The Leyland Band was once again in perfect harmony with conductor Michael Bach in the Winter Gardens in Blackpool as they retained their grip on the North West Regional title for the first time since 2005.

Their elegant portrayal of Philip Sparke’s set work gave them their 10th regional victory to deny rivals Foden’s the opportunity of claiming a ‘Triple Crown’ of National, Open and Regional titles.

Shock

The shock result however saw Fairey fail to qualify for the Albert Hall for the first time since 2007, as they were beaten into fourth place by podium snatching Milnrow under the baton of former MD Russell Gray.

They will make their London debuts in what is their 99th year of existence, whilst another top section debutant, Rainford celebrated their appearance by coming fifth ahead of Wingates.

Engrossing

Drawn last of the twelve competitors, Michael Bach's engrossing interpretation allowed his players to perform with a great deal of considered freedom, which in the opinion of judges Derek Broadbent and David Horsfield contained that 'champagne moment' to take the spoils in what was a high class contest.

Speaking to 4BR, David revealed that the very best of Leyland’s ‘Veuve Clicquot’ moments came from flugel, Romana Hallstead in the 'Ravel' interlude — something that the adjudicators had waited for in hope throughout the contest.

And although champagne was a little hard to come by in the bars of the Winter Gardens, the Leyland players certainly enjoyed their victory with some celebratory beverages.

X Factor

With a huge smile on his face, Leyland Chairman, Iain McKnight told 4BR that Michael Bach had once again brought his ‘X Factor' to their preparations, before adding: "For the first time in his tenure with us, we felt we had produced 100% on stage what he asked for in rehearsal."

That was certainly backed up by the MD himself who told 4BR that his band did everything he wanted from them on the contest stage.

"They were magnificent," he said. "It all came together so well – exactly as I wanted it."

The Swiss MD certainly used his experience on the piece to good effect too. "In recent years I have performed it twice as a player and conducted it three times, so I knew the score very well. It is a fantastic test piece, so I was so glad to have been able to lead Leyland to victory on it."

Stunning euph

It meant that National champion Foden's had to be content with the runners up spot, despite an energetic reading from Allan Withington that contained a stunning euphonium cadenza from Glyn Williams, that the judges told 4BR would have taken a deserved soloist award if one had been available.

With Foden’s already pre-qualified, there were audible gasps in the Opera House auditorium it was announced that Faireys under Garry Cutt had finished fourth.

They were replaced moments later by shrieks of delight as Milnrow's intuitive interpretation under Russell Gray, featuring compact ensemble work and classy cadenzas, had claimed the priceless Albert Hall qualification place.

Great weekend

It proved to be a great weekend in Blackpool for the Gray family, as later, Russell’s wife Marieka, led Eccles to Cheltenham by coming runner-up in the highly competitive Third Section.

Mareika had decided to pass the Milnrow baton to Russell so that both her bands could gain the most from their twin musical input – although the result of their decision still left them in a state of shock as they prepared to fly to Australia on Tuesday morning to take part in the National Championships.

"I can’t thank Russell enough," Marieka told 4BR, before adding; "We came fourth last year, and we have improved ever since, so this been coming for a while.

There are exciting times ahead and I'm looking forward to leading Milnrow at the Grand Shield, where we hope to make it a double qualification celebration."

Russell added: "I was delighted to have led the band on this occasion, and will be so proud to see Marieka lead them on stage at the Albert Hall in October."

First Section:

The lively acoustic of the Empress Ballroom hosted fifteen contenders in what was a lengthy, but engaging battle on Gareth Wood's 'Brass Triumphant'.

Adjudicator John Roberts addressed the expectant audience prior to the results, whilst his colleague, Ian Brownbill later gave 4BR further insight into their decision making.

Hard fought

"It was a hard fought contest," Ian added, before revealing why the duo picked Freckleton, directed by the experienced Paul Dalton off the number 1 draw, ahead of Cheltenham qualifiers Morecambe.

