Saturday 16th February
Draw: Pre-drawn
Adjudicators:
David Horsfield (Music)
David Childs (Entertainment)
Additional comments and thoughts on our Twitter site: www.twitter.com/4barsrest
Comments: Malcolm Wood
Live coverage
What a wonderful and enjoyable day this has been, superbly organised and ran by an army of volunteers who deserve so much credit for running it with real efficiency.
The 14 bands have given it their all today and there has been some very impressive performances but also some very brave and audacious choices in repertoire. It’s going to be interesting to see what judges David Horsfield and David Childs have to say with entertainment programmes being so subjective.
One thing though is we think it’ll be pretty tight here at the top for the honours today. Huddersfield produced a cracking show as did Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham and York.
Close call but………..
4BR Prediction
1. Huddersfield
2. Manchester
3. Cardiff
Dark Horses: Birmingham
14. University of Cambridge (Tristan Harkcom)
March: Colonel Bogey, Kenneth J Alford
Concert Variations, Don Lusher
Trombone Soloist: Jonathon Hunt
Pavane, Gabriel Faure arr. Gordon Langford
Prelude and Fugue — Arise my Soul, Arise!, Sir Dean Goffin
Cambridge’s opening ‘Colonel Bogey’ is delivered with a sense of fun whilst trombonist Jonathon Hunt, delivers a fine account of Lusher’s ‘Concert Variations’.
Faure’s ‘Pavane’ is one of the few quiet pieces that have been played today and it is delivered in a nice composed manner despite the odd uncomfortable moment. Goffin’s ‘Prelude and Fugue – Arise my Soul, Arise!’ is certainly a left field choice with a hint of tiredness in the playing towards the end.
Overall: Not a bad programme from Cambridge but probably not enough to win today.
13. University of Hull (Ian Walshaw)
When Thunder Calls, Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Donegal Bay, Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Baritone Soloist: Zena Boka
Concert March from "1941", John Williams arr. Steve Sykes
The Smile, Matt Hall
The Pioneers, Philip Sparke
PLC’s ‘When Thunder Calls’ is delivered with choreographed slickness and musical polish. The portrayal of ‘Donegal Bay’ has a soloist displaying lots of lyrical beauty whilst the quirky march ‘1941’ is full of energy and dynamics.
Matt Hall’s tribute to his grandfather which includes snippets from well-known hymns is a little tear-jerker. Lovely bit of playing from cornet and euphonium on show here.
Sparke’s ‘The Pioneers’ written to celebrate the launch of The National Children’s Band of Great Britain is full of youthful enthusiasm and endeavour.
Overall: Lots of enjoyable stuff from the Hull contingent – they didn’t choose music beyond their means and it paid off for them.
12 University of Cardiff (Martin Humphries)
Dragons’ Rise, Matthew Hall
Diversions on Calon Lan, Tom Davoren
Trombone Soloist: Jack Lewis
March: The Contestor, T.J. Powell
Hymn: Blaenwern, arr. James McFadyen
Sosban Fach, Gareth
Cardiff opts for a ‘Postcards from Wales’ inspired programme. Matt Hall’s ‘Dragons’ Rise’ is full of fire and brimstone whilst Tom Davoren’s ‘Diversions on Calon Lan’ sees trombone soloist, Jack Lewis in excellent form.
TJ Powell’s ‘The Contestor’ certainly catches the ear whilst the hymn tune, ‘Blarnwern’ is full of reverence. The closing ‘Sosban Fach’ see’s the South Wales University really enjoy themselves whilst keeping a tight reign on the dynamics.
Overall: A programme that played to the bands strengths and was delivered very well, just a few tiny moments may cost them though
11.University of Bangor (Meurig Jones)
Sing Sing Sing, Louis Prima arr. Ray Woodfield
Virtuosity, Kenny Baker arr. Jack Peberdy
Trumpet Soloist: Ben Eggington
Hymn: Deep Harmony, Traditional arr. John Golland
Famous British Marches, arr. Gordon Langford
Buglers Holiday, Leroy Anderson arr. Roger Barsotti
Cornet Trio: Tamzin Haines, Robert Thompson, Mia Thomas
Caravan, Duke Ellington/Juan Tizol arr. Steve Sykes
The North Walian’s open up with Prima’s ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ which is certainly polished in its delivery and contains a brilliant bit of drum work, but the precision of the stilted style does leave a question mark.
Trumpet Soloist, Ben Eggington enjoys himself in the old favourite, ‘Virtuosity’ but the find really find their feet in the hymn tune, ‘Deep Harmony’ and Langford’s ‘Famous British Marches’.
The cornet trio of ‘Bugler’s Holiday’ gel together well whilst the ensemble really cut loose and enjoy themselves in ‘Caravan’.
Overall: Some good playing on show here but perhaps not all the constituent parts of the programme will have clicked together in the manner the judges will be looking for.
10. University of Birmingham (Edward Mylechreest)
Florentiner March, Julius Fucik
Demelza, Hugh Nash
Tenor Horn Soloist: Oliver Sourbut
Dream Catchers, Paul Lovatt-Cooper
The largest band of the day (by some margin) opens up in impressive style with the ‘Florentiner March’ whilst Tenor Horn Soloist, Oliver Sourbut produces a tasteful reading of ‘Demelza’.
