Sunday 10th February
Draw: Pre-drawn for bands 1-3, then 10.00am
Start:10.30am

Adjudicators:
Andrew Berryman (Music)
Robin Dewhurst (Entertainment)

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Comments: Malcolm Wood

Live comments

Overall

The Premier Youth Entertainment Contest in the UK has once again served up a real treat today.

Picking a winner though is not going to be easy for Andy Berryman and Robin Dewhurst but those that do well will have ticked all the usual boxes.

Lots of bands impressed, but getting the balance between the musical and entertainment element is always a difficult trick to pull off.

In no order, defending champions, Elland Silver Youth really impressed with a solid performance as did Youth Brass 2000. Eric Landon’s musical tricks of everything weather related should have put them close and St Helens, Wardle High and St Keverne have not made it an easy decision.

To use the old cliché, it really could come down to personal preference for the judges but we think it will be a very close call with very little between the top three

4BR Prediction

1. Elland Silver Youth
2. Youth Brass 2000
3. Rochdale Borough Youth

Dark Horses: St Helens Youth

12.Wardle High School (Lee Rigg)

Akademische Festfanfare
Stringray
That’s Amore
The Great Little Army
Just As I Am
The Eve of the War (War of the Worlds)

The Lancastrians open up with an Academic Fanfare by Peter Graham that really hits you between the eyes.

The tribute to Gerry Anderson was a slick and show-stopping ‘Stingray’ whilst the bass soloist tries to upstage the flugel soloist in ‘That’s Amore’. The flugel bell played into the bell is an old trick but works so well here.

The Alford march, ‘Great Little Army’ see’s the band playing at the top of its game even Tricky Dicky would nod in approval at this whilst the Heaton tome poem ‘Just As I Am’ displays some really fine, controlled playing.

With voiced over introduction by Richard Burton, ‘The Eve of the War’ is delivered with a hint of slickness and efficiency.

Overall: Lots of fine playing here that played to the band’s strengths

11. Elland Silver Youth Band (Samantha Harrison)

O Fortuna
Puttin On the Ritz
Dis Irae
Funeral March of a Marionette
The Chase – Devil’s Galop
Always look on the Bright side of Life

Elland goes for a ‘Murder Mysteries’ themed programme. The opening ‘O Fortuna’ see’s the band standing at the front of the stage in traditional formation whilst various characters are introduced into this musical version of ‘Cluedo’.

‘O Fortuna’ is played with real style and vigour whilst having moved back away from the front of the stage, ‘Puttin On the Ritz’ demonstrates an ensemble that can change musical style as easily as rolling the dice

‘Dis Irae’ from Berlioz’s ‘Symphonie Fantastique’ is a piece of quality musicianship – some of the best playing of the day. Gounod’s ‘Funeral March of a Marionette’ gives the band the opportunity to demonstrate some excellent dynamics and tiny marching steps.

The theatrical chase incorporating which takes you from ‘Devil’s Galop through to Benny Hill’ is performed with a tightness of ensemble that really catches the ear and there was no shortage of choreography.

The vocalist in ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ communicates superbly with the audience and its played in such a relaxed, yet impressive manner with the standing players swaying from side to side.

Overall: A terrific title defence from the Yorkshire outfit that had a bit of everything and more at times. They couldn’t have done anymore.

10. Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans)

St Louis Blues
Moonlight Serenade
American Patrol
Virtuosity
Mr Sandman
Chatanooga Choo Choo
Tuxedo Junction
Pennsylvania 6.50000
Little Brown Jug
March: Rocky Mountain Centennial

The Butlins Youth Champions sets themselves in big band formation and are dressed in army attire.

The Glen Miller themed programme starts effectively with ‘St Louis Blues’ whilst there is a wonderful control of the dynamics in ‘Moonlight Serenade’ before Thomas Fountain brings the house down with a stunning bit of playing in ‘Virtuosity’

‘American Patrol’ links well into the humorous take on ‘Mr Sandman’ whilst further musical excerpts link well into ‘Tuxedo Junction’ that includes more stylistic playing from young Mr Fountain.

