The audience at Venue Cymru in Llandudno certainly witnessed a memorable Championship Section contest, as Cory and Tredegar more than lived up to their ranking status to produce a brace of stunning ‘St Magnus’ performances in their battle to represent Wales at the 2015 European Championship in Germany.

Orbit quality

The quality was such that adjudicator David Read MBE had to amend his recent Yorkshire Area epithet, as the European, National and Brass in Concert champion, and British Open winner produced renditions of Kenneth Downie’s set work that certainly orbited in the farthest reaches of his ‘out of the world’ measure of excellence.

Any contest in the word

In the end it was Cory, with a performance that, ‘...would have won any contest in the world’ who claimed victory, the Area title for a 30th time and their place in the Freiburg line up for 2015.

David Read also acknowledged that under by Philip Harper’s precise direction, Cory had to be that good to beat their rivals, as he revealed he had to, ‘...delve deep into the score to find anything wrong’ with Tredegar’s account; noting just a couple of minor errors from Ian Porthouse’s band that separated the top two out.

Musical engagement

With the heavyweight champions engaged in what seemed their own mini contest, there was still an engrossing musical engagement between the other five contenders to claim the two qualification places for the Albert Hall.

Nigel Seaman shaped a compact, cleverly managed account with Burry Port to see a thrilled Welsh League champion end third and book a Kensington berth the first time since 2006, whilst a slightly misfiring, but proudly defiant defending champion Tongwynlais Temperance under Steve Sykes headed to London for a third successive year in fourth.

Behind them came the hard working trio of Tylorstown, Northop and City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) who filled the remaining places with rather more inconsistent renditions.

Shared congratulations

With the Cory players enjoying their celebrations, both Philip Harper and Ian Porthouse shared congratulations and thoughts with banding’s most experienced judge, who was making his last Welsh Area appearance.

“What fantastic performances,” David told them and 4BR. “Cory would have won any contest in the world and Tredegar wouldn’t have been far behind. Wales has two bands the envy of any other nation, and the qualifiers also produced very fine accounts.”

Plaudits

Philip Harper modestly accepted the glowing plaudits. “It’s humbling to hear David say that about the band. They deserve the success for their hard work and brilliant playing.

We knew we had to produce an exceptional performance to win the title and we did just that.”

He also paid tribute to his newly appointed solo euphonium player Martyn Patterson, who won the ‘Best Soloist’ Award against exceptional opposition: “What a contest debut that was. I have worked with him for many years now, and that performance was simply superb.”

Quailty

Ian Porthouse also offered his congratulations to the new champion. “To hear David talk about the quality of the performances today shows Wales has bands to be very proud of. Our congratulations go to Cory and we hope they can now retain their European title, so that we can join them in Germany next year.”

First Section:

Despite the late loss of their regular principal cornet and the need to get a ‘quick fix’ replacement to conduct at short notice, Llwydcoed produced a commanding account of ‘Cry of the Mountain’ to claim the First Section title.

Thankfully, the ‘deps’ they were able to call on were the envy of any band on the weekend, as recently appointed MD Chris Turner took on the principal role after asking his close friend David Childs to take over the conducting duties on just three rehearsals (including the one on contest day) before they took to the stage.

Emotional victory

The result was an emotional victory in a high quality contest, with Llwydcoed pushed all the way to Cheltenham by last year’s National Second Section champion, Goodwick, conducted by Matthew Jenkins.

“I can’t thank David enough,” Chris told 4BR. “When Nick Brill told us he was unavailable the only viable option available was for me to play cornet, and hope David could help us out. What a friend: He put other things on hold and juggled his diary to conduct us. His arrival gave everyone such a huge boost.”

Area record

David was equally delighted to have been able to help and in the process maintain a remarkable Area conducting record of two appearances and two wins — some 12 years apart! “I was delighted to give a helping hand and really enjoyed it — although I’ll be happy to give the baton back to Chris!

The players were wonderful and so committed. I can’t quite believe that the last time I conducted at the contest was 12 years ago though, so a third appearance may be some way off at this rate!”

Very musical

David Read was certainly impressed by the winners and overall contest standard, calling Llwydcoed’s rendition, ‘outstanding’ and complimenting the top five bands for the way their MDs shaped the music.

“I was left to nit-pick in my remarks,” he said. “It was an excellent winning performance and the top three were clear, but there were four or five bands where something very good emerged in each.”

With Goodwick’s sharply focused account claiming yet another Cheltenham berth, Gavin Pritchard led Lewis Merthyr to third (with his father Gareth on solo horn), whilst Gareth himself conducted Markham to fourth.

