Players and supporters of the NASUWT Riverside Band were in a state of shock on Sunday evening in Darlington, after their band was crowned North of England Regional Champion for the very first time.

Premier band

As the last of the ten challengers vying for the two qualification spots for the Albert Hall, their exciting rendition of ‘Harmony Music’ conducted by Ray Farr proved good enough not just to persuade adjudicator David Read MBE that they deserved to qualify, but they should do so as the region’s premier band.

The movement’s most experienced adjudicator was in the box when the Sparke work was used at Kensington in 1987, and he highlighted the point that it's certainly still as difficult today as it was then.

Agreement

"Philip should be made to play some of the cadenzas he's written," he remarked mischievously to the general agreement of an audience who had enjoyed some fine playing from the main soloists of each band.

David also pointed out that the destination of the title had come down to two rivals – both of whom couldn't quite provide him with a definitive performance.

"You got very exciting playing with one in the faster sections and beautiful playing in the slower sections with the other," he said.

Balance

And with the individual prizes split evenly between NASUWT Riverside (claiming best soprano, basses and percussion) and eventual runner-up Reg Vardy, his decision hung in the balance until the very last moment.

Not surprisingly, Ray Farr was over the moon, as he paid tribute to the band he has teamed up with only recently.

"Naturally, I'm delighted not just with the victory but the work ethic and the commitment from everyone involved in the last few weeks," he said.

He also revealed that he had thoroughly enjoyed himself on what he described as a ‘fun piece’ and that it had brought back memories of giving the contest premiere in London with Hanwell in 1987.

"I was looking to bring out the musicality and control on this occasion — aired with excitement," he said as he recalled the 2013 winning performance.

Praise

Band Manager, Tony Thompson was also full of praise for the MD, especially when telling 4BR about his impact at rehearsals.

"They have just clicked together. We're thrilled to have not just won the title for the first time and to be back at London once again, but it was also great to come here and win as a bit of an underdog."

Tony added that the band will enjoy the celebrations but will soon support their sponsors, the teacher’s union NASUWT at their conference at Bournemouth, before focussing attention on their challenge for the Senior Cup and All England Masters.

Secure

Although Reg Vardy will have been disappointed not to have regained the regional title under Dr Nicholas Childs, there would have been some relief that they did not miss out again this year – although by taking the individual awards for best euphonium, principal cornet and trombone their qualification seemed secure as the results were announced.

It meant that reigning champion Felling missed out on a return trip to Kensington, despite delivering a very cohesive performance under Stephen Malcolm

In a contest of good overall quality from all 10 bands, an elegant portrayal from the fancied EYMS ended fourth, whilst a delighted Shepherd Group took fifth on their return to the top section, ahead of sixth placed Fishburn.

First Section:

The opening contest of the weekend saw David Read MBE judge five bands on Gareth Wood's 'Brass Triumphant'.

Praising the contenders for their well worked efforts he eventually opted for a stylishly portrayed account from Harrogate under Craig Ratcliffe, securing them a return to the National finals for the first time since 2011.

Not lost

More importantly the band also regained its Championship Section status — something that wasn't lost on their MD.

"Getting back to the top section was a primary aim for us this year, and I was delighted that we were able to do it by playing so well on stage, Craig said. “The piece was a very good test, and we came through it in a manner that showed our growing potential as a band."

The victory also gives Harrogate a huge confidence boost too, as they start their immediate preparations for the contest year ahead.

Great support

Craig added: "We're a strong band with a great rapport. This gives everyone that extra lift ahead of what are going to be some very busy months in the lead up to Cheltenham."

The band was also helped on its way by claiming the individual prizes for best percussion and basses, which brought a depth of colour and added texture to their winning rendition of the enjoyable set work.

Return

Joining the winners will be Catterick Brass, who also returns to the finals for the first time since 2011.

Under the baton of David Lancaster, they also produced a performance rich in style and character from the number 1 draw, that set a high class marker in a contest that may have lacked numbers but did not lack quality.

Also backed by excellent individual contributions from their prize winning trombone team they saw off the strong challenge of GT Group Peterlee who finished third under Joe Cook in a contest showing that the region has a batch of well directed bands at this level.

Second Section:

As was perhaps expected, there were much greater difficulties to be overcome by the five bands that had the task of performing Edward Gregson's 'The Plantagenets’.

Adjudicator Steve Pritchard-Jones certainly took the opportunity to add his opinion to the debate over the suitability of the piece; showing great sympathy for the competing bands and rather less for the Music Panel who had chosen the work.

