD was still on cloud nine when speaking to 4BR on Monday as she reflected on the performance and the eventual result.

"I'm over the moon but still stunned," Sam said. "The band took to the stage with eleven new players in what was their first contest, and all I wanted to them to do was enjoy the experience and do their best."

The band took to the stage with eleven new players in what was their first contest, and all I wanted to them to do was enjoy the experience and do their bestMD Samantha Harrison

Engage

Samantha also took the time to pay tribute to everybody who has worked so hard in recent weeks and to explain the reasoning behind the themed programme.

"It's of key importance to me that we play music with themes to them, so that the players can understand about it's history and background. I've wanted to do something around America for a while now."

Thank you

The band's conductor not only thanked the organisers for a tremendous event, but paid a special tribute to her own players for their amazing commitment.

"They've been brilliant and worked so hard in the past six weeks with weekend rehearsals, sectionals. The attendance has been fantastic and I know this result means so much to the parents as well. It's been a great team effort."

Elland Silver Youth will now receive an invitation to perform at the Brass in Concert Championship in November.

Not quite

Defending champion, Rochdale Borough Youth claimed the runner up award. Eric Landon's chose an inventive musical colour theme to their programme that couldn't quite see them retain their title.

Olympic bronze

Meanwhile, Butlin's champion, Youth Brass 2000 opted for an Olympic theme, but had to settle for third overall, although Thomas Fountain won the 'Best Soloist' medal for his performance of Herbert Clarke's 'Victory'.

Compact

Music judge, Garry Cutt wittily reminisced about his involvement in youth contests at Blackpool's Imperial Hotel before congratulating the players from the stage on their efforts.

He admitted that whilst he was an advocate of closed adjudication, he wished in this instance he'd been sat in the open.

Garry also told the bands that they needed to be mindful of the dynamics in such a large hall, as overblowing had been noticeable.

The Grimethorpe MD later told 4BR that the winning band had produced a wonderful'compact sound' — and that was key for him.

Smile

Entertainment judge Major Paul Norley also praised the bands before advising not to give too much away when setting up on stage beforehand in their costumes as it spoiled the potential for a visual surprise.

He also reminded those involved to remember to smile and look like they were enjoying themselves — despite the nerves!

Watch on DVD

For the first time, the contest was recorded and bands will be able to buy copies of their performance that will include highlights of the day itself.

Costing just £5 per DVD, further details are available at www.action.org.uk/youth_brass_band

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Back to the Opera

Organiser Gary Walczak spoke of his delight to 4BR at how the day had gone and confirmed that the contest next year will take place on Sunday 10th February when it returns to the Winter Garden's Opera House.

Full Results:

1. Elland Silver Youth (Samantha Harrison): 1+1=2
2. Rochdale Borough Youth (Eric Landon): 4+2=6
3. Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans): 2+5=7
4. Enderby Youth (Trevor Hounsome): 3+6=9
5. Wardle Junior (Gwen Smith): 7+4=11
6. Houghton Area Youth (Brian Adams): 8+3=11
7. Sellers International Youth (Simon Kerwin): 5+8=13
8. Poynton Youth Band (Mike Eccles): 6+7=13

*Music points followed by entertainment and total

Outstanding Soloist: Thomas Fountain, Cornet (Youth Brass 2000)
Most Entertaining Item: Sentinel (Enderby Youth)
Best March: Liberty Bell (Elland Silver Youth)
Best Soprano: Nick Harrington (Poynton Youth)
Best Euphonium: Enderby Youth
Best Basses: Elland Silver Youth
Best Stage Deportment: Poynton Youth
Band with Most Potential: Wardle Junior
Winning Conductor: Samantha Harrison