Wales retained its iron grip on the Fourth Section National Championship in Cheltenham on the weekend as Northop Brass became the third band in the last four years from the Principality to claim the title.

Inspirational

Following on from the victories of Melingriffith 2 in 2011, and Ebbw Valley last year, the North Walians, packed with youngsters and led by the inspirational David Davies, delivered an excellent winning performance of Geoffrey Burgon's 'Narnia Suite' that certainly ticked the very specific boxes required by judges Tom Davoren and Mark Wilkinson.

"We were looking for bands that could master four basic elements of balanced ensemble, dynamic contrast, good intonation and rhythmic pulse, and the winners certainly gave us that," Tom Davoren later told 4BR.

Essential building blocks

Those essential building block foundations were added to with some lovely touches of mature musicality and confidence as Northop pipped a boldly delivered performance from North Skelton from the North of England into second place, with the Midlanders of Fairfield (Buxton) in third.

The remaining top six places in a contest that found a number of the 19 contenders failing to meet those basic demands set out by the judges, went to Yorkshire representatives Rockingham, with West of England qualifiers Corsham and Camborne Junior Contesting in fifth and sixth respectively.

Informed decision

"Those basic elements informed our decision today," Tom later added.

"There were some beautiful moments, some lyrical ones and some technical ones, but overall, getting those basics right put bands in the frame."

Mark Wilkinson agreed. "It's been a great choice for the contest. It's not always the hard and high that sorts things out at this level, but the soft and melodic, with an appreciation of dynamic contrast.

That's what we got with the best bands and especially the winner."

Excellent top three

He also added that the top three bands in the duo's opinion had produced excellent performances, whilst the rest of the top six had come close.

"The best bands did bring a great deal of contrast, but too many just fell into a safety zone of mid range dynamics. At times it sounded a little bland."

Emotional high

There may have been a lack of contrast in the post results celebrations from the joyful Northop players — everyone on a brilliantly emotional high — but who could blame them?

Formed just over a year ago by David Davies to encourage and develop young players into the Northop organisation, the North Wales band has played in just two contests and won them both!

"We initially set things up to put in place much needed long term future player development for the organisation, and we only intended to field a band at the Welsh Area in Llandudno, because it was on our doorstep," David told 4BR.

"We won there and now we have won here. The desire, commitment and passion of the young players is amazing and makes my job so rewarding. There is no secret to the success — just plenty of fun and hard work.

The long term aims remain, but I just can't believe just how much progress these brilliant young players — and a few older ones — have made. We will be celebrating even more on the way home!"

Clear marker

Northop's winning rendition from the number 14 draw set a clear margin from the rest of the field, with Camborne Junior Contesting setting the early marker off number 2 with a typically vibrant account under the baton of Alan Pope, that led the way until North Skelton's bold approach under Dennis Noble caught the ears just before the mid point break.

The band's outstanding flugel horn player Gavin Brown deservedly took the 'Best Instrumentalist' award for his wonderful lyrical contribution to their performance.

After the Welsh band came the excellent challenges from Rockingham, Corsham and Fairfield (Buxton), all of who brought drama and excitement from the score under their experienced MDs, but which crucially, just fell short in the opinion of the men in the box.

Youthful flourish

Elsewhere the likes of the fancied Ifton caught the ear, whilst the contest was rounded off with a splendid youthful flourish with Porthleven Town, who fielded perhaps the youngest band of the entire weekend (with no less then 18 young female players) under their equally youthful MD Tom Bassett.

Their smiling faces as they left the stage told you everything about how much they enjoyed the experience.

And as for smiles — none were bigger, broader and more beautiful to behold than those on the faces of the players young and old, the supporters, and especially the MD David Davies, of the newly crowned Fourth Section Champion Band of Great Britain, Northop Brass.

The desire, commitment and passion of the young players is amazing and makes my job so rewarding. There is no secret to the success — just plenty of fun and hard workNorthop Brass MD, David Davies

Results:

Saturday 20th September
Test Piece: 'Narnia Suite' — Geoffrey Burgon

Adjudicators: Tom Davoren and Mark Wilkinson

1. Northop Brass (David Davies)
2. North Skelton (Dennis Noble)
3. Fairfield (Buxton) (Charles Kitchen)
4. Rockingham (Rob Straw)
5. Corsham (Colin Hogg)
6. Camborne Junior Contesting (Alan Pope)
7. Porthleven Town (Tom Bassett)
8. Jubilee Brass (Clifford Sadler)
9. Ifton Colliery (Wayne Ruston)
10. Stourport-on-Severn (Oliver Wilson)
11. Valley Brass (Haydock) (David Chadwick)
12. Menai Bridge (Gavin Saynor)
13. Tayport Instrumental (Frank Culross)
14. Clifton & Lightcliffe 'B' (John Clay)
15. Callander (Ian Milligan)
16. Stacksteads (Fred Bowker)
17. Swinton & District (Robin Rutter)
18. City of Oxford Silver (Steve Sizeland)
19. Brighton & Hove City (Matthew Hackett)

Best Instrumentalist: Gavin Brown (Flugel) North Skelton