There was a thoroughly enjoyable day's music making at the recent Holme Valley Slow Melody, Air Varie & Ensemble Competition, with a record entry representing 17 different bands, and competitors coming from as far afield as Norway.

Adjudicator David Hirst complimented the standard of playing throughout the day and noted the eclectic mix of music choices along with the varied ensemble structures.

Delighted

Organising the event for the sixth time, Graham Bates was delighted, as he told 4BR: "It was lovely to hear both audience and players alike saying how relaxed and friendly this event was. We hope to see it grow further next year, especially in the junior sections.

It's a great opportunity for young players to develop as soloists and players."

Host of awards

A host of new awards were presented thanks to the kind support of Rath Trombones, Geneva Instruments, Kirklees Music and Black Dyke Band, with tenor horn players Patricia Woodings and Zoe Wright leaving with the biggest haul of trophies.

It was lovely to hear both audience and players alike saying how relaxed and friendly this event was.

Results:

11 & Under:
1. Lewis Barton (Red Admiral Music Academy)
2. Elizabeth Chung (Hade Edge)
3. Claudia Bowen (Thurlstone Training)

14 & Under:
1. Ellie Warren (Rochdale Borough Youth)
2. Matthew Sykes (Hope Bank Works)
3. Max Lawrence (Meltham)

16 & Under:
1. Zoe Wright (Hammonds Saltaire)
2. Ellie Warren (Rochdale Borough Youth)
3. Matthew Sykes (Hope Bank Works)

Open:
1. Patricia Woodings (Newhall)
2. Stephen Lomas (Brighouse & Rastrick)
3. Bethan Plant (Elland Silver)

Air Varie:
1. Zoe Wright (Hammonds Saltaire)
2. Patricia Woodings (Newhall)
3. Bethan Plant (Elland Silver)

Highest Placed 18 & Under: Zoe Wright

Veterans:
1. Patricia Woodings (Newhall)
2. Marrianne Garbutt (Hammonds Saltaire)
3. Debbie Bates (Thurlstone)

Open Ensemble:
1. In Slide Out
2. Hammonds Saltaire
3. Bethan Plant & Daniel Brooks
Highest Placed 18 & Under: Dobcross Youth Quartet

Best Cornet of the Day: Bethan Plant
Best Horn of the Day: Patricia Woodings
Best Trombone of the Day: Stephen Lomas
Best Euphonium/Baritone of the Day: Marrianne Garbutt

Outstanding Musical Performance of the Day: Patricia Woodings (Veterans)