Gwynedd & Mon Senior Band claimed the Blue Riband Championship title at the National Youth Brass Band Championships to round off what was a truly engrossing day of music making at the RNCM in Manchester.

Outstanding

Under the baton of MD, Gwyn Evans, their outstanding performances of the set work, ‘Tintagel’ and own choice selection of Peter Graham’s ‘Shine As the Light’ denied reigning champion Carnoustie & District, directed by Michael Robertson from making it a hat trick of wins at the event.

On what proved to be a fine day for Welsh banding, the returning Great Gwent Youth Band under Philip Harper was third, with all three ensembles producing Gold Award winning programmes.

With joyful youngsters celebrating on the RNCM Concert Hall stage, Gwyn Evans reflected on a victory, which was he admitted, was perhaps influenced by a bit of the old Sir Alex Ferguson, 'hair-dryer' treatment!

Talented

"They are such a talented bunch of players and I set my standards very high," he told 4BR.

"However, due to my health problems earlier this year, we've not been able to put in as much rehearsal time as I'd have liked, so despite some intense practices in the run up to the weekend I still wasn't totally happy, so they got to know what was needed to win."

Treat

It certainly worked a treat, as Gwyn added: "Our last rehearsals were brilliant — they were like a different band. This victory is down to them – they made me so proud with their commitment and desire to win."

Adjudicators Garry Cutt and Simone Rebello were also literally ‘blown away’ by the overall standard produced by the top bands, in what they stated ‘...was a very close contest’.

Close call

"There was some exceptional quality playing on display, and it really was close between all three top bands," Simone told 4BR, before revealing that the duo felt Gwynedd's overall consistency had given them an extra, contest winning edge.

Garry was in agreement, especially with the way they approached the challenges posed by the set work, 'Tintagel'.

"I knew the piece would cause problems, but Gwynedd not only delivered the most consistent playing, but also produced a refined reading of the work too."

Denied

Victory meant Carnoustie & District's bid for three successive titles ended in brave disappointment.

However the Scots also produced a high class programme of 'Summon the Heroes', 'A Little Prayer', the set test and a scintillating Harry James's 'Trumpet Concerto' that gave Calum Tonner a deserved ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award.

There was also a great deal to admire in Greater Gwent Youth Band’s brace of performances that included a fine set work and a pulsating rendition of Peter Graham’s 'The Red Machine'.

High standards

In a contest of very high standards, Silver Awards went to Lions Youth, who featured an excellent cornet soloist in Wilson James Taylor in 'Apex', whilst another young cornet star Thomas Fountain also performed superbly with Northamptonshire County Youth.

Two emerging talents in Elland Silver Youth and Gloucestershire Youth both took Bronze Awards.

Prior to the announcement of the results, the Brian Hicks Memorial trophy was presented to Elland Silver's Samantha Harrison and her father, Ken on behalf of the recipient, Kathleen, who unfortunately was unable to attend the event.

Intermediate Section:

A huge field of 16 bands competed in the Intermediate Section in a contest that gave judges Mark Wilkinson and Owen Farr plenty to ponder thanks to their high quality playing.

The competitive cream found its way to the top after the mid-point comfort break, with winners, Wardle High School, defending champion, Youth Brass 2000 and Rochdale Borough Youth gaining deserved Gold Awards.

Excellent summaries

The youthful judges gave excellent summaries to an appreciative audience packed into the RNCM Theatre, with Mark making the point that ‘...they'd really enjoyed the day with some wonderful music-making and solo playing.’

The Foden's stalwart later admitted to 4BR that it was close battle between the top two bands, with a result that could have gone either way.

Mark also gave a welcome insight into what he and Owen were looking for from the own choice selections, remarking that balance was required between displays of technique and musicality.

Owen also added that Philip Sparke's set work, 'The Prizewinners' proved to be a good choice on the day, as it also gave ample opportunity to balance those all important ingredients of high class music making.