Paul Lovatt Cooper’s ‘Dream Catchers’ which contains numerous links to jazz and funk is clearly music that the band have enjoyed playing and there are some engaging ‘ad-lib’ solo parts on show. The ensemble playing never overshadows the solo work but there is the hint of tired lips in the rousing closing section.
Overall: Tidy playing from Birmingham but there was just the odd bit of tired lips in evidence at the end of Dream Catchers
9. University of Lancaster (Christopher Osborn)
I Want It All, Queen arr. Steve Sykes
Hymn: Abide with Me, W.H.Monk arr. Jenkins/Graham
March: Ambassadors, Peter Graham
Stardust, Ilan Eshkeri arr. Geldard
Trombone Soloist: James Campion
‘Adiemus’ & ‘Song of the Plains’ from ‘Aspects of Adiemus’, Karl Jenkins arr. Graham
Steve Sykes’ take on Queen’s ‘I Want It All’ grips the audience who enjoy some excellent playing and a blinding bit of soprano work .
Abide with Me features some nicely controlled dynamics whilst the Salvation Army march, The Ambassadors’ that contains references to Stand Up for Jesus and Marching through Georgia is nicely paced. The trombone soloist in ‘Stardust’ produces a lovely sound in his execution that is so laid back, it’s a wonder he stayed upright
The two movements from ‘Aspects of Adiemus’ to close are delivered with ease on the ear with close attention paid to the dynamic contrasts.
Overall: The organisers of Unibrass can be proud of that show. It was a programme that was tailored to their talents and was well delivered.
8.University of Huddersfield (Jonathan Beatty)
Enter The Galaxies, Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Hymn: Gresford arr. Sandy Smith
March: Mephistopheles, Shipley Douglas
Lizsteria arr. Sandy Smith
Xylophone Soloists: Joseph Whelan & Taneli Clarke
‘Finale’ from Symphony No. 3 (‘Organ’), Saint-Saens arr. Frank Renton
PLC’s ‘Enter The Galaxies’ paints a wonderful vivid picture of space as its performed with real energy and verve.
The Miner’s Hymn complete with quartet and cornet player in different parts of the hall, is full of poise, control and delightful dynamics.
‘Mephi’ is tight and bright whilst Sandy Smith’s ‘Lizteria’ duet for xylophonists features two percussionists who communicate exceptionally well with the audience whilst the humour doesn’t detract too much from the music.
Jonathan Beatty’s innate insight and understanding of the music comes to fruition in the Organ Symphony. The music flows so freely and there is admirable control of the dynamics which are pushed but its not raucous. A real bit of quality playing on show here.
Overall: Solid from start to finish, it’s certainly put them in the mix.
Half Way – Lunch
A really enjoyable morning’s music with lots of good quality playing on show. There is a winner declared later today though and the trio of Manchester, York and Warwick are the ones that are leading for us so far.
7. University of Durham (Dave Collins)
Fanfares and Fantasies, James McFadyen
Indian Summer, Eric Ball
‘Benedictus’ from The Armed Man Karl Jenkins arr. Tony Small
Euphonium soloist — Henry Allen
Superstition Stevie Wonder, arr. Dave Collins
Trumpet & Trombone Soloists: Will Shaw & Gwynneth Mayers
Durham goes for a theme of ‘Rituals and Traditions’ which starts with James McFadyen’s ‘Fanfares and Fantasies’ that’s full of contrasting dynamics.
Eric Ball’s ‘Indian Summer’ is a brave choice that certainly has much to admire in the four movements (cornet player in second movement impresses) and it grew in confidence as it progressed.
Henry Allen digs deep in the second performance of ‘Benedictus’ whilst the trumpet and trombone soloist lead the way in the closing Stevie Wonder item.
Overall: Durham will have come off stage proud with their efforts today in what was a challenging programme.
6. University of Warwick (Simon Hogg)
March: Praise, Wilfred Heaton
Kalinka, Ivan Larionov, arr. Ray Woodfield
Hymn: Repton, Charles H. H. Parry, arr. Gavin Somerset
Children of Sanchez, Chuck Mangione, arr. Reid Gilje
Soloist :Alex Parker
Sway, Pablo B. Ruiz, arr. Jon Bennett
Warwick opens their debut performance here with an impressive account of Heaton’s quirky march, ‘Praise’. Ray Woodfield’s Russian ‘Kalinka’ maintains control throughout even with the increase in tempo markings whilst ‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind’ is also noticeable for the control of dynamics.
In the first of two Latin pieces to close their programme, Alex Parker certainly enjoys himself in the popular ‘Children of Sanchez’ where he is supported by some excellent accompaniment whilst Pablo Ruiz’s ‘Sway’ gets the audience tapping their feet and dreaming of warmer climates.
