A stunning Championship Section winning performance from Carnoustie & District Youth Band brought an enthralling National Youth Brass Band Championships to a spectacular climax on Sunday evening.

Remarkable band

And as the celebrating youngsters contemplated a well deserved a day off school after a six hour return journey home from the RNCM in Manchester buoyed by yet another major victory, their modest MD Michael Roberston paid tribute to the players of his quite remarkable band.

"They are very talented of course, but they also work so hard too. It’s a real honour to conduct them. I’m deeply flattered by the comments made by the adjudicators, but all the credit goes to the players – they were simply outstanding today."

Very best

Both Dr Roger Webster and Steven Mead told 4BR that they felt Carnoustie produced playing that was the equal of the very best senior bands.

"We just sat back and enjoyed every moment of it," Steven said. "It was quite brilliant –a truly memorable performance, so well directed and delivered with such musical maturity."

Roger agreed. "It blew us away. This was not outstanding youth playing; this was simply outstanding brass band playing. There are very few bands at any level that can perform with such excellence."

Fizzing

The 2011 Premier Section champion opened their Gold Award 20 minute programme with a fizzing ‘Enter the Galaxies’, featuring soprano player Callum Tonner on sparking form, before showing their lyrical control by segueing into Simon Dobson’s elegant ‘Little Prayer’.

19 year old bass trombonist Josiah Walters produced a remarkable jazz inspired rendition of his own arrangement of Christopher Brubeck's ‘James Brown in the Twilight Zone’ to deservedly take the Eric Bravington ‘Best Instrumentalist’ prize, before the Scots rounded things off with a coruscating run through the Goff Richard’s set work, ‘Oceans’, played with an intoxicating mix of vibrant energy and subtle musicality.

High class

Although it gave the band a clear cut victory, there was a great deal to enjoy in what turned out to be a high class contest between eight ensembles made up of players up to the age of 20.

However, both Steven and Roger did make the point that although they felt a number of bands played well, not all performed well – highlighting the need to match their musical endeavours with a visual appreciation of what they were doing.

"It was a bit of a mixed bag today in terms of quality. Nobody played badly, but some of you didn’t look as if you were enjoying it," Roger added.

This was not outstanding youth playing; this was simply outstanding brass band playing. There are very few bands at any level that can perform with such excellenceDr Roger Webster

Golden Lions

Not so Lions Youth, directed by Nigel Birch, who claimed a Gold Award in second place.

Their well constructed programme included the cornet and flugel duet ‘Caruso’ featuring Wilson Taylor and Ellie Bale, as well as the set work and the finale from ‘Conquest of Paradise: 1492’.

The other Gold Award was taken by Northamptonshire Youth directed by Brad Turnbull, who included in their ranks Thomas Fountain, who hot footed it across the RNCM after his prize winning performance with Youth Brass 2000.

Their contrasting programme included the additions of ‘Vitae Lux’ and ‘Sospan Fach’ to a solid portrayal of the set work.

Silver brace

Behind them came a brace of Silver Awardees with an exciting Elland Youth, featuring a wonderful trombone soloist in 13 year old Charlotte Horsfield, and a purposeful Rochdale Borough Youth rounding off the contest with the addition of a well crafted performance of Philip Sparke’s concert overture, ‘The Prizewinners’.

Bronze Awards were gained by Bolton Youth, Gloucestershire Youth and St Helen’s Youth.

Intermediate Section:

In the RNCM Theatre it was Youth Brass 2000 that took the Intermediate Section honours (up to the age of 18) with a thoroughly convincing Gold Award performance under the baton of MD Chris Jeans.

With the London Marathon taking place a few hundred miles away on the same day, adjudicators Les Neish and Katrina Marzella also had something of a long distance haul to the finishing tape – with the 17 bands providing close on 9 hours of music making.

Marathon enjoyment

Thankfully, the duo enjoyed every minute of the experience as Les told 4BR.

"It was a fantastic contest, with so much to enjoy from each of the competitors. The standard was very good, and the band’s claiming the gold awards were excellent. No doubt about the winners either. They produced a wonderful programme that was so well played."

Katrina agreed and had special praise for the top three prize winning bands in particular.

"I was very humbled by what I heard from all the bands today," she said. "The third placed band produced a fabulous band sound, whilst the runner up delivered a programme that was so exciting – real edge of the seat playing. The winners though were so polished, refined and mature. They were superb."