Stockport Schools' Michael Cavanagh claimed the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award for his stunning rendition of 'Chapenecas', whilst the overall quality of the competitors was shown with no less than 5 ensembles gaining Silver Awards.

Easter work

For Wardle High School MD, Lee Rigg, it proved a wonderful way to end a personally exhausting day for the Black Dyke cornet player, as he led three bands on stage in various sections.

He later told 4BR it had been a particularly hectic Easter Holiday break working on the winning programme of Goff Richards' 'Stage Centre', followed by the march, 'Great Little Army', 'Just As I Am', the set test and the finale, 'The Eve of the War'.

"Once we'd made the decision to compete, it was all systems go," he said.

"With the Easter Holidays, we had the chance to put some extra rehearsals in at school, although it’s meant some sleepless nights hoping everything would come together and with the music of all three bands still buzzing around in my head!"

Thanks

Having come runner up a year ago, Lee added: "To win the title is a great feeling, and I can't thank the players and the parents enough for their time and support. Sunday was such a great day for everyone connected with Wardle."

The band is now waiting to see if they've also qualified for the National Music for Youth Festival in July, whilst they will also be enjoying their forthcoming appearance at the famous Whit Friday contests.

Anything more

Defending champion Youth Brass 2000 couldn't have done anything more to retain their title under Chris Jeans.

Their excellent set featuring the test piece, the hymn tune, 'Nicaea', 'Valero' and a reprise from their Action Research Youth Entertainment winning programme, 'Rocky Mountain Centennial'.

Meanwhile, the compact sounding Rochdale Borough Youth under the baton of Brighouse & Rastrick's principal cornet, Stuart Lingard gained a deserved golden podium finish thanks to a set bookended either side of the test piece by Duke Ellington's 'Caravan' and Ray Farr's arrangement of 'Riverdance'.

Fine performances

Fine performances from Hade Edge Youth, Macclesfield Youth, Stockport Schools, St Helens Youth and Tewit Youth took Silver Awards, whilst Cardiff County & Vale of Glamorgan Youth, Dalmellington Junior Band, Enderby Youth, Gawthorpe Youth & Poynton Youth picked Bronze Awards.

Merits Awards went to the developing talents of Chalford Youth, Egglescliffe School and Milton Keynes Youth.

Junior Section:

The opening contest of the Championships saw a dozen bands compete in the Junior Section in the RNCM Concert Hall, where judges Sarah Groake-Booth and David Horsfield later admitted they had ‘...enjoyed a wonderful Sunday morning’.

Fantastic

The adjective 'fantastic' was used by Sarah as she heaped praise on the standard of the percussion playing, whilst as a self confessed ‘proud grandparent’, David declared his empathy with the host family supporters who had made ‘very early morning trips’ to Manchester to hear their offspring perform so well.

He also praised the format of the section where bands had to deliver two verses of a hymn tune – although he did point out that perhaps it was also the weakest part of many programmes. He encouraged the MDs and players to work hard to gain lasting benefit on one of the essential basics of good band playing.

Three outstanding

With well chosen programmes from all the competitors, the judges revealed that there were three outstanding performances, each fully deserving their Gold Awards.

Winners Fred Longworth High School under MD Helen Robinson was certainly one of them, with a set that included 'African Funk', 'Save Me All My Love For You', featuring ‘Best Instrumentalist’ winner flugel player, Rose Collier, 'Amazing Grace' and the first movement of Kenneth Downie's 'Music from Kantara'.

Emotion

It was also a very emotional victory for the young players too, with each of them taking to the stage wearing green ribbons in memory of fellow pupil Jade Anderson, who was tragically killed during the Easter Holidays. The performance was dedicated to their popular friend.

A very proud MD Helen Robinson also paid tribute to the resilience and commitment of her youngsters in what has been a difficult time for everybody at the school.