"The winning performance was so full of music. They had some fine soloists too – especially their euphonium player, but it was the third movement that proved key and sorted the bands out today. The winner’s was outstanding."

Delighted

Freckleton's Chairman Ian Threlis was understandably delighted after what has been a tough period for the band. "It's been a difficult few weeks for us to bring everything together. We’ve really worked hard for this victory and had to pull out all the stops – especially off the number 1 draw."

Victory means a return to the National Finals for the first time since 2010, and Ian even had time to joke that he needs to get out of the habit of drawing ‘Kelly’s Eye’ from the velvet bag, as it was the second year in a row he had done it.

Fine late account

Joining them at Cheltenham for the second successive year will be Morecambe, whose consistent form continued with a fine late draw account under the baton of Andrew Warriner.

It proved to be just good enough to pip Diggle who rounded off an enjoyable contest with a well worked performance under the direction of Sean Conway.

With the majority of bands producing quality renditions of the set work, a host of closely matched bands battled for a top six finish, with the places eventually filled by Wardle Anderson Brass, Vernon Building Society Poynton and Pouton-le-Fylde.

Second Section:

It was perhaps not surprising that there was a battle in all senses of the word in the Second Section, where 17 rivals were locked in mortal combat with Edward Gregson's imposing set work, 'The Plantagenets'.

After the dust had settled, adjudicator Derek Southcott praised them all for their brave efforts, in what had been a contest full of endeavour and enthusiasm.

Technical demands

He also acknowledged that they had found themselves struggling to deal with the technical and musical aspects of the 40 year old work piece, before declaring that Whitworth Vale & Healey had delivered a hard fought, musically rewarding title winning performance.

"I thought the overall the standard was good," he told 4BR before adding; "No bands were perfect and it was clear the horns and euphoniums were nervous during their performances."

Eyebrows

The former JSVB player did admit he'd raised his eyebrows when told the work was initially aimed at the Second Section, but added that after hearing it at a recent preview night he also felt it wouldn’t be beyond the best bands in Blackpool.

"I admired the bands for their commitment and dedication and appreciated as a performer that sometimes you have to work very hard to play music that you may not enjoy. However, what this piece should do is help raise their overall standard within any bandroom."

With Derek adding that both he and fellow judge Simon Kerwin felt Whitworth Vale & Healey's ‘outstanding soloists’ added greatly to their fine winning performance, he was also impressed by the overall quality of fellow qualifiers Hazel Grove and Hoover (Bolton).

Memorable week

For winning MD, John Binns, victory ended a memorable contest week, with his son playing with Milnrow, whilst a week previously his daughter enjoyed title winning success with Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire.

Reflecting on the victory, John told 4BR: "Naturally I’m delighted as the band has worked so hard in recent weeks. Although we had some experienced heads around the stands that have played it before, together we worked towards producing a performance to be proud of."

Battling performances from Middleton, Mossley and Eccleston Brass were rewarded with top six mentions from the stage.

Third Section:

It was fast approaching 9.00pm when the day's contesting concluded with the Third Section results being announced.

Adjudicators Alan Holdsworth and Barry Thompson enjoyed 16 bands bringing a touch of well worked Hollywood glitz and glamour to the faded splendour of the Empress Ballroom, with Barry later revealing that the duo felt the contest had grown in quality the longer it had gone on.

Decision making

That was certainly reflected in their decision making, which saw five of the top six bands playing after each other between draw numbers 10 and 15.

The best was left until the last of these too, with Marple under the baton of Les Webb delivering a sparkling account to claim their first area title since 1988, ahead of Eccles Borough and fellow Cheltenham qualifiers Hawk Green (Marple).

Sneak preview

The winning MD later told 4BR that a sneak preview of the bands in the First Section, which also took place in the same hall, had given him the inspiration to amend the dynamics of his interpretation to enhance clarity and detail.

"I went in to listen and saw where the band would play in relation to the judge’s box," Les said. "That made up my mind to pull back on some of the tempos so that the detail could be heard more."