Overall: An intriguing programme that certainly caught the ear
5. University of York (Leo Conroy)
Just a Closer Walk, Traditional arr. Alan Fernie
Concorde, Roy Newsome
Cornet Soloist: Charlotte Heaven
March: Ballerina, Karlick and Bootz arr. Gordon MacKenzie
Hymn: Eventide, W.H. Monk arr. Leigh Baker
The Gael, Dougie Maclean arr. Andrew Duncan
The funeral procession slowly walks in from the back of the hall in the opening ‘Just A Closer Walk with Thee’ before cutting loose with some enjoyable razzamatazz ensemble playing
Charlotte Heaven’s warm, flamboyant sound is in evidence in Dr Newsome’s ‘Concorde’ whilst the March, ‘Ballerina’ moves as swiftly as a ‘Paso Doble’. Leigh Baker’s arrangement of ‘Abide with Me’ is played with a real sense of musicality and effective dynamics.
Andrew Duncan’s ‘The Gael’ from ‘The Last of the Mohicans’ is full of atmosphere and nuance (and a host of visual images) as the York outfit close in fine style.
Overall: An excellent well delivered programme set with plenty of colourful contrasts.
4. University of Manchester (Jonathan Evans)
Festival March: Praise, Heaton
Introduction and Tarantella Sarasate, arr. Luc Vertommen
Euphonium Solo: Jonti Smith
Resurgam, Eric Ball
Heaton’s March, ‘Praise’ really gets the toes tapping but it’s delivered with clarity and precision by the debutants. Jonti Smith is an accomplished euphonium soloist in ‘Introduction and Tarantella Sarasate’ – originally written for violin, but this is playing on a different level from any other solo heard so far today – bravo.
Ball’s ‘Resurgam’ is led by an MD who has an understanding of the composer’s wishes with some fine solo playing and an ensemble that never sounded over-bearing.
Overall: The music may have been of a more serious nature than we’ve heard so far today, but it was confidently delivered and executed. In the context of the competition, they lead the way at the first comfort break.
3. University of Southampton (David Laverick & Nicholas Bromilow)
When Thunder Calls, Paul Lovatt-Cooper
March: Glemdene, John.R. Carr
‘San Michele Arcangelo’, from Church Windows Ottorino Respighi arr. Gordon
Song for the Skies, Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Eb Tuba Soloist: Lloyd Crowley
Last Call, Otto M. Schwarz
Paul Lovatt Cooper’s ‘When Thunder Calls’ is delivered with real confidence and energy to open. The March, ‘Glemdene’ is taken at a brisk tempo but has security in its execution. ‘San Michele Arcangelo’, from Respighi’s ‘Church Windows’ is a brave old choice, full of broad and varied dynamics that the band copes extremely well with.
Lloyd Crowley ‘Song for the Skies’ (written for Les Neish) demonstrates the soloist in lyrical descriptive mood whilst the closing filmatic ‘Last Call’ written for the Austrians of Oberosterreich is delivered with real gusto – percussion section take a bow.
Overall: Southampton set themselves a tough programme to deliver today and whilst it wasn’t without the odd moment, there was some really good playing on show.
2. Keele University (John Watson)
Coronation March, Meyerbeer arr. Watson
To all the Girls I've Loved Before, David & Hammond arr. Derek Broadbent
Euphonium Soloist: Dom Sheehy & Trombone Soloist: Callum Greenhalgh
Pop Looks Beethoven, Beethoven arr. Richard Newman
Benedictus, Karl Jenkins arr. Tony Small
Euphonium soloist — James Butterworth-Smith
5th Avenue, Andrew Stevenson
Meyeerbeer’s famous march bristles with energy and effective dynamics. The duet ‘To all the Girls I’ve Loved Before’ is played with real musical sympathy and understanding.
‘Pops Looks Beethoven’ is a rock infused take on the great composer complete with electronic guitar and driving percussion that is extremely well played.
James Butterworth-Smith is in excellent form in the enchanting ‘Benedictus’ supported by impressive ensemble.
Andrew Stevenson’s take on life in New York’s ‘5th Avenue’ portrays the hectic, fast paced lifestyle of New Yorkers superbly well with the percussion again showcasing their talents.
Overall: A really intriguing mix of music that was well played from start to finish.
1. University of Oxford (Gareth Coulson)
Where Eagles Dare, Goodwin arr. Darrol Barry
Pearl and Dean, arr. C Dance
Chicken Run, Gregson-Williams arr. Sandy Smith
For Your Eyes Only, Conti arr. Darrol Barry
Flugel Soloist: Florence Spaven
Hootenanny, Harold Walters
Ten Manly Gags, arr. Bernaerts
Oxford has opted for a movie inspired theme.
Band walks on stage to the beat of the drum which leads into ‘Where Eagles Dare’ which is rhythmically driven by the beating drum and supported by some energetic ensemble playing.
Pearl & Dean links into an effective piece that holds together well whilst the flugel soloist displays a lovely warm tone in ‘For Your Eyes Only’
‘Hootenanny’ as is cheesy and stale as a piece of Cheddar that’s been in a student’s fridge for the whole academic year, but its played with so much fun and energy (well done trombones) and some choreography thrown in for good measure – you suspect the players really wanted to play this!
‘Ten Manly Gags’ certainly engages the ear, and is a little different to close.
Overall: excellent start to the day with a well balanced programme
