The remarkable rise of the Rainford Band received another huge boost of contesting prominence in Blackpool, as they claimed the Senior Trophy title under the direction of MD Gareth Brindle — on just their second appearance at the Spring Festival event.

The former Black Dyke baritone star led the Merseyside band to their first ever major Championship Section title on ‘Tallis Variations’ in a contest where the 20 competitors certainly found Philip Sparke’s set work a difficult conduit to negotiate in trying to claim one of the four promotion places to the Senior Cup.

Not easy

That was certainly something the adjudicators highlighted to the audience before the announcement of the results, with Mark Wilkinson (who was joined by Adrian Morris) informing them that the former European Championship set work still contained numerous challenges ‘that were not easy’.

That was certainly heard in the lively acoustic of the surreal surroundings of Spanish Hall throughout the day. Issues over tempo choices, tuning and intonation with mixed mutes, dynamics, note lengths and even ‘panic’ in the quicker sections scupperred the chances of many bands according to judges.

Sticking to the score

As a result, the MDs who took a ‘calculated’ risk with tempo choices and idiosyncratic interpretations found no favour in the box, whilst those who stayed closer to the markings of the score, gained reward.

That meant malleable renditions from SPAL Automotive Sovereign Brass and Filton Concert Brass could only claim midfield finishes, whilst the solid, no nonsense approaches of Llwydcoed, VBS Poynton and Newtongrange captured the promotion places.

As Mark Wilkinson pointed out; being a 'stickler' for the elements he talked about, meant those who took chances but didn’t quite control the basics were caught out on the day.

On the tin

No such problems for them with the winners though, as it was certainly a deliberate case of sticking to ‘doing what it said on the tin’ with Rainford that proved to be the recipe for success, as their delighted MD later told 4BR.

“As with all Philip Sparke pieces, he always makes it very clear what he wants from the score,” Gareth said. “Over the years I’ve played so many of his major works and those essential characteristics pop up time and time again.

I felt there was no point in trying to do something that wasn’t written. Sticking closely to his intentions meant we could concentrate on good contesting basics and allow the music to speak for itself.”

Excellent approach

That was something highlighted by both judges in their written remarks; Adrian Morris praising the ‘excellent’ musical approach of the MD, whilst Mark Wilkinson spotlighted the ‘quality’ of the ensemble and the ‘outstanding’ contribution of ‘Best Soloist’ award winner and principal cornet Morvern Sinclair.

Morvern is a former Black Dyke colleague of Gareth Brindle, who, alongside husband and tuba player Danny (also a former Queensbury player) is now enjoying banding life with Rainford.

“That’s a great part of our success,” Gareth added. “Friends and colleagues who I have known for many years have come and joined us because they want to enjoy the family atmosphere, the team building and commitment to long term development of the band. We want to enjoy success together.”

Family atmosphere

He added: “All the players and supporters deserve this success — from the principals down to the baby sitters. Everyone has played their part, especially as it shows that we have bounced back after a disappointing Area result.

We are in the First Section nationally next year, but I think this performance shows that we are a band that can make a long term impact on the Championship Section.”

Rival considerations

For a band that just a few years ago was battling to get out of the Third Section and claim podium finishes at local contests that statement tells you just how far Rainford Band has come in the past decade.

Other contenders may wish to consider taking a leaf out of Rainford’s book — especially the MD's considered approach to the acoustic properties of the hall.

In addition, a number of bass trombonists may also want to reconsider their dynamic approaches (Adrian Morris being the highly respected bass trombone of the Halle Orchestra) after some playing bordered on the ludicrous.

It was as if the hall had been invaded by demented geese let along the odd errant pigeon that cooed its way through some performances.

Early marker

The early contest marker had been provided off the number 5 draw by the Welsh contender of Llwydcoed, and it wasn’t until Rainford took to the stage well into the second half that they were eventually beaten.

Former Cory cornet star Chris Turner led a solid, well paced approach with his band (aided by a crafty bit of twin soprano work) that proved to be the touchstone for others to emulate.

An equally hard working account from VBS Poynton, and a slightly more bravura approach from Newtongrange also caught the ear of the men in the box late in the day to gain their all important promotion places.

Consistency and risk

Behind them, consistency, or the increasing lack of it, meant that musically engaging accounts from the likes of East London Brass and Unison Kinneil had to be content with top six finishes.

The remaining top 10 spots went to Oldham (Lees), Dalmellington, Medway and Filton Concert — who alongside Sovereign Brass produced performances under Tom Davoren and Trevor Jones respectively that took the most interpretative risks — much to the delight of some (4BR included) but not with the judges.

2016 return

The other midfield finishers of Longridge, Jackfield and Felling will live to fight another day here in 2016, whilst the bottom six of City of Bradford, Wakefield Metropolitan, Hatfield Colliery, Blidworth Welfare, Wantage Silver and Lochgelly will have to wait and see if they hopefully get an invite back or miss out for a year.

As the rise of an inspired Rainford has shown, there are plenty of ambitious bands out there all wanting to take the first successful steps towards the ultimate goal of an appearance at the British Open.

I felt there was no point in trying to do something that wasn’t written. Sticking closely to his intentions meant we could concentrate on good contesting basics and allow the music to speak for itselfMD, Gareth Brindle

Result:

The Senior Trophy:
The Spanish Hall

Test Piece: Tallis Variations (Philip Sparke)

Adjudicators: Adrian Morris & Mark Wilkinson

1. Rainford (Gareth Brindle)*
2. Llwydcoed (Christopher Turner)*
3. VBS Poynton (Neil Samuel)*
4. Newtongrange (Keith Wilkinson)*
5. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
6. Unison Kinneil (Craig Anderson)
7. Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)
8. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
9. Medway (Melvin White)
10. Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren)
11. SPAL Automotive Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
12. Longridge (Mareika Gray)
13. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (Simon Platford)
14. Felling (Phil Rosier)
15. City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)
16. Wakefield Metropolitan (Richard Larder)
17. Hatfield Colliery (Stan Lippeatt)
18. Blidworth Welfare (Martin Heartfield)
19. Wantage Silver A (Phillip Bailey)
20. Lochgelly (Kenny Letham)

Best Instrumentalist: Morvern Sinclair (cornet) Rainford

*Promoted to Senior Cup