17 years after they last tasted success at the UK's premier youth entertainment contest, Wardle Academy Youth Brass reclaimed the Action Medical Research title in Blackpool by playing their 'Trump' card under MD, Lee Rigg.

On a day when all nine contenders brought breathtaking musical inventiveness and joyful presentation to the famous Winter Gardens Opera House stage, Wardle's topical 'US Presidential' theme saw them claim the Championship Trophy for the first time since the year 2000 — before just about any of their current players was actually born.

Ideal topic

It was also a time when the vast majority of the British public would not have even known who Donald Trump, the candy-floss hair 45th President of the United States was, but as Lee told 4BR, the events of recent months certainly made him the ideal topic for brass band contest entertainment.

"It seemed too good to be true — and brilliant material to use,"he said as his players celebrated as if it was Presidential Inauguration Day and Super Bowl Sunday all over again.

"Once I had the idea, getting the music to tell the story was surprisingly easy — from the 'Mexican Shuffle' that touched on his 'Wall' and 'American Patrol' about the visa crisis, to 'My Way' which he and his wife danced to at the White House Ball. I think the music told the story — and what a story he's given us!"

Bling and precision

There was little doubting that, as with their very own versions of Trump and Hilary Clinton squaring up to each other, they delivered a cracking set that had all the pizzazz and bling of 'Trump Tower' allied to the discipline and musical precision of the US Marine Corps; from the opening 'Washington Behind Close Doors' to the 'Stars & Stripes Forever' finale that won the 'Best March' prize.

"All the credit goes to the band and a special mention to Gwen Smith and all the helpers who gave so much to this performance,"Lee added. "All 43 players come from schools within a 2 mile radius of Wardle Academy, so it also shows what a great investment in music making can do for a small community.

We are all now looking forward to our concert on Thursday with the Band of the King's Division at Wardle Academy, where we will showcase our programme again, as well as performing at the Brass in Concert Championship in November. You never know what President Trump may do next, so we may have to change things a bit by then!"

American inspiration

America also inspired the programmes of podium finishers Elland Silver Youth and defending champion Youth Brass 2000, although on this occasion they couldn't quite find enough accumulated votes in the electoral adjudication college from judges Paul Norley (Music) and John Doyle (Entertainment) to top the joint poll ratings from their rivals.

Elland's 'Southern States' set — complete with New Orleans funeral cortege starter to 'Marching through Georgia' to close was delivered with the Yorkshire band's trademark high-quality polish, aided by a terrific 'Best Basses' team.

Meanwhile, Youth Brass 2000 headed north to 1950's New York for their episodic take on 'West Side Story', which saw the band come first on music but only sixth on entertainment, with young star Jimmy 'Tony' Blay deservedly take the 'Best Euphonium' prize.

Clear views

The two judges certainly had very clear views on what they were looking and listening out for on the day; with Paul Norley talking of the need for 'refinement' in the playing style, as well as 'confidence and trust' shown by the MDs in their player's ability to deliver under pressure. He also said he spent time 'focusing on solo and section playing' because he knew the contest was packed with the 'creme de la creme' of youth bands.

Meanwhile, John Doyle made his points with his usual impish humour — much to the delight of the audience — although his light hearted approach didn't shy away from delivering a clear message about the need to 'entertain', to trust in your ability to 'communicate with an audience', to be 'inventive and seamless' in connecting ideas — and above all else — look as if you were enjoying the experience!

The well defined, précised analysis from both men ensured that when the results were announced, everyone knew why they came where they did (even if it did take some initial sprightly mental arithmetic).

Such was the standard of performance and presentation on show from the nine competitors, that as both men later revealed to 4BR, it was perhaps the hardest adjudication job either of them will undertake during the year. You couldn't disagree.

Tantalising future glimpse

Welcome returnees Seindorf Beaumaris Youth gave a tantalising glimpse into the banding future with their striking 'virtual reality' set to end fourth, with their fantastic tuba player Will Porter taking the 'Outstanding Soloist' award, whilst Rochdale Borough Youth recalled the 'American Civil War' — complete with amazing Union and Confederate uniforms to come fifth. The smashing Rachel Ayres claimed the 'Best Soprano' award, whilst they also went home with the 'Best Stage Deportment' prize.

Sixth placed Houghton Area Youth once again showed that they are fast becoming one of the most entertaining bands around with a splendid 'nautical' set that had more pirates and eyed-patched salty sea dogs than a Long John Silver Tribute act. Their brilliant 'Ship shape & Anchors Away' deservedly took the 'Most Entertaining Item' prize.

Behind them, Lions Youth's circus inspired 'Greatest Show on Earth' packed in more great 'acts' than could be seen at the Blackpool Tower ballroom, as well as taking the 'Best Trombones' award, whilst Enderby Youth picked up the 'Band with Most Potential' accolade for their Hollywood inspired razzle-dazzle set. Macclesfield also showed great spirit and inventiveness in their 'Space' themed set which cleverly incorporated music inspired by Strauss to Buzz Aldrin.

Election winners

With the excellent organisation from Gary Walczak and his team of helpers from the Pennine Committee of Action Medical Research, the neat pre-results entertainment form the A4 Quartet, and even Paddington Bear on hand for photo opportunities galore, there was a wonderful day-long atmosphere created for an event that despite starting to reach middle age in its 33rd year, was as full of youthful endeavor and joy as ever.

And as for the winners Wardle Academy Youth Brass — you never know?

For a President of the United States renowned for his Twitter exploits — perhaps he may even send his own 140 character message of congratulations to the new champions.

...getting the music to tell the story was surprisingly easy — from the 'Mexican Shuffle' that touched on his 'Wall' and 'American Patrol' about the visa crisis, to 'My Way' which he and his wife danced to at the White House BallLee Rigg

Result:

Adjudicators: Paul Norley (music) and John Doyle (Entertainment)

Music + Entertainment = Total

1. Wardle Academy (Lee Rigg): 3/1 = 4
2. Elland Silver Youth (Samantha Harrison): 4/2 = 6
3. Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans): 1/6 = 7*
4. Seindorf Beaumaris Youth (Gwyn M Evans): 2/5 = 7
5. Rochdale Borough Youth (Ben Dixon): 5/4 = 9
6. Houghton Area Youth (Brian Adams): 7/3 = 10
7. Lions Youth Brass (Nigel Birch): 6/7 = 13
8. Enderby Youth (Trevor Housome): 8/8 = 16
9. Macclesfield Youth Brass (Louise Renshaw): 9/9 = 18

*Music mark takes precedence

Outstanding Soloist: Will Porter (iBass) — Seindorf Beaumaris
Most Entertaining Item: Shipshape/Anchors Away (Houghton Area Youth)
Best March: Stars & Stripes Forever (Wardle Academy)
Best Soprano: Rachel Ayres (Rochdale Borough Youth)
Best Trombone Section: Lions Youth
Best Basses: Elland Silver Youth
Best Euphonium: Jimmy Blay (Youth Brass 2000)
Best Stage Deportment: Rochdale Borough Youth
Band with Most Potential: Enderby Youth
Winning Conductor: Lee Rigg