"It's been a tough couple of weeks," she told 4BR. "Whilst Jade wasn't a player in the band she had friends within it, so it effected everyone. The band participated in a memorial service for Jade just days before this event, and it was their request to wear the green ribbons and dedicate the performance to Jade and her family."

Helen added: "I'm so proud of all of them and the way they performed so brilliantly."

Rising stars

The rising stars of Gwynedd & Mon Junior set the gold marker for their senior counterparts to emulate later in the day, as they claimed the runner-up prize under the direction of John Glyn Jones, with the infatigable Lee Rigg leading Wardle High School Intermediate into third.

The six bands of bands Aberystwyth Youth, Denbighshire Youth, Stockport Schools, Tewit Youth, and Whitburn Youth took Silver Awards, with Thurlstone Training Band conducted by Black Dyke's Jonathan Bates also, claiming the ‘Band Showing Most Potential’.

There were fine performances from the emerging talents of Blackpool Youth, Hade Edge Training and Lions Junior to take Bronze Awards.

Beginners Section:

Sunday afternoon's Beginners Section saw parents, family friends and even judges Paul Andrews and Morvern Gilchrist reaching for the tissues after seven bands served up a brilliant contest.

And Paul was certainly not over estimating the quality or the enjoyment on show when he told a packed auditorium: "You lot have been absolutely fantastic today.

It was interesting to see bands of different sizes, so we had to take into consideration the general things that any adjudicator would be looking for at any level, but I've been truly inspired by what I've seen and heard today."

Special moment

With the ethos of the event geared sensibly towards enjoyment rather than all out competitiveness, there was a wonderful air of appreciation for all the players’ efforts in ensembles large and small.

One of the numerous playing highlight was provided by winners, Ysgol Bontnewydd Primary and their amazing 9 year old cornet player, Ela Hâf Williams, who delivered a wonderfully lyrical rendition of 'All Through the Night'.

Pleasure

Fellow judge Morvern Gilchrist told 4BR that is had been a huge pleasure to sit and listen to all the bands.

"It was a delight," she said. "The young players were all so enthusiastic and clearly enjoyed playing in what is a fantastic venue. The standard was so high, with many playing from memory.

It was easy to forget that some of them had only been learning for 6 months."

Pinpoint

Morvern also pinpointed just why the North Wales band had taken the title under the baton of inspirational MD, Dylan Williams: "Ysgol Bontnewydd Primary performed with maturity beyond their years, exhibiting such good balance, intonation and dynamic contrast throughout their programme.

Their young solo cornet player in particular played with astonishing musicality and confidence. She is an undoubted star of the future."

The band’s triumph is all the more remarkable as their MD only decided that the fifteen players from the tiny village school on the outskirts of Caernarfon would compete just six weeks ago.

Three years

"The band was formed three years ago," Dylan told 4BR. "We have competed in competitions in Wales, but I only took the decision a few weeks ago to enter and give them the chance to show what they can do."

Dylan's enthusiasm is reflected by the desire of the players, who also gain valuable support from the William Mathius Music Service, but who all play on their own instruments.

The winning programme included 'Gonna Fly Now', music from 'James Bond', 'Tequila', 'Abide with Me' and 'Is this the Way to Amarillo?', whilst there was a special smile and congratulations for their remarkable soloist, who just happens to be the MDs daughter!

Awards

The award to the ‘Band With Most Potential’ went to Wardle Junior Blast directed by Lee Rigg, with a ‘Highly Commended’ Award for Elland Silver conducted by David Armitage.

However, awards for sheer brilliance went to all the bands (Stockport Schools, Hammonds Saltaire, Lions Yuth and Hazelhurst Primary School) that took part.

Plaudits

With the packed day running like clockwork, there were also deserved plaudits for the event organisers Brass Bands England and their organisational teams led by Arnold Tattersfield and Gary Walczak, as well excellent comperes Sally Coleman and David Hayward.

