Yorkshire Third Section champion Slaithwaite put behind their recent disappointing return at the National Finals in Cheltenham as they claimed the Pogson Bray Entertainment title for the second time in three years.
American theme
Directed by Rob Westacott, their 'American' themed programme at Bertie's Bistro venue in Elland saw them hold off the inspired challenge of local favourites Elland Silver Youth, with Knottingley Silver in third to take the £400 first prize.
Slaithwaite opened their 20-minute set with PLC's 'Starbursts and Canyons', before principal cornet Joanne Griffith gave a wonderful performance of 'Bess You is My Woman'.
The MD's own cleverly conceived arrangement of 'Swing with Grace' — combining elements of both the famous English rugby song and the unofficial Scottish anthem led into Sousa's 'White Rose March', before ending with a touch of rhinestone Elvis and 'American Trilogy'.
Solid victory
"It was a good solid victory,"the winning MD told 4BR. "We enjoy supporting this event as it gives us a chance to show off our concert skills and talents.
The band was on excellent form and it sets us up nicely for the forthcoming 'Brass Factor' contest in Holmfirth next month, where the players are looking forward to being led by my old friend Lee Skipsey."
CD release
Rob added: "Apart from Cheltenham it's been another very good season for the band and we are now looking forward to building on this latest success — not just at Brass Factor but also with our first commercial recording for over 40 years when we release our new CD next March."
Adjudicator Alan Holdsworth commented on the high standard of playing and entertainment he enjoyed throughout the day from the eleven competitors, with a number of well thought out programmes and fine solo features.
Prizes
Knottingley Silver's rousing rendition of William Rimmer's 'The Australasian' took the 'Best March' prize with Charlotte Horsfield of Elland Silver Youth taking a deserved 'Best Soloist Award' for her superb playing of 'Bayrische Polka'.
The band was on excellent form and it sets us up nicely for the forthcoming 'Brass Factor' contest in Holmfirth next monthMD, Rob Westacott
Results:
Adjudicator: Alan Holdsworth
1. Slaithwaite (Rob Westacott) — 185
2. Elland Silver Youth (Sam Harrison) — 184
3. Knottingley Silver (Kevin Belcher) — 183
4. Barnsley Brass (William Rushworth) — 181
5. Emley Brass (Garry Hallas) — 179
6. Lofthouse 2000 (Andrew Whitaker) — 177
7. Huddersfield & Ripponden (Adam Bell) — 177*
8. Clifton & Lightcliffe B (John Clay) — 176
9. Huddersfield Youth Ensemble (Alan Jaswinski) — 168
10. Elland Silver Training (Samantha Harrison) — 167
11. Friendly Band Sowerby Bridge (Neil Robinson) -166
* 1 point time penalty
Best Soloist: Charlotte Horsfield (trombone) — Elland Silver Youth
Best March: Knottingley Silver
Best Third Section Band not in prizes: Clifton & Lightcliffe 'B'
Best Fourth Section Band not in prizes: Lofthouse 2000
Best Youth Band not in prizes: Huddersfield Youth Brass (Alan Jazwinski)
