It was hard to think of an occasion when the response to winning a National title has been so overwhelming.

Harry Met Sally

The feral yelp of disbelieving ecstasy from band representative Claire Bramley said it all — starting a millisecond after Peter Bates announced that South Milford had been crowned 2012 Second Section Champion Band of Great Britain.

Mind you, it lasted longer than Meg Ryan’s memorable climatic exhibition of glee in the famous diner scene in the film, ‘When Harry Met Sally’.

Whatever she was having, there were 16 other band reps who wouldn’t have minded changing places for sure.

First in over 20 years

It is doubtful Claire will quickly calm down either, given the desire her delighted fellow players had to revel in becoming the first North of England band to claim a National title for well over 20 years.

In the all important view of the adjudicators Melvin White and John Maines it was a victory secured by producing ‘a wonderfully musical performance’ that ‘gave the music, space and time’.

Snatched from rivals

South Milford’s rendition of ‘Academic Festival Overture’ off the number 16 draw, snatched the title from rivals Bilton Silver (Rugby) and Haslingden & Helmshore – the only other contenders the judges felt had really given them what they were looking for on a day of varied competition.

It meant that the trio of fancied pre-results contenders in Mossley, Llwydcoed and City of Bradford were left to rue technically precise performances that didn’t quite resonate in the tent as they perhaps did in the hall.

Judges clear

However, the judges were clear in their convictions.

"This was not a technical test." John Maines said; "Some bands didn’t really understand this was Brahms – some were more like William Rimmer. There was too much aggression on show at times."

Interpretations varied too, as Melvin added: "We waited very nearly all day for a performance of this quality. There were three performances that stood out, where the MDs gave the music that time and space we looked for. Not many captured the details – the little rals and poco rits."

Bass drum concerto

He dryly added: "Some of the percussionists certainly made the most of their opportunities. There were a few bass drum concertos."

That may have also explained a few of the positions of bands that eventually found themselves further down the results table than they would have thought possible after leaving the stage at The Centaur Centre.

Furrowed brows

The players and MDs of Thundersley and Otterbourne amongst others will have left Cheltenham with furrowed brows of wry disbelief.

However, as Melvin added as a codicil, some played the drinking songs at a tempo that made them difficult to sing – even if merry.

"Some bands played the music but didn’t find the music," he observed.

Grin

That wasn’t a problem for the winners in their opinion, or in that of the victorious MD Martin Hall, although he still wore a grin of disbelief as he happily posed at the side of the famous Cheltenham racecourse track to have his picture taken with the National Trophy.

The personable and very modest young conductor had nothing but the highest praise for his band.

"I came to South Milford as I was having a break from playing. I was asked to conduct, enjoyed it and have continued to work at it because they are such a wonderful bunch of people.

They put so much into this for me. I thought we played well and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I’m so pleased for the players and the supporters – it’s a great band to be associated with."

The future now looks bright for the band that a few years ago was battling in the Fourth Section. "We have so much to look forward to now," Martin added. "But first comes the celebration!"

Bilton lead

Until South Milford took to the stage, it was Bilton Silver (Rugby) who had one hand on the National Trophy after the experienced David Stowell led the Midlanders in a persuasive performance enhanced by the contribution of an exemplary horn team, led by ‘Best Instrumentalist’ prize winner Paul Bennett.

The former Desford player later told 4BR: "Bilton is a hard working band that has been really improving. It’s a great set up that has sustainable long terms aims and objectives – and in getting a great result here they have certainly met one of them.

It’s not a horn player wins a solo prize, but it was really a team effort. Now we can look forward to promotion to the First Section in 2013 with real confidence."

Surprise

Meanwhile, there was a bit of a surprise for Haslingden & Helmshore’s band rep as third prize was announced – as he had forgotten what his band had been drawn and had to be coaxed up to collect their prize!

"When they announced band number 4 it didn’t twig, but now it has we are very happy," he said a little sheepishly.

Top six disappointment

There was disappointment however for the trio of bands that eventually filled the remaining top six places announced from the stage.

Many neutrals in the hall thought that the National title was heading one of three ways – to the North West with Mossley, Wales with Llywdcoed or Yorkshire with City of Bradford.

In the end though it ended up in the North of England.

Magnanimous

And although disappointed Lee Skipsey, MD of City of Bradford was magnanimous in defeat when he spoke to 4BR.

"Congratulations to South Milford. As we found out last year, winning here is a great feeling. We are disappointed of course, but that’s contesting. I’m pleased at the way we played and the attitude of the players who now want to go and prove themselves in the First Section next year."

As for South Milford, a great band of enthusiastic players and supporters can look forward to a night to remember in Cheltenham. Let’s just hope they all have as good a time as their band rep!

Iwan Fox

In the all important view of the adjudicators Melvin White and John Maines it was a victory secured by producing ‘a wonderfully musical performance’ that ‘gave the music, space and time’4BR

Second Section:
Saturday 22nd September
Test Piece: Academic Festival Overture (Brahms arr. Dr Denis Wright)
Commence: 9.30am
Adjudicators: John Maines & Melvin White

Results:

1. South Milford Brass, Martin Hall, (North of England)
2. Bilton Silver (Rugby), David Stowell, (Midlands)
3. Haslingden & Helmshore, David Holland, (North West)
4. Mossley, Duncan Byers, (North West)
5. Llwydcoed, Nigel Seaman, (Wales)
6. City of Bradford, Lee Skipsey, (Yorkshire)
7. Coalburn Silver, Gareth Bowman, (Scotland)
8. Croy Silver, Kenneth Blackwood, (Scotland)
9. Shirebrook Miners Welfare Unison, Mark Wilcockson, (Midlands)
10. Goodwick Brass, Matthew Jenkins, (Wales)
11. Lympstone South West Telecoms, Charles Fleming, (West of England)
12. Thundersley Brass, John Ward, (London & Southern Counties)
13. Chalgrove, Terry Brotherhood, (London & Southern Counties)
14. Otterbourne Brass, Gareth Pritchard, (West of England)
15. Clifton & Lightcliffe, John Clay, (Yorkshire)
16. Littleport, Nigel Bramley, (London & Southern Counties)
17. York Railway Institute, Gordon Eddison, (North of England)

Best Instrumentalist: Paul Bennett (horn) — Bilton Silver (Rugby)