With the event now attracting more and more interest from potential competitors from all corners of the UK, BBE could not confirm a date for next year's competition due to the planned extensive renovation work at the RNCM.

However, 4BR understands that BBE is looking at a variety of options to build on the success of yet another excellent event, with an announcement to be made in the near future

Malcolm Wood

This victory is down to them – they made me so proud with their commitment and desire to winMD, Gwyn Evans — Gwynedd & Mon Senior

Results:

Championship Section:
RNCM Concert Hall

Tintagel (Dr Denis Wright) and Own Choice Programme within 20 minutes playing time

Adjudicators: Garry Cutt and Simone Rebello

1. Gwynedd & Mon Senior (Gwyn Evans) (Gold)
2. Carnoustie & District Youth (Michael Robertson) (Gold)
3. Greater Gwent Youth (Philip Harper) (Gold)

Silver
Lions Youth (Nigel Birch)
Northamptonshire Youth (Brad Turnbull)

Bronze
Gloucestershire Youth (Tom Davoren)
Elland Silver Youth (Samantha Harrison)

Best Instrumentalist: Callum Tonner, (trumpet),Carnoustie & District
Brian Hicks Memorial Trophy: Kathleen Harrison (Elland Silver Youth)

Intermediate Section:
RNCM Theatre

The Prizewinners (Philip Sparke) and Own Choice Programme within 20 minutes playing time

Adjudicators: Owen Farr and Mark Wilkinson

1. Wardle High School (Lee Rigg) (Gold)
2. Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans) (Gold)
3. Rochdale Borough Youth (Stuart Lingard) (Gold)

Best Instrumentalist: Michael Cavanagh, (baritone) Stockport Schools

Silver
Hade Edge Youth (Simon Wood)
Macclesfield Youth (Louise Renshaw)
Stockport Schools (James Holt)
St Helens Youth (Anna Hughes-Williams)
Tewit Youth (Dave Smith)

Bronze
Cardiff County & Vale of Glamorgan Youth (Charles Maynard)
Dalmellington Junior (Sandy McCaughtrie)
Enderby Youth (Trevor Hounsome)
Gawthorpe Youth (Adam Bell)
Poynton Youth (Mike Eccles)

Merit
Chalford Youth (Steve Tubb)
Egglescliffe School (Matthew Howarth)
Milton Keynes Youth (David Rose)

Withdrawn: Hammonds Saltaire Youth

Junior Band Section:
RNCM Concert Hall

Own Choice Programme that must include one piece of music composed for brass band and two verses of a hymn tune within 15 minutes playing time

Adjudicators: David Horsfield and Sarah Groake-Booth

1. Fred Longworth High School (Helen Robinson) (Gold)
2. Gwynedd & Mon Junior (John Glyn Jones) (Gold)
3. Wardle High Intermediate (Lee Rigg) (Gold)

Band Showing Most Potential: Thurlstone Training (Jonathan Bates)
Best Instrumentalist: Rose Collier, (flugel) Fred Longworth High School

Silver
Aberystwyth Youth (Alan Phillips)
Denbighshire Area (John S Powell)
Stockport Schools Youth (Tim Dines)
Tewit Youth (Steve Henningham)
Thurlstone Training (Jonathan Bates)
Whitburn Youth (Caroline Farren)

Bronze
Blackpool Youth (Brent Warren)
Hade Edge Training (Simon Wood)
Lions Junior (Tom Hancock)

Beginners Section:
RNCM Concert Hall

Own Choice Programme within 15 minutes playing time

Adjudicators: Paul Andrews and Morvern Gilchrist

Band of the Day: Ysgol Bontnewydd Primary (Dylan Williams)
Band with Most Potential: Wardle Junior Blast (Lee Rigg)
Highly Commended: Elland Silver (David Armitage)

Stockport Schools (Les Webb)
Hammonds Saltaire Youth (Jamie Smith)
Lions Youth (Christopher Thompson)
Hazelhurst Primary School (Mark Golding)