There was something of a surprise result at the North Wales Championships in Ruthin on the weekend as an outstanding performance of 'Variations on Judas Maccabeus' under talented conductor Lois Eifion, saw Deiniolen win the Open Section.
Excellent year
The result rounded off an excellent year for the Second Section band, following their qualification to the National Finals in Cheltenham and their victory at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Abergavenny.
And with welcome Midland Third Section visitors Ifton Colliery under Scott Lloyd coming runner-up with their rendition of 'Music for the Common Man' it meant that top flight Northop Silver had to be content with third place with their performance of 'Resurgam'.
New format success
Meanwhile, Rhyl and Royal Buckley received awards as the highest placed Second and Third Section bands not in the first three, as the Association's decision to have an Open Section for Championship, First, Second and Third Section bands proved to be a success, with the hope that it will continue to attract more competitors in the future.
Newly formed Buckley Brass, making its first appearance at a contest, took first prize in the Fourth Section with a fine performance of Kenneth Downie's 'Music From Kantara' which was clearly appreciated by adjudicator Stan Lippeatt.
Youth performances
Earlier in the day a large audience enjoyed performances by the excellent Youth and Intermediate bands with wins for Beaumaris Youth, Denbighshire Schools and Porthaethwy, as north Wales once again sowed that they are unearthing remarkable playing talent.
Adjudicator Stan Lippeatt was accompanied in the box by Martin Heartfield who is part of the mentoring scheme for trainee adjudicators.
Prizes were awarded by the Mayor Geraint Woolford of Ruthin Town Council, sponsors of the event.
The result rounded off an excellent year for the Second Section band, following their qualification to the National Finals in Cheltenham and their victory at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Abergavenny4BR
Results:
Open Section:
Adjudicator: Stan Lippeatt
1. Deiniolen (Lois Eifion)
2. Ifton Colliery (Scott R Lloyd)
3. Northop Silver (Hefin Evans)
4. Rhyl Silver (Keith Jones)
5. Royal Buckley (Mark Bousie)
Best March: Deiniolen
Best Soloist: Arwel Williams (soprano) — Deiniolen
Best Flugel Player: Jeni Lyn Morris (Deiniolen)
Section 4:
Adjudicator: Stan Lippeatt
1. Buckley Brass (Steve Pugh-Jones)
2. Porthaethwy (Gavin Saynor)
3. Holywell (Aled Williams)
4. Dyffryn Nantlle (Gwenllian Jones)
Best March: Porthaethwy
Best Soloist: Ieuan Roberts (euphonium) — Buckley Brass
Section 5:
Adjudicator: Stan Lippeatt
1. Porthaethwy Intermediate (Hannah Retallick)
2. Dyffryn Nantlle (Charlotte Green)
3. Llandudno Training Band (Sue Hughes)
Best Soloist: Sion D'Arcy (euphonium) — Porthaethwy
Section 6a:
Adjudicator: Stan Lippeatt
1. Beaumaris Youth (Gwyn Evans)
2. Deiniolen Youth (Osian Tomos)
Best Hymn: Beaumaris Youth
Best Soloist: Eli Hâf Williams (cornet) — Deiniolen Youth
Section 6b:
Adjudicator: Stan Lippeatt
1. Denbighshire Youth (John Powell)
2. Llangollen Youth (Trevor Williams)
Best Hymn: Denbighshire Youth
Best Soloist: Taya Castley (cornet) — Llangollen Youth
Best Percussionist in Sections 6a & 6b: Ryan Roberts (Denbighshire Youth)
