For the second year in a row, the triumphant student cries of 'Yorkshire! Yorkshire!' was heard ringing off the contest stage, as Huddersfield University Band conducted by Jonathan Beatty retained their UniBrass National Championship title.

Rallying call

It also proved to be something of a rallying call at the Butterworth Hall in the Warwick Arts Centre, as the talented students enjoyed the opportunity to once again grab the all important bragging rights to take into a long and highly enjoyable night of celebration.

In a close fought contest of an excellently organised and presented event, Huddersfield pipped close rivals University of Manchester Brass by a single point, with University of York Brass in third, a further four points behind.

Polish

The record entry of 14 bands provided over nine hours of polished entertainment for the enthusiastic audience, as well as adjudicators Michael Fowles and Tom Davoren, and Richard Jones, who was part of the ABBA professional development training scheme.

Prior to the results, both Mike and Tom revealed that they had taken their time in placing the bands in order of merit.

Mike told 4BR: “We had very strict judging criteria to work too, and with its various components it created detailed discussion amongst ourselves. That’s why we thanked people for their patience and understanding".

Speed kills

Mike also praised the excellent overall standard of performances and made special mention of the organisers for the way in which they have helped develop the event over the past four years.

He also informed the audience about just what he was looking for — from the usual banding basics of good tuning and intonation to the more esoteric areas of interpretation and style.

“I wanted to hear what the bands were playing and how they were playing it,” he added. “Some tempo choices were ambitious, so there was a difference between excited and exciting. Excessive speed does kill off chances of success.”

Solo praise

There was also praise for the standard of solo contributions, although he reiterated the importance of making sure the ensemble playing complimented rather than hindered, the solo lead.

Meanwhile, Tom Davoren echoed Mike's sentiments: "It was a cracking day and I offer my warmest congratulations not just to the players and conductors, but to everybody involved for their efforts".

Tom praised the bands for their well prepared programmes whilst from a judging perspective, he commented that those that did well entertainment wise, did so by maintaining the same standard of presentation as they did with their playing.

Cracking winners

Drawn eleven, Huddersfield delivered a cracking programme full of snap and energy that was imbued with quality from start to finish in enabling them to gain that crucial single point victory over rivals Manchester University Brass.

A new composition from band member Ben Hollings entitled 'Momentum' was followed by tasty bit of cornet playing from Connor Lennon with 'On with the Motley', before the quick-fire march, 'The Melody Shop' paved the way for Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Fire in the Blood' finale.

Preparation and thought

MD, Jonathan Beatty was naturally delighted when he spoke to 4BR after what had been a fabulous weekend.

"I'm absolutely thrilled for the band," he said. "They are a great bunch and have worked so hard in preparing for the event. They really wanted to show why they were the band to beat, and I think they are worthy champions.”

He added: "As with last year, we put a great deal of thought into the programme. It really challenged the players and I’m delighted it came off so well when it mattered."

Jonathan also acknowledged the hard work that Phillip McCann had undertaken in preparing the band in recent weeks. "Everyone knows the importance of Phillip to Huddersfield,” he said. “And once again his input has been invaluable. I thank him so much.”

Victory means that Huddersfield can now plan for a hat-trick attempt next year, something Jonathan believes they will relish, although the band will know that they will face a strong challenge from rivals Manchester and York, who claimed podium finishes once again.

Manchester's ‘Space’ theme won a lot of admirers as they set the early contest marker, whilst York produced a colourful, choreographed programme that also saw them claim the 'Most Entertaining Band' award.

Home outfit

Narrowly missing out on a top three spot was the home team of University of Warwick Brass under Simon Hogg, who in taking the ‘Best March’ prize, just edged out Cardiff University Brass.

The prize for ‘Best Soloist’ went to euphonium player Daniel Morgan from Sheffield for his sparkling rendition of Peter Graham's 'Brilliante', whilst the 'Best Student composition' went to Dave Collins from Durham University Brass for his cleverly conceived 'The Lambton Worm'.

Inventive coverage

As part of the inventive online coverage that gained viewers all over the world — from Cancun to Coventry — a panel of experts gave their thoughts after each band had played which the audience in the hall could hear throughout the day, whilst former Black Dyke sop star Paul Duffy worked with students throughout the day as well as providing an entertaining performance prior to the announcement of the results.

It was also later announced that the Butterworth Hall in the Warwick Arts Centre, whose excellent facilities made a huge impression on the competing bands and judges, will be the welcoming hosts for the event over the next couple of years.

The date for 2015 will be announced in due course.

We had very strict judging criteria to work too, and with its various components it created detailed discussion amongst ourselvesAdjudicator Michael Fowles

Results:
Adjudicators: Michael Fowles & Tom Davoren

1. Huddersfield University Brass (Jonathon Beatty) — 133
2. University of Manchester Brass — 132
3. University of York Brass (Leo Conroy) — 128
4. University of Warwick Brass Society (Simon Hogg) — 126*
5. Cardiff University Brass (David Langley & Andrew Mitchell)- 126
6. University of Sheffield Brass (Gregory Waters) — 123
7. Durham University Brass (Andrew Forsythe) — 120
8. Southampton University Brass (Daniel Laverick) — 117
9. Bangor University Brass (Meurig Jenkins) — 112*
10. Oxford University Brass (Daniel Moore) — 112
11. Keele University Brass (James Butterworth-Smith)- 110
12. Lancaster University Brass (Christopher Wadesmith) — 108*
13. Hull University Music Society (Elizabeth Hartley) — 108
14. University of Birmingham (Christopher Sheldrake) — 103

*Music mark takes precedent

Best March: 'The Red Shield' played by University of Warwick
Most Improved Band: University of Durham
Best Solo/Feature: Daniel Morgan (Euphonium) playing 'Brillante' — University of Sheffield
Most Entertaining Band: University of York
Original Student Composition: 'The Lambton Worm' (Dave Collins) (University of Durham)