The future of Lions Youth Brass certainly looks bright after a keenly-contested high quality Slow Melody contest that took place recently at Sandbach Boys School.

Welcome

The Lions organisation was also delighted to welcome Glyn and Helen Williams from the all-conquering Cory Band to cast their musical ears over the proceedings as adjudicators — later admitting that they had a great, but difficult time trying to separate the talented youngsters in all the classes.

The duo also picked winners for the prestigious James Gorse award, a shield presented to the player from each band that, in their opinion demonstrated great potential.

Shield Winners

This year the recipients were George Dean (Beginners), Thea Lee (Juniors) and Hannah Taylor (Youth) after the trio produced wonderful performances.

To round off a great day the three bands then put on an evening concert for family and friends, where Glyn and Helen both performed the solos 'A Candlelight Carol' and 'Away In A Manger' to a captivated audience.

Knee crunching waltz

In addition, the Beginners continued their tradition of performing their own original song: This year it was 'I Can't Wait', whilst the Junior Band channelled their inner 'Cap'n Jack' energies into 'Pirates of the Caribbean'! Finally, all three bands came together in the traditional Lions Christmas Finale and the '12 Days of Christmas' and a knee-crunching 'Snow Waltz'!

The duo also picked winners for the prestigious James Gorse award, a shield presented to the player from each band that, in their opinion demonstrated great potential4BR

Results:

Beginner Band: 8 Years & Under

1. George Dean
2. Isobel Brooks
3. Nathan Mahan

9 Years & Over:

1. Isobel Jenkins
2. Marysia Mignon
3. Madison Dean

Junior Band: 10 Years & Under

1. Callum Raynor
2. Olivia Taylor
3. Adam Dinnis

11 Years

1. Thomas Bishop
2. Elena Simpson
3. Toby Doorbar

12 Years & Over

1. Eliza Dakin
2. Adele Jones
3. Joe Marmont

Youth Band: 13 Years & Under

1. Hannah Taylor
2. Kai Simpson
3. Bethany Harby

14 & 15 Years

1. Jamie Reid
2. Amy Hudson
3: Abbie Webb

16 Years & Over

1: Rhys Woollam
2: Emma Drew
3. Jake Fletcher

Open Section: Non Brass Instruments

1. Jamie Reid (Cello)
2. Craig Shaw (Piano)
3. Toby Doorbar (Guitar)

Beginner/Junior Groups Section

1. Emily and Alex Miles
2. Johnny Collett and Ryan Snelson
3. Melissa, Nancy Fletcher and Thea Lee

Youth Groups

1. Hannah Taylor and Bethany Harby
2. Tasha Brett, Emily Gibson, Abbie Webb and Daya Gill
3. Jake Fletcher, Anne Capewell, Ed and Oliver Shirvington

James Gorse Memorial Shield Winners:

Beginners: George Dean
Juniors: Thea Lee
Youth: Hannah Taylor