Champion march

The reigning Butlins Champion opened in appropriate style with the march, 'The Champions', before 15 year old Thomas Fountain reinforced his burgeoning reputation with another ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award winning performance courtesy of Herbert L Clarke's, 'Victory'.

A well judged account of the test piece, 'A Saddleworth Festival Overture' was delivered with real security, before the band closed in brilliant fashion with the choreographed 'Bolero' without a conductor in sight.

Delight

A delighted MD Chris Jeans later told 4BR: "There is no secret to the success the band enjoys – just some great young players with bags of talent and the desire to work their socks off.

We decided to come this year with elements of our Butlins programme, and it worked so well for us again."

Deny

It also proved to be enough for them to deny reigning champion, Wardle High School under the direction of Lee Rigg, a second successive title.

The Lancastrians couldn't have done anymore in their Gold Award title defence with the opening 'Sparkling Diamonds' and the march, 'The Great Little Army' displaying excellent ensemble quality to go with a an impressive bit of solo playing from Ashley Higgins on euphonium in 'Napoli' and a fine account of the set work.

Cornwall gold

Third placed St Keverne made the long trip back to Cornwall with a Gold Award tucked into the boot of their band bus, thanks to a well delivered set under the baton of their young MD, Gareth Churcher.

The opening march, ‘Barnard Castle’ was played with confidence, whilst the trombone soloist was in fine form in 'Sweet Nightingale'. The reflective 'A Special Place' led into a controlled account of the test piece.

Narrowly missing out on a podium place was Macclesfield Youth under Louise Renshaw who achieved their best ever result at the contest.

Their Gold Award performance contained just two items: Jacob De Haan's colourful 'Rob Roy' saw the MD bring out fine ensemble control and secure solo lines, whilst they also produced a well constructed account of the set work.

Well worked

Dalmellington Junior and Stockport Schools Senior both took Silver Awards thanks to confidently delivered sets under the baton of Ian Taylor and James Holt respectively.

There were Bronze Awards for Astley Youth, Dobcross Youth, Hade Edge Youth, Oldham Music Centre, Poynton Youth, Sellers International and Tewitt Youth, with Merit Awards to Aberystwyth Youth, Abraham Darby Academy, Enderby Youth and Milton Keynes Youth.

Junior Band Section:

There was certainly no lack of enjoyment in the Junior Band Section (for players up to 16), where eleven ensembles of varying sizes provide plenty of high quality entertainment for the audience, as well as the two judges John Doyle and Sheona White in a packed RNCM Concert Hall,

John provided a highly entertaining pre-results performance himself, as he expertly ensured the young performers knew exactly what both he and Sheona were looking for in an interactive analysis, which was thoroughly appreciated by everyone shoehorned into the hall.

Great time

"We had a great time listening to all the bands," John said. "Each of you played so well. There were two excellent soloists amongst many, although we would have liked to hear a bit more lyrical playing today. It wasn’t the exciting playing that was a problem, but the hymn tunes."

"There was a bit of ‘blarting’ today," he added much to the delight of the younger players, although he added. "Always try to play with a lovely sound. It’s only a bit of piping when you unravel a cornet or euphonium, but it still can make a lovely sound if you really try hard!"

Bold winners

In the end it was the 40 plus young players of Chalford Brass, conducted by Steve Tubb who claimed the title, thanks to a 15 minute programme that combined ensemble boldness as well as tasteful lyricism to go with a neat touch of humour and a batch of classy soloists.

They opened with a purposeful ‘Pennine Moor’, before moving smoothly into the hymn tune ‘Hersley’.

A great sounding 15 year old tuba soloist Joe Ashenford led the way in ‘Bare Necessities’, before the band showed their serious side with a flowing second movement to Gordon Langford’s, ‘Sinfonietta’ and the rousing finale ‘Brassed Off!’

Tiny village

The MD was understandably delighted by a victory for a band that hails from the tiny west county village, where they play a central role in the musical life of the community.

"I love it," Steve said. "The players work so hard, and are so thrilled to represent the village. In return we get great support from the community. I’m so proud of them all today."

Asked about the secret to the success he added: "They really enjoy the serous music as well as the fun and games, so the players get a great deal out of different styles and genres that they can play at a contest like this."