The remaining top six places in a contest that showed the strength in depth of Welsh First Section banding went to Pontardulais (with euph star Matthew Fletcher winning the ‘Best Instrumentalist award) and Rogerstone.

Second Section:

There was a first Area title success in 12 years to celebrate for Blaenavon Town as they won the Second Section under the baton of Jamie Jones.

Barry Thompson certainly enjoyed their winning rendition of ‘Chaucer’s Tunes’; remarking in his adjudication that, ‘... I sit back and enjoy your super playing’ as the band secured its first appearance at the finals since 2008 as well as outstanding principal cornet Lucinda Gough taking the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ award.

Generous

Joining them at Cheltenham will be Parc & Dare, as one of the famous names of Welsh banding continued its contesting revival under Andrew Jones by securing the second qualification place thanks to a boldly characterised rendition of Michael Ball’s set work.

The adjudicator was also generous in his overall appraisal of the competitors; praising the way in which they tried to bring character to the music and commending the high level of solo playing.

Just missing out was a neatly portrayed account from Royal Buckley in third, with the remaining top six places going to City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) 2, Crwbin and Newtown, whose cornet player raced onto the stage midway through their first movement after taking part in a Welsh farmer’s event in an adjoining hall!

No distractions

No such distractions though for the winner, with Secretary Paul Miles telling 4BR that after a few months of struggle the results had given a proud band a real boost of confidence.

“It’s great to be back at the finals and to once again be crowned Welsh champion. We are a hard working community band that is developing our own young players — with 25 currently under our weekly guidance and tuition.

We want to build on that now and this victory gives us all a huge boost after coming through a bit of a difficult period.”

Third Section:

If there was a puzzling aspect to the musical quality on show on the weekend, it came in the Third Section, where the majority of the nine competitors struggled with Philip Wilby’s ‘Partita (Postcards from Home).

There was certainly no such problem for Ebbw Valley, conducted by Gareth Ritter, as the 2013 Fourth Section champion showed that they will be one of short priced bookies favourites for Cheltenham after delivering an outstanding performance to take the title in emphatic fashion.

Ease

‘You overcame the piece with ease’ David Read MBE wrote in his remarks, whilst Ammanford, directed by Tom Davoren was a comfortable qualifier thanks to his intelligent approach being coupled to solid execution from his band

Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda ended some way further back in third — the best of a chasing pack that according to David Read, ‘...never sounded comfortable from start to finish’, with the remaining top six places going to Briton Ferry, Crosskeys Silver and Ogmore Valley.

Excellent soloists

The cold hall and rather unforgiving acoustic may have caused problems for some, but as was shown by Ebbw Valley, good direction, excellent soloists (horn player Tracey Walkerdine won the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award) and ensemble balance were the essential requirements in mastering the piece.

“There was one very good band, but the others all had problems,” David Read told the audience. “It’s not such an easy piece to play and that was shown all too often today.”

Not surprisingly, winning MD Gareth Ritter was delighted by his band’s latest triumph. “We continue to work hard and aim to improve with every contest performance,” he told 4BR.

“I thought we did that once again, so it’s more hard work ahead to get where we want to be — starting next rehearsal and aiming for Cheltenham. I ask a lot of my players but they give it all back and more, so no wonder I’m happy.”

Fourth Section:

With the likes of Cory and Tredegar leading the way at Championship level, there were encouraging signs that the entry level of senior contesting is continuing to prosper in the Fourth Section — with a wonderful victory for debutants Northop Brass.

Formed in November 2013 and splendidly directed by David Davies, his young band delivered an excellent rendition of ‘Three Spanish Impressions’ that brought a vibrant touch of Iberian colour and atmosphere to the North Wales coast.

Pinata

With a veritable piñata full of excellently led, stylishly inspired performances, no wonder adjudicator Barry Thompson was full of praise, not just for the winners, but all 12 competitors.

Joining Northop Brass at Cheltenham will be Porthaethwy Menai Bridge, conducted Gavin Saynor who gave an equally vibrant account, whilst just missing out were excellent renditions from third placed Rhyl and Abertillery Youth in fourth.

The remaining top six places in what proved to be a cracking aperitif to the top section fight that followed, went to Upper Rhondda (who were packed to the sombrero brim with young players — including youngest player Eleri Kynsey) and Oakeley.

Enjoyed

“I enjoyed every performance,” Barry Thompson said. “There were good soloists, some excellent percussion playing and some fine interpretations from the conductors. The winners were solid and stylish and the top bands really played so well.”

An equally delighted MD David Davies told 4BR that he couldn’t have hoped for a better contesting debut for his band.

“We really want to give local banding in our area a boost and to provide talented youngsters with additional musical opportunities. So after setting up in November last year I can’t be any happier at the progress we have made.”