Paid off

It proved to be a decision that paid off brilliantly for the ex-Fairey trombone man, who also paid tribute to his band on what was a long contest day.

He added: "We'd drawn to play late, so I had to keep them focussed and motivated before the performance. I was so proud when we came off because they delivered everything I wanted from them."

Whilst praising all the competitors for their efforts, with a special mention to the quality of the podium finishers, Barry Thompson made it clear that one crucial difference on the day had been that many flugel players were unable to bring the relaxed laid back feel to the bluesy jazz interlude – something the top three or four contenders certainly did.

Relaxed style

With both Eccles and Hawk Green (Marple) able to add a touch of relaxed style to their accounts under Marieka Gray and Neil Hewson respectively, the remaining top six places were taken by well judged performances from Eagley, Boarshurst and Lostock Hall Memorial.

Fourth Section:

Sixteen bands certainly enjoyed their musical fantasy trip to Devon in the Fourth Section on Sunday afternoon.

At the end of a highly enjoyable contest it was City of Chester directed by Philip Mottershead who beat off the determined challenge of Coppull & Standish and Pilling Jubilee Silver to take the title – although the band will not be representing the region at the National Finals as they had decided not to join the Brass Band Players Registry.

Understood

Spokesperson, Les Platt told 4BR: "We understood the situation when we entered the contest. The win was a huge bonus for the band, especially at it was Phil’s last contest with us before retiring as MD. It was in fact the best possible way to go out."

Les added: "We wish the bands that will represent the region the very best at Cheltenham, and even though we won’t be there we will still have our names in the record books and will enjoy holding the regional trophy for the year."

Excellent

Judges Stephen Brodie and Ewan Easton also enjoyed their spell in the box, and after an excellent assessment on stage by Ewan, both men talked to 4BR.

Ewan was very complimentary about the standard of playing he had heard, saying: "There was some stunning cornet and euphonium playing along with one cracking bass section and a corker of a bass trombone player.

It was tremendous to hear ensembles take to the stage that obviously had a great mix of youth and experience in their ranks. The results of which were so good to hear."

Stood out

Stephen stated that two bands in particular stood out, whilst making the point that the opening sixteen bars of the piece were the key for the men in the box – the best bands delivering them in some style and comfort.

Portrait

Stephen also added that Eric Ball’s music was in fact something of a musical portrait, and that the difference between the best bands and the rest on the day was that they were able to really portray the beauty and simplicity of the writing.

That certainly applied to City of Chester with their delicate phrasing, balanced ensemble and secure soloists, whilst both Coppull & Standish and Pilling Silver Jubilee Sliver were not too far behind in their opinion either.

In a contest that once again showed the depth of quality on the first rung of North West banding, the top six places went to Valley Brass (Haydock), followed by Dobcross Youth and newcomers Stacksteads, who impressed many with their approach all off the number 1 draw.

Malcolm Wood

In recent years I have performed it twice as a player and conducted it three times, so I knew the score very well. It is a fantastic test piece, so I was so glad to have been able to lead Leyland to victory on itMichael Bach

Results:

Championship Section:
Test Piece: 'Harmony Music' — Philip Sparke
Sunday 10th March
Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent and David Horsfield

1. Leyland (Michael Bach), 12*
2. Foden’s (Allan Withington), 7**
3. Milnrow (Russell Gray), 5*
4. Fairey (Garry Cutt), 10
5. Rainford (Gareth Brindle), 6
6. Wingates (Andrew Berryman), 3
7. Ashton-under-Lyne (Simon Stonehouse), 9
8. Bollington Brass (Peter Christian), 11
9. Co-operative Funeralcare North West (Jef Sparkes), 2
10. Blackburn and Darwen (Nick Sheppard), 8
11. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Stig Maersk), 1
12. Roberts Bakery (Colin Cranson,) 4

**Pre-qualified for National Finals
* Qualify for place at National Finals

First Section:
Test Piece: 'Brass Triumphant' — Gareth Wood
Sunday 10th March
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill and John Roberts

