A combination of an excellent test piece, intelligent MDs and fearless performers made for an enjoyable, high quality Fourth Section contest, won in thrilling fashion by Welsh champion Ebbw Valley.
However, until they took to the stage as the last of 18 contenders, adjudicators Gareth Pritchard and Derek Southcott had yet to hear a performance that had the clear mark of a champion written all over a rendition of Phillip Sparke’s expertly crafted ‘A Malvern Suite’.
Second time in three years
After the Gwent band’s outstanding performance under the infatigable baton of Gareth Ritter (he also conducted City of Cardiff M2 on the weekend) there was no doubt though. The title returned to Wales for the second time in three years in the most commanding of musical fashion.
Earlier a fine account from Coppull & Standish set the mark to eventually end runner-up, whilst a remarkable performance from the 17 players of Ifton Colliery secured third.
The remaining top six places went to Barnsley Metropolitan, Pilling Jubilee Silver and Resdev Market Rasen.
To a tee
It was Ebbw Valley that stood apart though to give the judges the combination of technical solidity allied to musical nuance that met their rather demanding expectations to a tee.
That meant some admirable pre-results plain speaking from both Derek and Gareth — much appreciated by an audience who wanted to know just how and why a keenly fought contest was won and lost.
"I have a bit of a bugbear about many of the performances today," Derek said from the stage.
"I don’t blame the players but their teachers.
Soloists must try and imitate the best instrument in the world – the human voice – and use vibrato. So many cornet and trombone player failed to do that today, so the music sounded so flat and uninteresting."
He later told 4BR: "It was so frustrating. MDs must try and use warmth in the ensemble and solo lines to make the music speak and sound engaging. The winning cornet soloist stood out a mile with the beauty of their playing."
Informed
Meanwhile, Gareth expertly pinpointed another personal bug bear that certainly informed his opinion making on the day – that of musical performance priorities.
"I know the piece well and know what the priorities are to give a coherent musical performance at this level. Get the basic right first – intonation, balance, warmth of sound, ensemble togetherness — then go for the nuances. It seemed some MDs had the list upside down."
He later added: "The winners won and won well – it was no contest to who we thought would and who wouldn’t win after they played. It was a bit more difficult placing the bands after them though.
There was some very good playing and some very poor playing on show today, but not much in between. Although we talked about different aspects both Derek and I were looking for the same things and we certainly found it with the best bands and certainly the winners."
Forward thinking
For winning conductor Gareth Ritter, the victory was the culmination of a forward thinking idea to bring together the forces of two previously struggling valley bands.
"Ebbw Vale and my old band Cwm had been battling for survival for years, but old rivalries (the bands were less than 3 miles apart) were put behind them and everyone decided to work together.
Now we can all celebrate a brilliant achievement and look forward to a great future."
Modest MD
The MD modestly played down his own part in the band’s success, although as ‘Best Instrumentalist’ award winner Nanette Jones told 4BR that his inspirational direction has been the key.
"Gareth’s work ethic is amazing and he really inspires all the players to give 100%. It’s been a team effort but we couldn’t have done it without him. He deserves the success more than any of us."
Gareth responded: "Nanette was simply brilliant today – and so was everyone associated with Ebbw Valley.
I think it goes to show that if bands can work together then they can achieve great long term success – and that’s what I aim to do here."
Engaging
Although the bands that eventually ended up behind Ebbw Valley produced performances that lacked their overall conviction and consistency, there was still much to enjoy throughout an engaging contest.
The youthful Camborne Junior Contesting produced a fine marker off the number 1 draw to end seventh, whilst Barnsley Metropolitan directed by Alex Francis quickly followed with a bold account that saw them eventually finish fourth.
Runner-up Coppull & Standish immediately raised the bar to an imposing level conducted by Matt Stringer, with an excellent rendition that very nearly held its own all the way to the finishing line.
Remarkable
Soon after came Ifton Colliery’s remarkable show of commitment and musicality.
The band was seven players short due to an administrative oversight and was in two minds in the week before the contest to whether or not they would compete.
However, they produced a performance rich in detail and ensemble warmth under the outstanding direction of MD Wayne Ruston (who was making his own contesting return following his competitive ban) to claim a fully deserved third place.
Pilling Silver Jubilee’s fine effort under Len Charnock ended fifth with a powerful account from Resdev Market Rasen directed by Dave Dernley in sixth
The remaining top ten places went to Ammanford Town, City of Oxford Silver and Wilton & District, all of whom produced performances of merit.
Lasting memory
The lasting memory though was winning MD Gareth Ritter trying to make sure he contacted his family with the news of victory, whilst organising the first rehearsal for his band for their forthcoming contest appearance at the Welsh League contest in Burry Port in a few weeks time.
"I could do with a break," he said with an exhausted look before dialling his mobile phone and starting the planning for yet more success for Ebbw Valley.
"But after a win like this you just want to carry on and do it again."
Iwan Fox
A full retrospective will appear on 4BR
4BR editor Iwan Fox talks to winning MD Gareth Ritter following the announcement of the results
I think it goes to show that if bands can work together then they can achieve great long term success – and that’s what I aim to do hereWinning MD, Gareth Ritter
Results:
Saturday 21st September
Test Piece: 'A Malvern Suite' — Philip Sparke
Commence: at the conclusion of Section 2
Adjudicators: Gareth Pritchard & Derek Southcott
1. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter), 19
2. Coppull & Standish (Matt Stringer), 4
3. Ifton Colliery (Wayne Ruston), 7
4. Barnsley Metropolitan (Alex Francis), 3
5. Pilling Jubilee Silver (Len Charnock), 8
6. Resdev Market Rasen (Dave Dernley), 17
7. Camborne Junior Contesting (Alan Pope), 1
8. Ammanford Town (Glyn Davies), 12
9. City of Oxford Silver (Steve Sizeland), 5
10. Wilton & District (Colin Herbert), 6
11. Simon Langton Brass (Dave Cutting), 9
12. Swindon Brass, (Francis Cowley), 18
13. Tullis Russell Intermediate (Steven Craig), 2
14. Burnside Brass (Laurie Johnston), 16
15. Barrhead Burgh (Brian Keachie), 13
16. Great Yarmouth Brass, (Colin Swaep), 11
17. Moulton '77 (Roger Stevens), 14
18. Trimdon Concert (John Robson), 15
19. Gawthorpe Brass '85 (John Edward), 10
Best Instrumentalist: Nanette Jones (Principal Cornet) — Ebbw Valley
