Eleven well matched bands certainly gave judges Thomas Wyss and Mark Harrison plenty to think about in the Maxwell Hall Theatre on Sunday morning, with a host of excellent performances on ambitious and challenging repertoire.

That adventure certainly emanated from the MDs, each of who brought musical sense to their 20 minute programme choices, especially with the engaging set-work, 'Smoke Sketches' by Daniel Hall.

Well deserved

The trio of Gold Awards to eventually winners Wardle Academy Youth, Elland Silver Youth and Rochdale Borough were well deserved, with the other prizes accurately reflecting an encouraging overall standard.

That was also emphasised by the judge's pre-results remarks, with Mark Harrison's enthusiasm certainly not misplaced when spoke of the quality of what he called 'some wonderful performances' especially on a set-work that had been, 'a great examination to show what bands can do and bring the music to the fore'.

Meanwhile, Thomas Wyss admitted that the duo had found 'a clear winner' after five hours of 'high quality' music making, whilst both judges paid tribute to Daniel Hall, the young composer of the inventive 8 minute, triptych set-work (he was in the audience all day), whose musical inspiration came from the ancient art of interpreting stories by divination by gazing into smoke from an open fire.

Blown away

The quality of the set test was so well received that it is hoped Daniel will be asked to write again for this event, whilst the composer himself admitted that after listening to the section last year and again this, he was simply 'blown away' by the standard of playing on show.

It was led by Wardle Academy Youth under MD Lee Rigg (and supported by players from his other two bands), who certainly enjoyed a day of personal triumph that will surely be amongst the highlights of even his illustrious career. They will now be invited to represent England in the Development Section of the 2018 European Youth Championships in Utrecht.

Disciplined

Having won the Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championship in February, Wardle once again displayed remarkable musical maturity, with a disciplined set that included works by Goff Richards and James Curnow before rounding off with excerpts from Mahler's 'Resurrection Symphony'.

The attention to detail and of balance, aided by super solo lines (especially Millie Mills on the Curnow 'Euphonium Concerto') was exemplary, and whilst a little eyebrow may be raised over the length of their set, it was a worthy title winning performance.

"It's another remarkable achievement for this band,"the winning MD later told 4BR. "They show such determination and passion for what they do that I can never ask for anything more from them. All I have to do is make sure I conduct properly!"

He added: "So many people help me that this is a real team effort. Now we have to see how we look at the European Youth Championships next year and plan for that."

Elland pride

Elland Silver Youth could also take great pride in their title defence. Samantha Harrison's inspiration to her players to enjoy themselves certainly shone throughout in works by James Curnow's and Ian McKnight as well as the test-piece and a cracking 'Best Instrumentalist' rendition of 'The Wind Beneath My Wings' by trombonist Joe Heartfield.

Just behind them came Rochdale Borough Youth led by Ben Dixon with set that included a sparkling 'Prismatic Light' to open, the lyrical 'As the Deer' and an evocative set-work, before being rounded off by 'I'll Walk With God'.

Growing maturity

Macclesfield Youth, Stockport Schools Senior and Tewit Youth all gained well deserved Silver Awards with programmes that showcased their growing maturity (and a special mention to the hobbling Martin Hall for his MD heroics on one leg with Tewit), whilst Cardiff County Youth and Enderby Youth took Bronze Awards for their solid shows.

Egglescliffe School, Milton Keynes Youth and Poynton Youth will also have left boosted by their encouraging performances which gained Merit Awards, whilst there was a lovely presentation made to Enderby Band's conductor, Trevor Hounsome who was awarded the Brian Hicks Memorial Trophy for his services to banding.

They show such determination and passion for what they do that I can never ask for anything more from them. All I have to do is make sure I conduct properly!MD, Lee Rigg

Results:

Intermediate Section:

Maxwell Hall
Smoke Sketches (Daniel Hall) and Own Choice programme.

Adjudicators: Mark Harrison and Thomas Wyss

1. Wardle Academy Youth (Lee Rigg) (Gold)
2. Elland Silver Youth (Samantha Harrison) (Gold)
3. Rochdale Borough Youth (Ben Dixon) (Gold)

Silver Award:

Macclesfield Youth (Louise Renshaw)
Stockport Schools Senior (Iain McKnight)
Tewit Youth (Martin Hall)

Bronze Award:

Cardiff County Youth (Charles Maynard)
Enderby Youth (Trevor Hounsome)

Merit Award:

Egglescliffe School (Matthew Haworth)
Milton Keynes Youth (Ben Godfrey)
Poynton Youth (Michael Eccles)

Best Instrumentalist: Joe Heartfield (trombone) — Elland Silver Youth
Brian Hicks Memorial Trophy: Trevor Hounsome (Enderby Youth)