‘Little Brown Jug’ is slickly polished and incorporates some great drum work before they finish things off with the march, ‘Rocky Mountain Centennial’

Overall: A Miller tribute from Youth Brass 2000 that really impressed from start to finish. A core of main music was segued by cleverly thought out snippets. Chris Jeans played to his bands strengths and they’ve repaid him today with an impressive show.

9. St Helens Youth (Anna Hughes-Williams)

James Bond Collection
In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
Be a Clown
It better be Tonight
Soul Bossa Nova

The Merseyside outfit are dressed up in all kinds of outfits as they take those assembled on a trip to the Movies.

‘James Bond Collection’ is played with a real sense of fun and confidence whilst there is the obligatory bit of choreographed ‘Bond dramatics’

Trombonist, Jack Rowlands shows how to project with a sense of a style in ‘In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning’ from ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ whilst ‘Be a Clown’ is full of fun but underpinned by good ensemble work.

Pink Panther makes his presence felt in ‘It Better Be Tonight’, whilst ‘Soul Bossa Nova’ is confidently delivered with plenty of dance moves to keep you on your toes.

Overall: Lots of good playing on display from a well-drilled and disciplined ensemble. It could give the judges something to ponder.

8. Houghton Area Youth (Brian Lamb)

Flower of Scotland
I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)
Afton Water
A Hundred Pipers
The Water is Wide
Loch Lomond

Houghton becomes the latest band to set themselves up on stand in standing formation with no chairs or music stands.

With the MD dressed in traditional Scottish dress, ‘Flower of Scotland’ takes the audience to the North of the UK whilst ‘I’m Gonna Be’ is full of upbeat playing and plenty of moving around the stage.

‘Afton Water’ features a fine soloist who impresses with control and musicality whilst the quietness of the dynamics from the ensemble catches the ear.

A taste of the famous Edinburgh’s Military Tattoo with its pipers and Scottish dancers gets the audience clapping along in ‘A Hundred Pipers’. So well played and delivered this from the playing to the supporting dancers.

The traditional ‘The Water is Wide’ features a trio of angelic singers with some delicate accompaniment with credit going to the MD for making sure the ensemble never over-powered the singers.

‘Loch Lomond’ to close, is a spruced up version of the familiar tune that includes good ensemble and an amplified electric guitarist that reminded you of Brian May on the top of Buckingham Palace years ago, playing the National Anthem.

Overall: A well delivered Scottish set that had a bit of everything in it from good presentation to some excellent playing.

7. Rochdale Borough Youth (Eric Landon)

Little April Showers
The Sun Has Got His Hat On
Thunder and Lightening Polka
Autumn Leaves
Bring Me Sunshine

There is not a music stand or chair to be seen as Rochdale comes onto stage to stand in traditional formation with a host of umbrellas in their weather themed programme.

‘Little April Showers’ is full of attention to detail be it music or choreography. MD brings band right to the front of the stage as the bass soloist has a ball in ‘The Sun Has Got His Hat On’ – nifty bit of playing this from an accomplished player.

The Strauss Polka benefits from some energetic playing on the bass drum from the percussionist whilst Tenor Horn soloist, Helen Clark displays a lovely lyrical sound that is so secure in ‘Autumn Leaves’.

‘Bring Me Sunshine’ uses two euphoniums (with one changing on to trombone towards the end) who display great musicality and showmanship and humour just as Eric and Ernie did week in, week out on the tv screens.

Eric and Ernie ‘dance off’ in usual style as the band reprises ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ as the main stars take a bow.

Overall: The Paul Daniels of the banding world, Eric Landon has pulled out all the musical tricks here. Cleverly engineered and so well played, they’ve put themselves in the mix with a cracking show.

6. Sellers International Youth (Alex Kerwin)

Song 2- Blur
Georgia on My Mind
Soldiers in the Park
The Second Waltz
All Night Long

Sellers under Alex Kerwin set themselves up with the cornets and trombones standing on risers either side of the euphs, baritones, basses and flugel. All the music is preceeded by radio announcers from a variety of stations.

The Blur hit from the late 90s is a reel hoot whilst Principal Cornet, Jamie Smith is in terrific form in ‘Georgia on My Mind’ – a player full of confidence and style.

‘Soldiers in the Park’ (the BBC Radio 2 Listen to the Band theme tune) is played with real verve and energy whilst the waltz is a delicate little number, all with some enchanting ballet moves from a ballerina.

