Tredegar rounded off the first half of their 2016 contesting season by winning the National Eisteddfod of Wales title in Abergavenny on the weekend.
It was the fourth time since 2008 that the current Welsh Regional and Band Cymru champion had claimed the impressive Championship Trophy, as they gave a commanding entertainment set under the baton of MD Ian Porthouse.
It certainly gained the nod of approval from the adjudication trio of Nigel Seaman, Gareth Robinson and David Hayward with the stating it was a programme, 'performed with flair, brilliance and commitment'.
Live broadcast
Broadcast live on the national S4C television channel, Tredegar opened with 'Gypsy Dance' arranged by tuba player Ceri John, with principal cornet Dewi Griffiths delivering a superb rendition of Arturo Sandoval's fizzing 'A Mis Abuelos'.
Contrast was shown with 'Gaelic Blessing' before a free flowing 'Brassman's Holiday' led into the finale of 'Shine as a Light'.
By beating off the spirited challenge of Northop and defending champion Burry Port, it not only gave Tredegar a clean sweep of the domestic honours they have battled for so far this year, but according to their conductor, it also gave a timely boost of confidence as they look towards the challenges of the British Open and National Finals.
Expectation
"I was very pleased at the way the band performed,"Ian said. "There was a great deal of expectation on us, but we took nothing for granted and put in three full rehearsals in the week leading up.
It's maintained our momentum ahead of Birmingham and London. We continue to work hard and I ask a great deal of the players, but they respond brilliantly each time."
Led by Fairey principal cornet Paul Hughes, fellow Albert Hall qualifiers Northop gave a bold indication of their solid form with a contrasting set that included a fine rendition of the Welsh hymn tune 'Llanrwst' to compliment a bubbling 'Stingray' and finale of 'Legends of Cyfarthfa', whilst Burry Port under Michael Thorne also showed their quality with a set that included 'Trumpet Blues and Cantabile' to open and lovely rendition of 'Amazing Grace'.
For the newly crowned champion, who won their first Eisteddfod honour way back in 1876, it was a busy day as later in the evening they took part in a special 100th anniversary Gymanfa Ganu under the baton of Eisteddfod Musical Director Alwyn Humphreys.
Memorable Deiniolen
It was also a memorable weekend for the Deiniolen Band, as they travelled down to Monmouthshire to win the Second Section title in splendid fashion ahead of rivals City of Cardiff M2 and Ogmore Valley Silver.
Under the baton of Lois Eifion Jones a neatly constructed set opened with 'Kongolela', before segueing through the soprano solo by Arwel Williams on 'Live and Let Die', 'Abide with Me' and 'Madrigalum' to see them regain the title after coming runner-up last year.
They now prepare to head for Cheltenham as a band to watch out for under their talented MD.
Earlier, their fine young cornet player Ela Haf Williams won the prestigious under 16 Instrumental Blue Riband event with a cracking rendition of 'Carnival of Venice'.
Debut win for Usk
Usk, the current Fourth Section National Champions of Great Britain, also enjoyed an Eisteddfod to remember as they won the Third Section on their contest debut.
Conducted by Jeff Jones they produced a fine set that included Ronald Hamner's rarely heard 'March with a Beat', the flying xylophone solo 'Helter Skelter' played by Alison Thomas and 'Myfanwy' as they claimed their eighth victory in their last ten contesting outings.
Second place went to Abertillery & District with Briton Ferry in third.
Royal seal of victory for Oakeley
There was also a splendid win for Royal Oakeley in the Fourth Section as the north Walians, who have a remarkable record of achievement at the Eisteddfod stretching back 100 years, claimed the title under MD, John Glyn Jones.
Victory gave the band a hat-trick of wins at the event, following victories in 2014 and 2015, as they beat of the strong challenge of rivals Upper Rhondda and Oakdale, with a set that included a 'Men of Harlech' fanfare, 'Let Me Entertain You' by Robbie Williams and a lovely flugel performance of 'Dimitri' by Cerys Hughes that had presenter Alex Humphreys simply say 'Wow!' when asked to describe the playing to viewers at home.
A little surreal
Although there was some disappointment expressed that not more bands attended the event this year (many young players were on the National Youth Band of Wales course in Monmouth), there was still a great deal to enjoy for the lunch time viewers at home — especially with the occasionally gloriously wonky English subtitles that at times veered towards the surreal.
At one point it was stated that Burry Port Town were being conducted by Sauron from Lord of the Rings rather than regular MD Michael Thorne…
It's maintained our momentum ahead of Birmingham and London. We continue to work hard and I ask a great deal of the players, but they respond brilliantly each timeTredegar MD, Ian Porthouse
Results:
Championship/First Section:
Adjudicators: Nigel Seaman, Gareth Robinson, David Hayward
1. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
2. Northop (Paul Hughes)
3. Burry Port (Michael Thorne)
Second Section:
Adjudicators: Nigel Seaman, Gareth Robinson, David Hayward
1. Deiniolen (Lois Eifion Jones)
2. City of Cardiff Melingriffith 2 (Chris Turner)
3. Ogmore Valley Silver (Alice Jones)
4. Crwbin (Lynne Turner)
Third Section:
Adjudicators: Nigel Seaman, Gareth Robinson, David Hayward
1. Usk (Jeff Jones)
2. Abertillery & District (Joshua Ruck)
3. Briton Ferry (Jeff Pearce)
4. RAF St Athan (Alan Bourne)
5. Ynyshir (Garry Davies)
Fourth Section:
Adjudicators: Nigel Seaman, Gareth Robinson, David Hayward
1. Royal Oakeley Silver (John Glyn Jones)
2. Upper Rhondda (Jayne Thomas)
3. Oakdale Silver (Kerry Bowden)
4. RAF St Athan (Alan Bourne)
5. Ynyshir (Garry Davies)