1. Freckleton (Paul Dalton)*
2. Morecambe (Andrew Warriner)*
3. Diggle (Sean Conway)
4. Wardle Anderson Brass (Steven Walsh)
5. Vernon Building Society Poynton (Neil Samuel)
6. Poulton-le-Fylde (John Wood)
7. Longridge (Mark Peacock)
8. Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)
9. Manx Concert Brass (Ian Clague MBE)
10. Haslingden and Helmshore (David Holland)
11. Flixton (Stephen Curtis)
12. Crewe Brass (Jamie Meredith)
13. Uppermill (Alan Widdop)
14. Silk Brass (David Holling)
15. Haydock (Mark Quinn)

*Top 2 Qualify for National Finals

Second Section:
Sunday 10th March
Adjudicators: Derek Southcott and Simon Kerwin

1. Whitworth Vale & Healey (John Binns) 13*
2. Hazel Grove (Nigel Beasley), 9*
3. Hoover (Bolton) (Trevor Halliwell), 16*
4. Middleton (Martyn Evans), 4
5. Mossley (Duncan Byers), 14
6. Eccleston Brass (Danny Brooks), 11
7. Delph (Philip Goodwin)
8. Cheshire Constabulary (David Woollam)
9. Tyldesley (Robert Taylor)
10. Pemberton Old Wigan DW ‘B’ (Peter Ashley)
11. Besses Boys (James Holt)
12. Farnworth and Walkden (Peter Ashley)
13. Besses o’ th’ Barn (Alan Wycherley)
14. Dobcross Silver (Kenny Pain)
15. Rivington and Adlington (Brian Harper)
16. Greenall’s (Karl Stott)
17. Douglas Town (Ken Mitchell)

*Top 3 Qualify for National Finals

Third Section:
Test Piece: 'Hollywood' — Goff Richards
Sunday 10th March
Adjudicators: Alan Holdsworth and Barry Thompson

1. Marple (Les Webb) 15*
2. Eccles Borough (Mareika Gray) 11*
3. Hawk Green (Marple) (Neil Hewson) 3*
4. Eagley (Matthew Ryan) 13
5. Boarshurst Silver (David Ashworth) 14
6. Lostock Hall Memorial (Graham Martin) 12
7. Parr (Richardson Ltd.) St. Helens (John Ludden) 10
8. Darwen Brass (Steve Hartley) 7
9. Formby (Louise Hough) 1
10. Golborne (Paul Andrews) 4
11. Ramsey Town (Robert Quane) 2
12. Littleborough (Adrian Woodhead) 16
13. Stalybridge Old (Graham Smith) 5
14. Skelmersdale Prize (David Chapman) 8
15. Blackpool Brass (Tariq Ahmed) 9
16. Old Hall Brass (John North) 6
w, BMP Goodshaw

*Top three Qualify for National Finals

Fourth Section:
Test Piece: 'A Devon Fantasy' — Eric Ball
Sunday 10th March
Adjudicator: Ewan Easton and Stephen Brodie

1. City of Chester (Philip Mottershead) 15*
2. Coppull and Standish (Matthew Stringer) 3*
3. Pilling Jubilee Silver (Len Charnock) 12*
4. Valley Brass (Haydock) (David Chadwick) 5
5. Dobcross Youth (Jonathan Parkes) 13
6. Stacksteads (Fred Bowker) 1
7. Greenfield (Tom Haslam) 16
8. Cadishead Public (Craig McFarland) 7
9. Rode Hall Silver (Nigel Butler) 4
10. Tarleton Brass (Gillian Bould) 10
11. Lees (Stephen Tighe) 14
12. Blackley (Daniel Price) 8
13. Sale Brass (John Dickinson) 2
14. Thornton Cleveleys (Steve Simpson) 11
15. Mereside Brass (Mike Phenton) 6
16. Denton Brass (Jessica Tredrea) 9

*Top three qualify for National Finals

Follow the action live at:
www.4barsrest.com/live/2013RegionalChampionships