Too hard

"What a test ‘The Plantagenet’s’ has been," he said. "It is far too hard for the Second Section. I think on this occasion the Music Panel is a bit like the government; a bit out of touch with the grass roots.

We really need to think long and hard about the selection of music at this level."

Having conducted at the Midlands Area, Steve was certainly speaking from conducting experience too. His constructive comments were appreciated by the audience as he congratulated all main soloists for their efforts and the MDs for their battle against the odds.

Appreciation

With the nods of appreciation still being seen around the hall, the results saw Ripon City and York Railway Institute claim the qualification places – meaning that both bands have now reached the finals for three consecutive years.

Ripon’s MD Malcolm Dibb didn't get much time to celebrate his band’s remarkable achievement though, as he faced an even sterner test of character first thing on Monday morning – with a trip to his local dentist.

Smile

With a wry smile he told 4BR: "The piece was extremely tough, but it didn't spoil our enjoyment of the challenge. The band has worked so hard in the past few weeks and one of the main areas we focussed on was the clarity required in keeping the tempo moving in bringing the vibrancy out of the music."

Malcolm also paid tribute to his players and believed the result will show them just what can be achieved through sheer hard graft.

"They're a great bunch and having put all the spade work in I was confident they could really make the most of the piece. When you consider that this was the first time in the Second Section I hope they can now see just how far they've come and what they are capable of in the future."

Hard working

With the equally hard working York Railway Institute also making it back to the finals for the fourth year running under the experienced Gordon Eddison, the region will send two contenders who should pose a considerable challenge to rivals from around the UK.

On what was a difficult contest due to the severity of the set work, it was a bravely portrayed account from Murton Colliery that ended third, whilst the individual awards were evenly shared between York, Billingham and Murton.

Third Section:

David Read was certainly faced with a difficult task in the Third Section after a host of bands produced excellent performances of ‘Hollywood’.

With the winner NASUWT Concert Brass taking the title in considerable style under Bryan Tait, David was left to ponder the relative strengths and weaknesses of eventual qualifier East Riding of Yorkshire and third placed Dunston Silver.

Colour and effect

He was also full of praise for the percussionists in each of the eight competitors for adding considered colour and effect, as well as the classy flugel players who delivered their bluesy solo with laid back charm. It was an ‘excellent contest’ he said.

NASUWT Concert Band started off what proved to be a memorable day for their parent organisation by returning to the finals for the first time since 2011 – and as champions.

Thrilled

Although promotion to the Second Section is yet to be confirmed, MD, Bryan Tait was thrilled with the progress his band continues to make.

"This victory marks another stepping stone for everybody involved at NASUWT Concert," he said. "If we get promoted it will be yet another challenge, but that’s something they thrive upon."

With such a young band, Bryan also revealed the secret to their success on ‘Hollywood’.

"It was all about delivering the music in the correct styles for me," he added. "The band has worked so hard in the past few weeks and the players rose superbly to the technical and musical challenges in the way I wanted."

Excellent playing

East Riding of Yorkshire's high quality early marker not only saw them take the individual awards for best cornet and percussion, but also just gave them that all important edge when deciding who joined the winners at Cheltenham.

In a contest full of excellent playing, intelligent direction and classy soloists, it meant that a fine performance from Dunston Silver just missed out on this occasion, although they will have left Darlington proud of their efforts.

Fourth Section:

A dozen well matched bands may have enjoyed their trip to Devon on Eric Ball’s set work, but with all of them struggling to produce performances of security and musicality, it also gave adjudicator Steve Pritchard Jones something of a headache too.

Simple beauty

In his summing-up Steve said: "I wasn't quite sure if all the bands had got to grips with the music today," citing that too many basic problems robbed it of its simple beauty.

Steve later pointed that he was disappointed that so many bands were either too slow in the third movement or too fast in the final section. They had also struggled with the balance and security of the opening and through nerves or lack of concentration had simply played far too many wrong notes.

Contrast

In contrast, John Robson, the MD off Trimdon Concert was in dreamland — and even added that he wasn't concerned that his band had been tipped as pre-contest favourites by 4BR.

"It gave us a bit of added incentive – as the 4BR tip is usually the kiss of death," he laughed. "To walk on to the stage and conduct this band at the National Finals will be a dream come true for me."

He added: "I've only been with the band a couple of years, but they did everything I wanted in rehearsal. Although not everything went correctly on stage, I couldn’t have asked anything more. We had a great night when we got back home!"

