Former Grimethorpe and Brighouse & Rastrick principal cornet player Rob Westacott made a successful start to his conducting career, leading Slaithwaite to the £400 first prize at the popular Pogson Bray Entertainment Contest.

Entertainment

13 bands took part in the 27th running of the event, each performing their entertainment programme for adjudicator Gareth Brindle.

Slaithwaite’s ambition was shown right from the start with the world premiere of Jonathan Bates’s new composition, ‘Around the World in 4 Minutes’, which was followed by the swagger march ‘Imperial Echoes’.

Horn soloist Neil Hardy delivered a fine performance of ‘Capriccio Brillante’ before the band showed their lyrical ability with ‘Irish Blessing’, featuring the quartet of Daniel Booth, Pete Brier, Graham Chadwick and Phil Hudson.

Victory round off

The winning performance was rounded off with ‘Victory’ from ‘Lord of the Dance’, with the MD later telling 4BR that he was relieved that it proved to be the right choice of finisher!

"I’m delighted for the band as they played so well for me. It’s a great start to my conducting career too, and I was a bit relieved that the final item came off so well and I wasn’t tempting fate too much!"

He added: "It’s an excellent set up at Slaithwaite and it enables me to develop my conducting as well as keep playing with the James Shepherd Versatile Brass group. It’s the perfect balance of conducting playing and home life now!"

Future

Rob is now looking to the future with his eyes firmly set on Bradford next March. "We are playing Philip Wilby’s ‘Partitia’ in the Third Section at the Yorkshire Area. It’s a great piece, and I’m already looking forward to the contest with a band that is really ambitious and committed."

Second place on the day went to Elland Silver directed by David Essex, with Horbury Victoria in third.

I’m delighted for the band as they played so well for me. It’s a great start to my conducting career too, and I was a bit relieved that the final item came off so well and I wasn’t tempting fate too muchRob Westacott

Full results:

1. Slaithwaite (Rob Westercott)
2. Elland Silver (David Essex)
3. Horbury Victoria (Duncan Beckley)
4. Emley Brass (Garry Hallas)
5. Lindley (Chris Lewis)
6. Dinnington Colliery (Jonathan Beatty)
7. Thurcroft Welfare (Garry Hallas)
8. Huddersfield & Ripponden (Michael Cox)
9. Oughtibridge (Gavin Somerset)
10. Clifton & Lightcliffe 'B' (Heather Sowden)
11. Hade Edge Youth (Simon Wood)
12. Huddersfield & Ripponden Youth (Alan Jazwinski)
13. Thurlstone (Graham Bates)

Best Third Section Band not in prizes: Dinnington Colliery
Best Fourth Section Band not in prizes: Thurcroft Welfare
Best Youth Band: Hade Edge Youth
Best march: Elland Silver
Best Soloist: Scott Dawson (euphonium) — Emley