Exciting

In a competition that certainly showed the exciting potential of a number of contenders, it was Fred Longworth High School who also claimed a Gold Award in second place directed by Rick Asbury.

Their contrasting programme included the precise march, ‘True Comrades’ as well as the delicate treatment of Malcolm Arnold’s ‘Siciliano’, the hymn tune ‘Eventide’ and ‘Break Out’ from ‘Hymn of the Highlands’.

Solitaire gold

The final Gold Award went to Stockport Schools Intermediate, conducted by Tim Dines. Their 11 year old cornet player Robbie Richardson stunned the audience with a superb rendition of the cornet solo ‘Solitaire’ in a programme that also included the march ‘Death or Glory’ and ended with ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’.

The single Silver Award of the contest went to Welsh contenders of Gwynedd Mon Juniors, whilst Bronze Awards went to Bolton Junior, Coleshill, Shirland Welfare Training, Tewitt Youth Intermediate and Thurlestone Training.

The debutants from near Barnsley also picked up the prize as the band showing most potential under the baton of Black Dyke horn player Jonathan Bates. Merit Awards went to Lions Youth and Macclesfield Junior.

Beginners Section:

Early on Sunday morning, there was an outstanding winner of a hugely enjoyable Beginner’s Band Section (for players up to 11 years of age) when Smithy Bridge Primary, conducted by Lee Rigg produced a stunning 15 minute programme, all from memory, to take the ‘Band of the Day’ Award.

Memory

Adjudicators Dr Nicholas Childs and Richard Evans were full of praise for the young performers from near Rochdale from the moment they marched briskly onto the stage to the ‘Mickey Mouse March’.

Neat changes of style and slick presentation followed with Francis Clifford’s ‘Concert Overture’ and ‘A Grand, Grand Waltz’, before they sparkled with the interactive ‘Scooby Doo meets the Muppets’ and the fizzing finale of ‘Snake Rattle and Roll’.

Volunteer

MD Lee Rigg later told 4BR that the commitment of his young players aged between 7 and 11 was such that they volunteered to come into school during the Easter Holidays to ensure they all knew their parts off by heart.

"The commitment they showed has been second to none," he said. "Because of the holidays I put it forward as an idea and they all jumped at the chance."

Wow!

Richard Evans, who knows more than most how to deliver a thrilling concert programme was almost speechless in admiration.

"Wow! There was so much to enjoy from all the bands today, but the winners were very special. Many senior bands could learn so much from what they did today – it was brilliant."

Dyke reward

Meanwhile, Dr Nicholas Childs made sure that the band’s efforts would gain even more reward as he revealed that he would be inviting them to play in a concert with Black Dyke later in the year.

"Such a great effort deserves to be performed in front of an even bigger audience," he said. "I hope they take up the invitation to play with Black Dyke in a concert later this year, although I think I’ll have to make sure my band is on the very best form to even match them!"

It’s a prize Lee knows his young players will be thrilled by – even if it does mean he will have to put some extra practice himself, as he also plays repiano for the Queensbury outfit.

Fantastic gesture

"It’s a fantastic gesture by Black Dyke. My players are already excited by the thought of playing on the same stage as the band, although it does mean I will have to make sure my playing is up to scratch too!"

Although Sue Richards, widow of composer Goff, presented Smithy Bridge with the single award of the section, there was plenty of tremendous playing from the remaining seven contenders to enjoy.

Well chosen items, directed with an expert mix of encouragement and drive, and played with energy and enthusiasm were featured in bands who varied in size from a dozen musicians to over 40 in number.

Lilliputian

As always the audience were especially thrilled to see a host of young players knee high to a bass drum and with feet barely touching the floor enjoying themselves, with a special mention to the Lilliputian percussion teams, many of whom could barely be seen over the timpani.

Lions Youth, Astley Youth, Sellers International, Bradford Junior, Coleshill, Bolton Beginners and Macclesfield all delighted a full hall with items from Jock MacKenzie originals to Disney arrangements and even a bit of Ritchie Valance ‘La Bamba’!

BFBB success

With the BFBB recently coming under the spotlight for the internal problems it has been troubled with, they could understandably feel proud of the way in which the event was run.

A record entry of 44 bands delivered high class music making in each of the four sections, whilst their playing certainly entertained the audiences, with both the Concert Hall and Theatre packed throughout the day.

