Elland Silver Band recently held its 24th annual Slow Melody, Duet & Quartet Competition.

Far and wide

The competition attracted over 60 entrants aged between 8 and 70 years of age, with some players travelling from the North East and the Midlands.

Foden’s principal cornet Mark Wilkinson was delighted to be invited to judge the event and recalled taking part in such solo competitions as a young player.

Impressed

He was very impressed with the maturity of the playing from the Junior Sections and praised the young performers on their phrasing, tonality and musicality.

He also encouraged the younger players to keep entering such events to help develop and improve their solo playing. Excellent advice was also given to players in the Senior Sections to help improve their standard of performance and ensemble.

Opportunity

Band Secretary Kathleen Harrison told 4BR: "It’s always a pleasure to see so many players coming along and taking part. Over the past 24 years we’ve seen many young players come along, who are now performing with some of the country’s top Brass Bands.

It’s contests such as ours that help to give young players the opportunity to play solos from an early age."

It’s always a pleasure to see so many players coming along and taking partElland Band Secretary, Kathleen Harrison

Results:

11 & Unders:
1. Ellie Warren (Rochdale Youth)
2. Harry Newton (Delph Youth)
3. Daniel Clough (Elland Youth)

Youngest Player: Rosie Barber (Elland Starters) — aged 8
Adjudicators Award: Freya Mallinson (Wilsden Band)

14 & Unders:
1. Hannah Stell (Skelmanthorpe B)
2. Joshua Barber (Elland Youth)
3. Bethan Brown (Foresters Brass 2000)

Best Trombone: Hannah Stell (Skelmanthorpe B)
Best Tenor Horn: Ellie Watson (Elland Youth)

Junior Duets:
1. Josh Barber & Samuel Clough (Elland Youth)
2. Georgia & Michell Stones (Jayess Newbiggin)
3. Bethan Plant & Hannah French (Elland Youth)

16 & Unders:
1. Gemma Riley (Wigan Youth)
2. Hannah Stell (Skelmanthorpe B)
3. Tommy Tynan (Marsden)

Junior Quartets:
1. Elland Youth Band

Open Section:
1. Ian Gill (Lindley)
2. Gemma Riley (Wigan Youth)
3. Joshua Barber (Elland Youth)

Veterans (over 40):
1. Ian Gill (Lindley)
2. David Armitage (Elland Silver)
3. John Dale (Elland Training)

Best Cornet: Bethan Plant (Elland Silver)
Best Euphonium: Ian Gill (Lindley)
Best Flugel: Daniel Clough (Elland Youth)
Best Bass: Tommy Tynan (Marsden)
Highest Mark Elland Silver Band: Joshua Barber & David Armitage

Senior Duets:
1. Gemma & Jill Riley (Wigan Youth)

Senior Quartets:
1. Diggle Basses
2. The Just Brass Ensemble