Leigh Baker’s arrangement of ‘All Night Long’ closes the programme in a real up beat manner courtesy of some impressive drumming.

Overall: A programme that certainly kept you interested and engaged from start to finish, nicely delivered with Jamie Smith a contender for the solo prize.

Lunch break

Some excellent playing so far with Enderby and St Keverne leading the way for us but plenty to play for.

5. Enderby Youth (Trevor Hounsome)

St Louis Blues March
Kumbayah
Georgia on My Mind
Kennesaw Mountain Blues
Dawn Bourbon Street

The Glen Miller March is performed with the razzamatazz of all the best American Marching Bands – more choreographed moves than on Strictly Come Dancing but all done so slickly and without the sight of a conductor.

With the band spaced around the stage ‘Kumbayah’ showcases some lovely ensemble playing and a flugel voice that is full of confidence.

‘Georgia on My Mind’ showcases a cracking cornet player who delivers it in a way Alan Morrison would be proud of whilst some effective choreography reveals the bright lights of Georgia – it’s all systems go here.

‘Kennesaw Mountain Blues’ has a great pulse to it, not too mention, plenty of confident playing and the blues style comes off – not easy to do but done with confidence.

It’s dance the night away, American Blues style to close. Nothing out of place either from the slick dancing to the excellent ensemble playing.

Overall: An American blues programme that worked so well in the musical and entertainment elements. It was none stop action. Interesting to see what the judges make of it

4. St Keverne Youth (Gareth Churcher)

Toccata in D Minor
The Bare Necessities
Colours of the Wind
Pirates of the Carribean

It’s a Disney theme for the Cornish outfit and the opening Bach favourite is played with lots of energy and colourful dynamics.

‘Bare Necessities’ from the ‘Jungle Book’ features a belting bass soloist who is dressed for the part and a cornet section that reproduces their part so effectively.

‘Colours of the Wind’ features a female vocalist that blends in well with the ensemble – neither drowns each other out.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ is played at a neat tempo with lots of contrasting dynamics and a persuasive percussion section that drives everything through

Overall: A very impressive debut for the Cornish outfit. A programme that was delivered with real confidence and self belief.

3. Seindorf Beaumaris Youth (Gwyn Evans) Withdrawn

2. Wardle Juniors (Gwen Smith)

Come Follow the Band
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Foolin About
The Big Top
Rule the World
Circus Parade

It’s a trip to the circus for Wardle Juniors who are all dressed up as animals and people and stand to play throughout. The opening ‘Come Follow the Band’ is an action packed affair. The Andrews Sisters tribute puts a smile on the face with an effective vocal voice.

‘Foolin About’ features the trombones and a player playing with his foot whilst PLC’s ‘The Big Top’ maintains the standard set previously – tons of energy and lots of musical drive on show here that gets into the spirit of the circus so effectively.

Take That’s ‘Rule the World’ see’s the lads and lasses from Rochdale rule the Opera House stage whilst the two ‘Nellies’ features the usual bits of humour but is nicely played by the bass players.

The closing ‘Circus Parade’ continues in the manner that everything previously has gone before it – so much energy, enthusiasm and drive.

Overall: loads of fun, a theme that worked so well as the players loved it and special mention to the MC who thrived on his role.

1. Macclesfield Youth Band (Louise Renshaw)

Olympic Fanfare & Theme
Bring Him Home
March: Slaidburn
Skyfall
Finale from Faust

Macclesfield opts for a night at'The Silver Plate Awards' which pays homage to bands and other musical genres. The opening
'Fanfare' is full of drive and energy and some really effective sounds. Bring Him Home from ‘Les Miserables’ features an
impressive male solo voice and sympathetic accompaniment.

Slaidburn is taken at a nicely paced tempo with the drummers at the front looking as spick and span as the legendary Royal Marines Corp of Drums – slick and impressive stuff.

The 'Best Film' award goes to Skyfall which is delivered with a style vocalist Adele would have appreciated. The Finale from the ballet, 'Faust' is a bold choice to close but its delivered with boundless enthusiasm and some effective playing.

Overall: A very enjoyable programme that was extremely well played and full of total commitment