Excellent

Despite just running over time to end at around 10.30pm, the excellent organisation team led by Arnold Tattersfield, Gary Walczak and Shirley Woodward, volunteers and the trio of top class comperes, enabled the day to run without a hitch.

No wonder BFBB Chairman Robert Morgan quite rightly stated: "It’s been a great day. With news of increased funding to brass bands over 400% in the past year and with record numbers here this weekend it shows that this event has the potential to go from strength to strength."

It was announced that next year’s event is to be held at the RNCM on Sunday 14th April.

Iwan Fox & Malcolm Wood

Images:

A full gallery of images from the event can be seen at:
http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2012/1309a.asp

Full Results:

Championship Section
RNCM Concert Hall
Commence: 5.30pm approx

Oceans (Goff Richards) and own choice selection within 20 minutes playing time
Adjudicators: Steven Mead & Dr Roger Webster

1. Carnoustie & District Youth (Michael Robertson) (Gold)
2. Lions Youth (Nigel Birch) (Gold)
3. Northamptonshire Youth (Brad Turnbull) (Gold)

Silver
Elland Silver Youth (Samantha Harrison)
Rochdale Borough Youth (Eric Landon)

Bronze
Bolton Youth (Helen Minshall)
Gloucestershire Youth (Steve Legge)
St Helens Youth (Anna Hughes-Williams)

Best Instrulmentalist: Josiah Walters (bass trombone): Carnoustie & District Youth
Brian Hicks Memorial Trophy: Eric Landon (Rochdale Borough Youth)

Intermediate Section
RNCM Theatre
Commence: 9.30am

A Saddleworth Festival Overture (Goff Richards) and own choice selection within 20 minutes playing time
Adjudicators: Katrina Marzella & Les Neish

1. Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans) (Gold)
2. Wardle High School (Lee Rigg) (Gold)
3. St Keverne (Gareth Churcher) (Gold)

Best Instrumentalist: Thomas Fountain (principal cornet): Youth Brass 2000

Gold
Macclesfield Youth (Louise Renshaw)

Silver
Dalmellington Junior Band (Ian Taylor)
Stockport Schools Senior Brass Band (James Holt)

Bronze
Astley Youth (Toby Hobson)
Dobcross Youth (Jonathan Parkes)
Hade Edge Youth (Simon Wood)
Oldham Music Centre (Martyn Evans)
Poynton Youth (Mike Eccles)
Sellers International (Alex Kerwin)
Tewit Youth (Dave Smith)

Merit
Aberystwyth Youth (Alan Phillips)
Abraham Darby Academy Brass Band (Glyn Wilkes)
Enderby Youth (Trevor Hounsome)
Milton Keynes Youth (David Rose)

Junior Band Section
RNCM Concert Hall
Commence: 12.30pm approx

Own choice programme to include one piece of music composed for brass band and two verses of a hymn tune within 15 minutes playing time.
Adjudicators: John Doyle & Sheona White

1. Chalford (Steve Tubb) (Gold)
2. Fred Longworth High School (Helen Robinson) (Gold)
3. Stockport Schools Intermediate (Tim Dines) (Gold)

Band with Most Potential: Thurlstone Training Band (Jonathan Bates)
Best Instrumentalist: Robbie Richardson (principal cornet): Stockport Schools Intermediate

Silver
Gwynedd Mon Junior (John Glyn Jones)

Bronze
Bolton Junior (Anna Hughes-Williams)
Coleshill (Stephen Fagg)
Shirland Welfare Training (David Harvey)
Tewit Youth Intermediate (Ben Tierney)
Thurlstone Training Band (Jonathan Bates)

Merit
Lions Youth (Ian Raisbeck)
Macclesfield Junior (Cheryl Slamon)

Beginner’s Band Section
RNCM Concert Hall
Commence: 8.45am

Own choice programme of up to 15 minutes playing time.
Adjudicators: Dr Nicholas Childs & Richard Evans

Band of the Day: Smithy Bridge Primary (Lee Rigg)

Lions Youth (Christopher Thompson)
Astley Youth Training Band (Susan Strizaker)
Sellers International (Jamie Smith)
Bradford Junior Brass Band (Morgan Griffiths)
Coleshill (Sally Fagg)
Bolton Beginners (Toby Hobson)
Macclesfield Youth Training Band (Liz Hudson)