Celebration

Joining Trimdon will be Burneside Brass who is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.

They will now do it in some style after Laurie Johnstone led them to Cheltenham, aided by the excellent contribution of their prize winning euphonium, to just pip Stanhope Sliver conducted by Steve Robson.

The final top six places went to North Skelton, Barton Community and Knaresborough Silver in a contest full of endeavour and enthusiasm, but on this occasion, disappointing overall quality.

Tributes

The contesting weekend also saw Alan Hope step down after 35 years banding service – 22 of which as Regional Secretary.

Heartfelt tributes were paid, whilst it seemed appropriate that Alan's very last act was to announce NASUWT Riverside, a band very close to his family's heart as regional champion.

There was no better way for him to bow out.

Malcolm Wood

I was looking to bring out the musicality and control on this occasion — aired with excitementNASUWT Riverside MD, Ray Farr

Championship Section:
Sunday 17th March

Test Piece: 'Harmony Music' — Philip Sparke
Adjudicator: David Read MBE

1. NASUWT Riverside (Ray Farr) 10*
2. Reg Vardy (Dr. Nicholas J. Childs) 5*
3. Felling (Stephen Malcolm) 4
4. East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison) 8
5. Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton) 3
6. Fishburn (Huw Thomas) 6
7. Easington Colliery (Chris Bentham) 9
8. Barton Town (Nick Sheppard) 7
9. Westoe (John Roberts) 1
10. Kirkbymoorside Town (John Woodward) 2

* Top 2 bands qualify for National Finals

Best Soprano: NASUWT Riverside
Best Cornet: Reg Vardy
Best Euphonium: Reg Vardy
Best Trombone: Reg Vardy
Bass Section: NASUWT Riverside
Percussion Section: NASUWT Riverside

Section 1:
Saturday 16th March
Test Piece: 'Brass Triumphant' — Gareth Wood
Adjudicator: David Read MBE

1. Harrogate (Craig Ratcliffe) 4*
2. Catterick Brass (David Lancaster) 1*
3. G.T. Group Peterlee (Joe Cook) 2
4. South Milford (Martin Hall) 5
5. Cockerton Silver (George Nicklin) 3

*Top 2 bands qualify for National Finals

Best Percussion: Harrogate
Best Bass Section: Harrogate
Best Trombone: Catterick Brass

Section 2:
Sunday 17th March

Test Piece: 'The Plantagenets' — Edward Gregson
Adjudicator: Steve Pritchard-Jones

1. Ripon City (Malcolm Dibb) 2*
2. York Railway Institute (Gordon Eddison)3*
3. Murton Colliery (John Pearson) 5
4. Billingham Silver (Vaughan Evans) 1
5. Northumbrian Water Ellington Colliery (Jonathan Fenwick) 4

*Top 2 bands qualify for National Finals

Euphonium: York Railway Institute
Soprano: Billingham Silver
Bass Section: Murton Colliery

Section 3:
Sunday 17th March
Test Piece: 'Hollywood' — Goff Richards
Adjudicator: David Read MBE

1. NASUWT Concert (Bryan Tait) 4*
2. East Riding of Yorkshire (Ian Scott) 6*
3. Dunston Silver (Steven Archer) 5
4. Houghton Brass (Ian Langthorne) 1
5. Ferryhill Town (Andrew Hall) 2
6. Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes (Steven Askew) 7
7. Marske Brass (Alun Prest) 3
8. Backworth Colliery (Callum Harrison) 8

*Top 2 qualify for National Finals

Best Cornet: East Riding of Yorkshire
Percussion Section: East Riding of Yorkshire

Section 4:
Saturday 16th March
Test Piece: 'A Devon Fantasy' — Eric Ball
Adjudicator: Steve Pritchard-Jones

1. Trimdon Concert (John Robson) 4*
2. Burneside Brass (Laurie Johnstone) 7*
3. Stanhope Silver (Steve Robson) 8
4. North Skelton (Denis Noble) 9
5. Barton Community (Garry Oglesby) 10
6. Knaresborough Silver (Steve Morland) 12
7. Jayess Newbiggin (Andrew Griffiths) 5
8. Penrith Town (Ian Butterworth) 1
9. Bearpark and Esh (Tim Oldroyd) 6
10. Spennymoor Town (Jean Davidson) 2
11. Skipton Brass (Adrian Lowes) 3
12. Craghead (Lee Morris) 11

*Top 2 bands qualify for National Finals

Best Principal Cornet: Jayess Newbiggin
Best Euphonium: Burneside Brass