Excellent venue

With its excellent facilities and warm welcome, both Venue Cymru and Llandudno provided an ideal environment for hosting the premier domestic contest in Welsh banding.

However, there also appeared to have been a lack of specific information and communication between organisers, the hall management, and crucially, a large number of competitors prior to the weekend.

The positive and negative aspects were something that the majority of bands that 4BR spoke to agreed upon, whilst a proposal was suggested that a published post contest appraisal about issues raised, should be made by the Welsh Regional Committee.

Approached

On the weekend, 4BR was approached by a number of conductors and band representatives who felt that they had not been clearly informed of which hall in the Venue Cymru complex was to be used for the contest, leading to their assumption that the main theatre auditorium had been earmarked for the event.

However, when speaking to 4BR, the organisers robustly defended their position that the contest organisation requirements had in fact been relayed to all parties well before the contest.

Iwan Fox

We knew we had to produce an exceptional performance to win the title and we did just thatPhilip Harper

Result:

As it happened:
www.4barsrest.com/live/2014regionalchampionships/

Championship Section:
Test Piece: 'St Magnus' — Kenneth Downie

Adjudicator: David Read MBE

1. Cory (Philip Harper), 2**
2. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse), 7**
3. Burry Port (Nigel Seaman), 4*
4. Tongwynlais Temperance (Steve Sykes), 6*
5. Tylorstown (Gary Davies), 1
6. Northop (Thomas Wyss), 3
7. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Gareth Ritter), 5

** Pre-qualified for National Final
* Qualified for National Final

Best Instrumentalist: Martyn Patterson (euphonium) — Cory

First Section:
Test Piece: 'Cry of the Mountain' — Howard Lorriman

Adjudicator: David Read MBE

1. Llwydcoed (David Childs), 7*
2. Goodwick (Matthew Jenkins), 2*
3. Lewis Merthyr (Gavin Pritchard), 8
4. Markham (Gareth Pritchard), 1
5. Pontardulais (Paul Jenkins), 9
6. Rogerstone (Jeff Hutcherson), 4
7. Deiniolen (Lois Eifion), 6
8. Abergavenny Borough (Craig Roberts), 5
9. Llanrug (Paul Hughes), 3

*Top two bands qualify for National Final

Best Instrumentalist: Matthew Fletcher (euphonium) — Pontardulais

Second Section:
Test Piece: 'Chaucer's Tunes' — Dr Michael Ball

Adjudicator: Barry Thompson

1. Blaenavon Town (Jamie Jones), 5*
2. Parc & Dare (Andrew Jones), 4*
3. Royal Buckley (Scott Lloyd), 3
4. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith 2) (Robin Hackett), 7
5. Crwbin (Colin Hogg), 2
6. Newtown (Steve Edwards), 6
7. Severn Tunnel (Christopher Bond), 1

*Top two bands qualify for National Final

Best Instrumentalist: Lucinda Gough (cornet) — Blaenavon Town

Third Section:
Test Piece: 'Partita for Band' (Postcards from Home) — Professor Philip Wilby

Adjudicator: David Read MBE

1. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter), 7*
2. Ammanford (Tom Davoren), 3*
3. Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda (Alan Gibbs), 4
4. Briton Ferry (J. Pearce), 2
5. Crosskeys Silver (Kerry Bowden), 8
6. Ogmore Valley (Alice Jones), 1
7. Gwaun Cau Gurwen (Malcolm Read), 5
8. R.A.F. St. Athan Voluntary (Alan Bourne), 6
9. Ynyshir (Gary Davies), 9

*Top two bands qualify for National Final

Best Instrumentalist: Tracy Walkerdine (horn) — Ebbw Valley

Fourth Section:
Test Piece: 'Three Spanish Impressions for Brass Band' — Alan Fernie

Adjudicator: Barry Thompson

1. Northop Brass (David Davies), 12*
2. Porthaethwy Menai Bridge (Chris Williams), 8*
3. Rhyl (Keith Jones), 6
4. Abertillery Youth (Huw Cole), 1
5. Upper Rhondda (M. Leach), 7
6. Oakeley (John Jones), 2
7. Newport Borough (Robin Hackett), 11
8. Holywell (Aled Williams), 4
9. Usk (Jeff Jones), 10
10. Deeside (John Pemberton), 3
11. Cwmbran (Jake Pritchard), 5
12. Oakdale (Adrian Browning), 9

*Top two bands qualify for National Final

Best Instrumentalist: Ian Roberts (euphonium) — Northop Brass

Youngest Player: Eleri Kynsey (aged 10) of Upper Rhondda