A day of outstanding music was enjoyed at the recent 3rd annual Holme Valley Slow Melody & Ensemble Competition, held at the impressive Hade Edge bandroom.

Far and wide

Competitors travelled from as far afield as the North East and the Midlands to take part in the friendly contesting rivalry amid a relaxed atmosphere. With over 40 entries this year it is hoped that the event will now become a regular part of the rapidly growing Slow Melody circuit in the north of England.

Adjudicator Kevin Wadsworth and an appreciative audience were certainly stunned by the quality of the performances in the 11 & Under Section, which included no less than four excellent renditions of ‘Softly Awakes My Heart’ from the talented young players.

The best

The best of them came from winner Felicity Hindmarsh from Tewit Youth, whilst there were other excellent prize winning performances in the other main classes from Ben Jarvis, Hannah Stell and Patricia Woodings, who also took the Veterans honours.

Young Black Dyke star Jonny Bates teamed up with his friend Luke Dempsey to win the Under 18 Ensemble Class with the trombone duo of Stephen Lomas and Daniel Brooks taking the senior ensemble award.

Informative

Organiser Graham Bates told 4BR: "Kevin was very informative and encouraging in his analysis of every section. He only had one disappointment in that several of the packed audience from the morning did not stay to savour some outstanding ensemble performances."

Leyland’s bass trombone star Steve Lomas, was singled out for his superb playing.

Graham added: "It was great to see a lot of familiar faces again as well as some new friends who we hope to see again in the future. The standard of playing was excellent and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves."

It was great to see a lot of familiar faces again as well as some new friends who we hope to see again in the future. The standard of playing was excellent and I hope everyone enjoyed themselvesGraham Bates

Results:

11 & Under:
1. Felicity Hindmarsh (Tewit Youth)
2. Ellie Warren (Rochdale Youth)
3. Eva Warren (Rochdale Youth)

14 & Under:
1. Ben Jarvis (Eccleston)
2. Hannah Stell (Skelmanthorpe B)
3. Bethan Brown (Foresters Brass)

16 & Under:
1. Hannah Stell (Skelmanthorpe B)
2. Ben Jarvis (Eccleston)
3. Bethan Brown (Foresters Brass)

Open:
1. Patricia Woodings (Newhall)
2. Bradley Hanson (EYMS)
3. Ben Jarvis (Eccleston)

Veterans:
1. Patricia Woodings (Newhall)
2. Debbie Bates (Thurlstone)

Ensemble (18 & Under):
1. Luke Dempsey & Jonny Bates

Ensemble (Open):
1. Stephen Lomas & Daniel Brooks
2. Brassaholics Ride Again
3. Louise Edgar & Stephen Lomas